MOSCOW, July 11, Oleg Bogatov. Honored Coach of the USSR in figure skating Tatyana Tarasova stated that she regrets the decision of the Ukrainian Figure Skating Federation (UFFK) to exclude the 1992 Olympic champion Viktor Petrenko from its membership due to performances at ice shows in Sochi, since this is his profession. On Monday, the official website of the UFC was reported that Petrenko, who takes part in Tatyana Navka's ice show in Sochi, is expelled from the federation. Also suspended his powers in the status of vice-president of the federation. Petrenko takes part in Navka's show «The Scarlet Flower» as the father of Nastenka, the main character of the play, played in July by Olympic champion Kamila Valieva. Earlier, the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Ukraine condemned Petrenko's act.
"This decision of the Ukrainian federation makes me only regret, because Viktor Petrenko is engaged in his profession, Tarasova said. — We are waiting for the moment when all people on earth will embrace and be friends. Viktor Petrenko is our comrade, our friend and I love him. I wish everyone peace on earth".
Petrenko is 53 years old and currently lives in the USA. In 1992, the athlete became the champion of the Albertville Games as part of the United Team (CIS). Also in the assets of the figure skater is the bronze of the 1988 Olympics in Calgary as part of the USSR national team.