French figure skating coach Florent Amodio responded to criticism over his participation in a training camp in Russia. In a statement to the Russian Figure Skating Federation (FFKKR), Amodio clarified his position, saying, "My job is to help children."
The 2011 European champion said, "Yes, we are undoubtedly going through difficult times, but as I said, I have best friends in Russia who are like family to me. Also, we are coaches. Our job is to help children. So, which country it is doesn't matter that much to me. We are talking about children. They just want to skate, to train – that's all. I don't care about the rest. These are children. If children need my help, of course I will come and help."
The French coach's visit coincides with a period when restrictions on Russia in the international sports community are beginning to ease. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) temporarily reinstated the Russian Olympic Committee's (ROC) status on July 7 and lifted restrictions on Russian athletes. The International Skating Union (ISU) announced on June 30 that Russian athletes could compete under neutral status starting from the 2026/27 season.
Amodio is currently at the camp of Russian coach Alexander Volkov. Asked about traveling to different countries for summer camps, he replied, "I started going to these kinds of summer camps four or five years ago. During the season, I am at my own school in France. Summer is the only time I can travel and join camps. But actually, there aren't many camps. Last year I was in Estonia, Turkey, and France. This year again Estonia, Turkey, France, and additionally Russia."
Emphasizing that he only goes to camps upon invitation from people he knows and trusts, Amodio said, "I don't do camps just for the sake of it. What matters to me is knowing the people who invite me. Usually, they are people I know well both professionally and personally. I only join camps where I feel comfortable. That's why I came here, and I want to add Russia to the list of countries I plan to visit again in the future."
