Elizaveta Tuktamysheva, the world figure skating champion, has spoken about a possible return to competition if the right motivation surfaces. In remarks attributed to Fontanka.ru, she indicated that with sufficient drive, she believes she could revive her most ambitious elements on the ice, including the triple axel. Yet she emphasized that she is not quitting skating altogether. While she continues performing in shows and still lands the lutz in exhibition programs, the door remains open to serious competitive action should the spark return. [Attribution: Fontanka.ru]
Asked about the broader question of Russia’s place in the sport and the possibilities it creates, Tuktamysheva suggested that the thrill of competing internationally and winning medals is hard to replace. She noted that the lure of international victory can shift priorities and perspectives, making travel around the country feel less appealing by comparison. Her remarks point to a nuanced stance: a competitive fire can be reignited, but it would require a compelling motive that goes beyond routine participation. [Attribution: Fontanka.ru]
During the 2023/24 season, Tuktamysheva announced that she was taking a break from professional competition. The pause seemed to reflect a strategic recalibration, allowing time to reassess goals, training plans, and the kind of skating life she wishes to lead as she navigates age, form, and the evolving dynamics of the sport. Fans, coaches, and national skating federations often watch for signals about whether such breaks become temporary pauses or long-term shifts in focus. [Attribution: Fontanka.ru]
In late December 2022, she earned bronze at the Russian Championship with a total score of 241.72 points, behind Sofia Akatieva’s 249.74 and Kamila Valieva’s 247.32. Those results highlighted the depth of Russian ladies’ skating at that time and framed the context in which Tuktamysheva operated as a senior competitor moving forward. The moment underscored the competitive landscape she faced as she weighed potential returns to full-time competition and the evolving standards of international skating. [Attribution: Fontanka.ru]
In the previous season, the skater claimed victories at major stages of the Russian Grand Prix, winning the fourth stage in Moscow and the sixth stage in Perm. These triumphs demonstrated her enduring skill set and her ability to perform under pressure, even as the sport underwent shifts in format, judging, and global participation. The performances were a reminder that strength and artistry can coexist on the ice, appealing to audiences who value both technical precision and expressive interpretation. [Attribution: Fontanka.ru]
Reflecting on her career trajectory, Tuktamysheva has previously achieved a silver medal at the World Championships in single skating in 2021 and contributed to Russia’s success in the World Team Trophy that same year. Those milestones underscore a history of consistency at the highest levels and illustrate how a skater can balance individual programs with team events on the world stage. The record also situates her story within the broader arc of Russian figure skating, where generations of skaters have influenced coaching methods, choreography trends, and the development pipeline for young athletes. [Attribution: Fontanka.ru]
In past conversations, she has addressed questions about wardrobe choices and stage presence, sometimes using personal anecdotes to describe the human side of elite sport. Those moments hint at the personal dimension behind a public career, where decisions about what to wear, how to present oneself, and how to handle media scrutiny are all part of the broader journey. For fans in North America and other skating communities, such insights offer a window into the daily life of a top skater beyond the competition results. [Attribution: Fontanka.ru]