Tatyana Tarasova, a renowned coach once celebrated in Soviet figure skating circles, has shared her view on Alexandra Trusova, suggesting that the skater may not currently see a path back to top-level competition. These thoughts were conveyed with Tarasova speaking to Match TV, offering a candid assessment of Trusova’s mental and athletic status.
The coach believes that the core issue lies in the skater’s mindset. In Tarasova’s estimation, the decision to compete or to train seems to rest with Trusova herself rather than with her coaching team, and this self-direction could be a major obstacle. Tarasova questions the expectations that Trusova has set for herself and others, noting that the athlete has already endured a year away from the ice. The path back, Tarasova argues, would require intense dedication and relentless effort to recover and refine every jump in Trusova’s repertoire. Tarasova emphasizes that Trusova possesses undeniable talent, but restoring the full array of jumps demands a level of work that may be hard to sustain if the mindset remains focused on other considerations.
The veteran coach cautions that such an attitude does not position a skater to contend at the highest level. In Tarasova’s view, this approach diminishes accountability and does not put the athlete in a competitive frame of mind. The situation, Tarasova notes, is deeply unfortunate because responsibility toward training and competition appears to be lacking, which is crucial for a successful return to elite skating.
In late August, Sport-Express reported that Trusova had no plans to compete in the 2023/24 season, a decision that aligns with the broader context of international sport restrictions affecting Russian skaters. The timing of this news is linked to ongoing developments in the sport and the broader international responses that have shaped competition schedules and eligibility for Russian athletes. This context has been widely discussed in skating circles and sports media outlets, with various analyses noting how external factors can influence an athlete’s ability to train and compete at the highest levels.
At the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing, Trusova earned a silver medal, finishing behind her fellow Russian competitor Anna Shcherbakova. Prior to the official ceremony, Trusova declined to attend and expressed strong emotions that she might never again perform on the ice. A video capturing her tears circulated widely on social media, fueling debates about the pressures faced by top athletes and the personal toll of high-stakes competition.
Following the suspension or exclusion of Russian skaters from certain international events, Trusova missed the Russian Championship in the 2022/23 season. Her last on-ice appearance occurred at the Russian Grand Prix in Samara at the end of November 2022, where she finished in second place. This sequence underscores the challenges that the skater has faced in maintaining competitive momentum amid shifting schedules and eligibility concerns that have affected participation in major events.
Observers note that the arc of Trusova’s career has been shaped by rapid rises, dramatic emotional moments, and a persistent question about whether she can return to peak form. The discussion centers on not only physical readiness but also the mental and strategic choices that influence a skater’s training regimen, competition readiness, and long-term commitment to the sport. Analysts and fans continue to monitor developments, recognizing that the road back to elite status requires a blend of disciplined training, clear goals, and a resilient mindset that can withstand the pressures of modern figure skating. (Industry outlets and analysts provide ongoing coverage and context for these developments.)