Evgenia Medvedeva

🧊 Introduction to Evgenia Medvedeva

Evgenia Armanovna Medvedeva is a celebrated Russian figure skater renowned for her technical precision, expressive artistry, and record-breaking performances. Born on November 19, 1999, in Moscow, Russia, she emerged as a dominant force in women's figure skating during the mid-2010s, captivating audiences worldwide with her exceptional talent and dedication.

👶 Early Life and Background

Evgenia was born into a family with a deep appreciation for the arts and sports. Her mother, Zhanna Medvedeva, was a former figure skater who ended her career early due to injury, while her father, Arman Babasyan, is an Armenian businessman. Despite her father's surname, Evgenia chose to compete under her mother's maiden name, Medvedeva. She began skating at the age of three, inspired by her mother's passion for the sport. Her early training took place in Moscow, where she quickly demonstrated a natural aptitude for figure skating. By 2007, she joined the renowned Sambo 70 club under the tutelage of coach Eteri Tutberidze, marking the beginning of a partnership that would shape her illustrious career .

⛸️ Skating Career and Achievements

Junior Career

Medvedeva's junior career was marked by rapid success. She clinched gold medals at the 2014–15 ISU Junior Grand Prix Final and the 2015 World Junior Championships. Her performances were characterized by a blend of technical difficulty and artistic expression, setting her apart from her peers.

Senior Career

Transitioning to the senior level in the 2015–16 season, Medvedeva's impact was immediate. She secured victories at major competitions, including the 2016 and 2017 World Championships and the 2016 and 2017 European Championships. Notably, she became the first woman to win back-to-back World titles since Michelle Kwan in 2001 .

At the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, Medvedeva delivered captivating performances, earning silver medals in both the ladies' singles and the team event. Her short program set a new world record score of 81.61, showcasing her exceptional skills and composure under pressure .

Coaching Changes and Later Career

In May 2018, seeking new challenges and growth, Medvedeva parted ways with longtime coach Eteri Tutberidze and began training under Brian Orser in Toronto, Canada. This period saw her experimenting with new styles and techniques, further enriching her skating repertoire. She returned to Russia in September 2020 to reunite with Tutberidze, aiming to rejuvenate her competitive edge 

Persistent back injuries led Medvedeva to announce her retirement from competitive skating on December 1, 2021. Despite stepping away from competition, she continues to contribute to the sport through exhibitions and mentorship.

🎓 Education and Personal Life

Beyond the rink, Medvedeva has pursued academic endeavors, enrolling in the Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth, and Tourism. She is multilingual, fluent in Russian and English, and has a basic understanding of Japanese. Her interests extend to drawing, playing the ukulele, and a deep appreciation for Japanese anime and K-pop music .

Medvedeva is also known for her love of animals, owning two French Bulldogs named Jerry and Tofu. She has been vocal about social issues, expressing a desire for peace during the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, stating, "all this must end as soon as possible, like a bad dream" .

🏆 Legacy and Impact

Evgenia Medvedeva's career is distinguished by her record-setting performances and artistic innovation. She set multiple world records in the short program, free skate, and combined total scores, pushing the boundaries of women's figure skating . Her signature move of executing jumps with arms raised above her head exemplifies her commitment to combining technical difficulty with aesthetic grace.

Her influence extends beyond her competitive achievements, inspiring a new generation of skaters to pursue excellence with passion and creativity. Medvedeva's dedication to her craft and her ability to connect with audiences worldwide have solidified her status as a luminary in the world of figure skating.