In the history of Soviet and post-Soviet figure skating, Tatyana Tarasova stands as a revered coach whose insights often shape the careers of top teams. The discussion about Alexandra Boikova and Dmitry Kozlovsky shifting from Tamara Moskvina to Eteri Tutberidze drew wide attention in skating circles, prompting analysts to consider how coaching environments influence the performance of elite pairs. Tarasova, who has guided numerous champions, weighed in on the decision, suggesting that a change in coaching could reflect the athletes’ desire to explore fresh approaches and push beyond the ceiling they perceived in their current setup. Her comments were cited by sports media as part of a broader conversation about the evolving landscape of coaching in Russia and beyond.
In 2020, a notable realignment occurred when Anastasia Mishina and Alexander Gallyamov moved to Tamara Moskvina’s training group, becoming immediate rivals to Boikova and Kozlovsky in the season that followed. The switch marked a strategic shift for Mishina and Gallyamov, who sought the experience and proven track record of Moskvina, renowned for her success in doubles skating. The transition reflected a common trend in the sport: teams experimenting with different coaching styles to refine technique, choreography, and competitive strategy in a field where fractions of a point can determine podium positions.
That season produced a strong validation for the new pairing, as Mishina and Gallyamov captured the world championship, signaling that the change had unlocked a high level of performance. Meanwhile, Boikova and Kozlovsky faced a tougher path, finishing third at the event held in Stockholm, a result that underscored the high bar set by international competitors and the pressure on teams to adapt quickly to new coaching dynamics. After the free program, Boikova offered a courteous acknowledgment to the champions, expressing recognition for the achievement while reaffirming the team’s own goals and ongoing effort to climb higher on the world stage.
Tamara Moskvina, who has been honored for her contributions to Russian figure skating and known for guiding multiple doubles teams to top accolades, commented on the transition involving Boikova and Kozlovsky with a perspective rooted in decades of professional experience. The veteran coach did not find the move surprising, noting that the sport continuously tests athletes’ readiness to evolve. Moskvina’s reflections highlighted a common thread in elite skating careers: staying competitive often means embracing change, reevaluating partnerships, and seeking coaching environments that best align with a team’s evolving strengths and ambitions. The dialogue around these transitions remains part of a broader conversation about sustaining excellence in doubles skating over time.