Adelina Dmitriyevna Sotnikova achieved international prominence in 2014 when she secured the ladies' singles gold medal at the Sochi Winter Olympics. This victory established her as one of the youngest champions in the history of Olympic figure skating. Born in Moscow on 1 July 1996, she began her competitive career at age four, eventually dominating the Russian national circuit.
Early Competitive Success
Sotnikova commenced her formal training at the Yuzhny ice rink under Anna Patrikeeva before transitioning to the CSKA facility to work with coach Elena Buianova. By the 2008–2009 season, she reached the senior level, capturing her first Russian national title at age 12. Her junior career included winning the 2010 Junior Grand Prix Final and the 2011 Junior World Championships.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Transition to Senior International Competition
During the 2011–2012 season, she entered the senior Grand Prix circuit. Despite a leg injury that forced her to withdraw from the Ondrej Nepela Memorial, she earned bronze medals at the 2011 Cup of China and the 2011 Rostelecom Cup. She later secured a silver medal at the 2012 Youth Olympic Games and a bronze at the 2012 World Junior Championships.
The 2014 Sochi Olympic Games
Sotnikova entered the 2014 Sochi Olympics following a fourth national championship win. Although excluded from the team event, she delivered a performance that earned 224.59 points, overtaking Kim Yuna to claim gold. Following this result, she received the Order of Friendship from Vladimir Putin. Her victory became the subject of intense scrutiny regarding judging impartiality and the scoring system.
Retirement and Legacy
Following her Olympic season, injuries plagued her progression, including a torn ankle ligament that caused withdrawals during the 2014–2015 season. She ceased active competition after the 2015–2016 season and officially announced her retirement on 1 March 2020. Educated at the Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism, she acknowledged failing a drug test during the 2014 Olympics, though her second sample yielded no evidence of doping.
Fast facts
- Born: 1 July 1996, Moscow
- Citizenship: Russia
- Occupation: Figure skater
- Olympic Gold Medal: 2014 Ladies' singles
- Russian National Champion: 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014
- Retirement Date: 1 March 2020
- Education: Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism
Questions readers ask
When did Adelina Sotnikova retire?
She announced her retirement from figure skating on 1 March 2020.
How many times did she win the Russian national title?
She won the Russian national title four times, in 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2014.
Achievements
- Order of Friendship
- Competed at the 2014 Winter Olympics
- Competed at the 2012 Winter Youth Olympics
