Two time world figure skating champion Irina Slutskaya expressed concern over Elizaveta Tuktamysheva taking a pause from competition, calling it the most negative moment of the past year. Slutskaya noted that she follows the sport intermittently and feels sympathy for the skater, who has already accomplished a great deal at a relatively young age. She also emphasized the value of the sport’s rising stars who continue to show strong potential. [Source: TASS]
Slutskaya added that she understands how demanding a career in top level skating can be and that the decision to step away is never easy to make. Yet she believes there is room for optimism as numerous young skaters are already delivering high quality performances and could carry the sport forward in the coming seasons. This sentiment reflects a broader hope within the skating community that new talent will continue to emerge and inspire fans around the world. [Source: TASS]
Elizaveta Tuktamysheva announced on October 22, 2023 that she would take a break from ice skating. The skater, who has earned the title of world champion in 2015 and European champion, and who was a silver medalist at the 2021 world championships, has had a successful run with several podium finishes, including wins at the Russian Grand Prix stages during the 2022/23 season and a third place in the tournament finals. She also earned a bronze medal at the national championships, highlighting a career marked by consistency and resilience. [Source: TASS]
In a separate development, in August, Tuktamysheva disclosed that she views the period after her competitive career as an opportunity to explore a possible role as a television presenter. The transition to media duties is a path some athletes pursue after competitive life, and it could allow her to share her experience and insights with a broader audience while staying connected to the sport. [Source: TASS]
Earlier in the year, another skater, Kostornaya, faced questions related to costume expenses, underscoring the ongoing pressures and financial considerations that can arise in elite figure skating careers. The situation illustrates how athletes manage both athletic and logistical aspects of their sport, often navigating scrutiny from the public and media. [Source: TASS]