A Russian figure in ice sports, Ilya Averbukh, spoke in an interview with the publication 7 days about a personal decision that touched both his family and their public life. He explained that his son recently underwent a name change, moving away from the name Elizaveta Arzamasova, his wife’s chosen name at birth, to adopt a more fitting identity for their family now that he is older. The decision was not made in haste. It followed a period of reflection after the family arrived home from the hospital with their newborn and found themselves reconsidering the name that had been selected during the pregnancy.
As Averbukh recounted, the process started with contemplation while his partner was pregnant. They discussed several options and settled on a name that felt right at the time. The father admits that he kept circling back to various syllables, trying to feel whether the chosen name truly matched the child’s future. After some time, a different idea emerged—one that felt more natural and harmonious within their family’s experience. The name Leo appeared, resonating with both the child’s birth under the Leo sign in August and the emotional sense of ease it offered. In addition, a middle name tied to family history, Lvovich or Lvovna, carried a personal significance because it echoed the name Mark Lvovich, the grandfather of the child. The elder Averbukh took care to consult his wife before finalizing any change, making sure that both parents shared the sense of rightness behind the choice.
The change was not something anyone felt compelled to resist. The actress in the household supported the evolving plan and stood alongside her husband as they embraced a name they felt would grow with their child. The family’s agreement and mutual understanding reflected a broader pattern in their relationship where important decisions are discussed openly and weighed for the long term, rather than settled solely on impulse or temporary sentiments.
Public attention followed the couple when they confirmed their romance in September 2021 during a popular talk show. The pair announced their relationship on the program Evening Urgant, and a few months later they tied the knot. The following year brought the arrival of their first child, a moment celebrated by both parents. The family’s story has contrasted with the public narrative around their professional lives, highlighting how personal milestones intersect with athletic careers and public perception in equal measure.
Meanwhile, the producer has a son from a prior marriage, a 17-year-old named Martin, who is part of the extended family surrounding the skating world. The presence of a blended family is a reality that often accompanies public figures in sports, where personal history and current endeavors intertwine and influence each other in meaningful ways. The intertwining of professional commitments with family life adds layers of responsibility and public interest that shape how such stories are told and remembered.
When addressing questions about possible tensions within the relationship with Arzamasova, Averbukh offered a measured response. He acknowledged that, like many couples in the public eye, they navigated moments that required clarity, patience, and respect. He stressed that their strongest focus remained on the well-being of their child and the continuity of their professional commitments, emphasizing a shared commitment to moving forward with honesty and mutual support. The broader takeaway from their experience is a reminder that relationships in high-profile fields often rely on clear communication, shared values, and a willingness to adapt as life evolves.