Adelina Sotnikova, an Olympic champion in women’s singles, discussed her visit to Donbass during pregnancy in an interview with the Tatarka FM YouTube channel. She recounted feeling a mix of impulsiveness and solidarity, explaining that artists, singers, athletes, and many others traveled there to show support for people affected by the conflict. “I’m kind of crazy. If everyone else goes, why not me?” she recalled, reflecting on the impulse to join the effort.
Her account describes a long journey by bus, lasting roughly a day and a half. She described trying to clear her mind during the trip, focusing on simply reaching the destination. Once there, she encountered military involvement and a stillness that came with the unusual quiet. She recalled seeing tanks and the tension of the moment, noting that the area near Lugansk was not peaceful, even at night. Her mother later mentioned that there had been air activity as well, underscoring the intensity of the surroundings during that period. [citation: Tatarka FM interview]
In the summer of 2022, Sotnikova participated in a sports festival in Lugansk, an event she attended during her pregnancy. A few months after the festival, she gave birth to a son, marking a significant personal milestone alongside her ongoing public life. Sotnikova has spoken publicly about balancing motherhood with a career in sport, and her post-competition path has included public appearances and commentary within the skating world. [citation: Tatarka FM interview]
As a skater, Sotnikova reached the pinnacle by becoming the first Russian woman to win Olympic gold in the singles event, achieving this feat in 2014 and surpassing competitors from Korea and Italy to claim the top spot. Her success on the ice is complemented by two silver medals at the European Championships in 2013 and 2014. In March 2020, she announced her retirement from professional competition, closing a notable chapter in competitive figure skating and transitioning toward new opportunities within the sport. [citation: Tatarka FM interview]
Additionally, Sotnikova has shared memories from her first public photograph with Vladimir Putin. These anecdotes reflect a long and varied public life that includes triumphs on the ice, moments of personal meaning, and appearances that have kept her in the public eye beyond competition. [citation: Tatarka FM interview]