In a recent discussion about public opinion and sports beauty, Russian TV host and commentator Dmitry Guberniev weighed in on Alina Zagitova, the well-known figure skater who was named the most beautiful Russian athlete of 2023 by readers of a major sports publication. The remarks were reported through metaratings.ru, reflecting Guberniev’s perspective on the topic rather than presenting the definitive verdict itself.
Guberniev stated that while Zagitova ranks among Russia’s most attractive athletes, he would not declare her the sole frontrunner. He expressed admiration for Zagitova, describing her as intelligent and striking, yet he also highlighted other athletes he believes could match her in attractiveness. In his view, beauty in sport comes in many forms, and there are several competitors whose appearance and presence on the ice or in public life could be considered equally compelling.
It is worth noting Zagitova’s career trajectory beyond the beauty conversation. She concluded her professional skating career in December 2019, a milestone that marked the end of a competitive era. More recently, she participated in a televised event styled after a famous character, performing in a show tournament that drew wide attention but did not place in the top three. This appearance illustrates how Zagitova continues to engage with the public beyond competitive seasons, maintaining visibility in the sport and popular culture alike. The broader discussion around beauty in sport often includes references to other celebrated athletes, such as Varvara Subbotina and Evgenia Kanaeva, who are cited by some commentary as equally noteworthy in appearance and presence. The topic remains part of a larger conversation about the multifaceted ways athletes influence fans, media, and national pride, extending beyond athletic achievement alone. This ongoing dialogue reflects how audiences evaluate athletes through a combination of performance, charisma, and public persona, a pattern observed across many sports and markets, including Russia and international audiences. This is the broader context in which Zagitova’s recognition sits, highlighting the blend of sport, media, and celebrity that defines contemporary athletic culture. (via metaratings.ru)”