Herboldt on Samarin’s decision to end his career: ‘There were complicated feelings’

Katarina Gerboldt, bronze medalist of the 2009 Russian Championship, said that leaving Alexandra Samarina figure skating aroused different emotions in her.

Samarin, 25, announced his retirement during the Spartakiad of the Strongest in Magnitogorsk, which took place in February.

“I had complicated feelings.” He is the first athlete in my coaching career to announce his retirement. Naturally, this causes sadness, pride and happiness, because every story ends one day. Of course, you always want it to end on a good note. He had a wonderful season last season, this season unfortunately something still hasn’t worked for him, but he’s very brilliant, he’s very effective.

I wish him to find a company in which he will be as interested in sports as he was, and so that he can work with the same dedication in a new role. But of course, when such athletes finish, it’s sad,” Herboldt said at the Championship.

In 2019, Samarin won silver at the European Single Skating Championships and also became a bronze medalist at the World Team Championships.

Championship