State Duma deputy and former Olympic speed skater Svetlana Zhurova has weighed in on Alina Zagitova, suggesting the figure skater should face a fine for running a red light. According to Match TV coverage, the remark underscores a growing expectation that drivers must adhere to traffic signals, regardless of celebrity status.
Zhurova argued that the violation warrants a penalty. She noted that the public should not overlook such infractions, given that traffic cameras are ubiquitous nowadays. The message was clear: a red-light violation deserves punishment, and refraining from using a mobile device while driving is equally important. Her stance pointed to a deterrent effect, hoping that proper enforcement would cultivate long-term respect for traffic rules among drivers.
Alina Zagitova rose to prominence by winning gold at the 2018 Olympic Games. Beyond the Olympics, Zagitova also earned the 2019 World Cup title and gold and silver medals at the European Championships in 2018 and 2019, highlighting a highly successful skating career that has kept her in the public eye.
Although the skater did not participate in the 2020 and 2021 competitions, there has been no official retirement announcement. In February of the previous year, Zagitova served as captain for the Channel One Cup team tournament, contributing to the Red Machine team’s victory in that event.
Earlier reports noted that a legal expert had warned Zagitova about the implications of red-light running and phone usage behind the wheel, signaling that such behavior could invite penalties and scrutiny from authorities.