Olympic silver medalist Zhulin, who has been successfully training ice dancers since retirement, said that it would be a difficult task for Zagitova to regain her leading positions given that quad-jumping juniors have been setting the pace in women’s skating.

READ MORE: Anticipated comeback? Alina Zagitova to take part in pre-season ‘Test Skate’ event in Moscow

“It’s not easy to return to sport having very strong quad-jumping opponents to compete against. Knowing it Alina has been weighing all the pros and cons. She leads a happy life off the ice. I’m looking at her Instagram photos and see that she has so many projects, she is always smiling. She is happy even without figure skating,” Zhulin said.

Zagitova took a break from figure skating last year after finishing last at the ISU Grand Prix Final. The skater dismissed rumors about her possible retirement, promising to return to the ice as soon as she is ready to compete at the highest level.

The 18-year-old is expected to take part in the pre-season Test Skate in Moscow where she will demonstrate her new programs.

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