Hungarian Olympic chiefs replace Russian-born skaters after political backlash

A last-minute controversy overshadowed Hungary’s presence at the Winter Olympics closing ceremony after plans for two Russian-born figure skaters to carry the national flag were abruptly reversed following political pressure.

According to a report by Magyar Hang, the Hungarian Olympic Committee (MOB) had initially selected figure skating pair Maria Pavlova and Alexei Sviatchenko to lead the Hungarian team at the closing event. The duo finished fourth in the pairs competition.

The decision was first communicated via the state news agency MTI, which described the honour in neutral terms and noted the skaters were moved by the recognition.

Questions over nationality and ties to Russia

However, criticism quickly followed. Although the pair compete under Hungarian colours, they reportedly live and train in Sochi with Russian coaches and do not speak Hungarian.

Their citizenship was granted with the support of the Hungarian skating federation, headed by politician Lajos Kósa. Observers suggested the move enabled them to compete internationally at a time when Russian athletes face restrictions due to the war in Ukraine.

The choice triggered anger among fans, who questioned whether athletes with limited ties to Hungary should represent the country in such a symbolic role.

Fidesz leadership steps in

Magyar Hang reported that the issue escalated to senior political levels. Sources told the outlet that the leadership of ruling Fidesz feared the optics would be damaging during an election campaign, particularly given the high visibility of the closing ceremony.

The government party allegedly instructed the MOB on Sunday to revise the decision.

Last-minute switch and “technical error” explanation

By the evening, the MOB confirmed that Pavlova and Sviatchenko would not carry the flag after all. Instead, short-track speed skaters Maja Somodi and Bence Nógrádi – who had already served as flag-bearers at the opening ceremony – led the team once again.

In a statement to Nemzeti Sport, the committee attributed the change to a “technical problem”, claiming that incorrect biographical data had been uploaded and could not be amended later.

The explanation has done little to quell speculation: critics still argue that the reversal points to political interference rather than an administrative mistake.