Svetlana Varnavskaja, the coach of two-time European figure skating champion Niina Petrõkina, has always had the dream of becoming a figure skating coach since childhood. Her journey began with encouragement from her grandparents, who introduced her to the sport, leading her to train under esteemed coaches like Malle Tammlaan and Liivo Rennik. Despite only reaching an average level of skating, Varnavskaja achieved notable results, including bronze and silver medals in national championships.

After ending her competitive skating career at 17, Varnavskaja transitioned to performing with the Kyiv ice ballet, where she spent two years honing her skills before fully committing to coaching. Her experience in varied environments, including outdoor rinks and sports schools, has equipped her with a deep understanding of the sport. Varnavskaja believes her patience, nurtured throughout her journey, is a key feature of her coaching style, helping her guide athletes effectively.

Varnavskaja's reflections highlight the importance of resilience and support systems in pursuing a career in sports. As she mentors rising stars like Petrõkina, her story emphasizes how foundational experiences in figure skating can not only shape athletes’ futures but also inspire coaches to instill similar values of perseverance in their students.