Among all the Olympic sports, figure skating stands out as one of the most beautiful and expressive. Despite the immense difficulty of mastering the technical steps, the best skaters glide across the ice with such grace that it seems effortless. But what sets the truly exceptional skaters apart is not just their ability to perform jumps, spins, and intricate tricks. They also capture the emotion of the music they skate to, embodying it in every movement.
One such skater is Veronika Zhilina. Veronika, a talented Russian figure skater, captured the world’s attention with her breathtaking performance to Alexandra Burke’s rendition of “Hallelujah.” The video of her routine has gone viral, and for good reason – it’s one of the most emotionally charged and beautiful performances you’ll ever see. What makes it even more remarkable is that Veronika was only ten years old at the time.
Veronika Vladislavovna Zhilina was born on May 15, 2008, in Arkhangelsk, Russia. Her journey into the world of figure skating began at an incredibly young age. At just three years old, her mother, Ludmilla, started teaching her how to skate. Veronika quickly showed a natural talent for the sport, and she wasn’t alone for long—her younger sister Alena soon joined her on the ice.
For the Zhilina sisters, skating became a shared passion. Both girls were more than willing to put in the intensive training hours necessary to pursue careers in figure skating. In 2018, they moved from Arkhangelsk to Moscow to train under renowned Russian coaches Sergei Dudakov, Sergei Rozanov, and Eteri Tutberidze, some of the most prestigious names in the sport.
In 2019, Veronika competed in the junior category of the Russian Younger Age Championships and won, proving her immense potential. She successfully defended her title the following year, cementing her status as a rising star.
When one of her coaches, Sergei Rozanov, transferred to the Academy Angels of Plushenko, Veronika and Alena followed him, joining another promising figure skater, Alexandra Trusova. Since then, Veronika has continued to excel in Russian competitions, and it seems only a matter of time before she makes her mark on the international stage.
Veronika’s performance to “Hallelujah” is a perfect example of her extraordinary artistic expression. When she takes to the ice, she holds a small light in her hand, waving it gracefully above her head as the audience lights up their own small lights in response. This creates an immediate connection between the skater and the audience.
Placing her light on the ice, Veronika begins to skate. Her movements are fluid, making it appear as though she’s floating across the ice. Her white dress and blonde hair enhance her angelic presence, and her flawless execution and smooth transitions make her seem almost otherworldly.
The choreography beautifully matches the mood of the song, making this a performance you simply can’t miss. And if you’re curious whether her younger sister Alena is just as talented, you should check her out as well. These two sisters are undoubtedly destined for great things in the world of figure skating.