Two-time Olympic champion and renowned coach Evgeni Plushenko has spoken about how skaters and their parents should interact, emphasizing the need for a respectful, constructive atmosphere. His remarks, reported by RIA News, highlight the importance of a positive team environment where focus remains on training and progress rather than friction or drama.
According to Plushenko, the key to effective communication with skaters’ families lies in establishing clear boundaries and a shared commitment to the sport. When disruptive behavior arises, he notes that it is best addressed directly with the family involved while letting the young athletes stay focused on their routines. The overarching goal is to foster a supportive climate that helps skaters grow, learn discipline, and enjoy their time on the ice.
In 2017, after concluding his competitive career, Plushenko launched his own figure skating academy, Plushenko’s Angels. The program has welcomed a number of standout talents over the years, including Olympic champion Adelina Sotnikova, coach Sergei Rozanov, and, from 2023 onward, rising star Alena Kostornaya. The academy is known for its rigorous training philosophy, which combines technical proficiency with a strong emphasis on mental resilience and team spirit.
Recent seasons have seen notable results from Plushenko’s students. In February 2023, Veronika Zhilina earned a silver medal at the Russian junior championships, while Sofia Titova claimed fourth place, underscoring the program’s growing depth and competitive level. These achievements reflect the academy’s ability to develop young skaters who can contend at national and international stages while maintaining a healthy, encouraging training environment.
Later that year, December 23, another Plushenko student, Sofia Muravyova, achieved a high placement at the Russian Championships, finishing second. The competition was won by Adelia Petrosyan, a pupil of Eteri Tutberidze, with Olympic champion Kamila Valieva also finishing among the top contenders. This result demonstrates the highly competitive landscape of Russian ladies’ singles and the ongoing dialogue among coaches about how to nurture talent within a demanding elite framework. It also highlights the presence of multiple coaching philosophies within the sport and how they influence athlete development and performance, including Plushenko’s emphasis on a positive group dynamic that supports sustained growth.
Earlier discussions around prioritizing influence and mentorship within coaching circles have noted shifts in coaching relationships and star student alignments. The discourse often centers on how coaches manage expectations, maintain motivation, and ensure that the focus remains on athletic progress rather than external pressures. Plushenko’s approach contributes to this broader conversation by advocating for a stable, encouraging environment where athletes feel supported to pursue their best without undue stress or disruption.