Olympic figure skating champion Alina Zagitova shared reflections from her visit to Sabantuy in Kazan, describing the festive gathering as warm and family-like. The experience felt less like a public event and more like stepping into the embrace of grandparents who insist you eat, drink, and celebrate together. She joked that the celebratory atmosphere might be making her look a little fuller around the beltline, a lighthearted remark that underscored the communal hospitality she encountered.
Zagitova rose to fame by winning the Olympic title in 2018. Beyond that pinnacle, she earned gold at the 2019 World Championships and secured both gold and silver decorations at the 2018 and 2019 European Championships. Her record places her among the most successful solo skaters in Russian history, and she stands as the second woman in world skating history, after Kim Yong-ah, to claim victory at all the major world championships. After a period away from competition beginning in 2019, she has not officially announced retirement and has kept the door open to future possibilities in skating and beyond.
On June 6, she revealed an interest in exploring coaching as a new path in her career, signaling a potential shift from athlete to mentor. This openness to coaching reflects a broader trend among elite skaters who build on competitive experience to guide the next generation and shape training methods that balance artistry with athletic precision.
Earlier in 2022, Zagitova served as captain of a team at the Channel One Cup, with her squad contributing to a victory for the competition’s Red Machine team. She later served again as a team captain for a Channel One Cup edition in 2024, continuing her involvement in high-profile team events. In addition to her on-ice activities, Zagitova expanded her media presence by hosting the show Ice Age alongside Olympic champion Alexei Yagudin, blending insights from elite competition with entertainment that resonates with skating fans and casual viewers alike.
Her former coach has repeatedly emphasized the athlete’s steadfast dedication to coaching and training. The coach underlined that Zagitova remains committed to rigorous practice and high standards, underscoring the seriousness with which she approaches her craft and her evolving role within the sport. This combination of performance excellence and a readiness to mentor others continues to define her public narrative as she moves forward in the skating world.