Alexandra Ignatova (née Trusova) resumes competitive career

[Mathematician]

Трусова вернулась к Тутберидзе, сообщил источник

Серебряный призер Олимпийских игр 2022 года фигуристка Александра Трусова вернется к соревнованиям в следующем сезоне, ее тренером станет Этери Тутберидзе,... РИА Новости Спорт, 19.01.2026

ria.ru

It was reported by "Figurka" which is generally trustworthy.

She will compete at the National Jumping Championship January 31st - February 1st alongside Kamila Valieva.

Two of the most lionized figure skaters in history make a comeback to competitive skating.

It might be a worthy discussion not only for the intrinsic excitement such news generates and tangential discussions it inspires, but importantly if certain paradigms about ages in women's skating might be challenged.

Sasha has been jumping 3-3s in training for a while now since her son was born. I suppose it isn't only dad strength that exists but mom strength, too.

 

[Sabsi]

I’m excited about this news and will absolutely be cheering for Sasha Seeing her back in competition already feels surreal, and if anyone can challenge long-standing assumptions about age in women’s skating, it’s her.

Honestly, returning to Eteri’s camp — and especially to Dudakov — was the only right decision she could have made. That coaching team knows her jumping technique better than anyone, and Dudakov in particular has always been crucial for her consistency and power. If she’s landing 3-3s in training after becoming a mother, that says everything about her physical and mental strength. Mom strength is very real.

On a side note, it’s interesting that Kostornaia and Kunitsa are now training at Plushenko’s academy while keeping their original coaches, at least according to Alena.

 

[EdgeCall]

I am thrilled by the news. Sasha is without doubt one of the most unique characters this sport has ever seen. Coming back to her old level won't be easy but she is a fighter, and as Sabsi has already written above being a mother may give her a second wind. My best wishes are with her.

 

[AlexBreeze]

On a side note, it’s interesting that Kostornaia and Kunitsa are now training at Plushenko’s academy while keeping their original coaches, at least according to Alena.

Because AoP don't have their own pairs coaches. So K/K can't move there completely.

 

[AlexBreeze]

I expected it to happen.

She has never retired and continued doing difficult jumps. Her intentions to return were obvious. But I'm surprised that it's happening so soon. I thought it would only happen next season. I was also surprised by the coaching team choice, as AoP had supported her for the past few years.

 

[Mathematician]

I expected it to happen.

She has never retired and continued doing difficult jumps. Her intentions to return were obvious.

I sort of agree, but after her last test skates I wouldn't have been surprised if she chose to retire and dedicate herself to parenting. I thought it's quite possible maintaining the combos is just to prove herself to herself and because she loves it.

I was also surprised by the coaching team choice, as AoP had supported her for the past few years.

I think it's like Sabsi said: if Sasha wants to compete for podiums then TeamTut was the only choice. I would only expect her to stay with AoP if she were competing for fun or to test herself. It's also historically obvious—her results with AoP vs Eteri. I'm sure her relationship with Plushenko is fine and this was all a mutual decision. There isn't much reason for Plushenko to force her into competing for him especially if she doesn't want to it would've been a terrible environment. She will probably continue participating in his shows and such. Makar is also still with AoP.

 

[4everchan]

Took me a second to figure out who Alexandra Ignatova was...

 

[dorispulaski]

I am glad to hear it! I always found her an interesting skater! While Tutberidze's school is undoubtedly the best choice for her to get back her quads, I hope she won't be using their in-house choreo. I don't feel their style fits her strengths at all.

 

[AlexBreeze]

I sort of agree, but after her last test skates I wouldn't have been surprised if she chose to retire and dedicate herself to parenting. I thought it's quite possible maintaining the combos is just to prove herself to herself and because she loves it.

It could be so. But she also clearly stated in her past interviews that she wasn't retired.

 

[Mathematician]

She has now publicly stated her goal is OGM 2030.

 

[lariko]

She has now publicly stated her goal is OGM 2030.

Did she discover she has Uzbek or Hungarian ancestry? Maybe a bit of German blood in her veins? Or does she self-identify as a Georgian? I love Trusova, and she is a force of nature, but some obstacles even she can't overcome. if she wants an OGM, she should be working on transfer, not entering a Russian competition.

 

[Skating91]

Given the time she has taken off, she could transfer as soon as possible right?

Also, given the changes for 2027/28, this might be all a waste of time.

 

[lariko]

Not if she participates in Russian competitions and in its infinite wisdom and fairness ISU requires RusFed's release anyway, no matter how longer an athlete didn't compete. RusFed for its part requires a birth passport or residence so Trusova should have moved by now if she actually wanted a shot at an OGM. RusFed is also likely to calculate an astronomical release cost for her, even if she walks around with a limp. All and all, it's not going to happen. We won't see Trusova compete internationally, period. GL to her in the local jumping competition.

 

[Mathematician]

Did she discover she has Uzbek or Hungarian ancestry? Maybe a bit of German blood in her veins? Or does she self-identify as a Georgian? I love Trusova, and she is a force of nature, but some obstacles even she can't overcome. if she wants an OGM, she should be working on transfer, not entering a Russian competition.

I don't get it. AINs are already allowed for 2026. Her goal is obviously to be the best in Russia. I don't think Russia will still be banned in 2030 but if they are I don't think she cares. It's better for her to stay in Russia to improve and not worry about traveling and citizenships.

Also, given the changes for 2027/28, this might be all a waste of time.

I don't think those changes will be implemented.

 

[lariko]

I don't get it. AINs are already allowed for 2026. Her goal is obviously to be the best in Russia. I don't think Russia will still be banned in 2030 but if they are I don't think she cares. It's better for her to stay in Russia to improve and not worry about traveling and citizenships.

She didn't say she wants to be best in Russia or that she doesn't care about the ban. She said she wants an OGM in 2030. Based on current circumstances and the way the world is going, the practical way to OGM is to transfer asap, since an OGM generally requires more than 1 artificial international competition in 4 years. She wasn't good enough to storm in and seize the OGM on her peak with maxed-out layout. She needs a maximum build up for it in absence of credible competition, and maximum build up means participation in every international competition in the next quad, and every possible international gold medal collected. Which might have been possible if she could capitalize on a story of rebellion and transformation from her youthful glory to some mature symbol of Ageless Goddess, but she presents a story of compliance and doubling down on the past mistakes instead by returning to Tutberidze.

 

[lariko]

I don't think those changes will be implemented.

They very likely will be, because overwhelming number of nations' skaters will benefit from fewer jumping passes/combos and more leverage for the PCSs.

 

[4everchan]

Not if she participates in Russian competitions and in its infinite wisdom and fairness ISU requires RusFed's release anyway, no matter how longer an athlete didn't compete. RusFed for its part requires a birth passport or residence so Trusova should have moved by now if she actually wanted a shot at an OGM. RusFed is also likely to calculate an astronomical release cost for her, even if she walks around with a limp. All and all, it's not going to happen. We won't see Trusova compete internationally, period. GL to her in the local jumping competition.

Considering she's married and with a child, I doubt she would leave Russia at this point. She didn't do it earlier so why now when the logistics of it seem more complicated ?

 

[lariko]

Considering she's married and with a child, I doubt she would leave Russia at this point. She didn't do it earlier so why now when the logistics of it seem more complicated ?

If her primary goal is OGM, that's what she has to do. Or, more precisely, had to do. If she wants to skate locally, she can stay in Russia, make home with Ignatov and train with Tutberidze. Which is what she is doing. Good for her. But she is not going to see international stage, let alone have a shot at an OGM.

 

[4everchan]

If her primary goal is OGM, that's what she has to do. Or, more precisely, had to do. If she wants to skate locally, she can stay in Russia, make home with Ignatov and train with Tutberidze. Which is what she is doing. Good for her. But she is not going to see international stage, let alone have a shot at an OGM.

I think that anyone who comes back to skating, especially a high profile athlete like Sasha would state that their goal is to reach the pinnacle, even if she knows that it may not be achievable under current circumstances. Do you really think she would go out there and say :" I just want to have fun and skate locally ? " She has a family to support and her skating to sell.

I wish she would have gone to another coach. In some ways, to me, it does say that the real goal is not necessarily the OGM. It's hard to imagine that it would work out this time around when it didn't work out for her 4 years ago.

 

[dorispulaski]

Perhaps she is there as a jump coach as well as a student.