Alexandra Soldatova: From Olympic spotlight to personal battles and family life
A new image from Russian rhythmic gymnast Alexandra Soldatova appeared on her Instagram Stories, showing a relaxed beach moment. The post captures a casual selfie where her shoulders and leg are visible beneath a sunhat, celebrating a rare glimpse into her private downtime.
Soldatova stepped away from professional competition in December 2020, when she was 22 years old. In a candid blog post, she opened up about a long struggle with bulimia that lasted two years and took a heavy toll on her morale and mental health. Her reflection reveals a deep battle with self-image and resilience, describing a journey through intense hardship and a hard-won recovery.
In her own words, she faced a period that felt like a descent into hell, yet she persevered and emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. She explained that she chose to step back from a continued sports career to protect her future child from unnecessary pain and potential injuries, emphasizing the importance of a healthier, more balanced life for her family. On March 21, 2023, she welcomed a son named Nikolai, marking a significant new chapter for the athlete as a mother.
Soldatova is widely recognized for her achievements in rhythmic gymnastics. She has earned three world titles and three European championships in team events. Her remarkable career includes triumph in the ribbon event at the 2018 World Championships and the 2016 Russian national title in the individual all-around, cementing her status as one of the sport’s prominent figures of her generation.
Earlier in her public narrative, there were mentions of It published a red dress photo from It’s daughter of coach Eteri Tutberidze, reflecting the overlapping media attention that often surrounds elite gymnasts and their coaching networks. This context helps illustrate how training environments and high-profile figures influence public perception and the narratives that accompany athletes beyond competition.