Three-time Olympic figure skating champion Irina Rodnina recently expressed optimism about Alena Kostornaya’s future in double skating, saying she can truly shine on the ice according to RB Sports. Rodnina highlighted Kostornaya’s inherent grace and precision, noting that her talent is evident even before she pairs up with a partner. She emphasized that success in doubles skating hinges not only on individual skill but also on the chemistry between partners, a balance of trust, timing, and shared rhythm that makes programs feel effortless in motion.
Rodnina pointed out that Kostornaya already possesses the delicate touch and the natural flow necessary for doubles competition. Yet she also reminded observers that harmony with a partner is essential. The right partner can amplify a skater’s strengths, while misalignment can dampen even the brightest athletic spark. In short, the artistry of pair skating is as much about mutual sensing and on-ice chemistry as it is about technical execution.
Kostornaya’s coaching journey has been a road of notable shifts. She trained with Eteri Tutberidze through mid-2020, a period marked by rapid growth and high expectations that followed her ascent in the junior and senior ranks. After parting ways with Tutberidze, Kostornaya joined the team led by Evgeni Plushenko, seeking a fresh perspective and different coaching methods. Her return to Khrustalny in the spring of 2021 came on a probation that lasted two months, a candid step that reflected ongoing experimentation with training environments. About a year later, Kostornaya left Tutberidze a second time, this time for Elena Buyanova, where she also pursued a brief period of education and development under a new coaching philosophy. At the beginning of 2023, Kostornaya’s team announced that she would begin focusing on pair skating, a strategic pivot that aligned with the growing interest in maximizing her competitive range. Since autumn, she has been skating with Georgy Kunitsa under the guidance of Sergey Roslyakov, a setup designed to refine timing, posture, and synchronization essential for elite doubles performances.
Formerly Kostornaya shared a moment from a wedding dance in a video that circulated publicly, offering fans a personal glimpse beyond the rink and a reminder that athletes carry stories and memories into every season.