Sofia Muravieva: “What drew me most to Mishin was the fact that he has developed so many renowned skaters who had long-lasting careers. I’ve always dreamed of exactly that – a long, successful, bright, and unforgettable career in figure skating.”
Sofia Muravieva on Moving to St. Petersburg and Training with Alexei Mishin
original source: TASS dd. October 7th 2025 by Veronika Sovetova
Sofia Muravieva discussed her decision to leave Evgeni Plushenko’s coaching team and join Alexei Mishin, describing the move as her initiative. She shared her experiences adjusting to life in St. Petersburg, her admiration for Mishin’s expertise, and her dream of building a long and memorable figure skating career. Here’s a translation of her comments.
On Moving to St. Petersburg
Q: At 19 years old, deciding to move to a new city to continue your career is a bold step. Had you spent much time in St. Petersburg before?
Sofia Muravieva: Before my move to St. Petersburg, I hadn’t been to the city very often. My first visit was during the 2022 pre-Olympic Russian Nationals, and after that, I came here four or five more times. Now, it’s where I live.
On Working with Alexei Mishin
Q: What was your impression of Alexei Nikolayevich Mishin before you started working together? Did your expectations align with reality?
Sofia Muravieva: He always seemed very cheerful. He would just come up, make a joke, lift my spirits, or make a compliment to me or my mom. When we began working more closely, I discovered he’s also a very kind and caring person. If you need help, he’s always there for you. He’s even treated me several times – jam they make at their summer house, fresh berries, vegetables from their garden. He treats everyone like this – he has so much warmth in him.
At the same time, he’s a very demanding coach.
On Settling Into a New Routine
Q: How have you adjusted to your new life in St. Petersburg?
Sofia Muravieva: My mom and I rented an apartment close to the “Yubileyny” ice rink – just a 10-minute drive away. We initially lived together, but now I’m often on my own as she splits her time between Moscow and St. Petersburg. Right now, she’s here for the St. Petersburg test skates and brought dresses for my programs.
Living alone hasn’t been as difficult as I expected, though of course, my mom worries. Especially when I’m flying somewhere – she might spend the entire day stressing, afraid I’ll miss my flight or that something might go wrong. I always have to reassure her: “Mom, everything’s fine; everything’s under control.”
On How Mishin and St. Petersburg Have Changed Her
Q: How have St. Petersburg and Mishin’s coaching team influenced you psychologically?
Sofia Muravieva: I think I’ve become a bit calmer and more composed. At the same time, I feel more joy in my life. During the St. Petersburg test skates, on the day of the short program, I felt this vividly – it was my first outing of the season, meeting everyone, talking with people. It touched me deeply. By the time of the free skate, I was more in control of my emotions, which probably made me feel a bit more fatigued.
On Working to Restore the Triple Axel
Q: Alexei Mishin is a professor of jump technique, quite literally. Was your decision to switch coaches driven by the hope that he could help you regain your triple axel? Are you working on it now?
Sofia Muravieva: Of course, Alexei Nikolayevich and I are working a lot on my triple axel. I won’t reveal his secrets, but trust me – he has plenty of them! We’re focusing heavily on technique, and he’s introduced many exercises that are new and very interesting to me.
The work on the axel is ongoing, but it takes time. A lot of energy went into adapting to a new training process, a new coach, a new rink, and a new city. I’ve also changed a bit myself. I need to return to the level where I feel confident executing the triple axel, where it feels easier. Right now, I’m doing everything with joy, which is why I enjoy the work so much. I genuinely want to train and improve.
On Choosing Mishin as a Coach
Q: Why Mishin? After leaving Plushenko’s “Angels,” there were many rumors about where you might train next.
Sofia Muravieva: What drew me most to Alexei Nikolayevich was the fact that he has developed so many renowned skaters who had long-lasting careers. I’ve always dreamed of exactly that – a long, successful, bright, and unforgettable career in figure skating. One that’s entirely unique, unlike anyone else’s. Because every skater’s journey is their own, and that’s what makes it special.
Related topics: Alexei Mishin, Sofia Muravieva
Oh, Sofia has skated with the international skaters in Europe! How could the international skaters tolerate being in the same rink as the Russians?