“If everyone starts doing somersaults, the wow factor will be lost. It’s true that it won’t be evaluated” – figure skater Yezhlov

Figure skater Andrei Ejlov who practices ice dancing in a duo with Sofia Shevchenko, told that the International Skating Union (ISU) made the right choice in legalizing the somersault, but deciding not to introduce a classification system for this element.

Previously, the ISU recognized the somersault as a permitted element in figure skating. Yezhlov previously performed a somersault after completing a free dance at the 2023 Russian Championships.

— The somersault has been legalized, but it will not be evaluated. Do you want points for doing somersaults?

— I don’t know, if they evaluate it, everyone will start jumping, figure skating will turn into acrobatics. It’s cool when 2-3 people do this element for the entire competition, but if everyone starts doing it, the “wow” effect and originality will be lost a little. It’s probably true that it won’t be rated.

— Do you think that after legalization, men in Russia will begin to actively learn this jump? Or is it always: not appreciated – and not necessary?

— I think it’s more the second option: it’s not evaluated – it’s not necessary. Maybe ten percent will master it. First of all, this jump pleases the public. We must not forget them, because they come to see, buy tickets and love figure skating. When I did a somersault after the program, the audience reacted violently every time,” Yezhlov told .

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