Alina Zagitova

🧊 Introduction to Alina Zagitova

Alina Ilnazovna Zagitova is a renowned Russian figure skater celebrated for her remarkable achievements on the ice. Born on May 18, 2002, in Izhevsk, Udmurtia, Russia, she rose to prominence as one of the youngest Olympic champions in figure skating history. Her dedication, technical prowess, and artistic expression have left an indelible mark on the sport.

👶 Early Life and Background

Alina was born into a Tatar family; her father, Ilnaz Zagitov, is a professional ice hockey coach, and her mother, Leysan Zagitova, has been a supportive figure throughout her career. She has a younger sister named Sabina. Interestingly, Alina remained unnamed for a year until her parents decided to name her after the rhythmic gymnast Alina Kabaeva. She began skating at the age of five in Almetyevsk, Tatarstan, under coach Damira Pichugina. In 2008, her family moved back to Izhevsk, where she trained with coach Natalia Antipina. At 13, Alina relocated to Moscow with her grandmother to train at the renowned Sambo 70 club under the guidance of Eteri Tutberidze and Sergei Dudakov .

⛸️ Skating Career and Achievements

Junior Career

Alina's international debut came during the 2016–17 season. She quickly made a name for herself by winning gold at the ISU Junior Grand Prix in France and securing the Junior Grand Prix Final title, becoming the first junior lady to surpass the 200-point mark in a competition. Her success continued with a gold medal at the 2017 World Junior Championships .

Senior Career

Transitioning to the senior level in the 2017–18 season, Alina's impact was immediate. She clinched gold at the 2017 Internationaux de France and the 2017 Cup of China, leading to her victory at the Grand Prix Final. In 2018, she won the European Championships and the Russian National Championships. Her crowning achievement came at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, where, at just 15 years old, she won the gold medal in the ladies' singles event, becoming the first Russian woman to do so. She also contributed to Russia's silver medal in the team event .

In 2019, Alina secured the World Championship title in Saitama, Japan, with a total score of 237.50 points, further solidifying her status as one of the sport's elite athletes 

🎓 Education and Personal Life

Beyond the rink, Alina pursued higher education in journalism at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, graduating in July 2024. She is also studying at the Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth, and Tourism, focusing on figure skating coaching. Alina is known for her love of animals; she owns an Akita dog named Masaru, gifted to her by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe after her Olympic victory, as well as a cat and two chinchillas 

🎤 Post-Competitive Career

In December 2019, Alina announced a hiatus from competitive skating to focus on her education and other opportunities. She transitioned into media, co-hosting the Russian television show "Ice Age" alongside Olympic champion Alexei Yagudin. Alina also served as a reporter for Channel One Russia during the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, providing insights and interviews from the Games 

🏆 Legacy and Impact

Alina Zagitova's career is marked by a series of historic achievements. She is one of the few skaters to have won all major international competitions: the Olympic Games, World Championships, European Championships, Grand Prix Final, and World Junior Championships. Her technical skills, particularly her strategic placement of jumps in the second half of her programs to maximize scoring potential, have influenced the sport's competitive strategies. Alina's dedication, resilience, and artistry continue to inspire aspiring skaters worldwide.