Uzbekistan’s Gold Medalist, Sitora Ergashova

A figure skater is pictured performing a routine, her arms raised artistically. Blurred behind her are spectators. — Uzbekistan figure skater, Sitora Ergashova, as she competes at the Special Olympics

A vision of poise and finesse, on the ice and off, Uzbekistan Figure Skater, Sitora Ergashova brings home her first gold win at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025! Fresh from receiving her medal, Sitora exclaims, “I feel… I can’t even explain it, amazing!”

A figure skater is pictured performing a routine. Blurred behind her are spectators. — Sitora performing during the Division 2 Finals at Pala Tazzoli

Watching her from the stands, at just 18 years old, Sitora Ergashova is a dancer on ice. Her stature and enthusiasm, clearly visible in her movements as she cuts through the ice with grace and precision, leaving even the photographers in awe. “She’s like a ballerina!” were the words shared by some spectators, as she completed each move.

Born and raised in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Sitora actively participated in competitions organised by Special Olympics Uzbekistan. “Organisers thought I was great at playing football, but at the same time, a figure skating recruitment initiative sought me out, and because I love roller skating, it seemed like a natural choice for me.”

A figure skater speaks to her coach while standing at the edge of an ice rink. Her coach has a jacket with the words Uzbekistan printed on the back — Sitora receiving words of encouragement from her Coach, Ellita Avanesyan during training

As Sitora’s football training intensified, she faced a challenge in balancing her love for football and figure skating. In 2024, Sitora and her team claimed victory at the Gothia Special Olympics Trophy tournament, a remarkable football achievement that required her full commitment. This meant stepping away from figure skating temporarily, much to the dismay of her coach, Ellita Avanesyan. “I still called her every week though, to remind her to train on roller skates in her free time. Once the tournament ended, she was happy to be on the ice again.”

A figure skater skates on the ice with other skaters during a training session — Sitora a vision of focus, and determined to win

Moments before Sitora competes at the Pala Tazzoli ice rink in Turin, she leans over the barrier, taking in words of encouragement from her coach Ellita. “This was my first competition in figure skating, so I was quite nervous,” Sitora recalls after her performance, “but then I saw my coach on the sidelines, and my worries disappeared. “She is always with me no matter how I do – that’s my mindset, and it works. I’m calm when I finally perform.”

Sitora has only been training as a figure skater for a year. In an unexpected turn of events, she fell ill just before departing for Turin. While resting under the advisement of her doctors, Sitora still shared her figure skating routine with Coach Ellita, every evening, not wanting to miss a single move.

A figure skater raises her arms during a routine, a smile on her face in apparent joy — A joyous end to her first time at the Special Olympics World Winter Games

And while Sitora did not have ample opportunity to be on the ice before divisioning, she rehearsed her routine right in the hotel lobby. Every movement, every gesture had to be perfect. “I practised the elements over and over again, imagining how it would look on the rink.”

Over the past year, Sitora has trained five days a week – taking a break on the weekend to read adventure books, cook, or play football with friends. “I’m finishing my education, but I hope to study further and become a child psychologist. I want to help children understand themselves better and feel supported.”

When asked how her first experience at the Special Olympics World Winter Games is going, Sitora shared, “I feel confident being here. People come to talk to me after my performances, and sometimes gift me sweet things. To be able to talk to different people from other countries, to feel a sense of friendship and acknowledgement, it’s an amazing feeling.”

Sitora’s dedication paid off. In Division 2 of the figure skating finals at Pala Tazzoli, she clinched the gold medal, bringing home victory for Team Uzbekistan but most of all, herself. Her choice of song, “Can’t Stop This Feeling” by US artist, Justin Timberlake – a perfect fit for Sitora – especially given the lyrics: “I can’t stop the feeling, so I just dance, dance, dance.”

A figure skater stands smiling with a gold medal around her neck — Can’t stop this feeling – Sitora went for gold and won.

Dressed in a costume sewn by her coach, Sitora radiated confidence and captivated the crowd. And now, a gold medalist, Sitora beams with pride as she stands with her fellow athletes on the podium. More aware than ever of her talent and capabilities, she has mastered not one, but two sports, now seeking to embark on a new adventure, and one that benefits others. Sitora Ergashova, a rising star.