Figure skater Alina Zagitova will not take part in the test skates of the Russian national team, which will be held in Moscow "Megasport" from 12 to 13 September.
This was reported by the press service of the Russian Figure Skating Federation (FFKKR), having published a statement with which the Olympic champion Pyeongchang-2018 applied.
“I decided not to participate in the test skates, because at the moment it is very interesting for me to try myself in a new role as the host of“ Ice Age ”.
I ask you to treat my request with understanding and agree on this decision, ”the message says.
According to RT, the organization did everything possible to ensure that Zagitova did not refuse the first significant event when the skaters demonstrate their readiness for the new season.
However, the parties failed to agree and she made a choice in favor of the TV show.
General Director of the FFKKR Alexander Kogan expressed regret over this decision, although he urged to treat it with understanding.
“Of course, it's a pity that she doesn't perform.
She has a very interesting short program.
At least I'm judging by what I've seen.
Therefore, we feel sports sadness because of this decision, "- quotes Kogan" Championship ".
Rumors that Zagitova will become co-host of Alexei Yagudin in the new season of "Ice Age" appeared at the end of August.
But then neither she nor the creators of the show confirmed this information.
Officially this became known only two days ago.
At the same time, the main director, Ilya Averbukh, emphasized that the refusal from test rentals is not related to the television project, since the presenter is involved in filming only four times a month.
Pupil Eteri Tutbridze is not announced for the stages of the Russian Cup, which will be a selection for the national championship.
According to the president of the FFKKR Alexander Gorshkov, her participation in the competition "is not yet in question."
"If I were in her place, I would end up with sports"
For representatives of Russian figure skating, Zagitova's decision did not come as a surprise.
World champion in 1993, and now coach Alexander Zhulin admitted that he had assumed such a development of events since her participation in the "Ice Age" was confirmed.
At the same time, he noted the possible negative consequences.
“I think Alina will miss the season.
The fact that she announced this at the last moment is probably not entirely correct.
It is necessary somehow in advance.
There will still be someone to look at, but it's a loss when such a name is not involved.
It is bad for the audience that it will not be there, ”Sport24 quotes Zhulin.
Of course, the question arose again about the possibility of Zagitova's return to sports after a pause, which she took in December last year.
According to the four-time world champion Natalia Bestemyanova, the figure skater should already announce her retirement.
“Alina is an adult girl and can make her own decisions.
In her place, I would finish with sports and do other things, which are a lot in life: shows, performances, studies.
She can achieve a lot more, because she is very young.
In sports, Zagitova got everything one could dream of.
They adore her, what else is needed? "
- Bestemyanova declared to the Championship.
Yagudin adheres to a similar point of view.
He supported the athlete, noting that her life is just beginning.
“She doesn't owe anyone anything, we just have to say“ thank you ”for what she has already done!
She has a complete set: Europe, the world, Russia, the Olympics.
Everything, further can do what he wants! "
- Yagudin emphasized.
At the same time, some still hope for the return of Tutberidze's student.
So, according to two-time Olympic champion Maxim Trankov, there is nothing surprising in a potential season skip, since due to the coronavirus pandemic it will turn out to be crumpled anyway.
“Nobody really needs this season: just so that the athletes do not stagnate.
Perhaps Alina decided to focus on the "Ice Age".
This is a new profession for her.
I know from myself how difficult it is to work on television.
It takes a lot of time, "Trankov explained.
At the same time, the 2015 Universiade champion Alena Leonova suggested that it would not be a problem for Zagitova to return to sports after such a long break.
“Filming in Ice Age takes a long time.
She probably won't perform this season.
But Alina is a very strong athlete, she is only 18 years old.
Nothing prevents her from returning to sports next season.
I don't see anything impossible here if it is competitive against the background of the others, ”TNV quotes Leonova.
It is worth noting that the shooting of "Ice Age" is already in full swing, and the first shots of Zagitova and Yagudin as presenters began to appear on social networks.
In addition, the Salt Lake City Olympic champion said that the 2019 world champion takes her duties very seriously and even works with a speech teacher.
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Posted by Alexei Yagudin (@ alexei.yagudin) Sep 8, 2020 1:46 pm PDT
Elena Isinbaeva, two-time Olympic champion in pole vaulting, who is on the jury of the TV show, also shared her impressions of the process.
“Although today she was a little worried, confused the words, but by the end of the season Alina will reveal herself, show her full potential. It is clear that she managed to achieve the Olympic medal with hard work. Likewise, in journalism, Zagitova will be able to achieve everything thanks to hard work, ”Isinbayeva is sure.