I think it is quite optimistic. If the economic situation continues going downhill, there won’t be money for funding skating schools. Skaters won’t be funded and therefore not many parents will send children to have skating lessons (from the youngest age). From the older ones, not everyone will be able to continue skating. The age group novice/younger junior may be most inclined to give up, because they haven’t put in as much effort and money as those who are at elite level. Skaters need roughly one set of boots and one set of blades per year (some skater even two pair of boots). As far as I am aware, there are no skating boots and blades manufactured in Russia. A pair of boots cost roughly £500, a pair of blade £250, I can’t see how parents are going to be able to afford that with the ruble falling to record lows.