Tarasova assessed the chances of Russian figure skaters to qualify for the OI-2026

Honored USSR Figure Skating Coach Tatiana Tarasova spoke on Friday, September 19, about the chances of Russian figure skaters to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

She noted that the athletes have not lost their skills.

"The competition is underway right now. Ours are being selected. <...> If our athletes are in good shape, we will always claim prizes," Tarasova said in a conversation with Lenta.Ru .

Russian figure skater Adelia Petrosyan will compete at the 2026 Olympics: who is she and what is she known for

One of the strongest Russian figure skaters will try to win an Olympic license in Beijing.

Earlier in the day, the president of the International Skating Union (ISU), Chae Yel Kim, explained the admission of Russian figure skaters in a neutral status because the organization did not want to discriminate against Russians based on their passports, RT reports.

The qualification competitions will be held from September 19th to 21st in Beijing. The list of Russian participants includes Peter Gumennik and Adelia Petrosyan. Russian figure skaters will participate in the qualification in a neutral status. To get to the Olympics, they need to get into the top five, IA Regnum reports.

The 2026 Olympic Games will be held on February 6-22 in Italy — in the cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.