Benoit Richaud, a 38-year-old French figure skating coach, has garnered attention at the Winter Olympics for coaching 16 athletes from 13 countries. His unique situation has become apparent as he has been seen wearing the jackets of different national teams during competitions, which has led spectators to question how he manages to coach a diverse group of skaters competing under different flags. The British broadcaster BBC reported on Richaud's prominent role at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, showcasing his versatility and adaptability as a coach.

On a notable day of competition, Richaud's students, including athletes like Deniss Vasiļjevs and Fedirs Kuļišs from Latvia, participated in the men's short program. The presence of skaters from multiple nations under his guidance highlights both Richaud's international appeal and the collaborative nature of figure skating training at this level. As athletes compete closely together, Richaud's quick changes into various team jackets have been a visual representation of the global spirit of the Olympics as well as his adaptability in supporting each skater's journey.

This situation not only emphasizes Richaud's expertise but also raises questions about coaching dynamics in multi-national contexts, particularly in sports like figure skating where artistic expression and individual performance are paramount. The presence of an individual coach working with athletes from different nations illustrates the unifying aspect of the Olympic Games, where the focus is on sportsmanship beyond national borders.