Russian figure skaters Elizaveta Tuktamysheva, Alina Zagitova, and Anna Shcherbakova are named as team captains for the Channel One Cup, a decision announced by Channel One television. This selection signals a high-profile leadership trio for the team event, underscoring the depth of talent within Russian ladies’ skating and the strategic roles these skaters are expected to play as captains. (Channel One)
The team tournament is scheduled for March 2-3, 2024, with the venue set in St. Petersburg. The competition will take place at a prominent venue in the city, and the draw to determine teams and pairings is planned for March 1. (Channel One)
Alina Zagitova’s athletic resume remains among the most decorated in the sport. She is a Olympic gold medalist and has captured the world title, along with gold at the 2019 World Championships and European championships in 2018 and 2019, including silver medals in those European campaigns. Zagitova’s achievements place her among a rare group of skaters who have achieved clean sweeps across the major Russian, European, and world stages, following in the footsteps of a select few in figure skating history. (Channel One)
During the 2023/24 season, Elizaveta Tuktamysheva announced a temporary pause from professional competition. In the previous season, she secured notable victories by winning the 4th stage of the Russian Grand Prix held in Moscow and the 6th stage in Perm, illustrating continued competitive strength even during a break from full-time touring. (Channel One)
Anna Shcherbakova stands out as a defining figure of the new generation. She claimed the title of world champion in 2021 and contributed to Russia’s success at the World Team Figure Skating Championships the same year. She has earned silver at the European Championships in 2020 and secured the Russian Championship title in 2019, 2020, and 2021, with a silver medal at the national level in 2022. These results emphasize her consistency and rising influence within the sport. (Channel One)
In the broader context of Shcherbakova’s remarks, she has previously spoken about the Olympic cycle and the secrets behind peak performance, offering insights into the mindset and preparation that underpins elite figure skating at the highest levels. These discussions reflect the ongoing interest in how athletes sustain form across major campaigns and the resilience required to compete at top events year after year. (Channel One)
The Channel One Cup is positioned as a showcase event that blends individual skill with team dynamics, inviting fans to watch how captains coordinate strategy, motivate teammates, and elevate national pride on a prominent international stage. The event’s schedule and lineup are designed to generate anticipation for the sport’s next chapter, highlighting the continued prominence of Russian skaters on the world stage. (Channel One)