The Russian national team for the new season has not included 2022 Olympic champion Anna Shcherbakova or Beijing Games silver medalist Alexandra Trusova in its initial roster, according to the press office of the Ministry of Sport of Russia. This decision marks a notable shift for a pair who already left a strong imprint on the sport and suggests a broader recalibration of the team’s composition as officials assess form, depth, and future potential ahead of a demanding competitive calendar.
In addition to Shcherbakova and Trusova, the list of nominees announced for the national squad also excludes Mikhail Kolyada, the reigning Russian men’s singles champion. The move underscores a period of strategic assessment within Russian figure skating, where both veteran champions and rising talents face scrutiny as planners aim to balance immediate performance with long-term development and international competitiveness.
Anna Shcherbakova has a decorated career that extends beyond Olympic gold. Her record includes three national championship titles in a row from 2019 through 2021, underscoring her status as a dominant force within national competition. She also earned European Championship silver medals in 2020 and 2022, highlighting her consistency on the continental stage. Moreover, Shcherbakova claimed the 2021 World Championship title in Stockholm, marking a peak performance on the world stage and further cementing her place among the sport’s elite athletes during that period.
Alexandra Trusova, another standout, won the Russian Championship in 2022 and has achieved a notable international resume with a bronze at the 2021 World Cup and bronze medals at the European Championships in 2020 and 2022. Her technical repertoire, marked by high-difficulty programs and a strong competitive spirit, has continually influenced the sport and contributed to Russia’s prominent position in women’s singles figure skating on the world scene.
There were further reports concerning discussions around team changes, including an unusual claim about personal connections. It was reported that Boris Smolkin, the father of skater Gleb Smolkin, reportedly spoke by phone in relation to team decisions, and that rumors circulated about Tutberidze’s daughter transferring to Georgia’s national team. Such rumors illustrate how rumors can circulate in the lead-up to major roster announcements, but official disclosures typically rely on formal statements from the ministry and the national federation rather than conjecture about individual athletes or family matters. Analysts and fans alike will await forthcoming official updates to understand how the roster will evolve as preparations intensify for the upcoming season.