Anastasiia Gubanova stands as one of the most compelling figures in contemporary figure skating – a sport defined by artistry, athletic daring, and the ceaseless pursuit of perfection. Born on December 2, 2002, in Togliatti, Russia, Gubanova’s path in figure skating began at age four when she first stepped onto the ice in 2006. From those early years in Russia to becoming a champion for Georgia, her story embodies transformation, tenacity, and global resonance that extends far beyond competitive results.
At just 21 years old, Gubanova made history for Georgian figure skating by winning the European Championships in 2023, a landmark achievement for both her and her adopted country. That victory marked the first time a Georgian woman captured that title, establishing her as one of the sport’s rising stars and elevating her to international prominence.
But to fully understand Anastasiia Gubanova’s impact, we must explore her technical evolution, competitive trajectory, personal journeys, stylistic identity, and cultural significance – especially during the pivotal seasons of 2024-25 and 2025-26, when she both faced challenges and captured global attention in unexpected ways.
Beginnings and National Transition
Anastasiia Gubanova’s origins in skating began under the Russian flag, where she trained at the St. Petersburg Figure Skating Academy, a renowned institution with a storied legacy in producing elite athletes. It was here, under coach Evgeni Rukavitsin, that she developed her fundamental skills – footwork, jumps, spins, and performance quality – that would define her artistic and competitive identity.
Her switch from representing Russia to competing for Georgia proved transformative. While many skaters change national representation for a variety of reasons – competitive opportunity, familial ties, or personal goals – Gubanova’s decision aligned with a broader trajectory in her career where she increasingly became a standout at major championships. As a Georgian athlete, she earned opportunities to compete at major international events, helping raise Georgia’s profile on the figure skating world stage.
2022–23: Breakthrough and European Glory
The 2022–23 season was a breakthrough for Gubanova. She captured a bronze medal at the ISU Grand Prix John Wilson Trophy in 2022, the first Grand Prix medal for a Georgian female skater, and followed this with her historic victory at the 2023 European Championships.
Her performances that season showcased a blend of athletic precision and expressive performance ability—a combination that judges increasingly rewarded in an era where technical elements like triple-triple jump combinations are balanced by the quality of interpretation and skating skills.
That European title was not only personally significant but marked a wider achievement for Georgian figure skating, which lacked the deep tradition and infrastructure of countries like Russia, the United States, or Japan. For Georgia, Gubanova’s success served as both inspiration and validation of the nation’s growing presence in winter sport.
2024–25: Peaks, Setbacks, and Consistency
The 2024–25 season reflected both continuity and challenge for Gubanova. She started the season on the ISU Challenger Series circuit, where she placed fourth at the 2024 CS Lombardia Trophy before winning gold at the Denis Ten Memorial Challenge. She continued on the Grand Prix series, finishing eighth at the Grand Prix de France and at Cup of China.
But it was at the 2025 European Championships in Tallinn, Estonia that she once again showed her competitive strength. Gubanova delivered a powerful short program, winning that segment with a score near 69 points, and ultimately finished second overall with a silver medal—her second consecutive podium finish at the Europeans.
Paradoxically, her performance at the 2025 World Championships in Boston was far more difficult: she struggled technically in the short program and placed outside the cut for the free skate, marking a disappointing finish by her standards. But this setback did not define her entire season.
Later in the year, she was selected for the World Team Trophy, representing Georgia. There, she delivered two clean performances and set personal best scores in free skate and combined total, placing fourth overall individually and helping her team secure a respectable finish. This demonstrated resilience and a capacity to rebound after tough moments.
Overall, the 2024–25 season evidenced Gubanova’s consistency among the top echelon of competitors—an athlete who could deliver big performances and who possessed the potential to contend for medals at championships annually.
2025–26: Road to Milano–Cortina and Olympic Narrative
The 2025–26 season brought with it stakes higher than ever: qualification and preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano–Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.
Gubanova opened the season at the ISU Skate to Milano Figure Skating Qualifier, a crucial event for Olympic quotas. Here she won the silver medal behind Adeliia Petrosian and secured Georgia a berth in the women’s singles at the Olympic Games, a significant milestone for her nation’s representation.
This qualification marked another demonstration of her competitive poise in high-pressure settings. Soon after, at the 2025 CS Trialeti Trophy, she added another gold medal to her résumé.
On the Grand Prix circuit, Gubanova competed at Cup of China and later 2025 Skate America, where she delivered an impressive performance, rising from fourth after the short program to finish third overall and claiming bronze. Her podium at Skate America was widely celebrated by commentators and fans, as it was an affirmation of her enduring caliber among elite skaters.
At the 2026 European Championships, Gubanova placed fifth overall after a challenging short program. This performance elicited thoughtful reflection from her about the nature of competition: while she felt preparation for the Winter Olympics was paramount, especially the team event, the Europeans served as a stepping stone toward her larger Olympic ambitions.
Indeed, when the 2026 Winter Olympics began, Gubanova was selected to compete for Georgia—not only in the women’s singles segment but also as a valuable contributor to the team event. According to competition reports from the Games, she placed fifth in the women’s short program of the team event, delivering a crucial contribution to her national team’s overall effort.
While Georgia did not capture a medal in the competition, Gubanova’s performances were widely noted for their technical quality and professional composure, especially considering the intense pressure of the Olympic spotlight.
Beyond the Ice: Viral Moments and Cultural Impact
In early 2026, amidst the global stage of the Winter Olympics, Gubanova found herself at the center of an unexpected cultural phenomenon.
Short clips of her skating seemingly to Bollywood music—most notably the title track of the Indian film Dhurandhar and San Sananana Sana from Asoka—went viral on social media, captivating audiences far beyond the usual figure skating world. In these videos, she was seen wearing a red-and-gold costume and even sporting a red bindi, a traditional South Asian cultural symbol, which added to the striking visual appeal of the moment.
That footage spread rapidly on platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), with many fans around the world—especially in India and South Asia—celebrating what they saw as a heartfelt cultural homage.
There was later reporting and fact‑checking indicating that the specific Bollywood track itself might not have been the official music used on the Olympic rink, and some of the viral versions were likely edited by fans for social media entertainment. Nonetheless, the buzz reflected the power of cross‑cultural engagement in modern sport: even misattributed or remixed content can highlight how global audiences connect with elite athletes beyond pure competition.
Whether the performance was shown with Bollywood tracks or simply became associated with that imagery due to internet editing, the effect on her visibility was undeniable. Gubanova became a figure discussed not just in skating circles, but across diverse communities fascinated by how Olympic moments can spark global cultural dialogue.
Personality, Style, and Artistic Identity
Anastasiia Gubanova’s skating style is frequently noted for its blend of technical precision and expressive movement. Her programs often emphasize lyrical quality, musical sensitivity, and a grounded stability that allows her to deliver complicated jump sequences and transitions with seeming ease. While her competitive strengths have primarily resided in solid spins, transitions, and program components scores, she has also shown growth in jump content over her career.
Her choice of program music for the 2025–26 season – San Sanana by Any Malik and Unchained Melody from Ghost – The Musical – reveals a strategic balance of emotional depth and broad audience appeal. These musical selections enable rich choreography that showcases her artistic range beyond sheer athletic execution.
Off the ice, Gubanova is known to enjoy more ordinary pastimes such as watching series, indicating a relatable, grounded personality – a contrast to the intense precision required in her professional life. Her marriage in July 2024 to former Finnish skater Roman Galay also reflects a personal milestone that garnered attention within the skating community, adding another dimension to her public story.
Legacy, Challenges, and Future Directions
As of early 2026, Gubanova has signaled that this Olympic cycle might be her last season of competitive figure skating, a sentiment she shared in interviews with fans and commentators. After years on the international circuit, balancing the physical demands of elite performance with personal goals, many athletes eventually contemplate retirement or transitions into coaching, choreography, or other roles within the sport.
This realization adds emotional weight to her recent achievements. A career that includes a European title, multiple medals on the Challenger and Grand Prix circuits, and strong Olympic performances is a testament to her dedication – especially considering the fierce competitiveness of women’s singles figure skating. If 2026 is her final season, Gubanova will certainly depart with a legacy that extends beyond scores and placements.
Her influence is both sporting and cultural. On the ice, she showed how an athlete from a smaller skating nation could compete among the best, bringing honor and visibility to Georgia in a sport historically dominated by powerhouse countries. Off the ice and online, viral moments connected her with global audiences in ways few athletes anticipate.
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