Ksenia Gushchina, a Russian figure skater, spoke about the sport in a recent interview with Sports24, highlighting the sport’s demanding character and the resilience it demands from athletes.
She described herself as a warrior on the ice, ready to contend with the elements and driven by the will to win. She reflected on how a strong character helps a skater stay focused and determined, even during moments of doubt. When she returned from an injury, doctors feared the season might end, yet she and her team chose to push forward. She faced a virus and fever before the national championship but remained resolved to prove herself and compete with the best. Her mindset was clear she would go forward, and her teammates questioned the decision while she insisted on continuing. Ultimately, she carried through with the plan and took part in the competition, demonstrating perseverance and commitment to her goals.
Gushchina is one of nine adult skaters to participate in the 2024 Channel One Cup. At sixteen years old, she trains under Alexandrina Degtyareva, who has earned recognition as a two time medalist at the Russian Grand Prix and who has guided champions to success in St. Petersburg through the years.
In March 2022, the International Skating Union imposed a suspension on Russian and Belarusian athletes from international events. During the 2022 23 season these athletes turned their focus to domestic contests, including the Russian Grand Prix stages and the national championship. The question of a return for Russian competitors remained on the agenda at an ISU meeting held in October 2023, but no formal decision was made at that time.
The most recent major stage for Russian skaters in recent memory was the Olympic Games held in Beijing in February 2022, a milestone that continues to influence the training and competition strategies of skaters like Gushchina as they advance in the sport. Discussions around doping sanctions and discipline have also been part of the broader narrative surrounding athletes in this period, shaping how programs are approached and how athletes present their outcomes to fans and officials alike.