Figure skater Drozd admitted he thought about ending his career

Russian figure skater and coach Pavel Drozd in an interview with , he recounted how he survived a turbulent period in his career due to a change in partners, and also noted that he had not thought about obtaining a new sporting citizenship.

In the spring, it became known that bronze medalist of the World Junior Ice Dance Championship Elizaveta Shanaeva joined the group of Alexander Zhulin, and Pavel Drozd became her new partner.

Drozd is a two-time winner of the World Junior Championship, Russian junior champion and four-time winner of the country’s Cup final.

– How was your couple formed with Liza Shanaeva?

— Before I started skating with Lisa, I had a turbulent period that lasted several seasons.

At the junior level, I skated in tandem with Ala Loboda, we had a successful career period. For a long time, we were the best couple in the country. Not all couples can win so many junior titles. For some reason we decided to leave, and after that started my turbulent period, which lasted the Olympic cycle.

I skated with Ksyusha Konkina, but due to health problems she ended her career. Then I teamed up with Anzhelika Abashkina, who, due to some problems, also left the sport.

At the end of February, I learn that the Shanaev/Narizhny couple no longer exists. I called Lisa, we decided to give it a try. And that’s how our story began.

– During the period of a private change of partners, you had no desire to leave everything and leave figure skating?

– My whole life has been devoted to figure skating, that’s what excites me. For figure skating and the possibility of achieving a high result, my family and I gave up everything and moved from St. Petersburg to Moscow. Of course, every breakup with a partner hits you in the head. For example, you ride, make plans, and then you have to start all over again. We went all the way with my coaches, for which I am extremely grateful.

Of course, there were different thoughts, including ending a career. I thought, “Be grateful for what you’ve already had in your life: a successful junior career sometimes isn’t given to everyone.” But then you go out on the ice and realize that you can and still want to have your say.

– You didn’t want to change sports citizenship?

– There were no thoughts. During the turbulent period, proposals were received but not considered. I love my country, I love the northern capital where I was born. I clearly remember those moments when you stand on the top step of the podium, and your country’s flag rises above you, those memories warm my soul.

Read the full interview with Pavel Drozd on matchtv.ru soon