The information line, for which several dozen journalists from Russia and Japan gathered in the building on Zubovsky Boulevard, was hidden until the last moment. Head of the Russian Olympic Committee Stanislav Pozdnyakov and Evgenia Medvedeva appeared in front of reporters exactly one hour before noon and looked too serious.
As a result, the news turned out to be positive for both journalists and personal fans of Eugenia - the silver medalist of the Olympics was presented as the official ambassador of the Russian team at the Games in Tokyo.
According to Stanislav Pozdnyakov, the choice fell on Medvedev for a reason. The 19-year-old skater played a key role in the return of the Russian national flag and official status to the IOC, which could not go unnoticed.
“This graceful young lady took part in a meeting of the IOC Executive Committee before the start of the Games in Pyeongchang and on the penultimate day of the Olympics in another meeting, which became a key one. Eugene convincingly performed and charmed everyone not only with her beauty, but also with knowledge of the matter. In my opinion, this was largely what helped us regain our rights in five days, ”said Pozdnyakov.
Pozdnyakov also noted that the athlete has excellent business negotiation skills.
“I am glad that, despite the fact that she decided to pursue a career, she nevertheless agreed and made this responsible decision. We talked a lot during the Olympics, somehow we got stuck in a traffic jam between the upper and lower clusters and talked for a long time. I noticed the diplomatic skills that Zhenya has. I’m sure she will represent us in the most natural and relaxed way, ”the functionary added.
“I already want to get into the Olympic village”
Medvedev herself did not hide the joy of the new appointment, noting that she was looking forward to the start of the Summer Games.
“It is a great honor to go to the Olympics with the summer team. I weighed the pros and cons and made that decision easily. This will not affect my physical condition and preparation for the season. Yes, this is very unusual, because for me it will be the second Games. To be honest, I really want to get into the Olympic village. Games are awesome. I am proud that I can represent the guys who have to fight for the honor of the country, ”the athlete admitted.
- Medvedev - about friendship with gymnasts
In addition, a two-time world champion said that she is an active fan. According to Medvedeva, she closely followed past summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.
“Yes, I am familiar with many guys from summer sports, especially gymnasts. Both with sports and with artists. The silver medal in gymnastics was very inspired. By the way, we communicate with them in life, they are funny and sociable. Sometimes we meet, sit in restaurants and remember the game. They’re their Olympics, I’m mine, ”the skater shared the details.
In addition, Eugenia did not rule out that during the Games she will try herself in a new quality and comment on some competitions live on the central channels.
“This is very interesting for me. Yes, I already had experience working on television. To be honest, I was more nervous than at the Olympics. I like to stand with a microphone and say something. I won’t cope with football, but some other species are not against it at all, ”she admitted.
“Living in Japan would be difficult”
Medvedev separately drew attention to the Japanese public. The athlete hopes that the love of her work will force the local audience to actively support the Russian team during the Games. In addition, she said that by the start of the Olympics she hopes to learn Japanese. At the same time, Medvedev refused to say at least a few words to the camera.
“I am now in the active phase of learning Japanese. When I go at least to the initial level, I will start talking. I just don’t want to show half the work, ”the skater explained.
Journalists from Japan asked the girl if she was considering, in connection with the new mission, the possibility of moving to the capital of the future Olympics. The athlete refused, while emphasizing that she admires the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun.
“Japan is amazing. She is admired by all skaters. There is a special atmosphere, they do not divide athletes into friends and foes. Throughout the season, we look forward to summer shows. But living there would be difficult. Still, a different diet, daily routine, ”said Medvedev.
- Medvedev - about life and performances in Japan
“In Canada they understand me without words”
After discussing plans as the ambassador of the Russian national team, Medvedev also spoke about preparations for the new season. The skater noted that she had already completely adapted in Canada and was preparing to start in comfortable conditions.
“In Canada, what matters to me is what kind of people surround me. They feel and understand everything. If something is wrong, they immediately see. And this despite the fact that I have only basic English. It turns out that, despite the difficulties of translation, we feel like a big sports family. Nevertheless, I really miss Russia, because all my relatives and friends are in Moscow. I’m telling myself that I’m on a long business trip and I understand that it’s better for me in sports terms, ”the athlete explained.
The two-time world champion also admitted that in Canada she does not have additional assistants at home.
“It’s a shame, but so far I haven’t got behind the wheel. Although it is true that in Canada without a car anywhere. We live with mom in apartments with a very beautiful view from the window. We constantly go shopping, most often for fresh products. I follow the nutrition, cook it myself, remove it together. By the way, I cook very well, if I get inspired, I can cook some interesting dish, ”she admitted.
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Had some fun🌟☀️✨
Posted by Evgenia Medvedev (@jmedvedevaj) Aug 2, 2019 at 12:41 pm PDT
With enthusiasm, the two-time world champion also spoke about her new free program, “Memoirs of a Geisha”, which was put on by the Canadian choreographer She-Lynn Bourne.
“Two years morally prepared for this. For a long time I listened to this music with headphones, but before I realized that I had not grown up. One must feel it, live through all the details. As for Bourne, after working with her, all athletes change. She has her own view of the sport. Once we worked for three hours on the ice, and she is the first who showed no signs of fatigue. Eyes burned constantly. An unreal woman, ”said Medvedev.
According to the skater, the program was highly praised by her coach Brian Auxerre.
“The first time I showed Geisha to Brian, he admitted that this is my best program in my career. This assessment spurred her to hone further, ”the skater added.
Medvedev also spoke about criticism of Tatyana Tarasova, who condemned her for her independent work on demonstrations.
In conclusion, the silver medalist of the Olympics said that she was close to making a new jump without mistakes - the quadruple salchow.
“Things are moving forward. So far I can’t boast of a clean departure, but I spend 40 minutes a day for training. I understand that it will take time. But already I feel more confident. Yes, I tried it on a Japanese show, it was the sixth attempt, I will not call it good, but now everything is better. I won’t promise anything, this is figure skating, but I’m sure that this jump will submit to me and my team, ”the figure skater summed up.