URS. EUN. RUS. OAR. ROC.
URS. EUN. RUS. OAR. ROC.
5 names. 1 country. Many Scandals.
5 names. 1 country. Many Scandals.
How is it possible that an elite figure skater born in Moscow, St. Petersburg, or Leningrad could potentially have competed for the same nation under five different national flags and names over the last 60 years?
How is it possible that an elite figure skater born in Moscow, St. Petersburg, or Leningrad could potentially have competed for the same nation under five different national flags and names over the last 60 years?
The changing nationalism and geopolitical structures from the 1960s to today are part of the answer. The other part depends on Russia herself, and the choices that those involved with elite figure skating in Russia have made in the sport.
The changing nationalism and geopolitical structures from the 1960s to today are part of the answer. The other part depends on Russia herself, and the choices that those involved with elite figure skating in Russia have made in the sport.
This platform explores the complex stories and moments of intrigue concerning nationality and nationalism within the former Soviet nations* through the lens of Olympic Figure Skating.
This platform explores the complex stories and moments of intrigue concerning nationality and nationalism within the former Soviet nations* through the lens of Olympic Figure Skating.
Click on a year below, or along the top, to learn more about the stories from that year's winter Olympic games.**
Click on a year below, or along the top, to learn more about the stories from that year's winter Olympic games.**
The Former Soviet Nations
The Former Soviet Nations
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Czech Republic
Estonia
Georgia
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Lithuania
Moldova
Russia Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Ukraine
Uzbekistan
Soviet Satellite States
Soviet Satellite States
Albania (until 1960)
Bulgaria
Czechoslovakia
East Germany
Hungary
Poland
Romania
Yugoslavia (until 1948)
*The primary focus will be on the former Soviet Nations, but information regarding the former Soviet Satellite States will be addressed as well.
**These games were chosen because of unique or monumental moments that occurred during them in relation to the former Soviet Nations and figure skating. All Olympic Games deserve to have a spotlight on this platform, but that expansion will have to wait.