Figure skating minimum age rises to 17 before 2026 Olympics

No figure that is 15-year-old will likely be permitted to compete during the 2026 Olympics following debate surrounding Russian nationwide champ Kamila Valieva only at that 12 months’s Beijing Games.

A age that is new for figure skaters at senior worldwide activities ended up being passed away Tuesday by the Global Skating Union in a 110-16 vote which will enhance the minimal age to 17 ahead of the next Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

“this will be a tremendously decision that is important” ISU president Jan Dijkema said. “I would say a very decision that is historic”

The limitation shall be phased in with 16-year-olds permitted to compete within the 2023-24 period, rising to 17 the season after, that is the past ahead of the Olympics.

The alteration ended up being coming also before figure skating during the Beijing Olympics ended up being dominated by the stress that is emotional on the 15-year-old Valieva. She was the favorite to take gold that is individual after assisting the Russians winnings the group name, before her good doping test from December ended up being belatedly revealed through the Olympics.

The teenager ended up being permitted to train under intense scrutiny as a Court of Arbitration for Sport hearing was prepared that allowed her to compete pending the investigation that is full Russia. That continues to be ongoing.

But, her primary routine ended up being filled up with mistakes and she dropped to place that is fourth. She ended up being then criticized rink-side by her advisor, Eteri Tutberidze.

The ISU drafted an age-limit proposal saying “burnout, disordered eating, and long-lasting effects of damage” had been a danger to young teenage skaters who’re pressed to perform more quadruple jumps.

The governing body said it had “a responsibility of care to safeguard the real and health that is psychological security of all of the athletes including elite adolescent athlete(s).”