MOSCOW, March 5 Two-time Olympic medalist in figure skating Irina Slutskaya noted that if she were in the place of Elizaveta Tuktamysheva, she would have already announced her retirement.
Tuktamysheva previously announced that she had taken a break from professional performances. She has victories at the World and European Championships. Slutskaya ended her sports career at 27 years old — the same age as Tuktamysheva is now.
“Elizabeth is an unpredictable lady. I am very impressed by her, I treat her with reverence and follow her. I wish there were more athletes like this. We saw her ups, downs, struggles with the elements, new jumps, mastering four rotations at a mature age for figure skating. Tuktamysheva will be missed. I want her to ride more, but in her situation it is very difficult. If I were in her place, I would have ended my career,” Slutskaya said in an interview with three-time Olympic champion in synchronized swimming Alla Shishkina, published on her channel “Without Water.” on YouTube.
According to Slutskaya, Tuktamysheva has only one peak left unconquered — the Olympic Games, but in the current conditions it is impossible to predict when the Russians will be allowed to participate in them.
“»There was only one unconquered peak left for her — participation in the Olympics. Unfortunately, such a professional and talented athlete never made it to the Games — with Elizabeth’s ability to present herself, with such a set of elements, she could have competed for prizes. But the question is when will we have the next Olympics,” Slutskaya said.
«It’s impossible to predict anything here. I would like it right now. But we don’t decide here, we just adapt to the circumstances. Again, speaking about Elizabeth, you understand what the Olympic cycle is. We don’t perform in seasons «, that same cycle is four years, and with each of them you become one step closer to the Games. You must prove yourself, prove yourself, the judges must begin to perceive you as a leader, and for this you need several years to show who you are,» she added figure skater.