An updated post on Instagram Stories features Russian figure skater Anastasia Skoptsova, who has recently stepped back from competitive skating. The photo shows her in a white mini dress that draws attention to her midriff, as she connects with her followers in a candid moment.
At 23 years old, Skoptsova ended her competitive skating career alongside partner Kirill Aleshin. The duo initially rose to prominence by clinching the junior world championship in the 2017/18 season and earning bronze medals at the Russian national championships and on the Grand Prix circuit. They entered the senior Grand Prix in the 2018/19 season and also claimed a silver medal at the Tallinn Cup, marking a memorable transition from junior to senior levels of competition.
In September 2022, Skoptsova spoke about the challenges she faced during her athletic years. In a film interview, she discussed the use of laxatives during her training, revealing that she relied on the medication for about nine months and that the dosage gradually increased after the initial effects wore off. She disclosed taking as many as 40 tablets at once, a practice that reportedly caused damage to multiple organs and raised serious concerns about health management in sport.
From early 2024 onward, Skoptsova has been quoted expressing a lighthearted, sports-commentary mindset with the phrase, “This is football, brother!” while taking on the role of co-host on a YouTube program sharing the same name as the channel. The shift from athlete to media presence illustrates a broader trend of athletes branching into content creation and broadcasts after competitive careers.
Earlier in her career, Skoptsova made headlines for turning heads and drawing attention from fans. The public often followed her through various media appearances and social media shares, reflecting the crossover appeal that athletes can have beyond their sport. Her journey encompasses high-profile competitive moments and a candid openness about personal health challenges that sparked discussions about athlete wellness and the pressures faced by elite skaters.