Figure skaters Alena Kostornaya and Georgy Kunitsa are planning a wedding, a development that has been reported by Sport24. The couple’s personal life has drawn attention as they move through the world of elite ice dancing and single skating, with fans and analysts watching closely how their partnership unfolds against the backdrop of high-stakes competitions and national expectations.
Kostornaya’s coaching journey has been marked by several training changes over the past few years. She trained under Eteri Tutberidze until mid-2020, after which she transitioned to coach Evgeni Plushenko. In the spring of 2021, a return to Khrustalny was announced under a probationary period of two months, signaling a cautious re-entry into the program that had shaped her early career. This period highlighted Kostornaya’s resilience as she navigated coaching shifts and the pressure to perform at the highest level in a sport that rewards precision and consistency.
Approximately a year later, Kostornaya parted ways with Tutberidze and began working with Elena Buyanova, where she also pursued a shortened education track. Early in 2023, news emerged that the skater had started partnering changes, and by the autumn she had begun training with Georgy Kunitsa under the guidance of Sergey Roslyakov. The two have trained together in St. Petersburg, a city known for its storied skating traditions and world-class facilities. While Kunitsa had previously competed in men’s singles, his results had not reached their peak, and his collaboration with Kostornaya opened a new chapter in his skating journey.
As a team, Kostornaya and Kunitsa have expressed intentions to compete in the 2023/24 season, aiming to leverage their complementary strengths and shared experience to make a mark in major events and national championships. Their partnership reflects a broader trend among Russian skaters who explore new pairings and formats to optimize technical execution, artistic expression, and competitive longevity. Kostornaya’s recent trajectory demonstrates a balance between solo potential and the advantages that can come from a well-aligned pair dynamic, with both skating talents contributing to a unified program plan and strategic season goals. Analysts have noted her previous Grand Prix appearances, as well as the challenges she faced with injuries that affected participation in key events, including the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing. This context provides a framework for understanding the anticipated performance trajectory as the duo trains toward the upcoming season and the opportunities that lie ahead for them on the senior circuit.
In reflecting on her past comments and public statements, Kostornaya has addressed the language of self-perception within elite sport, noting that she does not subscribe to labels that diminish an athlete’s value or potential. This stance underscores a broader ethos among competitors who navigate intense media scrutiny while maintaining focus on training, preparation, and personal growth on the ice. The evolving narrative around Kostornaya and Kunitsa as a couple and as a competitive duo continues to be a focal point for fans and analysts who track skating careers, program development, and the ever-changing landscape of international figure skating.