“For them it will be an easy ride after such a competition in the country” – Klimov on the possible return of Russians to ISU tournaments

Olympic champion, figure skating coach Fyodor Klimov in an interview with , he expressed the opinion that Russian couples will win international tournaments after their return.

The International Skating Union (ISU) has suspended Russian athletes from competitions in 2022 due to the situation in Ukraine; this decision was later extended.

— How do you assess the state of pairs skating abroad?

— There was a certain gap, the level dropped after the 2022 Olympics. It was difficult to watch the European Championships with single and double jumps – it all seemed frivolous.

Now the level has stabilized a little. Of course, not like with our skaters, but still. This is due to the fact that after the Olympics someone ends their career, someone changes partners, etc. Now new couples are appearing, everyone wants to qualify for the Olympics.

— There are no brilliant names in couples.

– Accept. There are several couples who are at the same level and can compete. This is also a certain indicator. There are no guys who can be called even in the future a legendary couple, like Volosozhar/Trankov, Savchenko with any partner, even like Sui Wenjing/Han Tsun. They were super couples whose programs would be reviewed and admired. Now there are no such duets, there are only a few equal duos of a good level, which, in my opinion, do not stand out.

— Boykova/Kozlovsky, Mishina/Gallyamov would certainly be among the winners of the tournament?

– In my opinion, yes. If our couples return to the international scene, it will be a piece of cake for them after such competition within the country. The leaders of European tournaments receive about 130-135 points for a free program, while we have 155,” Klimov said in an interview with .