ADELIYA PETROSIAN RETIRED FROM FIGURE SKATING
Three-time Russian champion and Olympic figure skater Adeliya Petrosian has announced that she left Eteri Tutberidze's team, sharing the news on her social media. It has also been confirmed that she will not compete during the 2026/27 season.
According to the official statement, Petrosian's decision is connected to her university enrollment and her desire to focus on studies. Notably, no competitive programs had been choreographed for her ahead of the upcoming season.
However, the announcement came shortly after Eteri Tutberidze made a number of controversial comments reflecting on the Olympic season. In a recent interview, the renowned coach said that the current generation of skaters, including Petrosian, lacks the level of dedication she expects from her athletes. She also admitted feeling that Petrosian had not fully realized her potential at the Olympic Games. Many fans and experts, however, point out that Petrosian competed under exceptionally difficult circumstances. She entered the Olympics carrying enormous pressure as Russia's only female singles representative, competing without her country's flag or anthem, without her coaching team, and with having no prior international championship experience due to Russia's suspension. In addition, she had to manage ongoing health issues that affected her preparation.
Whether stepping away from competition is solely the result of her decision to pursue higher education or also reflects emotional burnout, the challenges of the Olympic season, and changes in her relationship with the coaching staff remains an open question. So far, Petrosian has not provided any further comments beyond her official statement.