Gubanova
Anastasia Gubanova
Nickname: Gubanchik
Age: 18
Hometown: Tolyatti (Togliatti), Russia
Country: Georgia
Spirit Animal: “I think I would be someone from the feline family, because I am soft and sweet, but with a strong character.”
“Everything that is not done, is all for the better.”
-unknown
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Beginning her sports career in the Samara region in the city of Togliatti (Tolyatti), at the age of 4, Anastasia recalls that her parents originally had her participate in sports for general health.
“I immediately began to show results, therefore, my parents and I moved to St. Petersburg. For most of my sports life I skated with Turenko Angelina Nikolaevna, then moved to Moscow and studied with Buyanova Elena Germanovna.”
Later, she returned to St. Petersburg and currently trains with Evgeny Vladimirovich Rukavitsyn.
“There have been many ups and downs in my sports career. My most memorable competition was at the junior grand prix finals in Marseille. Then I performed for the first time in front of a large audience at international competitions. Emotions overwhelmed me.”
In 2016, while representing Russia, Gubanova was the JGP Czech Republic Champion, JGP Germany champion, and JGP Final Silver Medalist.
Later, in 2017, she won the Cup of Nice and Tallinn Trophy while placing 6th in senior and 4th in junior at the 2018 Russian Nationals.
Anastasia was also the 2018 CS Golden Spin of Zagreb silver medalist. After placing 10th at the 2020 Russian Nationals, she did not compete in the 2020-21 season.
In August of 2021, it was affirmed that she would continue her competitive career representing the country of Georgia.
After contracting COVID-19, Gubanova was forced to withdraw from the 2021 CS Cup of Austria after placing 5th at the CS Finlandia Trophy.
In December of 2021, she won her first senior international title at CS Golden Spin of Zagreb. Most recently, Anastasia placed 7th at the European Championships in Tallinn earning Georgia two spots for the event next year.
Now she is focused on the Beijing Olympics.
Q: Who was your skating role-model when you were younger?
“I never looked up to anyone.”
Q: Who is someone in your life that inspires or motivates you?
“My mom always motivates me. In any situation, she supports me, helps and gives me a second wind.”
Q: What is your favourite element in skating?
“I love all the elements, but my favourite is the flip, and the least favourite axel.”
Q: What is your favourite type of off-ice training?
“I love off-ice. I like training in the gym because it is interesting, fun and you can always come up with something new. All muscle groups work and training in the gym helps a lot with on ice.”
Q: Do you have any pre-competition rituals or superstitions?
“I don't have any pre-competition rituals. I prefer to communicate with friends and be distracted before competitions.”
Q: Do you do any type of visualization or meditation?
“I have never done visualization and meditation, but maybe in the future I will try.”
Q: How do you remain composed when competing in high pressure situations?
“It seems to me at this moment you need to throw all thoughts of responsibility out of your head and concentrate on the program, just perform all of the elements and enjoy!”
Q: What is your ultimate goal with skating?
“Of course, my goals changed with age, but at the moment, I want to show [off] my work and the work of my coaches 100% and enjoy it.”
Q: Did you ever endure some type of adversity in your career?
“In my career there were difficult moments [regarding] weight. [I believe] every athlete faces this and these problems cannot be avoided. I coped with this dieting and jogging, but I can say that while girls in transitional age, it is very difficult to lose weight [compared to athletes] at a younger age or more adult age."
“During this period, the main thing is not to give up and see the goal in front of you and go towards it.”
Q: What was one major life lesson you’ve learned from skating?
“From a young age, we go to competitions and training camps without parents, therefore, we grow up earlier and become more independent.”
“Thanks to figure skating, I [also] saw the world, because when I go to competitions, I not only perform, but also try to always see the cities.”
Q: What is your favourite skating memory?
“I always love emotions after successful skates. When you feel inside that you did your best and left yourself on the ice.”
Q: What is it that you love most about skating?
“I love everything; training, preparation for competitions, and of course even performances.”
Q: If skating didn’t exist and you did anything else in the world what would it be?
“I would like to be a singer.”
Q: What is something unique that most people do not know about you?
“I think it has to do with creativity. I can't say that this is unique, but only mom and dad and a few friends know about it. I love writing poetry and songs and I have plans to release at least one of my own songs.”
Also, as a child, Anastasia practiced rhythmic gymnastics, participated in competitions, and notes that she was always ranked among the top three at events.
Q: Do you have any hobbies outside of skating?
“I write songs and poems myself. I express my emotions on a piece of paper and get a kick out of it.”
Q: What are your aspirations and career goals outside of skating?
“I want to go to university next year and now I am stubbornly preparing for exams.”
“Next year I will go to college as a coach, and I plan to have a second higher education in economics.”
Q: Where is one place you’ve never been but hope to visit?
“I really want to visit America and Japan, as I have never been there.”
Q: What type of music do you enjoy listening to?
“I listen to everything according to my mood.”
Lastly, what does it mean to you to have a #ChampionshipMindset?
“Never give up, believe in yourself no matter what and go towards your goal.”
