A celebrated coach with a storied career in Soviet and Russian figure skating, Tatyana Tarasova has publicly weighed in on Alena Kostornaya, the European champion from 2020, noting that an operation is likely necessary. The concerns center on a long-standing hip issue that has gradually worsened and now limits Kostornaya’s ability to train and compete at the highest level. Tarasova explains that while the injury is not in an acute phase, the pain and mechanical limitations make non-surgical skating untenable. Her assessment points to the need for a surgical solution, supported by medical advice and the expectations of specialists who have examined the skater. A key detail Tarasova emphasizes is that even short windows of training can dramatically alter Kostornaya’s condition, sometimes causing immediate regression in performance. The implication is clear: surgery appears to be the most reliable path to restoring stability and long-term health for Kostornaya, allowing her to resume a full training cycle once she recovers. Tarasova’s remarks reflect a concern for the athlete’s career longevity and the practical realities of managing a persistent hip problem that affects strength, flexibility, and endurance on the ice.
Alena Kostornaya began her elite career under the tutelage of a prominent coaching team before making a significant transition. She left one high-profile group led by Eteri Tutberidze to join Elena Buyanova at CSKA in March 2022, marking a notable change in her coaching environment. Throughout her journey, Kostornaya has earned the European Championships title and achieved podium success on the Grand Prix circuit, including a season-ending silver at the Grand Prix Final for 2019/2020 and bronze medals at the Russian national championships in 2018 and 2019. These accomplishments have established her as a prominent figure in the sport, known for precise technique, strong artistic interpretation, and a competitive drive that keeps her at the forefront of international figure skating rosters.
Fans and analysts continue to monitor Kostornaya’s condition and the implications of surgery on her competitive timeline. The discussion extends beyond the immediate medical decision to consider how recovery will intersect with training plans, rehabilitation protocols, and the upcoming seasons. With a history of resilience and hard work, Kostornaya’s supporters hope that proper medical care, a careful recovery period, and structured return-to-ice sessions will help her regain peak performance while minimizing the risk of future injury. The outlook remains cautiously optimistic, with the belief that a well-managed surgical path could open the door to renewed progress and continued success on major stages for years to come.
When the question arises about the earliest possible date Kostornaya might return to the ice following surgery, medical teams and coaches typically outline a phased timeline. The initial focus is on pain relief and ensuring the hip joint heals properly, followed by a progressive rehabilitation plan that rebuilds strength, range of motion, and skating-specific endurance. The timeframe for resuming full training varies depending on the procedure performed, the athlete’s response to rehabilitation, and the management of any associated factors such as strength imbalances or technique adjustments. In many cases, athletes return after several months of careful, supervised progression, with ongoing evaluation to prevent re-injury and to optimize performance for a competitive comeback. Kostornaya’s career trajectory, marked by perseverance and a track record of high-level results, suggests she and her team will pursue the path that best balances safety with competitive goals.