Anna Shcherbakova: “In high-level sports, there are no easy individuals. For a coach, the main thing is the result. And the results of Eteri Tutberidze speak for themselves.”
Translation of Anna Shcherbakova’s interview for mail.ru. About Anna’s current projects, Eteri Tutberidze and goals.
original source: mail.ru dd. 12th December 2023
Here’s a translation of Anna Shcherbakova’s interview for mail.ru.
Q: Anna, in what projects can your fans see you today?
Anna Shcherbakova: Currently, across Moscow, ice rinks are opening one after another, where I have masterclasses and performances. Also, soon, we have New Year holidays and ice shows to look forward to. My schedule is literally planned out every day: training sessions, rehearsals. It’s a very tight schedule.
Q: In major sports, there is significant competition, constant stress, and frequent injuries. Who supports you?
Anna Shcherbakova: Throughout my entire sports career, my family has been a tremendous source of support. My parents are always there, and, of course, I’m constantly in touch with my sisters. Despite a small age difference, we are very close.
Q: You’ve shared that you have a positive attitude toward constructive criticism, as it motivates you. But what can people criticize you for, and who might be doing the criticizing? How do you handle non-constructive criticism, hate – perhaps from fans of other figure skaters? Does it affect you?
Anna Shcherbakova: Figure skating is not just a sport but an art. What appeals to one person may not be as close to someone else. Criticism is inevitable, and that’s normal. You can endlessly chase the approval of people who may just not like you. So, right now, I pay attention to criticism and feedback from the people I work with, as well as, of course, from my family and close ones. I am also always very demanding of myself in everything I do. Sometimes, I can be the most critical judge for myself.
Q: You always maintain excellent shape. Besides training, what helps you maintain your figure? Tell us about your diet and any associated restrictions.
Anna Shcherbakova: Of course, regular training is a constant in my life. And a high number of performances never allow for relaxation. As for nutrition, it took me some time to find a reasonable balance — keeping myself in shape without strict limitations and exhausting diets. However, I am still learning a lot in this regard.
Q: Your coach, Eteri Georgievna, is rumored to have a not easy character. What is your relationship with her?
Anna Shcherbakova: In high-level sports, there are no easy individuals. Honestly, I don’t understand what an “easy person” means at all. For a coach, the main thing is the result. And the results speak for themselves.
Q: Like your fellow figure skaters Evgenia Medvedeva and Alina Zagitova, you tried your hand at hosting on the show “Ice Age.” Do you have plans to continue developing in this direction?
Anna Shcherbakova: It was a very interesting experience, and it showed me that you can’t just want something and immediately succeed. You have to learn everything, but at the same time, you shouldn’t be afraid to experiment, try something new.
Q: How do you spend your non-sporting time, how do you relax? Do you often get to meet friends, and what do you enjoy doing together?
Anna Shcherbakova: Although my training schedule is very busy, I consider it a priority to spend time with friends whenever the opportunity arises. It’s essential for me to find a balance between work and personal life, maintaining strong connections with those who support me. We enjoy each other’s company, share stories, news, or engage in joint activities. For example, we like to gather with family or friends and have home movie nights.
We prepare for this process in advance: stock up on popcorn and drinks, scatter pillows with blankets, and create atmospheric lighting.
Related topics: Anna Shcherbakova, Eteri Tutberidze
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