“Sometimes our competitions are more interesting than what is happening abroad” – figure skater Kostornaya

Russian figure skater Alena Kostornaya performing in tandem with Georgy Kunitsa, in a conversation with , admitted that she misses international competitions, but considers Russian competitions more interesting than what is currently happening on the world stage.

Russian figure skaters have been suspended from participating in competitions held under the auspices of the International Skating Union (ISU) due to the situation in Ukraine. Kostornaya competed in single skating until 2023 and became 2020 European champion.

— The European Championships took place recently, you have already won a gold medal at this tournament. Do you miss these moments?

– Yes, I miss those moments, but I was given a lot of opportunities during competitions. Our federation does everything, gives everything. Sometimes our tournaments are more interesting than what is currently happening abroad in the world of figure skating.

— Do you think you will one day participate in the European Championships?

– One day it will happen. That doesn’t necessarily mean I will or won’t. One day,” Kostornaya told .

At the 2024 European Championships in Lithuania, Belgian figure skater Luna Hendricks won, while Togliatti native Anastasia Gubanova, representing Georgia, took second place. The top 3 was completed by the Belgian Nina Pinzarrone.