Two-time world champion and multiple European champion in singles figure skating, Russian skater Irina Slutskaya commented on the politicization of figure skating during her career.

“When I was active in the sport, my focus was solely on competition—on victories and executing my programs at the highest level. Back then, one could not afford to make even minor mistakes, not to mention major errors. Each mistake cost us dearly due to the fierce competition. We weren’t exactly welcomed when we traveled to another continent, competing for victories.

Unfortunately, at that time, the entire figure skating business was centered in America, a country that needed its own heroes. Additionally, during my performances, we had strong contenders in pairs, men’s singles, and ice dance. The ladies always skated last. When you see that the medals in all categories have already been taken, it feels like there’s little point in competing.

Take, for example, the situation at the Olympics in Turin, where the allocation of medals was purely political. No country would ever give four medals to one nation. Yes, I made a mistake in my free skate, but the outcome would have been the same even with a flawless performance. Placing second or third didn’t matter much to me anymore. It was only once, when Masha Butyrskaya won the world championship in 1999, that we secured all four gold medals.

Then there was Salt Lake City—there, an American was expected to win, someone around whom a whole business could be built, with tours lasting half a year. We stood no chance, but still fought hard.

It was difficult and often quite upsetting, especially when politics got involved. And now, it has taken quite a firm hold there. What we experienced back then were just the early signs. I was so happy to see that people finally began to fight for our girls,” Slutskaya’s words are quoted by the website of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC).