Figure skating coach Alexander Zhulin discussed the possibility of Daria Usacheva, a protégé of Eteri Tutberidze, moving from single skating to double (pairs) skating more seriously. While such a transition has precedent in the sport, Zhulin emphasized that it is not a simple switch and carries significant physical and technical challenges that go beyond talent alone.
According to Zhulin, a comprehensive shift in the skater’s role and training focus would require a minimum of two years of dedicated effort before even assessing the potential for success in double skating. He explained that the process involves much more than evolving from one discipline to another; it demands rebuilding fundamentals, adapting technique, and cultivating a new competitive mindset that fits the demands of pairs skating.
Zhulin noted that the path begins with the most basic issue in any major transition: the skater’s knees and joints must adapt to different loading patterns and jump mechanics. He pointed out that a highly skilled singles skater does not automatically become a strong dancer or partner on the ice. The mental and physical shifts involved are substantial, and the realities of double skating— synchronized elements, throw jumps, and pair spins—introduce additional layers of complexity that must be mastered before consideration of competition level.
In practical terms, the earliest stage of such a transition would likely take one to two years of learning how to move as part of a team, rather than as an individual. Finding the right partner matters greatly because compatibility, trust, and communication are essential in doubles skating, where timing and coordination are everything. This reality surfaced in Zhulin’s remarks, as reported by sports24, underscoring the importance of practical pairing and on-ice chemistry during the early development phase.
It is worth recalling that Usacheva, at sixteen, has not participated in official events since 2021 due to injuries sustained at the Japanese Grand Prix. The gap in competition adds another layer of consideration when evaluating her readiness for any major change in discipline. The time away from high-level competition can affect rhythm, confidence, and competitive sharpness, factors that any coach must weigh against the potential gains from a transition into doubles skating.
Former coach Tatyana Tarasova has commented that Usacheva did not express hesitation about exploring a move to double skating. Tarasova’s observations suggest a cautious openness to a broadening of Usacheva’s skating portfolio, one that would require careful planning, safety considerations, and a clear pathway to competitive exposure. In considering such a pivot, the broader context includes ongoing discussions among coaches, athletes, and national federations about how to balance promising young singles skaters with the increasing opportunities and demands of doubles competition. Through these reflections, the sport continues to explore how a skater with strong single-skating foundations might successfully broaden their skill set into the paired format, with a realistic timeline and well-defined milestones guiding the process.