Alexander Zhulin, a celebrated figure skating coach from Russia, recently commented on the potential return of Anna Shcherbakova to professional competition. His remarks were reported by RIA Novosti and echoed by DEA News, signaling interest in Shcherbakova’s future on the ice. Zhulin described her as a formidable athlete capable of reaching the top tier of the sport, noting her status as an Olympic champion would help her reclaim prominence in major events. He also raised the possibility that she might balance competitive appearances with performances in ice shows, suggesting that only time would reveal how her schedule would shape up.
At the Beijing Winter Games, Anna Shcherbakova captured the gold medal in the women’s singles, finishing ahead of Russia’s Alexandra Trusova and Japan’s Kaori Sakamoto. This victory underscored her skill and consistency on the global stage during a highly competitive season. The following year, Shcherbakova earned the title of world champion in 2021, cementing her place among the sport’s elite. However, the 2022 season brought significant disruption as Russian athletes faced suspension from many international competitions, preventing her from defending her world title. During that suspension period, she maintained a top ranking within the International Skating Union (ISU) standings, highlighting her ongoing influence in the sport.
Shcherbakova did not announce retirement or a permanent exit from professional skating. Instead, she stepped back from full competition and later explained she was dealing with an injury. During the end of 2022, she began participating in ice shows to stay connected with fans and the skating community while recovering. This approach allowed her to remain visible and active within the sport, even as she paused from routine international events. Reports from RIA Novosti and other outlets noted these developments as part of her broader career trajectory and ongoing presence in exhibition skating.
Further context around Shcherbakova’s career shows that she was included in the reserve team for the 2023/24 season, a status that reflected the evolving landscape of international skating amid the ongoing changes in eligibility and competition for Russian athletes. This inclusion suggested that while she was not competing at the standard ISU events, she remained a key figure in Russian skating circles with the potential to re-enter top-level competition should circumstances permit. The situation has been watched closely by fans and analysts alike, who have followed her preparation, training choices, and public appearances in ice shows as indicators of her readiness to return to competitive skating, if and when applicable. Observers have highlighted her previous achievements, including Olympic gold and a world title, as indicators of her high ceiling and the likelihood that she could once again challenge for major honors if she resumes regular competition. These patterns have been discussed across Russian sports media and international skating coverage, with the overall sentiment leaning toward cautious optimism about her eventual return to the sport’s most demanding events.