Azerbaijani figure skater Arina Kalugina has broken an Olympic record during the Denis Ten Memorial Challenger junior competition in Almaty, marking a historic achievement for her country.
According to the Azerbaijan Winter Sports Federation, Kalugina received an additional +2.91 points for her performance of a quadruple Salchow, surpassing the previous Olympic best. Competing against 20 athletes from 13 countries, the Azerbaijani skater finished with a total score of 167.24 points, earning the bronze medal.
Kalugina’s flawless execution of the jump not only improved her personal best but also broke the record previously held by Japan’s Mao Shimada. The performance drew strong praise from coaches and judges, who noted the technical precision and composure that set Kalugina apart from her competitors.
Her record-breaking performance in Almaty highlights Azerbaijan’s growing presence in winter sports – a field where the country is steadily gaining international recognition.
The Azerbaijani federation described the achievement as a “significant milestone for our national skating program,” noting that Kalugina’s success serves as an inspiration for young athletes pursuing ice sports across the region.
