Alina Zagitova, the Olympic champion in figure skating, posted a video on her Instagram account capturing her arrival at the event that unveiled a new clip by pop singer Philip Kirkorov. In the caption she wrote that she was at the presentation of the Black Panther video and tagged the artist, finishing with a black heart emoji. The footage reveals Kirkorov kissing Zagitova on the hand, a moment that drew significant attention from fans and media alike.
Zagitova earned her Olympic title in 2018, a milestone that placed her among the sport’s elite. In addition to the Olympic gold, she secured the gold at the 2019 World Championships and earned gold and silver medals at the European Championships in 2018 and 2019. She remains one of Russia’s most successful solo skaters, celebrated for her ability to win major titles across several events. After stepping away from competitive skating in 2019, she shifted focus toward other professional pursuits and has not returned to international competition since then.
During her break from competition, Zagitova moved into television, co-hosting the show Ice Age with another Olympic champion, Alexei Yagudin. For the program’s new season, the hosting duties were taken over by Evgenia Medvedeva, a two-time world champion. On June 19, Zagitova defended her thesis, earning excellent marks in Production and Cultural Policy, marking a notable milestone in her academic journey.
Zagitova’s public life continues to attract attention from fans and media alike. She remains active in public appearances, interviews, and charitable events while exploring opportunities in media, education, and sports commentary. Her steady balance of athletic legacy, media work, and ongoing studies demonstrates a broader portrait of a modern athlete navigating life beyond the rink.
Throughout her career Zagitova has inspired a new generation of skaters and fans. Her journey shows how elite sport can intersect with education and media presence. Observers note her impact on Russian skating and her role in shaping the sport’s future, as she continues to build a diverse portfolio of achievements.