When Victoria Drazdova first stepped onto the ice at age five, she couldn’t have imagined that her lifelong passion for figure skating would one day merge with scientific research and global entrepreneurship.
After a career as a competitive skater and years as a coach, Victoria saw a gap in how skaters train off the ice. Traditional methods focused on repetition, often leading to overuse injuries without significant performance gains. She believed there had to be a better way — and decided to prove it.
A first-of-its-kind study in figure skating
Victoria applied her years of coaching and competitive skating experience to design a three-year training program that blended traditional on-ice techniques with innovative off-ice methods. Collaborating with international experts, she oversaw the development and testing of a gyroscopic spin-board system, resulting in measurable performance gains among youth figure skaters. Victoria’s research has caught the attention of top sports science experts worldwide. Reviewers praised the noticeable jump in spin speed, steadiness, and skater confidence — results they believe could earn a place in leading international journals. Reviews came from an Academic Editor for PLOS ONE (one of the largest peer-reviewed journals), an Associate Professor at the University of Washington, and an Editorial Board Member for Elsevier, the world’s largest academic publisher. All three experts described it as “the first of its kind” and praised its potential to reshape coaching practices internationally.
Turning research into global access
Victoria didn’t stop at research. She is also the founder of VSA — one of the world’s first comprehensive online platforms for figure skating. Available on the App Store and Google Play, VSA connects skaters of all ages and levels — from beginners to professionals — with expert coaches and structured training plans.
With over 500 million annual social media views and 360,000 instagram followers (most from the U.S.), VSA has grown into a thriving global community. For many skaters, it’s their first opportunity to access world-class coaching without leaving home.
Recognition before the Olympics
As the Winter Olympics 2026 approach, Victoria’s journey — from a five-year-old on the ice to a coach, researcher, and tech founder — is inspiring athletes and coaches alike. Her work bridges artistry and science, showing that innovation off the ice can translate to excellence on it.
“This is a well-conceived and well-executed study that contributes meaningfully to sports science and youth athletic development,” says Dr. Efrem Kentiba, Academic Editor for PLOS ONE. “Its innovative approach is globally scalable and evidence-based, offering a safer and more effective path to mastery.”
From breaking new ground in figure skating science to building tools that help athletes everywhere train smarter, Victoria Drazdova is reshaping how champions are made.
About Journalist
Jacob Maslow is an experienced journalist and digital publisher with over two decades of work in international media. He has founded multiple news platforms and contributed stories to leading global publications, building a reputation for turning complex topics into engaging, accessible narratives. Based between Jerusalem and New Jersey, Jacob focuses on highlighting innovation, entrepreneurship, and inspiring personal journeys that resonate with readers worldwide.
