Alina Zagitova announces break from competitive figure skating

Figure skating Olympic gold medallist Alina Zagitova is taking a break from competition ice.

The Russian has announced that she will focus on 'non-competitive shows' in a bid to rediscover her motivation for the sport.

“I will stay on ice, and I will continue my training,” she told TASS.

“I think it would be the right thing to do, because I’m going to learn some new elements.”

Zagitova's decision means she is unlikely to compete at the Russian national championships later this month, or January's European Championships.

The 2020 World Figure Skating Championships begin on 16th March.