The rule is not new – but stands out in the sports world.
In competitions under the auspices of the International Figure Skating Federation, such as the EC and WC, skaters from different nationalities are allowed to form pairs in ice dancing or pair skating.
Therefore compete on Friday the former Swedish Olympic skater in men’s singles, Nikolaj Majorov, together with Norwegian Milla Ruud Reitan in the rhythmic dance of ice dance in the EC in Kaunas.
– It is quite common for there to be different nationalities (in the same pair) in ice dancing and pair skating. It’s because you want to be able to create a few more teams, says Sweden’s sports director Anna Burwall.
– I haven’t actually thought about it being unusual. But it opens up possibilities.
Permanent damage forced Majorov to make a choice last year: Quit figure skating, or change disciplines.
Ice dancing is gentler on the body, the 23-year-old previously told TT.
Majorov made contact with Milla Ruud Reitan, whom he had previously met at a camp in Luleå. Now the Norwegian – who has been doing ice dancing longer – has moved to Norrköping, and has made success together with the Swede in his new discipline.
– According to the rules, only one of the riders needs to have a passport from the country they represent, says Anna Burwall and adds about how the exchange works:
– Then the country that previously had the rider can release the rider.
Majorov and Reitans Participation in the EC means that for the first time Sweden has representation in all four disciplines at an international championship. Later this year, the duo can also become Sweden’s first ice dance pair at a WC since 1982.
There are also hopes for the Olympics in 2026. But there the regulations are different.
In order to participate in the Olympics, Milla Ruud Reitan needs to become a Swedish citizen, a process that has not yet begun.
– You don’t get sour cream, but you have to be a resident of Sweden. And if you are from one of the Nordic countries, it can be a little easier, says Burwall.
The couple has in a short time progressed more than the national team management had dared to hope for, continues the sports manager.
– What they have succeeded in is that they don’t feel like a completely new couple, but have very good personal chemistry.
Facts. Remaining programs in figure skating EC
Both Andreas Nordebäck and Gabriel Folkesson are ready for Friday’s free skating in the men’s singles. In the women’s singles, Josefin Taljegård moved on from Thursday’s short program.
However, the pair of siblings Greta and Johan Crafoord missed the final in pair skating earlier this week.
Friday
12.00: Ice dance, rhythmic dance (Milla Ruud Reitan/Nikolaj Majorov).
18.00: Men, free skating (Andreas Nordebäck, Gabriel Folkesson).
Saturday
13.00: Ladies, free skating (Josefin Taljegård).
18.30: Isdans, fridans.
Sunday
15.30: Presentation gala.
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2024-01-12 07:02:54
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