Alina Zagitova, the Olympic gold medalist in women’s single skating who studied at the Faculty of Journalism, recently spoke about her interview ambitions and the names she would choose to sit across from for a conversation that would shape public perception and showcase her evolving voice in media. The skater described her early days in television, noting that hosting the Ice Age program was more than a job; it was a valuable apprenticeship that sharpened her ability to guide a show, manage interviews, and connect with a broad audience. While she did not name a long list of dream guests, she teased the idea of a conversation with a figure who has long held the public’s gaze, hinting at a desire to explore a dialogue that would test her skills and broaden her perspective in real time. She conceded that she is still building experience, a candid reminder that growth in broadcasting often follows years of hands-on practice and the willingness to step into challenging conversations. The conversation she referenced appeared in coverage by DEA News, where her comments offered a rare glimpse into how a top athlete navigates the split between competition and commentary, training the mind for questions that resonate beyond the rink that bred her fame.
Zagitova’s achievements place her among the most decorated athletes of her era. She secured the Olympic crown in single skating and earned a silver medal in the team event at the 2018 Games. Her résumé also includes a 2019 World Championship gold, along with European Championship gold and silver medals in 2018 and 2019. These accomplishments underline a career marked by consistency and peak performances on the world stage. The journey from junior titles to the pinnacle of Olympic glory reflects a trajectory that many athletes study and admire, serving as a blueprint for how talent, discipline, and strategic preparation intersect in the pursuit of excellence.
Despite a lighter competitive schedule in recent seasons, Zagitova has not signaled retirement. She stepped away from regular competition during 2020 and 2021, a pause that allowed space for new professional avenues and personal growth. In February of the current year, she captained a team into a high-stakes event, the Channel One Cup, where the team she led performed decisively and helped secure a win for the squad. Moments like these demonstrate her ongoing influence on the sport, not just as a skater but as a leader who can rally teammates and bring strategic energy to team formats that blend athletic prowess with showmanship.
Beyond the rink, Zagitova has pursued television work with enthusiasm, applying the same preparation mindset that powered her skating career. Her two-season stint on the Ice Age program offered fans a closer look at how she approaches communication, pacing, and audience engagement. The experience broadened her professional repertoire and positioned her as a credible voice in television, capable of translating athletic insight into accessible, compelling television narrative. In parallel with her broadcast pursuits, she has taken part in specialized fitness and performance activities that keep her connected to the fundamentals of training, balance, and risk management that skating demands. This evolution mirrors a broader trend among elite athletes who diversify their careers by leveraging public visibility into media roles, coaching opportunities, and community outreach that celebrate sport’s broader cultural impact.
Earlier discussions in the skating community highlighted how other leading skaters have bridged performance and media. In the same vein, Irina Slutskaya has spoken about which skaters possess the potential to transition into television successfully, suggesting a shared belief within the sport that communication skills are an essential complement to athletic talent. The dialogue around Zagitova and her peers reflects a growing appreciation for the ways in which athletes cultivate media literacy, storytelling ability, and audience connection, all of which contribute to a lasting legacy beyond medals and records. The narrative emphasizes that becoming a well-rounded public figure requires curiosity, preparation, and an openness to learning from every opportunity that arises, whether on the ice, on set, or in front of a camera with a live audience watching closely and expecting honesty and nuance.