In an interview on her YouTube channel, the renowned Russian coach Eteri Tutberidze discussed the intense reality behind Olympic preparation for top figure skaters. She recalled that Alina Zagitova faced extreme physical strain during the lead-up to the 2018 Winter Games, describing a period when her legs bled during training sessions. Zagitova reportedly cleansed her legs after long practices, a detail Tutberidze shared to illustrate the sacrifices athletes endure in pursuit of peak performances.
According to Tutberidze, the Olympic season demanded grueling discipline. She explained that Zagitova’s feet suffered so severely that removing her shoe could evoke a visceral reaction in observers. The coach noted she chose not to openly label the situation as simply difficult because she believed the athlete needed to conserve strength for the challenge ahead. This account underscores the harsh realities that sometimes accompany elite sports journeys, including the mental and physical thresholds athletes confront on the road to success.
Alina Zagitova rose to global prominence by securing the Olympic gold medal in 2018, followed by the world title at the 2019 World Championships. She also earned gold and silver medals at the European Championships in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Her achievements placed her among the most decorated skaters in the history of Russian figure skating, marking her as the second skater ever to win all major world titles in a single career alongside other legends in the sport. Zagitova’s career has been characterized by extraordinary technical prowess and artistry, captivating audiences across North America and Europe as well as in her home country.
After a period away from major events during 2020 and 2021, Zagitova did not formally announce retirement and remained active in the skating community. In February 2022, she participated as captain in a Channel One Cup team event, contributing to her team’s triumph in a high-profile national competition. Beyond competitive skating, Zagitova has expanded her presence in the sport by hosting the program Ice Age alongside Olympic champion Alexei Yagudin, further bridging competitive achievement with shows and entertainment platforms that reach a wider audience.
Previously, Tutberidze has offered insights into why Olympic gold did not come for other top skaters such as Alexandra Trusova and Evgenia Medvedeva. Her reflections emphasize the complex mix of training, strategy, and competition that influences outcomes at the highest levels of figure skating. The exchange provides a window into how coaches balance demanding routines with the need to protect athletes from overextension while still pushing for optimal results on the world stage. In the broader context of international skating, Tutberidze’s comments contribute to ongoing conversations about training methodologies, athlete welfare, and the evolving standards of competition among leading programs in Russia and around the world.