Russian figure skater Alexandra Trusova spoke with Okko Sports, sharing that reading media headlines during the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing felt odd to her. She noted how long they had been there, how everyone makes mistakes, and how headlines could misrepresent a moment. When a report claimed she had failed in training, she said she paused and reminded herself that she had not failed in training, even if the day felt a touch worse than the previous one. The headlines, she said, often left her puzzled about whether she really failed at all, a reaction that brought a light-hearted laugh. It was described as strange and unusual by the skater.
Beijing proved to be a challenging podium for Trusova. She earned the silver medal, finishing behind fellow Russian skater Anna Shcherbakova, with Kaori Sakamoto of Japan rounding out the top three. The competition highlighted Trusova’s consistency and the pressure of competing at the highest level on a global stage.
Trusova’s coaching journey has been marked by notable shifts. In 2020 she left Eteri Tutberidze to train with Evgeni Plushenko, only to return to Khrustalny in 2021. The following year she again changed her training environment, moving to Svetlana Sokolovskaya’s group. These changes reflected her evolving approach to technique, conditioning, and program selection as she pursued peak performance.
The 2022/23 season brought broader disruptions for Russian skaters, with suspensions impacting international competition. Trusova did not participate in the Russian Championships during that season and last appeared on the ice at the Russian Grand Prix in Samara in late November 2022, finishing in second place. Her national standing from the 2021/22 season is connected to the disqualification of Kamila Valieva, which briefly altered the championship results and allowed Trusova to claim the gold. These circumstances underscore the resilience and adaptability required to maintain elite status during a period of rapid change in the sport.
Earlier in her career, Trusova had responded with humor to enduring questions about athletic youth and longevity. The athlete often treated such inquiries with a mix of wit and candor, illustrating how a champion balances public scrutiny with personal focus. Her trajectory demonstrates a blend of technical prowess, strategic coaching moves, and the mental fortitude to navigate a sport that rewards both precision and perseverance.