Russian former figure skating world champion Alexander Zhulin has lamented the domination of young female figure skaters, suggesting it’s “more interesting to see women with formed bodies” in senior competition.

Zhulin, a former ice dance world champion and double Olympic medallist, spoke out as a number of younger Russian female stars have claimed major titles.

The recent Russian national championship was dominated by junior stars in the women’s category, with 14-year-old Anna Shcherbakova taking first place, followed by Alexandra Trusova, also 14, in second and Alena Kostornaia, 15, in third.

Russia’s Alina Zagitova claimed the Olympic title in South Korea in February at 15 years old – which is the age at which competitors are allowed to join the senior ranks internationally.

Russia’s Zagitova claimed Olympic gold at 15. © Reuters / Phil Noble

For Zhulin, a renowned coach, the prominence of youngsters is not good for the sport at senior level.

Read more:   Egypt wants to host Russian wheat hub

“It turns out that the girls are flat, like a boy, and perform difficult jumps. Look at who became the Olympic champions in previous years.

“Obviously they deserve respect, but at the same time the girls simply managed to jump in time.

“For me it’s interesting to watch women’s figure skating when it’s not the younger generation competing, but figure skaters with formed women’s body parts, which men like to look at,” the 55-year-old told Belarusian outlet Tut Sport.

Zhulin offering coaching tips to Ekaterina Bobrova at the Olympics in South Korea. © Global Look Press / Scott Mc Kiernan

(RT)