Kazakhstan's Sofia Samodelkina rewrites story

[gsk8]

At just 18, Sofia Samodelkina has already lived several skating lives. Once a Russian junior phenom landing quads and a triple Axel, she now represents Kazakhstan and trains in California under Rafael Arutyunyan.

This season marks her boldest step yet: chasing a triple Axel, attempting the elusive quad loop, and skating new programs choreographed by Shae-Lynn Bourne and Joey Russell. After a surprise silver medal at the Cranberry Cup, Samodelkina has her eyes firmly on Milano-Cortina 2026.

From hotel living with her mom in Irvine to a determined Olympic push, her journey is one of sacrifice, resilience, and reinvention.

Kazakhstan’s Sofia Samodelkina rewrites story

Sofia Samodelkina If someone had told Sofia Samodelkina a few years ago that she'd be preparing for the upcoming Olympic season in California under the

www.goldenskate.com

What were your thoughts on her performance at Cranberry Cup? Have you noticed the change in jump technique?

 

[Mathman]

What an informative and well-written article by journalist Maya Baagrianrseva, whose mission is "to connect the Russian-speaking skating world with 'the rest of us.'" The details from Samodelkina about working with her new coaching and choreographing team are especially interesting.

Here's the Cranberry Cup performance.

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I can't tell wherever or not her jumping is visibly different since her coaching change, but she seems in complete control of her technique here.. Has she always done every jump with hands- over-the-head?

 

[Jeanie19]

At just 18, Sofia Samodelkina has already lived several skating lives. Once a Russian junior phenom landing quads and a triple Axel, she now represents Kazakhstan and trains in California under Rafael Arutyunyan.

This season marks her boldest step yet: chasing a triple Axel, attempting the elusive quad loop, and skating new programs choreographed by Shae-Lynn Bourne and Joey Russell. After a surprise silver medal at the Cranberry Cup, Samodelkina has her eyes firmly on Milano-Cortina 2026.

From hotel living with her mom in Irvine to a determined Olympic push, her journey is one of sacrifice, resilience, and reinvention.

Kazakhstan’s Sofia Samodelkina rewrites story

Sofia Samodelkina If someone had told Sofia Samodelkina a few years ago that she'd be preparing for the upcoming Olympic season in California under the

www.goldenskate.com

What were your thoughts on her performance at Cranberry Cup? Have you noticed the change in jump technique?

I saw her short program live at Cranberry Cup and she has improved so much. She is one of my favorites. I wish her well.