In a shocking revelation, 16-year-old Russian figure skater Veronika Zhilina has accused her former coach, Sergei Rozanov, of sexual harassment during their time together at the Angels of Plushenko figure skating academy. Zhilina shared her distressing experiences in an interview with Match TV, detailing incidents that occurred during training camps in Kislovodsk.
According to Zhilina, Rozanov would come to her hotel room, insisting on giving her massages, which she consistently refused. She recounted, "Serguei Rozanov came to my room, offered, and long insisted on giving me a massage, which I refused." The young athlete also described another troubling incident that took place in the training hall after a workout, where Rozanov persisted in his advances after all the other athletes and coaches had left. "He insisted on something when all the athletes and coaches left the hall," Zhilina stated, adding that Rozanov even came to her room with an alcoholic drink, attempting to continue their training session there.
These accusations have sparked significant concern within the figure skating community, especially as Zhilina's mother, Lyudmila Alferova, previously revealed that Rozanov had exhibited inappropriate behavior towards her daughter when she was just 11 years old. Alferova had voiced her worries publicly on a Telegram channel, emphasizing the need for accountability and protection for young athletes.
In light of these serious allegations, lawyer Alexander Dobrovinsky commented on the potential legal ramifications. He indicated that if Zhilina chooses to file a police report, her claims would need to be thoroughly investigated. "It is difficult to judge how law enforcement agencies will act. According to the law, the person making the complaint must be questioned. They will be called in to answer questions about how everything happened, where, and under what circumstances. Only after all this is laid out will the investigator decide whether to pursue a criminal case or not," Dobrovinsky explained.
Rozanov, who worked at Evgeni Plushenko's academy until 2021 and was also part of Eteri Tutberidze's coaching group, has yet to comment publicly on the accusations made against him. This silence has led to increased scrutiny of his past conduct and the culture surrounding figure skating training environments.
Veronika Zhilina has made a name for herself in the sport, recently achieving notable success by winning the silver medal at the 2022/23 Russian Championship among juniors and clinching the title at the Final of the Grand Prix of Russia among juniors. However, her career has not been without challenges; she missed two years of competition due to a significant back injury. As she looks to the future, it has been announced that Zhilina will represent Azerbaijan in upcoming competitions, marking a new chapter in her athletic journey.
As the situation develops, many are calling for a thorough investigation into the allegations made by Zhilina. The figure skating community is rallying around her, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe environment for young athletes to train and compete. The potential legal proceedings and the broader implications of these allegations could lead to significant changes in how such cases are handled within sports organizations.
In a world where the safety and well-being of young athletes are paramount, Zhilina's courage in speaking out may pave the way for others to share their experiences and seek justice. This situation serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities coaches and mentors hold in protecting the young talents entrusted to them.
As the investigation unfolds, the figure skating community and fans alike will be watching closely to see how the allegations against Rozanov are addressed and what measures will be implemented to ensure the safety of all athletes moving forward.
