Contemplating Partnerships in Figure Skating: A Close Look at Alena Kostornaya and Georgy Kunitsa
The 2018 Olympic silver medalist in figure skating, Alexander Enbert, weighed in on the dynamics of personal and professional partnerships within the sport. He suggested that, if both partners in a relationship agree, and mutual understanding is maintained, an athlete might switch partners for competitive reasons. Enbert pointed to real-world examples from the sport, noting that alliances can evolve when personal commitments are balanced with athletic goals. He recalled another notable case from the United States, where an established pair, Alexa Shimeka and Brandon Fraser, continued their family life after a breakup and found a new partner to pursue podium success on the ice. This perspective underscores how personal life choices can intertwine with professional ambitions in figure skating, and how successful teams often adapt to maintain momentum.
According to Enbert, Alena Kostornaya brings superior glide and facility on the ice, a skill set that remains valuable even as she pursues a new pairing. He expressed confidence that a partner can learn from her experience and elevate the team’s overall performance through shared techniques and refined training. Kostornaya’s demonstrated on-ice elegance and technical poise offer a strong foundation for continued growth, while a partner can contribute additional elements and a fresh cadence to their routines.
Enbert emphasized that the essence of pair skating lies in the ability to transfer strengths between partners and to cultivate 100% commitment to both skating execution and artistic expression. When a team faces a period of adjustment, one skater’s strengths can be absorbed into the other’s repertoire, allowing the duo to evolve. This collaborative spirit is central to overcoming slumps and advancing toward competitive goals, as each skater brings unique timing, lines, and transitions to the partnership.
Kostornaya’s decision to pursue double skating in January 2023 marked a new chapter. Prior to this shift, she performed primarily in shows with Kunitsa. The transition set the stage for preparations aimed at competition in the 2023/24 season, signaling a deliberate move from exhibition programs to formal events with a developing partner in the pursuit of higher competitive standing. The evolution of their training and on-ice collaboration illustrates how skaters adapt their curricula and partnerships to align with long-term goals.
Recent public displays related to Kostornaya have included moments of celebratory engagement with her ongoing journey in the sport, reflecting the personal and professional milestones that define modern figure skating. These developments highlight the balancing act between personal life, professional partnerships, and the pursuit of athletic excellence that characterizes a successful career in the discipline. [Enbert, socialbites.ca]