Georgy Kunitsa Responds to Online Attacks on Partner Alena Kostornaya
Georgy Kunitsa, the Russian figure skater who competes alongside Alena Kostornaya, has spoken out against the harsh comments directed at his partner on social platforms. He addressed fans and critics with a calm plea to end the wave of insults that have followed Kostornaya in recent days. The message came after the Grand Prix event in Omsk, where the team faced strong scrutiny even as they prepared for future events.
In a public note after the Omsk stage, Kunitsa wrote: Dear fans and non-fans. The Grand Prix in Omsk is behind us. It could have gone better, it could have been worse. These competitions are a solid starting point for the future. I want to support my dear wife and partner Alena because many have attacked her aggressively. Please move all this negativity, all these completely undeserved insults to one place. This appeal underlines a wish for constructive discussion rather than personal attacks, and a focus on athletic development rather than online hostility.
During the same event, Kostornaya and Kunitsa finished in fourth place after a demanding short program and a challenging long program. The results reflected a phase of growth and learning for the pair, as they navigate the pressures that accompany elite competition. Kostornaya later acknowledged the emotional impact of the competition moment, noting how performance highs and lows can affect athletes even when crowds cheer for them overall. The shared experience on the ice reinforces a bond that extends beyond performance, shaping their approach to training, preparation, and resilience.
Historically, Kostornaya began skating in pairs earlier in 2023, expanding her skating repertoire and embracing a new dynamic on the ice. Since autumn 2022, she has trained in a pair with Kunitsa under the guidance of coach Sergei Roslyakov. The couple’s journey off the ice culminated in marriage on August 12, and Kostornaya revealed on May 20 that Kunitsa had proposed during a hot air balloon ride. This personal milestone has intertwined with their professional partnership, drawing substantial public interest and contributing to the narrative around their teamwork and mutual support. The juxtaposition of personal milestones with competitive milestones often bleeds into media coverage, underscoring the human element behind every performance.
In parallel with their on ice developments, Kostornaya has weighed in on refereeing decisions, adding to ongoing discussions about judging standards in top tier figure skating. Conversations about scoring, calls during programs, and the evolving criteria used by judges are part of a broader dialogue that skaters, coaches, and fans follow closely. The couple has consistently emphasized the importance of focus, discipline, and constructive feedback within the sport, while also advocating for a respectful discourse among observers online. Attribution for these observations appears in public comments and interviews across various outlets, highlighting that judging remains a central topic in elite events.