Aleksandr Galliamov: “After everything that’s happened, my aim is to be reborn stronger and return better than before.”
Aleksandr Galliamov shares his thoughts on adapting to the challenges of international ban, his goals for the upcoming season, and the balance between enjoying the sport and achieving competitive success.
original source: Sportandbets dd. September 3d, 2025 by Vadim Adanin
World Champion in pair skating, Aleksandr Galliamov, along with his partner Anastasia Mishina, performed an exhibition program at Tamara Moskvina’s master class at the Igora resort. In an interview, the skater spoke about his recovery from injury, his desire to compete through another Olympic season, and his favorite programs. Here’s a translation of his comments.
“Q: How did you react to the news that Russian pairs skaters were not allowed to compete in the Olympics?
Aleksandr Galliamov: I felt a bit sad, but then I started to focus on recovery. I understood that I needed to get back on the ice as soon as possible. Perhaps my recovery process became more calm and careful, ensuring that I could train properly without risking any potential setbacks.
Q: Are you prepared to work through another Olympic cycle in the hope that Russian skaters might be allowed to compete in the next Olympics?
Aleksandr Galliamov: Life has taught me not to plan too far ahead. Right now, we’re skating, aiming to keep improving, and continuing to get back in shape as we prepare for the season.
Q: How do you maintain a sense of “world-class competition” while remaining outside international qualification events?
Aleksandr Galliamov: We’ve been competing in this format for more than one season now. Even within Russia, pair skating has its share of competition. This is sports, and competition is essential – it drives all athletes to grow and develop.
Q: You’ve been involved in numerous shows, which seem more audience-oriented, allowing for greater creative freedom. How do you find performing in shows compared to competing in sporting events? What’s the difference in terms of energy?
Aleksandr Galliamov: Both shows and competitions have their challenges. When Nastya (Anastasia, his partner) and I first started performing in shows, the hardest part was executing lifts, throws, and other elements under dim lighting. We had to learn and adapt to that. During the summer, when we prepared for our first performance in a master class at “Igora,” we worked on creating an exhibition program, which slightly breaks the daily routine of training our competitive programs. These new numbers provide a mental break from the usual regimen, which can be refreshing.
Q: Is there a significant difference in your personal experience between performing in shows and competing in sports events?
Aleksandr Galliamov: As I said, both have their nuances. Even shows can cause some nervousness. Last summer, we performed in over 20 shows, and each time, I felt a slight sense of nervousness because we hadn’t performed in shows as frequently as in competitions before.
Q: Do you simplify your content significantly for exhibition programs, or is it not much different?
Aleksandr Galliamov: In exhibition programs, we always include a lift, a throw, and often a death spiral, and occasionally, we add spins. A lot of effort goes into refining choreography specifically for the exhibition programs. It requires a significant amount of work.
Q: In early August, you landed your first triple salchow in training after recovering from your injury. What milestone element will mark your full readiness for pair skating?
Aleksandr Galliamov: In principle, I’m already trying to execute everything bit by bit. While it may not look as polished as it did before at competitions, I’m working on stability and cleanliness to ensure the elements look proper as we continue practicing.
Q: Which elements are proving to be more challenging for you?
Aleksandr Galliamov: Jumps. Fortunately, I was taught correct jump technique from childhood, so the priority for me is just landing them. I don’t feel overly restricted in terms of technique thanks to muscle memory.
Q: You mentioned focusing on your master’s degree in June at the P.F. Lesgaft National State University of Physical Education, Sport, and Health. Have any aspects of your studies (biomechanics, training theory, psychology) helped you in your training or recovery process?
Aleksandr Galliamov: When I was studying psychology, there were moments that I found practical and relevant. While preparing for exams, I noticed that some theoretical lessons could be applied practically. Sometimes this knowledge helps me overcome my own mental barriers. I try to keep these insights in mind, applying them not only in sports but outside of the ice as well.
Q: For this season, you have a new short program set to classical music, while last season you performed a free skate to Michael Jackson tracks. What lessons did you learn from working with Jackson’s music, and how do you feel about transitioning back to classical music?
Aleksandr Galliamov: Comparing last year’s short program with the one we’re soon presenting, last year’s was also partially classical, but the movements and rhythm were different. The music tempo required certain positions to be extended differently. For me, performing to classical music feels familiar because I’ve skated to it since childhood. However, Jackson’s music was more challenging because of its sharp and dynamic movements. While we didn’t execute it perfectly, the key was to align with the accents and build the program well enough for the Russian Championships.
Q: How do you choose themes and music for your programs, and how involved are you in the creative process?
Aleksandr Galliamov: Music selections are entirely decided by our coaches. I’ve only suggested a program once before – our 2022 exhibition number Eternal Love, which Tamara Nikolaevna loved. When it comes to themes and the creative process, it’s mainly choreographers who shape it. First comes the choreography; then, the overall concept, including our interaction with a second choreographer, is finalized. We’re later guided on how to feel the music and embody the themes.
Q: Who selects exhibitions like the programs you performed at “Igora” in July?
Aleksandr Galliamov: Those programs were chosen jointly by Nastya and me.
Q: Who choreographed your programs for this season?
Aleksandr Galliamov: Alexander Zhulin choreographed our short program. As for the free skate, you’ll find out soon.
Q: Do you have a favorite program from your repertoire? Can you name one or two?
Aleksandr Galliamov: Let me think about this – this is interesting even for me. I’d say Esmeralda, which was choreographed by the late Alexander Stepin when we first joined Tamara Nikolaevna’s group. He created a masterpiece – it was an exceptional program that I loved. For the second, I won’t name a program associated with many victories but instead choose our free skate for the 2022–2023 Olympic cycle, featuring Elvis Presley’s hits.
Q: If you were to conceptualize an innovative idea for figure skating, abstracting away from medals and results, what would it be? Is there a unique program or concept you’d like to explore?
Aleksandr Galliamov: I certainly have ideas for programs. Interestingly, I suggested Michael Jackson’s music years before our coaches approved its use for the free skate, though I envisioned it as an exhibition program. I also want to experiment with new lifts and elements. While we are recovering, we’re gradually exploring ideas that could help us break away from the usual structure of our work, which promotes growth.
Q: What’s more important to you – the skating process or the result?
Aleksandr Galliamov: Both are important. I recall the Russian Nationals, where we had a lead of 7–8 points after the short program. There was a temptation to simply coast through the free skate without much thought, but I pushed that idea aside and decided to fully enjoy the performance. I think it showed – I was truly trying to savor the experience. Ultimately, both the process and the result matter. The key is finding joy in the skating itself while striving for achievement as an athlete.
Q: What are your personal goals and plans for the upcoming season?
Aleksandr Galliamov: After everything that’s happened, my aim is to be reborn stronger and return better than before.
Related topics: Anastasia Mishina Alexandr Galliamov
Leave a Reply