The International Skating Union has raised the minimum age of athletes competing in its most prestigious competitions from 15 years to 17. This move comes just months after Russia’s Kamila Vaieva, who was only 15 years old, was embroiled in controversy at the Beijing Winter Olympics.
For the next season, the age requirement will not change, but it will increase to 16 for the following year, and to 17 for 2024-25, in preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
After the ISU Congress approved these changes Tuesday at its biennial meeting, the new minimum age will be applied to many disciplines including figure skating, speed skating, and synchronized skateboarding.
The new ISU rules will require that skaters reach minimum age by July 1, the day before the event. This is the same cutoff as currently used. The proposed changes were approved by ISU delegates at their biennial meeting, which is currently underway in Phuket, Thailand.
According to the ISU leadership council, the changes were necessary to protect young athletes against injury due the physical demands of elite sport. The council also raised concerns regarding mental health and how to cope with the demands of global media attention.
The ISU’s Athletes Commission supported the move, citing a survey of over 960 athletes and coaches that found 86% support raising the age limit for senior competitions to 17.
Eric Radford, a three time Olympic medalist from Canada spoke on behalf of the athletes.
The life of an athlete can be short and intense. Radford stated that athletes’ experiences in this brief time set the stage for their future, both physically and mentally.
Radford acknowledged that some countries may have difficulties adapting to the “age change aEUR”, which could include retaining athletes for longer periods. Radford said, however, that he hoped that the long-term consequences are those that are more weighted and important.
“I ask the question: Is a medal worth risking a child’s health or the health of a young athlete?” Radford stated.
The proposal was approved by the delegates with a margin of 100-16, with a few abstentions aEUR”, a result that instantly drew cheers and applause.
Troy Goldstein, a former skater from the United States, said that he supports the proposed new age in general aEUR”, but he also joined other delegates to say that the ISU should wait till after the next Winter Olympics before raising the minimum age to 17.
Goldstein stated that it was “absolutely” the right decision to raise the age of 16 years. He said that the next step to raise the age to 16 was “absolutely” the right call. However, he warned that the next step, which would be 17 before the 2026 Winter Games, in Italy, would have a negative impact on skaters’ growth and retention, especially in pairs skating.
Slobodan Delic, a Serbian delegate, echoed Goldstein’s sentiments. He also mentioned that the U.S. had previously reaped benefits from the ISU’s age policies. This refers to Tara Lipinski’s gold medal win at age 15 at Nagano’s 1998 Olympics.
Valieva was considered a leading contender for an Olympic gold medal ahead of the Beijing Games. Valieva, who was 16 years old in April, became embroiled into a huge controversy after a failed drug testing. Her intense scrutiny raised questions about her independence and put a spotlight on the rules of the skating federation.
After turning in outstanding early performances, Valieva was the favourite going into the women’s individual figure skating event. She also became the first woman to perform a quad jump in Olympic competition.
Valieva was found to have tested positive for trimetazidine in a doping sample taken last December aEUR,” a result that would have prevented Valieva’s participation in the Olympics. Her minor status and her inability to consent to medical decisions further complicated the case.
Valieva was allowed to compete in the women’s final by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The teenager’s routine fell apart on the ice and Valieva collapsed into tears.
April Henning, a doping expert from the University of Stirling in Scotland, described the results as “incredibly troubling” in an interview with NPR.
Henning stated that a 15-year-old under such stress and scrutiny should not be allowed to skate on the ice. “Athlete well-being must be the primary concern at some point aEUR,” especially if the athlete is minor.
The International Olympic Committee decided to not hold a medal ceremony at the Beijing team figure skating competition because of Valieva’s story. The Russian team finished first in the event ahead of the U.S.
