“Samarin was always closer to the images of defenders and warriors; on the ice he personified human qualities” – Vaitsekhovskaya

Figure skater Alexandre Samarin He embodied human qualities on the ice; he was always distinguished by his dedication to work, explains Olympic diving champion and RT journalist Elena Vaitsekhovskaya.

On Saturday, Samarin announced his retirement after performing his free program at the Spartakiad of the Strongest. Alexander took last place in Magnitogorsk.

— Alexandre Samarin has officially retired and I think this will remain one of the key moments of the Spartakiad. When an athlete completes such a long journey, which includes more than ten years of performances at the adult level, one involuntarily begins to think about what is considered the most important thing in this career. 12 national championships in which Samarin reached the podium five times? Four European Championships with top ten places and silver in 2019? Or the most offensive coincidence of circumstances, because of which Samarin, being the vice-champion of the country, failed to get into the Olympic team in 2018?

These are all the same milestones that will forever be etched in the honor roll, but I really want to talk about something else. About the dedication to work that has always distinguished Samarin the figure skater. Of his completely selfless dedication to his coach and his sport. About the ability to support those dear to you and not envy those who are stronger. When Mark Kondratyuk says that he has always admired Samarin, skating on the same ice with him, this is not an act. When Dmitry Aliev considers Alexander his friend, it was also always real, coming from the heart. Despite the fact that these two have spent most of their careers fighting for the same medal.

In fact, it is much more important than mentioning merit in the track record. Samarin has always embodied human qualities, above all on the ice. This is undoubtedly why he has always approached images of defenders, warriors, people called to protect and uphold honor. Be lucky in your new life, Sasha! You deserve it more than anyone,” Vaitsekhovskaya wrote on the Telegram channel.

Samarin is 25 years old, at the 2019 European Championships he won a silver medal in single skating and at the 2019 World Team Championships he became a bronze medalist.

RT