at 5 five years old, you started figure skating with coach eteri tutberidze. a cold and strict coach.

at 15, you had a bad injury and were still recovering. participating in russian nationals could just make it worse, but you insisted. eteri and her assistant coaches daniil and sergei told you you wouldn’t have to participate but you still insisted. and you won gold.

when you glided to the ice exit, eteri is crying and hugs you. she’s proud. you never saw her like this.