Alina Zagitova, the 2018 Olympic champion in women’s single figure skating, shared a moment from the Lovers in Figure Skating show at Moscow’s CSKA Arena on February 14. The post featured a backstage photo captured in the locker room, surrounded by gifts from spectators who admired her artistry on the ice.
She noted, in a simple caption, that February 14 is traditionally a workday for her, adding a cheerful, Happy Valentine’s Day. This keepsake from the show underscores how her career blends performance with personal celebration.
Across her competitive years, Zagitova collected a remarkable haul: a 2019 World Championship gold, along with European titles in 2018 and 2019, and a silver at the European Championships. Her run placed her among the sport’s elite, marking her as the second skater in history to achieve dominance in both Russian national championships and world events during that era.
After stepping away from many events in 2020 and 2021, Zagitova hinted at a continued presence in the sport rather than retirement. In February 2022, she stepped into a leadership role as captain for the Channel One Cup team event, contributing to a victorious effort by the Red Machine squad.
There has been discussion about potential replacements for Kamila Valieva on Eteri Tutberidze’s training setup amid Valieva’s suspension. The topic has circulated in the skating world as coaches and skaters consider who may step in to fill critical roles on high-profile programs.