The International Skating Union (ISU) has indicated that it is possible to consider that the minimum age for figure skaters to participate in the Olympics and other international competitions is 17 years old.
Posted at 6:15 p.m.
The ISU would have thought of this alternative even before the doping case of young Kamila Valieva, 15, caused a scandal at the Beijing Olympics in February.
The federation wants this change to be in effect for the Olympic Games in Turin and Cortina d’Ampezzo in 2026. It will be voted on in June, during a meeting in Thailand.
The ISU Medical Commission has pointed out that forcing such young athletes to push the limits of sport can result in them being overworked, eating disorders and having long-term health consequences.
Experts consulted also referred to the fact that the ISU has a “duty to take care of the mental and physical health and safety of all athletes, including adolescents. »