She Was Only 10—But This Ice Performance Moved Millions to Tears

Of all Olympic-level sports, figure skating uniquely combines athletic precision with emotional storytelling. It's one thing to master the spins and jumps, but quite another to move an audience to tears without saying a word.

That’s exactly what 10-year-old Russian figure skater Veronika Zhilina did—and the internet can’t stop watching.

Her stunning performance to Hallelujah by Alexandra Burke has been shared across the globe, hailed not just for its technical beauty, but for its rare emotional impact. And the most incredible part? She was only ten years old when she performed it.

A Rising Star Born on the Ice

Veronika Vladislavovna Zhilina was born on May 15, 2008, in Arkhangelsk, Russia. Her journey on the ice began at just three years old, guided by her mother Ludmilla, a dedicated skating coach.

Soon, her younger sister Alena joined her in training. Together, the girls began building a path in figure skating that demanded extreme discipline—something few children can manage. But Veronika was different.

In 2018, the family moved to Moscow for advanced training under elite Russian coaches like Sergei Dudakov, Eteri Tutberidze, and Sergei Rozanov. Within a year, Veronika was already winning national junior competitions—and she wasn’t done yet.

The Performance That Went Viral

What sets Veronika apart isn't just her flawless jumps or transitions—though those are exceptional. It’s her ability to embody a song’s spirit, something rare even among adult professionals.

Dressed in white, holding a glowing light that she gently places on the ice, she becomes part of the music. Her routine to Hallelujah flows like water, smooth and reflective, capturing the attention of every person in the arena—and now, millions online.

Critics have praised the performance not only for its artistic elegance but for how it connects emotionally, even with those unfamiliar with figure skating as a sport.

The Future of a Skating Prodigy

Now training under Evgeni Plushenko at the Angels of Plushenko Academy, Veronika continues to rise. She’s considered a likely contender on the international stage in the coming years—and her younger sister may follow close behind.

Her passion, poise, and presence on the ice at such a young age suggest a long, successful career ahead. But beyond the medals and scores, Veronika is already achieving something far more rare: she's making audiences feel.

If this performance is just the beginning, the future of figure skating looks extraordinary.