“The best part of performing is definitely the adrenaline,” says Sofia Bezkorovainaya, 15 year old figure skater. “I love the excitement and the feeling of being on the ice in front of an audience.”

When skating phenomenon Sofia Bezkorovainaya looks down at the ice, she remembers skating around the rink with her friend Everly Livingston, one of the 67 lives lost on Flight 5342 over the Potomac River last year when the airliner collided with a U.S. Army helicopter.

Sofia’s friend Everly was aboard the commercial jet with her whole family, and Sofia is dedicating her

routines to Everly. "In the opening and closing moments of the program, when I look up and hug myself, it feels like she's hugging me," said Sofia.

It’s a lot for a 15-year-old, but her flawless routine shows her level of professionalism and dedication. Her short program music is “Over the Rainbow.” The emotion came through to the many who watched it on the Instagram post of Sofia skating. "I got chills, what an amazing tribute," said one. "I cry every time, it's a beautiful program for her dear friend," said another. “In some respects, this is hard to watch, but to see it, and to this song, you HAVE to, so we can remember all of the great skaters and their families whose lives were so senselessly cut short that evening. R.I.P. Everly. Your friend did a beautiful job in tribute to you,” said another.

Sofia is a 15-year-old student at Virginia Virtual Academy from Springfield, born in Alexandria, Va., who recently earned a top-six finish at the U.S. Junior Figure Skating Championships, placing her among the best junior skaters in the country. She trains in Reston, and is widely considered a strong future Olympic contender, with her sights set on the 2030 Winter Games when she becomes age-eligible. 

“Absolutely, the 2030 Olympics are my long-term goal,” Sofia said. Meanwhile she is excited to watch the Winter Olympics beginning Feb. 6. “These Olympics are so exciting to watch. … I’m cheering for all of the Team USA skaters.”

Training Home

“I started skating at the Mount Vernon Rec Center. After that, I trained at MedStar and Ashburn,” Sofia said. “My current home rink is Reston SkateQuest.”

Her virtual school schedule at the Academy allows her the flexibility needed to travel, train and compete nationally while still getting an education. It’s a model that has supported her growth for years, dating back to her 2022 Juvenile National Championship. 

The XXV Winter Olympic Games, Milano Cortina 2026, is scheduled to take place this month, Feb. 6 - 22. Sofia won’t be competing there yet, but she is hopeful for the future.

https://www.instagram.com/sofiabezkorovainaya/

https://usfigureskating.org/sports/figure-skating/roster/sofia-bezkorovainaya/1244