Recent interview with Evgenia Medvedeva
matchtv.ru
Zhenya, I know that you are following the Tokyo Olympics. What was the most amazing thing that you saw?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Yes, I try to follow it closely. I follow the results of most competitions, I am interested in all sports in general, well, as much as is possible given my schedule. The most amazing thing? Of course, the team competition of our gymnasts. I cheered for them so much, with all my heart, and I’m happy that the guys won.
Probably I have especially warm feelings about this Olympics, as I was supposed to go to Tokyo as the Russian Olympic team ambassador. It is a pity that it did not work out. When we started this partnership with ROC in 2019 and came up with a lot of cool ideas, we could not imagine that the world would change like that.
How did you react to the news that you won't be able to support our team in Tokyo?
Evgenia Medvedeva: The decision not to fly to Japan for me, as an ambassador, was made due to the extremely difficult epidemiological situation in Tokyo and large number of restrictions of the anti-covid protocols. Taking care about the health and reducing the contacts of the athletes is more important now. People in Japan are great at organizing events, I know it firsthand. Safety is paramount for them, and I support this approach.
You spoke touchingly about Artur Dalaloyan, who competed after a terrible injury. Probably, only an athlete who herself performed on “one leg” can understand, what Artur’s courage is worth.
Evgenia Medvedeva: Artur has done a heroic deed. It is unrealistic to recover in such a short time after the rupture of Achilles. I saw a photo of his leg in April, our friend showed it to me, and this was a very scary sight.
I share Artur’s emotions and am very happy about his gold medal in the team event. I hope that he will not stop and will prepare for the World Championships in October.
I was also worried about Nikita Nagorny, as we are friends with him. Nikita is, of course, a phenomenal gymnast.
You have your own Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic experience. All the athletes with whom I talked recall those Games in very different ways. Someone remembered them for the cold and wind with sand, others – for the incredible atmosphere of the Olympic village. And what about you?
Evgenia Medvedeva: You know, athletes sometimes say that the Olympics are a historical event for them. This is not an empty phrase: this is how I perceived it as well. I recall that time with a delight. I liked everything that surrounded me, I liked being in the Olympic village, I really liked performing there, and I felt completely comfortable, despite the wild frosts. My friends then said that it was terribly cold in Korea, but I don’t remember that, can you imagine? I felt warm (laughs). Absolutely comfortable. I remember those Olympics with gratitude and warmth.
At the Tokyo Games, the topic of mental health was loudly discussed as Simone Biles withdrew from the team all-around after an unsuccessful jump. Can you imagine yourself in such situation? The most important competition, the interests of a team that counts on you very much, and you refuse to compete when they have already begun.
Evgenia Medvedeva: Simone Biles is a great athlete, I would like to wish her to cope with all her problems. I would not want to comment on her situation, because I don't know her personally. I try to follow our athletes more. But surely she had her reasons to do what she did. I think that in the United States, they treated the situation well. I saw on the Internet that the American media supported her decision.
What would it be like with a Russian athlete or with me in a similar situation? Difficult question. To answer it, you need to figure out what happened there. The press writes about different versions. Speaking from my perspective, I can say that we have such a mentality that we compete with any problems and fight for victory no matter what. Dalaloyan is a striking example. Or Nikita Nagorny, who passed a kidney stone before the individual competition. And Madina Taymazova? She fought and won a medal with such a terrible bruise over the eye. The Tokyo Olympics gave us new national heroes! And in general, this heroism did not begin yesterday. Nosov with a broken arm and his bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics, and many more examples.
As an athlete, have you developed a more attentive and careful attitude to your health with age and experience?
Evgenia Medvedeva: With age, you actually start to realize more what health actually is and how important it is for you. So, here comes the desire to stay healthy.
Due to the pandemic, many of your plans and projects were canceled last summer – for example, skating shows in Japan. Was it difficult to accept the new reality? Roughly speaking, to sit at home and wait, being unable to change anything. Athletes are people of action, accustomed to rely on their own strengths.
Evgenia Medvedeva: Yes, it was difficult. But everyone were on an equal footing – the pandemic demanded extreme decisions and self-discipline from people. And the show "Prism on Ice", where I play the main role of the anime character Sailor Moon, has not been canceled, for example. It was just postponed to the summer of 2022. This is definitely a smart decision given the pandemic. It would be wrong to do such a large-scale international show, timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the cult cartoon, with restrictions.
I am proud to have the opportunity to play this role. Sailor Moon is very popular in Japan, so to some extent, being on this show is a dream come true. I just have to wait a little more.
Imagine that tomorrow all borders on the planet will be opened and you have a vacation. Where would you go?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Will it be too banal if I answer Japan? (Laughs) I haven’t been there for over a year and, I confess, I miss it very much. As soon as there are no restrictions and the world is back to normal, I would like to go there.
My love for Japan turned into a collaboration with JNTO (Japan national tourism organization – editor's note), with whom we held the J-Fest in Moscow at the end of last year. I talked about my love for Japanese culture and answered questions from the festival participants. I hope there will be more such events in Russia, and not only in the online format.
By the way, with my mother and grandmother we are now making a Japanese garden at our home. Since it is difficult to go to Japan, we decided to create a pice Japan in our yard (smiles). In Japan, almost every temple has gardens and this inspired me to create my own.
Let’s imagine that you go to Japan with a close friend who hasn't been there before. Where will you take him, what will you show, what will you suggest to try from the local cuisine?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Okay, if my close friend has never been to Japan before, then… first I would just take him outside. I would show the simplest things – buildings, roads, crossroads, parks, subway – everything is completely different, new, unlike anywhere else in the world. There, at every step, you have to pick your jaw off the floor (laughs).
Naturally, we would eat sushi or sashimi for dinner. Of the more original dishes, I would advise him uni – sea urchins, in Japan they are the most delicious. In Nagano, a certain kind of apples are grown – red, very tasty – you can find them only there.
If we went to Kobe, this is a city on the coast, we would definitely try meat there. It is prepared like a barbecue on an open fire in the presence of a chef in special restaurants called yakiniku.
We would also go to Kyoto. There's an incredible old town! Both beautiful, and has tasty food. Awesome place. Well, and a place that is difficult to find words to describe - Mount Fuji. The great old volcano, the landscape of unreal beauty, and the mountain itself – it is not a symbol of Japan for nothing .
In general, a week would not be enough for my friend and me (laughs).
Are there any things that unite Japan and Russia?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Perhaps my answer will surprise you, but there is a huge layer of music that unites our countries. A lot of Russian hits, starting from the 70s to the 90s, were covered by Japanese bands. It’s very interesting to listen to, so unusual. I’ve heard songs of the DDT and Kino bands recently, songs of Alla Pugacheva and others. We and the Japanese are definitely united by our love for our music.
It seems that fashion has become a big part your life. Did the interest came by itself or did something influence you?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Yes, there is definitely more fashion in my life now. Probably because I’ve slightly expanded my views on life outside of sports. Trainings and competitions took almost all of my time. Now it has become a little easier, I began to notice things that I had not paid attention to before, even if it concerns fashionable clothes and good shoes. Well, and as a true girl, I immediately wanted to try on all the most beautiful things (laughs). In general, it interests me very much now.
What is your favorite look?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Dress and heels – here many girls will support me. That is, of course, I have to wear a lot of sportswear, and in summer these are shorts, T-shirts, leggings, sweatshirts, caps, sneakers and so on, but at any suitable moment I try to change into a dress and heels.
How to look stylish? An advice from Evgenia Medvedeva.
Evgenia Medvedeva: It seems to me that style is a very relative term. Each person understands it based on his inner beliefs, values and style of life. Just be yourself to look stylish. Experiment if you like it, dye your hair whatever color you want. Do not be afraid of anything! Be yourself!
You have lived in Canada for more than two years. What do you remember the most about this time? What did Zhenya-the athlete and Zhenya-the person learn there?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Two years is a rather long period, but basically all my time in Canada was occupied by intense training and learning English. Despite the fact that I arrived there already with some knowledge of the language, I had to work on it a lot. It was necessary to merge into the spoken language – oh, it was difficult even psychologically.
I also saw a different society there, freer, more peaceful. I have become more tolerant to any manifestation of cultural and social diversity. But in general, you know, the Olympics already gave me a lot, so I came to Canada already taught (smiles). Overall, I can say that Canada is a great place. But nevertheless Russian people are closer to me. This is my mentality, and I realized that I feel more comfortable in Russia.
Do you miss Toronto? Do you keep in touch with Brian Orser, Tracy Wilson or with any of the skaters in that group?
Evgenia Medvedeva: I don’t miss Toronto, because I love Moscow very much. Rather, I miss people – my coaches, choreographers and athletes from our group. I miss our friends, whom we found there and with whom we still keep in touch. Of course, Brian and Tracy text me all the time, we communicate a lot.
This summer you take part in the Anna Karenina ice show in Sochi. Did your serious experience of working together with Alexander Enbert help you to look at pair skating differently? Single skaters usually do not really understand it, because they are used to answering only for themselves.
Evgenia Medvedeva: Yes, Anna Karenina is a serious and new experience for me. Moreover, I perform both solo and pair numbers with Alexander Enbert. Sasha is a very good partner and a wonderful person. Thanks to him, I quickly mastered the basics of pair skating. Some things work out, some are more difficult. I admit that over time we will learn some more complex elements than those that we have already learned and showed.
Of course, it took a long time for me as a single skater to get used to it. At first, Sasha and I were like two horses who go in different directions – each with its own style. Sasha explains that everything must be done synchronously. This is gained with experience and time – singles are really accustomed to being responsible for themselves, work individually.
I can say that I am glad that this cool positive experience has appeared in my career.
What was the scariest pair element for you?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Throw. Any throw – flip, loop, salchow … It doesn’t matter which one. But I hope we will be able to overcome this barrier and at least learn some double throw (by the time this interview was published, Zhenya has posted a video with a double throw – editor's note).
Evgenia posted few videos with lifts and throw on her Instagram:
www.instagram.com
How are your relationships with Eteri Tutberidze developing after returning to “Khrustalny” rink?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Everything is good. We have a good relationship with Eteri Georgievna. Complete understanding. She understands me, how hard the last season was, and knows the whole situation in which I found myself. I am very grateful to her.
You are probably already tired of this question, but I have to ask. Can your fans hope to see you at competitions again?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Obviously, I’m skipping this season. Last season was hard for me due to many health problems, so we decided to skip this one. We will make any plans for a sports career at the end of 2021.
Now you look like a person, who has understood what harmony is and is quite happy. Could you share your understanding of happiness?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Much has changed in my life, in many ways I have grown. My understanding of happiness? I like to be alone. The more time a day I can afford to be alone with myself, the more harmonious and happy I become.
Blitz:
We will select people from figure skating for different roles. With whom would Evgenia Medvedeva want to go military intelligence?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Among the skaters? Well, I wouldn’t consider any of my colleagues. I would definitely go with my doctor.
Open a charitable foundation?
Evgenia Medvedeva: With Jason Brown.
Agree to come to the party wearing the same crazy hats?
Evgenia Medvedeva: With Nastya Skoptsova and Stasya Konstantinova.
Save the world from evil?
Evgenia Medvedeva: We would do that with Kaitlyn Weaver
Open a coffee shop?
Evgenia Medvedeva: We will open a coffee shop with Alena Kostornaia.
Jump with a parachute?
Evgenia Medvedeva: With Sasha Trusova – she is fearless.
Throw a pajama party?
Evgenia Medvedeva: I would invite all the skaters I know to a pajama party. We all, you know, love to have a good rest and party (smiles).
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Zhenya, I know that you are following the Tokyo Olympics. What was the most amazing thing that you saw?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Yes, I try to follow it closely. I follow the results of most competitions, I am interested in all sports in general, well, as much as is possible given my schedule. The most amazing thing? Of course, the team competition of our gymnasts. I cheered for them so much, with all my heart, and I’m happy that the guys won.
Probably I have especially warm feelings about this Olympics, as I was supposed to go to Tokyo as the Russian Olympic team ambassador. It is a pity that it did not work out. When we started this partnership with ROC in 2019 and came up with a lot of cool ideas, we could not imagine that the world would change like that.
How did you react to the news that you won't be able to support our team in Tokyo?
Evgenia Medvedeva: The decision not to fly to Japan for me, as an ambassador, was made due to the extremely difficult epidemiological situation in Tokyo and large number of restrictions of the anti-covid protocols. Taking care about the health and reducing the contacts of the athletes is more important now. People in Japan are great at organizing events, I know it firsthand. Safety is paramount for them, and I support this approach.
You spoke touchingly about Artur Dalaloyan, who competed after a terrible injury. Probably, only an athlete who herself performed on “one leg” can understand, what Artur’s courage is worth.
Evgenia Medvedeva: Artur has done a heroic deed. It is unrealistic to recover in such a short time after the rupture of Achilles. I saw a photo of his leg in April, our friend showed it to me, and this was a very scary sight.
I share Artur’s emotions and am very happy about his gold medal in the team event. I hope that he will not stop and will prepare for the World Championships in October.
I was also worried about Nikita Nagorny, as we are friends with him. Nikita is, of course, a phenomenal gymnast.
You have your own Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic experience. All the athletes with whom I talked recall those Games in very different ways. Someone remembered them for the cold and wind with sand, others – for the incredible atmosphere of the Olympic village. And what about you?
Evgenia Medvedeva: You know, athletes sometimes say that the Olympics are a historical event for them. This is not an empty phrase: this is how I perceived it as well. I recall that time with a delight. I liked everything that surrounded me, I liked being in the Olympic village, I really liked performing there, and I felt completely comfortable, despite the wild frosts. My friends then said that it was terribly cold in Korea, but I don’t remember that, can you imagine? I felt warm (laughs). Absolutely comfortable. I remember those Olympics with gratitude and warmth.
At the Tokyo Games, the topic of mental health was loudly discussed as Simone Biles withdrew from the team all-around after an unsuccessful jump. Can you imagine yourself in such situation? The most important competition, the interests of a team that counts on you very much, and you refuse to compete when they have already begun.
Evgenia Medvedeva: Simone Biles is a great athlete, I would like to wish her to cope with all her problems. I would not want to comment on her situation, because I don't know her personally. I try to follow our athletes more. But surely she had her reasons to do what she did. I think that in the United States, they treated the situation well. I saw on the Internet that the American media supported her decision.
What would it be like with a Russian athlete or with me in a similar situation? Difficult question. To answer it, you need to figure out what happened there. The press writes about different versions. Speaking from my perspective, I can say that we have such a mentality that we compete with any problems and fight for victory no matter what. Dalaloyan is a striking example. Or Nikita Nagorny, who passed a kidney stone before the individual competition. And Madina Taymazova? She fought and won a medal with such a terrible bruise over the eye. The Tokyo Olympics gave us new national heroes! And in general, this heroism did not begin yesterday. Nosov with a broken arm and his bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics, and many more examples.
As an athlete, have you developed a more attentive and careful attitude to your health with age and experience?
Evgenia Medvedeva: With age, you actually start to realize more what health actually is and how important it is for you. So, here comes the desire to stay healthy.
Due to the pandemic, many of your plans and projects were canceled last summer – for example, skating shows in Japan. Was it difficult to accept the new reality? Roughly speaking, to sit at home and wait, being unable to change anything. Athletes are people of action, accustomed to rely on their own strengths.
Evgenia Medvedeva: Yes, it was difficult. But everyone were on an equal footing – the pandemic demanded extreme decisions and self-discipline from people. And the show "Prism on Ice", where I play the main role of the anime character Sailor Moon, has not been canceled, for example. It was just postponed to the summer of 2022. This is definitely a smart decision given the pandemic. It would be wrong to do such a large-scale international show, timed to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the cult cartoon, with restrictions.
I am proud to have the opportunity to play this role. Sailor Moon is very popular in Japan, so to some extent, being on this show is a dream come true. I just have to wait a little more.
Imagine that tomorrow all borders on the planet will be opened and you have a vacation. Where would you go?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Will it be too banal if I answer Japan? (Laughs) I haven’t been there for over a year and, I confess, I miss it very much. As soon as there are no restrictions and the world is back to normal, I would like to go there.
My love for Japan turned into a collaboration with JNTO (Japan national tourism organization – editor's note), with whom we held the J-Fest in Moscow at the end of last year. I talked about my love for Japanese culture and answered questions from the festival participants. I hope there will be more such events in Russia, and not only in the online format.
By the way, with my mother and grandmother we are now making a Japanese garden at our home. Since it is difficult to go to Japan, we decided to create a pice Japan in our yard (smiles). In Japan, almost every temple has gardens and this inspired me to create my own.
Let’s imagine that you go to Japan with a close friend who hasn't been there before. Where will you take him, what will you show, what will you suggest to try from the local cuisine?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Okay, if my close friend has never been to Japan before, then… first I would just take him outside. I would show the simplest things – buildings, roads, crossroads, parks, subway – everything is completely different, new, unlike anywhere else in the world. There, at every step, you have to pick your jaw off the floor (laughs).
Naturally, we would eat sushi or sashimi for dinner. Of the more original dishes, I would advise him uni – sea urchins, in Japan they are the most delicious. In Nagano, a certain kind of apples are grown – red, very tasty – you can find them only there.
If we went to Kobe, this is a city on the coast, we would definitely try meat there. It is prepared like a barbecue on an open fire in the presence of a chef in special restaurants called yakiniku.
We would also go to Kyoto. There's an incredible old town! Both beautiful, and has tasty food. Awesome place. Well, and a place that is difficult to find words to describe - Mount Fuji. The great old volcano, the landscape of unreal beauty, and the mountain itself – it is not a symbol of Japan for nothing .
In general, a week would not be enough for my friend and me (laughs).
Are there any things that unite Japan and Russia?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Perhaps my answer will surprise you, but there is a huge layer of music that unites our countries. A lot of Russian hits, starting from the 70s to the 90s, were covered by Japanese bands. It’s very interesting to listen to, so unusual. I’ve heard songs of the DDT and Kino bands recently, songs of Alla Pugacheva and others. We and the Japanese are definitely united by our love for our music.
It seems that fashion has become a big part your life. Did the interest came by itself or did something influence you?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Yes, there is definitely more fashion in my life now. Probably because I’ve slightly expanded my views on life outside of sports. Trainings and competitions took almost all of my time. Now it has become a little easier, I began to notice things that I had not paid attention to before, even if it concerns fashionable clothes and good shoes. Well, and as a true girl, I immediately wanted to try on all the most beautiful things (laughs). In general, it interests me very much now.
What is your favorite look?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Dress and heels – here many girls will support me. That is, of course, I have to wear a lot of sportswear, and in summer these are shorts, T-shirts, leggings, sweatshirts, caps, sneakers and so on, but at any suitable moment I try to change into a dress and heels.
How to look stylish? An advice from Evgenia Medvedeva.
Evgenia Medvedeva: It seems to me that style is a very relative term. Each person understands it based on his inner beliefs, values and style of life. Just be yourself to look stylish. Experiment if you like it, dye your hair whatever color you want. Do not be afraid of anything! Be yourself!
You have lived in Canada for more than two years. What do you remember the most about this time? What did Zhenya-the athlete and Zhenya-the person learn there?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Two years is a rather long period, but basically all my time in Canada was occupied by intense training and learning English. Despite the fact that I arrived there already with some knowledge of the language, I had to work on it a lot. It was necessary to merge into the spoken language – oh, it was difficult even psychologically.
I also saw a different society there, freer, more peaceful. I have become more tolerant to any manifestation of cultural and social diversity. But in general, you know, the Olympics already gave me a lot, so I came to Canada already taught (smiles). Overall, I can say that Canada is a great place. But nevertheless Russian people are closer to me. This is my mentality, and I realized that I feel more comfortable in Russia.
Do you miss Toronto? Do you keep in touch with Brian Orser, Tracy Wilson or with any of the skaters in that group?
Evgenia Medvedeva: I don’t miss Toronto, because I love Moscow very much. Rather, I miss people – my coaches, choreographers and athletes from our group. I miss our friends, whom we found there and with whom we still keep in touch. Of course, Brian and Tracy text me all the time, we communicate a lot.
This summer you take part in the Anna Karenina ice show in Sochi. Did your serious experience of working together with Alexander Enbert help you to look at pair skating differently? Single skaters usually do not really understand it, because they are used to answering only for themselves.
Evgenia Medvedeva: Yes, Anna Karenina is a serious and new experience for me. Moreover, I perform both solo and pair numbers with Alexander Enbert. Sasha is a very good partner and a wonderful person. Thanks to him, I quickly mastered the basics of pair skating. Some things work out, some are more difficult. I admit that over time we will learn some more complex elements than those that we have already learned and showed.
Of course, it took a long time for me as a single skater to get used to it. At first, Sasha and I were like two horses who go in different directions – each with its own style. Sasha explains that everything must be done synchronously. This is gained with experience and time – singles are really accustomed to being responsible for themselves, work individually.
I can say that I am glad that this cool positive experience has appeared in my career.
What was the scariest pair element for you?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Throw. Any throw – flip, loop, salchow … It doesn’t matter which one. But I hope we will be able to overcome this barrier and at least learn some double throw (by the time this interview was published, Zhenya has posted a video with a double throw – editor's note).
Evgenia posted few videos with lifts and throw on her Instagram:
Evgenia Medvedevа (@jmedvedevaj) • Instagram photos and videos
www.instagram.com
How are your relationships with Eteri Tutberidze developing after returning to “Khrustalny” rink?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Everything is good. We have a good relationship with Eteri Georgievna. Complete understanding. She understands me, how hard the last season was, and knows the whole situation in which I found myself. I am very grateful to her.
You are probably already tired of this question, but I have to ask. Can your fans hope to see you at competitions again?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Obviously, I’m skipping this season. Last season was hard for me due to many health problems, so we decided to skip this one. We will make any plans for a sports career at the end of 2021.
Now you look like a person, who has understood what harmony is and is quite happy. Could you share your understanding of happiness?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Much has changed in my life, in many ways I have grown. My understanding of happiness? I like to be alone. The more time a day I can afford to be alone with myself, the more harmonious and happy I become.
Blitz:
We will select people from figure skating for different roles. With whom would Evgenia Medvedeva want to go military intelligence?
Evgenia Medvedeva: Among the skaters? Well, I wouldn’t consider any of my colleagues. I would definitely go with my doctor.
Open a charitable foundation?
Evgenia Medvedeva: With Jason Brown.
Agree to come to the party wearing the same crazy hats?
Evgenia Medvedeva: With Nastya Skoptsova and Stasya Konstantinova.
Save the world from evil?
Evgenia Medvedeva: We would do that with Kaitlyn Weaver
Open a coffee shop?
Evgenia Medvedeva: We will open a coffee shop with Alena Kostornaia.
Jump with a parachute?
Evgenia Medvedeva: With Sasha Trusova – she is fearless.
Throw a pajama party?
Evgenia Medvedeva: I would invite all the skaters I know to a pajama party. We all, you know, love to have a good rest and party (smiles).
Last edited:
You think the support Simone Biles was over the top?
