On Europe-Plus radio, 2018 Olympic champion in figure skating Alina Zagitova reflected on her Olympic triumph and discussed how the Pyeongchang Games shaped her journey.
She said, I feel incredibly fortunate to win the Olympics. The emotions after the victory were allEncompassing, and these Games left a lasting imprint on my life. I went there knowing I carried the weight of my country, my honor, my homeland, and my coaches. I did not want to let them down.
Beyond the Olympic gold, Zagitova added World Championship gold in 2019 and European Championship gold and silver in 2018 and 2019. She stands as the second skater in world history to achieve both the Russian single skating title and world championship wins in the same era, following Kim Yeon-ah.
After missing the 2020 and 2021 seasons, Zagitova did not announce retirement. In February 2022 she served as captain for the Channel One Cup team event, a competition won by the Red Machine squad. That year she also hosted the TV program Ice Age alongside Olympic champion Alexei Yagudin.
In August she faced a wave of media attention due to a series of missteps. An onair slip about hockey drew widespread controversy, and later she released a video of herself crossing a crosswalk at a green light while driving. The episodes prompted discussion about public figures and responsible behavior, both on and off the ice.
Earlier in her career Zagitova had drawn attention for her distinctive onice presence and frequently evolving public persona, often described as having a dynamic, adaptable style on and off the rink. She has remained a central figure in contemporary figure skating, admired for her technical prowess and her ability to captivate audiences with performances that blend precision with artistry. As with many top athletes, her path includes moments of triumph, scrutiny, and ongoing evolution, reflecting the changing landscape of competitive skating and media spotlight.