At the recent Russian Figure Skaking Grand Prix Final held on February 27, 2025, emotions ran high as junior figure skaters shared their experiences and showcased their talents. Among them was Alisa Dvoeglazova, who captivated audiences and judges alike by achieving the highest score of 73.50 points during the short program. Reflecting on her performance, she expressed surprise at her success, especially since she was aware of competitors with more complex routines.
"I did not expect to see myself in first place at all. I saw many girls with more complicated content, so it was quite unexpected for me," said Dvoeglazova. She attributed her focus and determination to coach Eteri Tutberidze, expressing gratitude for Tutberidze's supportive nature, stating, "Eteri Georgievna (Tutberidze) always helps keep us motivated, always says the right words." This sentiment highlights the importance of coaching and emotional support at such high-stakes events.
Meanwhile, another competitor, Nikolai Kolesnikov, shared his reflections on his own performance. He captured the audience's attention with his efforts, scoring 80.38 points and placing third in the short program. "My preparation was steady; we worked on all elements. What’s more important is showing my work, so I do not focus on placements," he explained. Kolesnikov admitted, though, to being only 80% satisfied with his routine due to a less-than-perfect cascade element. "It wasn’t very good, but overall, I felt it went well," he added philosophically.
Both Dvoeglazova and Kolesnikov are prime examples of the dedication and hard work required at this level of competition. The pressure to perform is immense, yet Kolesnikov emphasized his love for figure skating. "For me, this is like a celebration; I love to perform. The anxiety varies before each event, but I enjoy the process." His approach speaks volumes about the balance between competitive stress and the joy of the sport.
International figure skating was also represented by Lukas Brichtgi, the 2025 European champion. With enthusiasm, he dropped insightful critiques about the levels of technicality presented by contemporary skaters. He noted, "There are those who incorporate many quadruples without enough artistic merit, which is not ideal for the sport. We need to strike a balance between technical proficiency and artistry, as just having technical jumps without substance can lead to disengagement from the audience." Brichtgi's observations underline the growing trend of technical difficulty prevailing over artistry among some competitors.
Reflecting on his past encounters with Russian skaters, he expressed admiration for their continued growth. "When I competed against them, they were such innocent juniors, but now they have developed impressive skills. Those quadruples they perform are truly astounding!" Despite his excitement to see such talent, Brichtgi posed complex questions about the future direction of figure skating—especially with the Olympics approaching.
These remarks and performances at the Grand Prix Final mark the beginning of what promises to be another exciting season leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympics. The stakes are high as athletes prepare for the Olympic qualification competitions, which will take place from September 17 to 21, 2025, in Beijing. Each competitor is not only vying for Olympic spots but also for their place within the storied tradition of figure skating, where artistry must harmonize with athleticism.
Moving forward, fans and analysts will keep their eyes on these burgeoning athletes as they navigate the pressures and expectations placed upon them, ready to make their marks on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.