Anna Shcherbakova, the Beijing Olympic champion in ladies’ singles, recently spoke about her experience at the World Figure Skating Championships held in Stockholm. She emphasized focusing on the positive memories from the competition and not dwelling on mistakes. Shcherbakova explained that reviewing her performance is uncomfortable because mistakes tend to dampen the celebratory feelings of victory, which is why she prefers to remember the good moments instead of replaying the flaws.
When the free program began with a fall, the initial mood did not rise to the level of enthusiasm she hoped to feel while watching the routine. Nevertheless, she remains proud of the effort she put in during the competition and the overall results achieved. Her perspective reflects a common mindset among elite athletes who choose to highlight the triumphs and the growth that comes from overcoming hiccups in a demanding performance schedule.
In 2021, Shcherbakova was part of a Russian sweep of the podium at the World Championships. She claimed the gold medal, while Elizaveta Tuktamysheva took silver and Alexandra Trusova earned bronze, underscoring the depth and talent of Russian ladies’ skating at the time.
The 2021/22 season saw shifts in the competitive landscape. Shcherbakova faced challenges in defending her title as Russian skaters were temporarily removed from international events due to broader geopolitical developments affecting the ISU and sport governance. This interruption created a pause in major international appearances, influencing preparation and competitive momentum for many athletes, including Shcherbakova.
Former figure skater and current coach Katharina Gerboldt has previously commented on what motivates Anna Shcherbakova to return to top-level competition. The discussion highlights the personal drive, discipline, and resilience that shape her ongoing journey in the sport.