The Russian junior singles champion disappeared in Moscow on August 28 after an argument with her mentor. Sofia spent the night at the entrance and did not contact her for more than a day, seriously disturbing her family, friends and figure skating fans. Only the next day, the girl was found in the cinema, where she assumed that she would sleep during the performance. The teenager’s coach, Sofia Fedchenko, remained silent the entire time. After two weeks, she could calmly talk about the dramatic events.
The girl lived in her mentor’s apartment for several years, but Sophia realized that she was not ready to take responsibility for the life and health of her pupil if certain rules were not followed.
“I consider myself 100 percent to blame for her impulsive act. We had a conflict. Household, absolutely unrelated to sports. After a long conversation, I outlined to Alina my position regarding her living with me and my guardianship over her. She emphasized that she can continue to skate at the academy and the training process will not be affected in any way. But when it comes to life, she has to move in with one of her relatives or rent a separate apartment, having previously informed her mother,” said Fedchenko.
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The dialogue did not lead to anything, Sophia wanted to continue it after the training. Alina warmed up in the corridor, but never appeared on the ice. Within half an hour, the mentor panicked and raised the alarm because she could not find or reach the girl. She sent Alina’s mother to the police, and she herself contacted volunteers from LisaAlert, the employees of the ice palace and the parents of the athletes got involved.
The search continued throughout the night, cameras showed Gorbachev going to the river, which caused even more panic. However, Sophia did not think about the suicide attempt. “God forbid! No, there were no such thoughts. We were afraid of crime, there is a construction site nearby, there are a lot of migrants, homeless people often go to the beach. Well, in general, it was scary, I did not expect such behavior from her, and I did not understand what she on the plan,” said the mentor.
The next morning, socks were found on the shore and divers were called to the scene. Now Fedchenko understands that publicity was needed and active actions have begun on the part of law enforcement authorities. A video appeared in which Alina was recorded in a cafe, and only then was she discovered at a film show. “I felt better when we met and hugged. I completely let go when Alina told me about the motive of her act the next morning,” noted the figure skater’s mentor.
The girl’s mother, Ekaterina, spent a few days with her in the trainer’s apartment, and then went on vacation. Now Sofya and Alina have resolved their differences, the girl still lives with her coach. “When you take responsibility for someone else’s child, it’s a double responsibility. I’ve been raising Alina since she was 12 years old. I’m in control of her education, medical care, recreation and daily needs,” Sport24 quoted the coach as saying.
For now, the situation was put on hold to allow all emotions to subside. In the future, according to Sophie, everyone will talk to each other to understand how to do the right thing and in the best interests of the teenager. “These are family problems and problems that did not arise two weeks ago. I have no right to discuss this,” Sophia remarked.
The coach explained that he did not force Alina to apologize for her actions on social networks. “I don’t think he’s to blame. All people make mistakes, Alina and I are no exception. It was a very long conversation, and not just one. Now everything is in place,” added Fedchenko.
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