In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the figure skating community, 16-year-old Russian figure skater Veronika Zhilina has come forward with serious allegations against her former coach, Sergei Rozanov. Speaking to Match TV, Zhilina detailed instances of harassment that she experienced during her training camps, particularly one held in Kislovodsk.
According to Zhilina, the troubling behavior began when she was just 11 years old. Her mother, Lyudmila Alferova, who is also a coach at the Angels of Plushenko academy, initially brought these allegations to light in a Telegram channel. Alferova expressed her outrage, stating, "If I were to tell you about Rozanov's behavior towards Nika when she was 11, you would be shocked. But an interview will come later. I was not present, but my child called me, saying that Rozanov was trying to pull her into his room... No one helped her. When Evgeni Plushenko learned about this, he expelled Rozanov from the academy. Rozanov is evil! He is stuck in his teenage years, and he is drawn to minors. All other children and their parents need to hear me. Everyone should know this pedophile!"
In Zhilina's own words, she recounted her experiences: "While at a training camp in Kislovodsk, Sergei Rozanov came to my room and offered to give me a massage. I refused because I was alone in the room at that time. The same thing happened in the hall after warm-ups when all the athletes and coaches had already left. He came with a can of beer and trained me in my room." These statements paint a troubling picture of the dynamics between coach and athlete, raising serious concerns about the safety of young athletes in training environments.
Rozanov, who worked at the Angels of Plushenko academy from 2020 to 2021, has yet to respond to these allegations, having remained silent when approached by Match TV for comment. Furthermore, he has not made any statements to other media outlets or on his social media platforms. Currently, it appears that Rozanov is primarily working abroad, distancing himself from the controversy.
Veronika Zhilina has had a promising career in figure skating, recently earning accolades such as the silver medal at the Russian Junior Championships and winning the Russian Grand Prix Final among juniors. However, the impact of these allegations on her mental well-being and athletic career remains to be seen.
In a significant twist, it has also been reported that Zhilina plans to change her sporting citizenship to compete for Azerbaijan in the upcoming season. This decision comes amidst the fallout from her allegations and suggests a desire for a fresh start in her competitive career.
The figure skating community is now left grappling with the implications of these serious allegations. The safety and well-being of young athletes must be prioritized, and this situation highlights the need for accountability and transparency in sports coaching. As more details emerge, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on both Zhilina's courageous disclosures and the broader issues of athlete safety in competitive sports.
As Zhilina continues her training at the Evgeni Plushenko Academy, the support from fellow athletes and the community will be crucial in her journey forward. The hope is that her bravery in speaking out will inspire others who may be facing similar situations to come forward and seek help.
