Velikova Comments on Daria Usacheva’s Possible Transition and Current Path in Figure Skating
A respected figure skating mentor from Russia, Lyudmila Velikova recently shared thoughts on whether young star Daria Usacheva might someday pivot from singles to ice dancing. In a conversation with a reporter for socialbites.ca, Velikova underscored a fundamental reality about broad career decisions for adolescent athletes: predictions and pressure at age sixteen are premature and often misguided.
Velikova emphasized that it would be inappropriate to define Usacheva’s future in a different role when she is still at an early stage of her development. The coach argued that it is not the place of mentors or fans to solve personal career questions for a young skater. The decision, Velikova noted, belongs to the skater herself, and it should be approached with patience and respect for her autonomy.
Regarding the prospect of success in ice dancing, Velikova pointed out that the domain is highly individualized. Some athletes adapt quickly and excel, while others face a much longer or different learning curve. The coach cautioned against making speculative judgments about who might succeed in a new discipline, especially for someone still refining technique and competitive experience.
Usacheva is currently pursuing her education and continuing training under the guidance of Eteri Tutberidze at her school. This combination of on-rink training and academic dedication reflects a balanced approach to developing both athletic performance and personal growth during the teen years.
In a broader context, the conversation touches on Usacheva’s trajectory following past milestones. In 2020, she earned a silver medal at the junior world championships, showcasing her early potential on the junior international stage. Later, in November 2021, she experienced a serious injury at a major Grand Prix event in Japan, an incident that temporarily interrupted her competitive appearances and required careful rehabilitation and reassessment of training plans.
The broader skating community has sometimes noted disagreements around program direction and judging panels in related events. In this environment, Velikova’s remarks contribute to ongoing discussions about how best to support young skaters as they navigate decisions about specialization, discipline transitions, and the pace of their professional development. Velikova’s perspective aligns with a philosophy that prioritizes personal choice, long-term health, and sustainable growth over rapid specialization or speculative projections about a single future path.
As Usacheva continues her studies and skating journey, observers will watch how her coaches and mentors frame opportunities, provide guidance, and measure progress across disciplines. The ultimate decisions about her competitive focus will reflect a combination of the skater’s ambitions, health status, technical readiness, and the evolving priorities of the coaching team. In this context, patience and support from the skating community remain essential while Usacheva matures and refines her craft.