Kyiv young figure skaters continue training despite Russian attacks

Young figure skaters in Kyiv are continuing their training sessions despite the constant threat of Russian drone and missile attacks. Following a recent Russian night strike that caused significant damage to their training hall, leaving a large hole in the wall, the athletes and their families have vowed not to give up.

To manage the psychological impact of air raid sirens and explosions, coaches have implemented a strategy of playing music louder during alerts to help the children focus and reduce fear. While the children previously fled to nearby school shelters during every alarm, they now often continue their jumps and pirouettes on the ice with parental consent.

Coach Oleksandr Tumanovskyi, a former prominent Soviet figure skater, noted that the perception of success has shifted during the invasion, stating, “If they are alive, that is already a success.” Despite the physical damage to the facility and the exhaustion caused by irregular sleep patterns due to nighttime attacks, the training sessions continue early each morning following the end of the curfew.