Ekaterina, the mother of Russian skater Alina Gorbacheva, has reported that her daughter is missing. The statement comes from a spokesperson for DEA News, and as of now there is no independently verified information confirming Alina’s whereabouts. Footage publicly available shows her entering a park, but it does not provide any further details about her movements or location. A cynologist with a sniffer dog has joined the search, yet a significant amount of time has already elapsed, according to Alina’s mother.
Gorbacheva is recognized as the current Russian junior champion in figure skating, a title that underscores her prominence within the sport. The case has drawn attention from the skating community and fans who are hoping for a swift and safe return for the young athlete.
In late February 2022, the International Olympic Committee issued guidance to international sports federations advising that domestic and Belarusian athletes should not participate in competitions. In response, the International Skating Union suspended Russian and Belarusian competitors from events, focusing on domestic meets such as the Russian Grand Prix and the national championship series in the 2022/23 season. [Attribution: IOC guidance] [Attribution: ISU sanctions]
A former Russian figure skater weighed in on the coach’s suggestion to consult traditional healers and shamans regarding training and team decisions, highlighting a broader debate about approaches to athlete preparation and wellbeing. [Source attribution: former athlete statements]