Armenian Skaters Open Up After Olympics, Address “Artsakh” Music Controversy

INTERVIEW: In a one-on-one interview with The Armenian Report, Armenian Olympic figure skaters Karina Akopova and Nikita Rakhmanin spoke after returning from the Games, reflecting on an experience that brought both pride and pressure—from the excitement of the Olympic Village to the controversy surrounding their music choice.

The skaters said they became aware of the issue during their training camp in Switzerland, where they learned that Azerbaijan had filed a complaint against their short program music, originally titled “Artsakh” by Ara Gevorgyan. The complaint argued that the title carried political meaning. Following discussions by Olympic bodies, the name of the music was changed in official listings, although the composition itself remained unchanged.

They noted that they had not been aware of the situation earlier, and even their federation initially did not have information about the complaint. The issue quickly gained attention in both Armenian and Azerbaijani media, but the athletes said that being in Switzerland helped them stay focused and avoid immediate pressure by limiting their exposure to the news.

The pair described their first days at the Olympic Games as both thrilling and overwhelming. Arriving at the Olympic Village, they were excited by the chance to meet athletes from different countries and sports, but quickly realized the intensity of the environment. The constant activity, early mornings, and the need to stay focused made the experience challenging. After just a few days, they were already feeling the mental and physical weight of the competition atmosphere.

Following the opening ceremony, the skaters left for Switzerland for a training camp, where they were able to briefly step away from the Olympic environment. That short break gave them a moment of calm during an otherwise intense schedule. They recalled sitting quietly outside, taking in their surroundings for a few minutes, a rare pause that helped them reset before returning to competition.

One of the most memorable moments of their Olympic journey came during the opening ceremony, where they represented Armenia in the parade of nations. Carrying the Armenian flag and entering the stadium stood out as the most important moment of their lives. The scale of the event, the atmosphere in the stadium, and the realization of representing their country created a lasting impression. Even now, they continue to revisit that moment through videos they recorded during the Games.

Their return to the ice after the training camp also brought new surprises. During their first practice session in Milan, they found themselves skating in front of a large crowd, something they did not expect for a training session. Seeing the stands filled even outside of competition added another layer of pressure, reinforcing the unique nature of the Olympic Games.

Looking back at their performance, the pair said their short program was largely clean, with no major mistakes. They pointed to the technical execution as a positive takeaway, noting that they were able to achieve strong levels on their elements. More importantly, they highlighted the emotional side of the performance, describing it as one of the rare competitions where they felt completely calm. At one moment during their routine, one of the skaters saw a parent in the stands, which added to the emotional weight of the performance.

They also noted that while the official title of the music was changed, the meaning behind the program remained clear to those who followed their work. Many people reached out to them with messages of support, thanking them for choosing the music. For the skaters, that support reinforced their decision and helped them stay focused during a demanding competition.

Beyond the competition itself, the Olympic experience also brought moments of personal significance. They encountered well-known figures and fellow athletes, including familiar faces from their earlier careers. These interactions added to the overall experience, showing the global nature of the Olympic Games.

—

This is an exclusive report by The Armenian Report. Republishing is permitted with proper credit to the original source.