The Rising Star of Figure Skating: Adeliia Petrosian and Her Olympic Journey

As the Winter Olympics unfold, one name stands out among the competitors: Adeliia Petrosian. The 18-year-old Russian figure skater arrives in Milan with a unique combination of potential and mystery, aiming for a coveted gold medal. In this article, we’ll delve into Petrosian’s journey and what to expect from her during these Olympic Games.

A Limited Competitive Background

Due to Russia’s exclusion from international competitions amidst the ongoing war with Ukraine, Petrosian has had limited opportunities to showcase her skills on grand stages, competing in only one senior event outside her homeland—the qualifier that secured her spot as a neutral athlete in Milan. This scarcity of exposure makes her performance even more intriguing.

As she prepares to skate to Michael Jackson’s music in her short program on Tuesday, the only people who truly know her current form are Petrosian herself and her controversial coach, Eteri Tutberidze. Questions about her fitness and readiness abound, but her talent is undeniable.

Competing Against the Best

If Petrosian can navigate her performance successfully, she will face off against formidable rivals, including the U.S. trio known as the “Blade Angels” and Japan’s top skaters. Success could catapult her into the spotlight as the fourth consecutive Olympic champion from Russia.

The Tutberidze Coaching Legacy

Petrosian is part of the legacy built by Eteri Tutberidze, whose training methods have redefined women’s figure skating over the last decade. Tutberidze’s students—including 2018 gold medalist Alina Zagitova and last year’s standout Anna Shcherbakova—have consistently achieved high scores, often through ambitious jumps. However, this success has come at the cost of injuries for many athletes.

The aftermath of the 2022 Beijing Games, which included a high-profile doping controversy involving Tutberidze’s student Kamila Valieva, has led to increased scrutiny of Tutberidze’s coaching style. Following this episode, the International Skating Union raised the minimum age for senior-level athletes from 15 to 17, making Petrosian one of the oldest female skaters under Tutberidze’s guidance at this level.

High Scores and High Stakes

Petrosian has demonstrated her ability to execute quadruple jumps in national competitions, setting her apart from other skaters at the Milan Games. However, her recent struggles with injury and fitness raise critical questions about her performance potential. In a recent documentary, she expressed concerns about her ability to turn properly, hinting at underlying issues.

Fitness has been a recurring theme in her journey, even prompting her to consider stepping aside for a lower-ranked skater earlier this season. However, her competitive spirit compelled her to fight for her place in the event.

Navigating the Olympic Stage

As Russian skaters compete as neutrals, the atmosphere in Milan has a distinctly unique flavor. Coaches are advising their athletes to envision the Olympics as a more familiar setting, with Russian skater Petr Gumennik likening the competition to a local event in Chelyabinsk. This perspective appears to have aided Gumennik, who received enthusiastic support from the crowd, significantly boosting his confidence.

Despite the absence of official Russian flags, the enthusiasm of fans still shines through, creating an environment where athletes feel the weight of support from their home country.

Conclusion

As Adeliia Petrosian takes to the ice, all eyes will be on her performance. The combination of her history, potential, and the controversies surrounding her coach creates a compelling narrative for the Winter Olympics. No matter the outcome, Petrosian’s journey in Milan will be one to watch, putting a spotlight on the future of figure skating and the resilience of athletes amid complex circumstances.

Stay tuned for her performance, and let’s see if she can rise to the occasion and leave her mark as an Olympic champion.