The report from a Telegram channel cited by producer Yana Rudkovskaya claims that the roof of the ice rink at Plushenko’s Angels Academy, located in southwestern Moscow, collapsed due to heavy snow buildup.
Rudkovskaya insisted that there was no ongoing collapse indoors. She said that after the previous day’s freezing rain and drifting snow, a section of the farm structure appeared bent. Repairs were already underway, including the removal of the roof truss in the affected span to replace it. To accelerate work and reduce potential damage, the team temporarily cut the membrane so snow could slide onto the ice field, allowing the ice to bear the load and protect surrounding areas. She stated that this method, adopted to manage snow load efficiently, was planned and implemented as part of the restoration process.
Evgeni Plushenko, a two-time Olympic champion and two-time silver medalist, announced his retirement in March 2017. His competitive career set Russian records, including ten national championships—a feat unmatched by any other Russian skater to date. Since stepping away from competition, Plushenko has focused on coaching and developing young talent through his academy, Plushenko’s Angels.
The academy expanded its footprint with a second branch in Moscow’s Troparevo district, opening in December 2023. This extension reinforced Plushenko’s commitment to nurturing rising skaters across the capital and beyond, providing access to high-level coaching and training facilities.
Among the athletes training under Plushenko’s guidance in 2024 are Sofya Muravyova, who earned a silver medal at the Russian Championships, along with juniors Sofya Titova and Veronika Zhilina. Their progression highlights the academy’s role in cultivating competitive talent and advancing Russian figure skating on the national stage.
Valieva, who has faced a doping-related disqualification in the past, has been a familiar name on television programs and in skating discussions. Her public profile has influenced conversations about competition, regulation, and the sport’s expectations for its elite athletes. The broader narrative around Valieva’s case continues to intersect with ongoing conversations about governance, testing, and fair play within the sport.