News Sofia Val and Asaf Kazimov Fueled by Olympic Experience

[gsk8]

Sofia Val and Asaf Kazimov are already looking ahead after their Olympic debut, and there were some interesting comments from coach Sara Hurtado about how much the training environment in Spain has changed over the years.

The article covers:

• Their experience competing at the Olympics
• Asaf's appendicitis setback before Worlds
• Plans for the 2026–27 season and new programs
• Thoughts on the return of the Golden Waltz
• How Spain’s support system for athletes has evolved and what it could mean for future generations

One point I found especially interesting was the discussion about how younger Spanish skaters can now train at home with more support and structure compared with previous generations.

Sofia Val and Asaf Kazimov Fueled by Olympic Experience

Sofia Val and Asaf Kazimov of Spain reflect on their Olympic debut, recovery from a setback, and goals for the 2026-27 season.

www.goldenskate.com

How much potential do you think Sofia and Asaf still have as a team? What do you think their biggest strength is right now — skating skills, chemistry, performance quality, packaging, or something else? What area(s) do you think has the most room for growth? Do you think they are ready for Grand Prix assignments?

 

[ladyjane]

I always have a soft spot for these two. I see a lot of potential, especially in developing the 'skating in hold' and that they admit to learning it. but they're very open. Of course there is also potential in skating skills , performance quality and packaging, but I like it especially that they like to skate a 'real' rhythm dance even though they might not be there yet. Regarding the GP assignments: I hope they get one, so they can experience the difference with a EC.

 

[gsk8]

Here are season results from 2025-26:

• FISU World University Games 2025, Torino — 1st
• Ephesus Cup 2025, Izmir — 1st
• International ICE Dance Dordrecht 2025, Dordrecht — 1st
• ISU Skate to Milano Figure Skating Qualifier 2025 – Beijing, Beijing — 3rd
• ISU CS Tallinn Trophy 2025, Tallinn — 5th (All personal best scores for the season)
• ISU CS Denis Ten Memorial Challenge 2025, Almaty — 6th
• ISU CS PGE Warsaw Cup 2025, Warsaw — 7th
• Europeans — 14th
• Olympics — 19th

 

[gsk8]

Their coach, Sara Hurtado, also talked about how Spain's training opportunities have improved since she competed.

While Sofia Val and Asaf Kazimov are building on their Olympic momentum, coach Sara Hurtado believes the environment around Spanish skating has changed dramatically compared with previous generations.

She pointed out that training opportunities have improved not only on mainland Spain, but also on the islands. Young athletes can now remain at home rather than leaving the country at an early age.

“The new generation is able to train at home because the conditions have improved so much,” Hurtado explained. “We have more help from the government and the federation is more involved.”

Hurtado noted that Val and Kazimov benefit from Spain’s high-performance sports structure, including access to a residential program shared with athletes from other sports.

“They have everything covered and have access to the medical team,” she said. “It gives you peace of mind knowing that you are well taken care of. There is a structure around you supporting your development.”

Hurtado contrasted that with her own competitive career with Kirill Khaliavin, when the team trained abroad in Russia and dealt with additional challenges.

“We had to train outside the country,” she said. “Just having to get a visa every three months in order to train creates an additional challenge.”

Hurtado believes the support now available represents one of the biggest changes Spain has experienced in the sport and says the difference compared with her own competitive years is difficult to overstate.

“For them to be able to use all that help is the biggest improvement that we ever could dream of,” she said.

 

[CaroLiza_fan]

Firstly, thank you @Tatjana and @gsk8 for doing this feature on Sofía and Asaf. They, and their team, deserve the recognition.

I have been so impressed with Sofía and Asaf ever since they got together. It is not many young new partnerships that are able to hit the road running the way they did, and then continue to progress as quickly and as much as they have. It says alot about them, and the team behind them, that they were able to do this.

They are so promising. I know I am biased, but I do think they have the potential in time to emulate their mentors and become one of the top partnerships in Europe.

I did wonder why Sofía and Asaf withdrew from Senior Worlds. I am so sorry to hear about Asaf's appendicitis. And I wish him all the best for his continuing recovery.

Sofía's comment about finally getting to skate to a particular artist that she has always wanted to skate to has got me really intrigued. I know what type of music I like them skating to, so it will be interesting to find out if Sofía likes the same, or something totally different.

Can't wait to see them next season, and beyond!

Their coach, Sara Hurtado, also talked about how Spain's training opportunities have improved since she competed.

It's probably modesty that Sara didn't mention it, but all the hard work that she, Kirill Khaliavin and Ksenia Monko have put in developing their training school in Madrid since they retired has also had a massive impact on helping bring on the next generation of Ice Dancers not just in Spain, but in Europe in general.

Being blunt, for years Ice Dancers from Europe have had to go to Canada to develop to the highest level. But now that we have a high quality training school in Europe, it means they can now do so closer to home. And the Madrid school is already attracting partnerships from other countries.

So, well done to Sara, Kirill, and Ksenia for doing this!

CaroLiza_fan