On May 18, the streets of Tokyo lit up with birthday cheers for Russian figure skater Alina Zagitova as she marked her 20th birthday. The city celebrated in a big way, projecting congratulations on a massive digital scoreboard that dominated a portion of the skyline and reminded locals and visitors alike of her high profile in the skating world.
Zagitova’s journey in competitive skating spans standout moments that shifted the sport’s spotlight. In 2019, she delivered a spectacular performance at the World Championships in Saitama, clinching the gold medal in single skating. That victory solidified her status among the sport’s elite and showcased a blend of artistry, technical precision, and fearless poise that fans still recall today.
Beyond the World Championship gold, Zagitova has earned medals at the Olympic Games and the European Championships, reflecting a career marked by consistency at the highest level. She has faced periods away from competition, missing the 2020 and 2021 seasons, yet she has not announced retirement. Earlier this year in February, she served as captain for the Channel One Cup team event, a competition won by the team she represented, known as the Red Machine in their home team league context.
In 2020, Zagitova hosted Ice Age, a project that added another facet to her public profile and gave fans a glimpse into her interests beyond the ice. The influence she carries within Russian skating circles remains strong, with peers and fans following her post-competitive journey with keen interest and respect.
Reflecting on her place within the pantheon of Russian figure skating, Elena Berezhnaya, herself a former Olympic champion, has weighed in. Berezhnaya has publicly spoken about the sheer breadth of talent in Russia and around the world. She has emphasized that the title of “greatest” is a contested honor with many deserving names, noting that Irina Rodnina stands among the most towering figures in the sport while suggesting that other skaters also hold significant, cherished legacies. This nuanced view underscores the evolving conversation about greatness in figure skating and places Zagitova within a long continuum of excellence.