Born: 1996 (Moscow, Russia)
Biography:
Adelina Dmitriyevna Sotnikova was born on July 1, 1996, in Moscow, Russia. At the age of four, she began her journey in figure skating at the Yuzhny ice rink near her home. From a young age, Sotnikova demonstrated immense talent and dedication to the sport.
Her first coach, Anna Patrikeeva, guided her until the age of seven when she transitioned to train at CSKA, a skating club farther away from her home. It was there that she started working with coach Elena Buianova (Vodorezova), who would play a pivotal role in shaping her career.
Sotnikova made her breakthrough debut at the senior level during the 2008-2009 season at the Russian Nationals. Remarkably, at just 12 years old, she claimed the gold medal, showcasing her natural talent and technical skills. Just a month later, she also won the 2009 Russian Junior Championships, solidifying her status as a rising star in the figure skating world.
However, she faced an obstacle in the following season as international regulations prevented her from competing in the Junior Grand Prix circuit. To be eligible, skaters had to turn 13 before July 1st in their birthplace. Sotnikova, who was born just hours into July 1st in Moscow, was narrowly ineligible. Despite this setback, she continued to train diligently and honed her skills.
The 2010-2011 season marked a turning point in Sotnikova’s career. She made her Junior Grand Prix debut and achieved resounding success. Winning gold medals in Austria and the U.K., she qualified for the highly prestigious 2010 Junior Grand Prix Final. There, she delivered a captivating performance, capturing the title and establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with.
At the 2011 Russian Championships, Sotnikova further solidified her position as a national figure skating star. She secured second place in the short program and first place in the long program, ultimately clinching her second national title. This victory earned her a spot in the World Junior Championships, where she triumphantly won the gold medal ahead of her teammate Elizaveta Tuktamysheva.
The following season, according to ISU age rules, Sotnikova became eligible for the senior Grand Prix circuit, but not for senior ISU Championships. She was assigned to two Grand Prix events, the 2011 Cup of China and 2011 Rostelecom Cup. However, a leg injury during the off-season resulted in her withdrawal from the 2011 Ondrej Nepela Memorial. Despite this setback, she demonstrated her resilience and showcased her talent by winning bronze medals at both Cup of China and Rostelecom Cup, solidifying her position as the first alternate for the ladies’ event.
Sotnikova’s greatest achievement came during the 2014 Winter Olympics held in Sochi, Russia. Representing her home country, she delivered an awe-inspiring performance, captivating both the judges and the audience. In a thrilling showdown, Sotnikova scored highly in both technical and artistic aspects, leading her to claim the Olympic gold medal in the ladies’ singles event. Her victory not only brought her personal success but also made history as she became the first Russian woman to win the Olympic gold in individual figure skating.
After her Olympic triumph, Sotnikova continued to compete in the sport. She achieved significant successes, including two European silver medals and four Russian national championships. However, after the 2015-2016 season, she decided to retire from competitive figure skating. On March 1, 2020, Sotnikova officially announced her retirement, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and inspiring young skaters around the world.
Awards:
2014 Olympic gold medalist in ladies’ singles
Two-time European silver medalist (2012, 2013)
Two-time Rostelecom Cup bronze medalist (2011, 2015)
Four-time Russian national champion (2009, 2011, 2012, 2014)
2012 Youth Olympic silver medalist
2011 Junior World champion
2010 Junior Grand Prix Final champion
2009 Russian junior national champion