Anna Shcherbakova, the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics women's singles figure skating champion, recently receives an exclusive interview with the Global Times in Moscow, Russia. Photo: Fan Wei/GT

Anna Shcherbakova, the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics women's singles figure skating champion, is renowned for her elegant performances and exceptional skills on the ice, earning her the name of "Princess" among fans. Although she has stepped back from competition, Shcherbakova remains immensely popular in China, deeply loved by young people and figure skating enthusiasts. 

Recently, the Global Times reporters had an exclusive interview with her in Moscow. During the conversation, Shcherbakova shared her impressions of China and expressed her eagerness to return. 
 
Shcherbakova said that "one thing that surprised me about Beijing is that some of its architecture resembles Russia's. At times, being in Beijing made me feel like I was somewhere in Moscow — yet other buildings are completely different. This contrast left a deep impression on me, and I found it fascinating." 

Shcherbakova said that all her memories of Beijing are tied to the Olympics, and even when visiting Beijing after the competition, she could still feel the atmosphere and tension of the Winter Games, with many memories resurfacing vividly.  

During the interview, Shcherbakova also recounted some interesting experiences from the Winter Olympics. "At the Beijing Winter Olympic Games, the atmosphere among the athletes was incredibly friendly. We exchanged so many pins — it's a tradition for us to trade team badges with competitors from other countries and hang them on our lanyards. I collected so many that I eventually ran out of space! I think this is a wonderful tradition because it brings all the athletes closer together," she said.  

She also said that she would definitely return to China — whether for work or leisure travel. "Although I've been to China many times, I've never visited the Great Wall. I must go and see it. I'd also love to see pandas in person. I really want to travel around China, discover new things, and gain fresh experiences."  

Despite stepping back from figure skating competition, Shcherbakova continues to enjoy tremendous popularity in China. On her social media accounts in China, many Chinese fans leave messages expressing their admiration and share stories of how her performances have touched their hearts. 

 "I believe you must always love what you do because, without passion, it's hard to overcome difficulties. If you truly love your career, you'll spare no effort to pursue it, and you won't regret missed opportunities."  

Regarding her beloved sport, she mentioned figure skating's creative feature. Unlike disciplines solely focused on being higher, faster, or stronger, figure skating combines athleticism with artistry. Through choreography and movement, skaters convey their emotions and captivate audiences. "I adore figure skating precisely because it blends high-level technique with artistry, and I hope more people will come to love it too," she said.  

During the interview, the Global Times reporter showed Shcherbakova heartfelt video messages from Chinese fans. Watching young Chinese figure skaters express their admiration and recommend travel destinations in China brought a bright smile to her face.  

"This is so sweet! Thank you all for your warm wishes and suggestions — especially the little ones telling me where to visit in China," she said, visibly moved. The videos also evoked fond memories for her: "Every time I go to China, I feel incredibly happy. To me, it's like a celebration — wherever I go, I'm greeted with such warmth. I really hope to return soon, whether to conduct masterclasses or simply explore."