Champion of the Soviet Union in men’s singles, coach of the USSR national team and former judge Alexander Vedenin, in an interview with , criticized the decision of the ISU to raise the age limit in figure skating .
Earlier, the International Skating Union (ISU) Congress approved raising the age limit from 15 to 17. Next season, the bar for participating in adult competitions will remain at the current level – 15 years. In the 2023/24 season, the age limit will be raised to 16, and in 2024/25 to 17.
– Why are so many global changes being introduced at this time? There were active discussions after the Pyeongchang Olympics, but then they were limited to the “Rule of Zagitova”, and there were no more cardinal innovations during the Olympic cycle.
We can cite a real argument that resounded in the margins: “These Russians on the pedestal have already understood it! At 15, it is impossible to fight them. So we have to change the age, and then the Russians will sag. Here is the logic.
An important factor: most delegates understand that one day Russian skaters will return to international tournaments. After all, the public is unlikely to go massively to the rink without ours. And it would be better to beat the Russian rivals after they come back. Here’s a shot! And it’s unlikely they can beat them when they’re 15,” Vedenin said.
Source : MatchTV
I am William Jackson and I have a passion for sports journalism. With over 3 years of experience in the industry, I have worked in a variety of roles to improve the quality and accuracy of sports news coverage. As an author at Athletistic, I specialize in covering football news and providing comprehensive analysis for fans around the world.
