World junior champions split as Luka Berulava and Karina Safina part ways in skating partnership
The dynamic pair, celebrated as World junior doubles champions, have announced that they will no longer skate together. Safina shared the news on social media, reflecting on the end of a chapter and the realities of sports partnerships. She wrote that not every story ends on a happy note, and that some endings are simply part of life. The message underscored that the present moment marks a conclusion that the athletes did not choose to reach together.
Prior to 2021, the skater now 18 years old competed for Russia. She later formed a new partnership with Berulava, representing Georgia on the ice. The two quickly became one of the sport’s notable duos, achieving top results on the junior stage and earning recognition at major events. They won the Junior World Championships, finished fourth at both the World and European Championships, and placed ninth at the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing, marking a high point for their collaboration on the world stage.
The world of figure skating has faced significant changes tied to wider international governance. The International Skating Union, or ISU, suspended athletes from Russia and Belarus from competitions following recommendations issued by the International Olympic Committee. In early June 2022, the ISU Congress formally approved the suspension framework, a move that reshaped eligibility and competition dynamics across major events. The exact terms of how the suspension would unfold created ongoing discussions within the sport as organizers implemented the policy across events and disciplines.
Within Russia’s coaching landscape, the public discourse around training methods and athlete relationships has frequently drawn attention. Eteri Tutberidze, a highly prominent coach whose work has shaped several generations of skaters, has been linked to notable discussions about rivalries and tensions among elite athletes. A recent round of commentary touched on the broader patterns of competition and personal dynamics in the skating community, illustrating how coaches and athletes navigate the pressures of performance, media scrutiny, and national sporting expectations.
The end of the partnership between Berulava and Safina signals a new chapter for both skaters as they chart independent paths on the ice. For Safina, the experience of skating for two different countries—Russia early in her career and Georgia during her rise to junior championship status—reflects broader patterns in international sports where athletes arrive at cross-border collaborations to pursue training opportunities, coaching networks, and competitive chances. As the sport evolves, skaters, coaches, and national federations continue to adapt to changing eligibility rules, event formats, and the ever-present drive to excel on the world stage.
Fans and analysts will likely watch closely how either skater pursues new partnerships or solo routines. The narrative around late-stage partnerships in figure skating often involves a mix of technical development, emotional dynamics, and strategic planning for future events. In this context, Safina’s public framing of the ending—frank, reflective, and grounded in the reality of athletic life—resonates with many who follow the sport closely. The road ahead for both athletes remains open, with opportunities to compete, train, and pursue new partnerships that could shape the next phase of their careers.
Looking back at the broader competitive environment, the sport continues to balance ambitions with governance, athlete welfare, and the evolving landscape of international competition. The discussions around suspensions, eligibility, and how federations support skaters through transitions have become a regular feature of the sport’s narrative. As conversations unfold, the skating world remains focused on technique, artistry, and resilience—qualities that define the journeys of Berulava, Safina, and many athletes who navigate similar transitions with determination.