The whole world is in exactly the same position. The rinks are closed from Russia to Canada to USA to Australia to all of Europe.
So it's not like Russia is at a disadvantage. At the end of this, everyone is just going to have to get back into it and do their best.
Oh gee you're just so eager for Russians to have to deal with equal level playing field... we'll that's not happening... Russian ladies are and will be still the best...
Well.... elite skater (and even not elite) are coming to practice - 2-3 in a group. All it takes is turning on lights in a rink and paying extra to Zamboni guy to work for 4 hours.. The rest of the rink infrastructure is down, but the ice and light and music is working.
And if you need proof...... here it is... in print.... So there goes your hope to "hold back the Russiand and make them like every body else"....
"St. Petersburg rinks are still training skaters in-spite of XXXXXX. The Ice Academy, the Jubileiny and other rinks holding practice sessions". The skaters had to give the rinks an exemption, sign a document a waver that they will not hold rink responsible for consequences, adults themselves, for kids their parents.
Velikovs, Moskvina, Mishin continue to train as long as a skater gave them a waver. Leonova is skating too and very happy about it......
this google translates well.
Фигуристы, тренирующиеся в Санкт-Петербурге, продолжают работу на катках в Академии фигурного катания и во дворце спорта "Юбилейный", несмотря на ситуацию с... РИА Новости Спорт, 22.03.2020
rsport.ria.ru
And while Moscow rinks announced that they are closing down.... yes, no public sessions, non-ice events, no kids' groups or 2nd and 3rd level groups.... yes a lot inside is shot down, no admins, etc.. they are not fully functional... except for ice, lights and occasional zamboni... Trainers all have keys and security codes to get inside and to turn on the lights for 5-6 elite skaters....
