Russian figure skating is garnering attention as young talents shine on both national and international stages, particularly with the spotlight on Alexander Plushenko, son of renowned Olympic champion Evgeni Plushenko. Recently, Alexander clinched victory at the Moscow Oblast competition held in Krasnogorsk, marking yet another step forward in his promising career.
According to his mother, Yana Rudkovskaya, who is also the producer and general director of the Angels of Plushenko academy, this performance was described as ‘a working skate before the main starts.’ Alexander scored 160.69 points across both his short and free programs, impressively performing all planned jumps except for one. Rudkovskaya shared her insights with Match TV, emphasizing the high expectations around her son and the broad attention he receives from both young fans and adults alike.
"We shouldn’t be congratulated for wins alone. Many don’t write about boys his age, but Alexander gathers the largest viewership and offers enormous traffic to you. That’s his media appeal! Children and adults know him. He’s the reason many purchase tickets for shows and sets himself as an example for younger generations, showcasing his hard work since the age of four," Rudkovskaya stated.
Rudkovskaya reflected on Alexander's rigorous training schedule, which includes appearances alongside top international stars like Yuzuru Hanyu and Nathan Chen, showcasing his talent worldwide. Despite being just twelve years old, Alexander has already begun to self-sustain through endorsements and performance fees, having attracted nine sponsors.
His social media presence is also impressive, with millions of views on platforms like VK, demonstrating the star power he holds and emphasizing his commitment to his craft over becoming merely another influencer. Notably, he regularly engages with his peers and balances his academic responsibilities, hiring tutors and maintaining strong friendships from his academy.
Adding depth to the narrative is the anticipation surrounding the upcoming Grand Prix Final set to take place at the Crystal Ice Palace on February 15 and 16. This prestigious event promises to showcase the country's best figure skaters, including notable pairs like Anastasia Mishina and Alexander Galliamov, and single skaters such as Adelina Petrosyan and Anna Frolova.
The Grand Prix Final is not just any competition; it marks the culmination of five preceding events where only the top performers qualify. Fans can expect exhilarating performances, complex elements, and costumes worthy of attention, all set against the backdrop of passionate rivalries and enthusiastic support from thousands of fans.
Skaters such as Roman Savosin, Gleb Lutfullin, and Vladislav Dikidji will also take to the ice, alongside ten dance pairs, showcasing the depth of talent within the Russian figure skating scene.
Across the ocean, Russian athletes are similarly making waves at the U.S. Figure SkATING Championships. Performing on American soil, Ilya Malinin, Andrew Torgashev, and Alice Efimova are among the leaders, reflecting the remarkable cross-border impact and embedded talent of Russian skaters. Despite the competition not reaching the level of Russian contests, the performances are nonetheless compelling.
Interestingly, the absence of some renowned names from the women's category positioned lesser-known figures such as Amber Glenn to take center stage, securing her place for upcoming significant international competitions. The narrative highlights the bright futures many aspiring skaters are carving for themselves against the backdrop of both competition and camaraderie.
Considering the achievements of these young athletes and the community built around Russian figure skating, one thing stands clear: the sport is set to grow with them. Rudkovskaya’s vision for Alexander emphasizes long-term development, aiming to nurture him for longevity, wanting him to carve out his legacy as his father did. The mantra is simple yet powerful: respect, hard work, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence.
The upcoming competitions will not only reveal the next champions but also the dedication and spirit intertwined within the sport. Whether they will emerge victorious or face challenges, these skaters will undoubtedly continue captivating audiences globally.