Sotnikova is the first Russian lady skater to win gold at the Olympic Games. Sotnikova won her first National senior level title at age 12. She admires World Champions Brian Joubert, Stéphane Lambiel, Miki Ando and Mao Asada. Sotnikova sat out the 2014/15 season recovering from an ankle injury. Coach Elena Buianova (Vodorezova) is the 1983 European silver and World bronze medalist.