Beyond Valieva, ROC Has Two Other Top Contenders: Alexandra Trusova and Anna Shcherbakova

Much of the eye within the determine skating world has been targeted on the prodigious Russian skater Kamila Valieva, for each her beautiful talent and the far-reaching implications of her optimistic check for a banned substance. But two different skaters for the Russian Olympic Committee are additionally thought of prime medal contenders.

All three of the skaters — Alexandra Trusova, Anna Shcherbakova and Valieva — will likely be within the remaining group of six, which is often reserved for essentially the most aggressive skaters. All three have quads of their repertoire, and all three are coached by Eteri Tutberidze, who has constructed the equal of a skating manufacturing facility in Moscow.

Shcherbakova, 17, is the reigning world champion, having received in her debut final 12 months. She has landed the quadruple Lutz and flip in competitors, and was the primary feminine skater to carry out two quadruple Lutzes in a single program.

Trusova, 17, completed third on this planet championships final 12 months, successful the free skate phase. She is the one feminine skater competing with all 4 sorts of quad jumps: the Lutz, flip, toe loop and salchow.