CSKA handball player Varvara Semina has voiced strong criticism of the judging at the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics, specifically targeting the scores given to Russian figure skaters. In a recent interview, the athlete expressed her disbelief at the results, describing them as 'simply funny.'
Semina's comments focused on the performances of several top Russian skaters. She highlighted the scores of Alexandra Trusova, who earned 251 points to secure a silver medal, and Evgenia Medvedeva, who received 238 points. The handball player contrasted these results with the gold medal-winning score of 226 points achieved by American skater Alysa Liu.
The athlete's frustration extended beyond individual scores to the overall quality of the competition. Semina suggested that the 2026 Milan Olympics did not compare favorably to previous editions of the Games, questioning the general standard of the event.
When asked about her own sporting ambitions, Semina expressed a strong desire to compete internationally following a period of restrictions. She indicated that Russian athletes would enter future competitions with a determined mindset, particularly motivated by what she perceived as unfair judging against their figure skating compatriots.
The comments specifically referenced the performances of Adelia Petrosyan and Petr Gumennik, though Semina's primary criticism centered on the disparity between the scores of Trusova and Medvedeva compared to the eventual gold medalist.
Semina's remarks, originally reported by RIA Novosti Sport, reflect a broader sentiment among some Russian sports figures regarding international judging standards. The handball player's position as a teammate at CSKA gives her a platform to comment on cross-sport issues affecting Russian athletes.
The criticism comes at a time when Russian athletes continue to navigate complex eligibility rules and competitive landscapes in international sports. Semina's comments suggest a perception that Russian competitors face additional challenges beyond pure athletic performance.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.