In a recent public comment, prominent figure skating coach Tatyana Tarasova chose not to address the topic of Alina Zagitova being invited to a Lokomotiv Moscow match. The exchange was noted by observers and reported by notable outlets that track sports betting and related coverage.
Tarasova questioned the relevance of such discussions. She suggested that if Zagitova’s appearance drew audiences, the impact would come through ticket sales rather than speculation. Tarasova implied that inviting a high-profile athlete should translate into tangible attendance gains, and she described the notion of increased viewership without corresponding ticket demand as misguided. Her stance focused on practical outcomes over controversy.
On November 1, Zagitova took part in a group stage match of the Russian Football Cup, facing Rubin Kazan alongside Lokomotiv. The game finished with Lokomotiv securing a 3-0 victory, and Zagitova participated in the post-match signing ceremony that followed the match events.
Beyond her Olympic gold, Zagitova has accumulated a remarkable array of titles: a World Championship gold in 2019 and European Championship gold and silver medals in 2018 and 2019. She stands as the second skater in modern history to achieve gold medals in both the Russian national singles championships and the world figure skating championships, following Kim Yuna in this rare dual achievement.
After taking a hiatus from competitive events during 2020 and 2021, Zagitova has not formally announced retirement. In February 2022, she served as captain for a Channel One Cup team event, contributing to the team’s overall victory. That same period saw her expanding into television work, including hosting a show alongside Olympic champion Alexei Yagudin that highlighted ice-related entertainment and athletes’ stories.
Earlier remarks from Dmitry Guberniev hinted at mixed reactions to Zagitova among various audiences, illustrating the diverse opinions that accompany a high-profile athlete who continues to appear in multiple facets of sport and public life. These comments reflect the broader discussion of how star athletes influence sports events beyond their primary disciplines, and how fans and critics alike weigh attention, performance, and branding when such crossover appearances occur. (Attribution: compiled from contemporary sports reporting and event coverage.)