Russian figure skater Anna Shcherbakova takes the gold medal in the women’s single skating at the Beijing Winter Olympics on Thursday. Photo: VCG

Anna Shcherbakova earned a total of 255.95 points in the women’s single skating competition at the Beijing Winter Olympics on Thursday. Photo: VCG

Anna Shcherbakova skates Thursday at the Beijing Winter Olympics. Photo: VCG

Shcherbakova, 2021 world champion and two-time European silver medalist, performs in Beijing. Photo: VCG

Russian skater Alexandra Trusova completed four of five planned quads during the free skate, winning the highest free skate score with 177.13 points for a total of 251.73 points, finishing second. Photo: VCG

Alexandra Trusova performs the challenging cantilever movement. Photo: VCG

Japanese skater Kaori Sakamoto scored a total of 233.13 points in the women’s single skating, landing her in third place. Photo: VCG

Kamila Valieva, who is at the center of a doping scandal, performs during the event. Photo: IC Photo

Valieva placed fourth with a total of 224.09 points after making several mistakes during the performances. Photo: VCG

The winners pose with Bing Dwen Dwen toys. Bing Dwen Dwen is the mascot of the Beijing 2022 Winter Games. Photo: IC Photo