Reigning world and Olympic figure skating champion Alina Zagitova has expressed her gratitude for her school, Sambo-70, which allowed her to combine studying with an illustrious sporting career.
The 18-year-old shared a post on her Instagram, showing her school diploma and thanking her teachers for flexible approach and kind treatment.
“I have received my school diploma. I want to thank the general director of the Sambo-70 sports and education center Renat Layshev and his assistant manager Sergey Solomatin. I’m very grateful to all teachers for their flexible approach to education and for respecting my competitive schedule. You are the best school for a professional athlete,” Zagitova wrote.
The skater, who finished school this year, has entered the Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism, where she will study journalism.
The athlete put her competitive career on hold in autumn 2019 after finishing last at the ISU Grand Prix final, losing to younger opponents with more complex technical content.
She hasn’t officially announced her comeback, but Zagitova is expected to perform at the pre-season Skate Test in Moscow, where all Russian skaters will present their new programs.
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