Tarasova Comments on Trusova’s Form and Recent Test Skates
Renowned coach Tatyana Tarasova weighed in on the current condition of figure skater Alexandra Ignatova, better known in recent years as Trusova. She indicated that Ignatova is not yet in peak form, but she expressed confidence that the skater will reach the desired level with continued training. Tarasova noted having observed Ignatova in practice sessions and said there was no doubt about the athlete’s eventual readiness. The message was clear: progress is happening, even if the body needs more time to respond to the demanding routines of elite competition.
On September 14, Ignatova stepped onto the ice as part of the Russian national team’s test skates and unveiled a fresh short program. In that program, she landed a single double axel and a triple somersault cleanly, demonstrating the technical potential she possesses when her edges and takeoffs align. However, the performance also highlighted some hurdles. The footwork sequence in the second portion of the program did not go as planned, following a less precise landing on a triple lutz. The result was a single, imperfect element that interrupted the otherwise solid display, underscoring the delicate balance required to execute high-difficulty moves under competitive pressure.
Looking back at Ignatova’s competitive history, the skater had not participated in major events for a period before this season. Her most recent notable appearance occurred in November 2022, when she finished in second place at the Russian Grand Prix in Samara. That result stood as a reminder of her potential and capability to contend with strong national rivals on the ice, even as she prepared for a return to more frequent competition and higher-stakes performances.
In another development at the test skates on September 15, Ignatova attempted a quadruple lutz during the free program segment. The attempt did not unfold as planned, with the difficulty of the element contributing to a fall that interrupted her free program. Such moments are not unusual in the lead-up to major championships, where athletes push the envelope to test new combinations and refine their execution under the watchful eyes of coaches, judges, and fans alike. This specific setback provided more data for her coaching team to review as they map a path toward greater consistency in both short and free programs.
Overall, the period around the latest test skates reveals a skater who is navigating the challenging transition from rehabilitation and incremental improvement to reliably executing high-difficulty content in competition. Ignatova’s camp continues to emphasize patience and steady progression, balancing ambitious technical goals with the practical need to deliver clean, consistent performances on the ice. The interaction of training, program development, and strategic competition planning remains central to her path forward, and observers are watching closely to see how her technical breadth and artistic presentation evolve in the months ahead.