French Coach Benoît Richaud Leads a Global Team of 16 Skaters from 13 Nations at the Olympics.

Benoît Richaud's Rising Profile at the 2026 Games

According to Novyny.live: French figure skating coach Benoît Richaud has become a prominent figure at the 2026 Olympic Games in Italy. His work with a diverse group of 16 athletes from 13 different nations has significantly increased attention on his coaching methods and his skaters' performances. This international roster highlights the increasingly global nature of elite figure skating coaching.

The Skaters Under Richaud's Guidance

Among his notable students is Nika Egadze, the Georgian skater who became the 2026 European Champion. This victory underscores the effectiveness of Richaud's coaching, as Egadze displayed a high level of skill and preparation. Another example of his successful work is American skater Maxim Naumov, who earned a bronze medal at the 2026 U.S. Championships.

Richaud's international team also includes other talented skaters, such as:

• Adam Siao Him Fa of France, a singles skater, multiple Grand Prix medalist, and two-time European champion;
• Stephen Gogolev, the Canadian skater competing in the men's event at the Olympics.

The prominence of Benoît Richaud at the 2026 Olympics demonstrates his success in preparing athletes from various countries who achieve significant results on the world stage. His role exemplifies how top coaches now operate across borders, building careers by developing talent globally.

These achievements emphasize the growing influence of coaches in figure skating, as their work impacts not only individual athletic results but also the broader development of the sport. The Olympic Games serve as a platform to showcase the accomplishments of coaches and their protégés, which can fuel greater interest in figure skating across different nations.