Figure skating minimum age raised to 17 in 'historic' decision ahead of 2026 Olympics
The International Skating Union voted to gradually raise the minimum competition age for senior figure skating competitions from 15 to 17 after a passionate debate at their congress on Tuesday.
PHUKET, Thailand — The International Skating Union voted to gradually raise the minimum competition age for senior figure skating competitions from 15 to 17 after a passionate debate at their congress on Tuesday.
The decision came after Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva tested positive for a banned substance while at the Beijing Winter Olympics in February, when she was 15.
Valieva’s case prompted questions over whether the minimum age for competitors in figure skating needed to be raised to protect minors.
The minimum age for skaters will be 16 years old for the 2023-24 season and increase to 17 from the 2024-25 season onwards, in time for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Russian skater Kamila Valieva fails to place amid controversyFeb. 17, 202201:31The proposal was passed by 100 votes to 16 with two abstentions at the congress in Phuket, Thailand, well clear of the two-thirds majority required.
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