On 18 May 2002, Alina Ilnazovna Zagitova was born in Izhevsk. A product of the Russian figure skating system, she developed a tactical approach to competition that centered on back-loading her routines with jumps. This method maximized the bonus points available under the International Skating Union system, effectively redefining the technical standards for female singles skating.
Early Development and Training
Introduced to skating at age four in Almetyevsk by her father, Ilnaz Zagitov, she initially trained under Damira Pichugina. Following a move back to Izhevsk, she worked with Natalia Antipina. At age 13, she relocated to Moscow with her grandmother to join the training group led by Eteri Tutberidze. This period included significant setbacks, specifically a broken arm and a broken leg, which briefly resulted in her removal from the coaching group before she was eventually reinstated.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Junior Career and Technical Strategy
During the 2016–17 season, Zagitova and her choreographers, Eteri Tutberidze and Daniil Gleikhengauz, refined a program structure that featured all jumping elements in the second half. This technical choice secured her a win at the 2016–17 Junior Grand Prix Final in Marseille, where she became the first junior woman to exceed 200 points. She subsequently captured gold at the 2017 World Junior Championships in Taipei, setting records for both the free skate and the combined total.
Senior Success and Impact
Upon moving to the senior level, Zagitova maintained her momentum by winning the 2017 CS Lombardia Trophy and the 2017–18 Grand Prix Final. Her consistency led to a gold medal at the 2018 European Championships in Moscow. Her influence on the sport was so pronounced that the International Skating Union introduced a regulation limiting the number of jumps eligible for bonuses, a change widely associated with her name. She completed a career Super Slam, having secured all major International Skating Union championship titles.
Transition from Competition
In the 2019–20 season, Zagitova declared a break from competitive skating. Since that time, she has transitioned into media roles, serving as a co-host for multiple seasons of the Channel One Russia program Ice Age. She also provides commentary and conducts interviews for domestic skating events, remaining involved in the sport outside of active participation.
Fast facts
- Born: 18 May 2002, Izhevsk
- Citizenship: Russia
- Languages: Russian, Tatar
- 2018 Olympic champion
- 2019 World champion
- 2018 European champion
- Awards: Order of Friendship, Honoured Master of Sports of Russia
Questions readers ask
What is the Zagitova rule?
It is an informal term for an International Skating Union regulation that limits the number of jumps allowed to receive a base value bonus in the second half of a program.
Is Alina Zagitova still competing?
No, she announced a break from competitive skating during the 2019–20 season and has not returned to competition as of 2025.
Achievements
- Order of Friendship
- Competed at the 2018 Winter Olympics
.jpg)
