Controversial Russian Teenager Adeliia Petrosian Closes In on Olympic Figure Skating Medal
The world has known little about Russian figure skater Adeliia Petrosian, but that anonymity may be about to vanish. The 18-year-old, one of the most contentious athletes at these Winter Olympics, made her debut with a medley of Michael Jackson hits, powerfully asserting her medal potential while the lyrics spoke of being misunderstood.
A Layered Controversy and Intrigue
Petrosian's participation in the Games is shrouded in controversy and intrigue. It remains uncertain whether the International Olympic Committee would welcome or dread a podium finish for her this week. Currently lying fifth heading into Thursday's decisive free skate, her prospects are far from settled, especially following the dramatic men's competition.
Japan's Ami Nakai narrowly leads the standings, ahead of teammate and three-time world champion Kaori Sakamoto. American Alysa Liu, the reigning world champion, holds the bronze position, followed by Japan's Mone Chiba. With margins exceptionally tight, the final outcome may hinge on critical mistakes.
Technical Prowess Versus Artistic Flair
Figure skating transcends mere technical skill, and Petrosian's artistry currently places her behind her main rivals. However, her signature triple axel and quadruple jump capabilities present elements that others may struggle to match. This creates an enticing narrative ahead of Thursday's free skate at the Assago Forum in Milan.
"I would like to keep that a secret," Petrosian remarked when questioned about her plans for the upcoming performance. "I am very happy with my skate. Initially, I was anxious—not about my skating, but about my emotional state. This was the most important start of my life."
She added, "I'm feeling really calm, and I hope this will help me with my free skate because this short programme has already assisted me. The audience was incredibly warm and loud, and each time I believed it couldn't get louder, it did."
The Shadow of Coach Eteri Tutberidze
At the practice rink, Petrosian has been closely observed by the contentious coach Eteri Tutberidze, who remains one of figure skating's most divisive figures. Tutberidze previously mentored Kamila Valieva, who became the face of the Beijing Games for all the wrong reasons after failing a drugs test at age 15.
The logic behind Tutberidze's accreditation here is perplexing: she is officially a member of the Georgian team delegation and is not permitted to coach Petrosian. Instead, Petrosian is formally guided by Daniil Gleikhengauz, referred to by skating insiders as "Eteri's shadow." This situation stretches credibility to its breaking point.
Limited International Exposure
The ongoing exclusion of Russian athletes due to the war in Ukraine means Petrosian, a three-time national champion, has had minimal opportunity to test herself internationally. In fact, the only senior-level competition she has skated outside Russia was the qualifying event in Beijing that secured her entry into Milan as a neutral competitor.
While Valieva was dubbed "Miss Perfect"—despite ultimately proving otherwise—Petrosian is simply "Miss Mystery." She has demonstrated her abilities in Omsk, Chelyabinsk, Saint Petersburg, and Krasnoyarsk, but the question remains: can she deliver on a wet Tuesday in Milan under the global spotlight?
A Promising Start with Minor Flaws
Her opening short programme showcased her class, albeit with a hint of caution. Only five skaters have achieved higher scores in competition this season. The performance was clean, featuring a double axel, a triple lutz, a triple flip, and a triple toe loop. The only imperfections were minor deductions in spins and step sequences.
In two days, mystery may yield to clarity or further complication. This is, after all, the unpredictable world of figure skating. TNT Sports on discovery+ will serve as the primary destination in the U.K. to watch all Milano Cortina 2026 action live, offering over 850 hours of coverage from every sport, venue, and medal event.
