Alexandra Trusova returns as Wonder Woman for Gala, three days after angry vow to never skate again

ByBen Snowball

Published 20/02/2022 at 09:48 GMT

A distraught Alexandra Trusova had said she “will never go out on the ice again” after winning silver in the ladies’ singles on Thursday. But on Sunday, at a fun-packed Gala to sign off the action at the Winter Olympics, she returned with a high-octane routine as Wonder Woman. The spotlight is on the Russian figure skating entourage after a dramatic and emotional free skate three days ago.

Three days after vowing she would never step foot on ice again, Russia’s Alexandra Trusova returned for the Olympic Figure Skating Gala at Beijing 2022 – as Wonder Woman.

Trusova emerged for the showstopper finale in a gown and began with a gentle skate, before revealing her superhero costume and dropping a high-energy performance to the cinematic theme.

“Well here she is, back out on the ice. She certainly contributed to an interesting event in the ladies’ free,” began Chris Howarth on Eurosport commentary.

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“She is just phenomenal, there’s no doubt about that.”

Louise Walden added: “She’s fabulous with such a personality as well. I’m so pleased to see her back out on the ice. My knees were hurting watching that!”

'Trusova looking angry' - Russian star very unhappy while tearful Valieva consoled

It was a brilliant return from the 17-year-old, who captured headlines after an angry outburst in the immediate aftermath of winning silver in the ladies’ singles after performing five quads in the free skate. She was heard to say: “I will never go out on the ice again. Never! I hate!

“It's impossible! You cannot do it this way! I'm not going to the awards! Everyone has a gold medal! Only I don't! I hate it all!"

Her outpouring of emotion came in the wake of the Kamila Valieva doping scandal, with the 15-year-old also in tears after dropping from first to fourth in Thursday’s free skate.

Meanwhile, gold medallist Anna Shcherbakova spoke of the “emptiness inside”, further shifting the spotlight onto the Russian figure skating entourage who have come in for stinging criticism.

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20/02/2022 at 09:07