Renowned figure skating coach Tatyana Tarasova has suggested that the 2018 Olympic champion in women’s singles, Alina Zagitova, might still pursue a return to professional sport. The claim appeared in Daytime Sport, a report that has drawn attention across the skating community.
Tarasova described Zagitova as someone for whom a comeback could be feasible. She noted that Zagitova continues to work with a coach, and that if the teacher believes in the possibility, the skater could consider stepping back onto the ice. The veteran coach also pointed to Eteri Tutberidze, Zagitova’s former mentor, as a critical figure in any potential return. Tarasova urged people to ask Tutberidze for more clarity on Zagitova’s plans.
Alina Zagitova began training under Tutberidze in 2015, a partnership that helped her rise to the pinnacle of the sport. She captured the gold medal in women’s singles at the World Championships held in Saitama, Japan, underscoring her standing as a premier talent on the world stage. Her achievements also include Olympic and European Championship medals, along with a Grand Prix Final title, all of which cemented her status as a dominant force in figure skating during her peak years.
There was a notable pause in Zagitova’s competitive career in December 2019 when she announced a suspension. The pause meant she did not compete in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Despite the extended break, there was no formal retirement announced at that time. Early in the year, Zagitova participated as a captain in the Channel One Cup team event, where her team, known as the Red Machine, emerged victorious, signaling her continued involvement in the sport in some capacity.
Beyond the rink, Zagitova has pursued other high-profile projects. She has undertaken media work, including hosting tasks, and she helped lead the Ice Age project alongside his partner, Alexei Yagudin. This transition indicates a broader professional engagement that complements her skating career and public profile.
In related coverage, Zagitova has shared images on social channels featuring jewelry valued at substantial sums. Posts showed earrings priced around 820,000 rubles and a necklace listed at approximately 643,500 rubles, reflecting the level of public interest and the visibility that accompanies top-tier athletes in today’s media landscape.