Russian figure skater Zagitova wins Olympic gold, Medvedeva grabs silver

PYEONGCHANG, South Korea, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- Russian figure skaters have defended the country's honor in women's single figure skating as two gifted young ladies won gold and silver medals on Friday.

Following her outstanding performance in the short program, 15-year-old Alina Zagitova of the Olympic Athlete from Russia (OAR) team again stunned the Gangneung Ice Arena before a loud, excited crowd of Russian fans with a flawless program, triumphing with an overall total of 239.57. points, her personal best.

Four years ago in Sochi, Russia's Adelina Sotnikova won the country's first Olympic gold in the event.

Four years later, Russia's strength discipline is apparently growing as two-time world champion Evgenia Medvedva, 18, scored 238.268 points to win the silver medal. Canadian Kaetlyn Osmond settled for the bronze with 231.02 points.

"I would give me a 4 with a little plus (out of 5) for my performance, because I didn't do the first jump combination (triple Lutz-triple loop), but I did it later. I proved one more time to myself that I can change my jump elements during the program," Zagitova said.

"When I saw the score, I was surprised and it was a nice surprise. I am glad that I was able to deal with my nervousness, go out there and skate my program calmly," she added.

When commenting on the competition with Medvedva, who is also coached by the renowned Eteri Tutberidze, Zagitova said: "I didn't feel the competition, but that I don't have any room for errors. That was a motivation and anxiety at the same time. My hands were shaking, but my body remembered what I've been doing many times in practice."