Valeriya Ezhova: A rising talent for Switzerland

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Valeriya Ezhova: A rising talent for Switzerland

Switzerland’s new talent Valeriya Ezhova Valeriya Ezhova has quickly established herself as one of Switzerland's most promising young skaters. In a

www.goldenskate.com

At just 16 years old, Valeriya Ezhova has already overcome a major injury, adapted to life in a new country, learned French, won the Swiss Junior title, and finished eighth at the 2026 World Junior Championships.

Stéphane Lambiel spoke glowingly about his student, praising her coordination, endurance, intelligence, work ethic, and potential.

What do you think?

• How high is Ezhova's ceiling internationally?
• Can she become Switzerland's next top women's skater?
• Which is more important for her future success: landing ultra-C elements or continuing to develop her skating skills and performance quality?
• What are your thoughts on her choices of music this season?

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

Thanks for introducing us to Valeriya Ezhova. I don't follow junior women, so I am not familiar with her. I enjoyed reading about her early beginnings as a skater. Her determined personality and passion for skating come through clearly in this profile.

I especially enjoyed Ezhova's insights about Stephane Lambiel's attributes as a coach. In turn, it was cool to hear Lambiel's astute comments about Ezhova as a bright up-and-coming young skater who appears shy, but is funny and engaging behind the determined surface she presents to the world.

Who knows what the future holds for Ezhova? It's hard to get deeply invested in young skaters. So many are talented with promising futures that do not always progress as expected and planned. It's best to enjoy the present moments and not get too attached to future outcomes. If things work in Ezhova's favor, she's clearly talented and disciplined enough to make her mark. Good luck to her.

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

Re your specific questions, who knows how high Ezhova's ceiling is or will be internationally. That's something which has to unfold. I can't judge in any case unless and until I see her skate. Not closely following junior women hampers my ability to judge or predict.

Possibly Ezhova could become Switzerland's top skater down the road. It is obviously her desire. Thus, her passion and belief coupled with hard work can make good things happen. Let her focus on juniors first, of course.

Re, the third question, I think every skater is better off focusing first on developing skating skills and performance quality. Get the basics down first. Young skaters can progress w/o ultra-C elements being their chief focus. Those advanced elements can come later. Too much over-emphasis on acquiring ultra-C difficulty early on can stall progress. Never put the cart before the horse.

Any music that's meaningful to her is going to benefit her progression through the season. The fact that she does research and plays a role in selecting her music is important to doing well and expressing the music well over the course of the season.

 

[elbkup]

I cannot wait to see her for the first time! Since I follow juniors every year, will definitely watch for her; thank you so much for the update.

 

[ladyjane]

I always love these stories about junior skaters, whether I know them or not (usually I don't). I also like her appreciation of Stephane: not a strict coach but he sees everything. So, if you're willing and take note, there is a big possibility to thrive (of course injuries can always limit development, but that just happens).

 

[crystalspin]

I liked this part of what she said: “But above all, I want to learn to truly appreciate my performances. Not worry about doing everything perfectly but fully immerse myself in the program on the ice, feel the music, and savor every moment. I believe that’s how the most beautiful performances come to life,”

I'm someone who doesn't care about "ultra c" elements at all, I think it ruined most of mens skating, so I'm happy she has a strong desire to focus on her skating skills and musicality. I think she will achieve a ton with Stéphane as a coach. Looking forward to her next season, and her outlander free skate.

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

I'm someone who doesn't care about "ultra c" elements at all, I think it ruined most of mens skating

Yes, I too am not interested in 'ultra-c' elements. I guess that's what they're calling advanced elements these days. I suppose the 'c' stands for 'complex' or 'complicated.'

Skaters have to consider developing these elements if they want to rise to the top, as that's what the sport has decided to over-reward.

OTOH, I do not feel that ultra-c elements, i.e., 'quads' have ruined men's skating. The way they were forced in, over-valued, and over-rewarded significantly changed men's skating, and made it frustrating to watch circa the years when they were giving credit to quads with falls! However, great skaters and choreographers have, to a degree, overcome some of the drawbacks of the focus on over-rewarding multiple quads. I think skaters like Hanyu, Chan, Chen, Malinin, Ten, Takahashi, Uno, Kagiyama, et al., have brought other amazing abilities to the fore that have helped grow men's skating in an interesting way. For me, despite the problems and concerns re quads, I find men's figure skating to be the most entertaining and watchable discipline (next to ice dance), filled with unique and fascinating personalities.

 

[AlexBreeze]

I really like Ezhova's skating, in the past she made me following events in Belarus. I think she will develop into an amazing performer.

Here are some of her old performances if anyone is interested.

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

Thanks for sharing. Valeriya has promising talent. The way she skates over the ice, with great feel for the music makes me think she could be a lovely ice dancer. The jumps do not interest me when I watch her as much as her line and expressivity.