Veronika Zhilina, an exceptionally gifted young Russian figure skater.
Among all Olympic sports, figure skating stands out for its beauty and expressiveness. Despite the challenge of mastering the technical elements, skaters glide effortlessly across the ice, making difficult moves look easy. The best skaters go beyond perfecting jumps, spins, and tricks.
They also learn to convey the deep emotions of the music they skate to. If you want to see someone who truly embodies figure skating, meet Veronika Zhilina. This talented Russian skater delivered a stunning performance to Alexandra Burke’s version of Hallelujah, which quickly went viral.
Her performance is one of the most moving and heartfelt displays you’ll witness, made even more impressive by the fact she was only ten years old at the time.
Veronika Vladislavovna Zhilina was born on May 15, 2008, in Arkhangelsk, Russia. Already a successful skater, she began her journey at an early age, starting at just three years old, taught by her mother, Ludmilla.
She showed a natural talent for skating early on, and she wasn’t alone in her journey for long. Her younger sister, Alena, soon joined her and their mother. Training for a career in figure skating is demanding, but both girls embraced the challenge, driven by their shared passion for the sport.
In 2018, the family relocated from Arkhangelsk to Moscow, where Veronika began training with the renowned coaches Sergei Dudakov, Sergei Rozanov, and Eteri Tutberidze. Just one year later, Veronika competed in the junior division of the Russian Younger Age Championships and secured a victory, proving her talent once again by defending her title the following year.
During this period, her coach Sergei Rozanov transitioned to the Academy Angels of Plushenko, and Veronika, along with her sister Alena, followed him, joining another rising star, Alexandra Trusova. Since then, Veronika has consistently placed highly in Russian competitions and is poised to take on international events soon.
Her performance to Hallelujah showcased her exceptional artistic expression, which will likely serve her well in future competitions. As she skates onto the ice with a light raised above her head, the audience mirrors her with their own lights, creating a shared experience between performer and crowd.
Placing the light on the ice, Veronika begins her routine. Her movements across the rink are breathtaking, as she seems to merge seamlessly with the ice. Her white dress and blonde hair only enhance her ethereal appearance, while her angelic face completes the look. Every element of her skating, from transitions to spins, is flawless, as if she’s gliding through the air.
The choreography perfectly captures the emotional essence of the song, making it a performance that shouldn’t be missed. If you’re curious about her sister’s talents, give her a watch as well. These two gifted young skaters have undoubtedly bright futures ahead of them.
