Evgenia Levanova, a prominent Russian artistic gymnast, shared fresh vacation photos on her Instagram page. The platform’s ownership has been a topic of controversy in Russia, with Meta deemed extremist by authorities in the country, leading to sanctions and bans there.
In one image, Levanova appears in profile, wearing a swimsuit while partially shielding her face with a hat. The candid shot highlights her athletic poise and the casual vibe of a well-earned break between training cycles.
Levanova has built an impressive résumé, becoming a five-time world champion across various disciplines, including group events. Since joining the Russian national team in 2017, she has trained under the leadership of Irina Viner-Usmanova, the national head coach, alongside senior national coach Tatyana Sergaeva. Her long-standing commitment to the sport has cemented her status as a veteran presence on the team, particularly in high-stakes team events where consistency and teamwork matter as much as individual routines.
On the personal front, Levanova has been romantically linked with figure skater Maxim Kovtun since 2018. The couple announced their engagement in August 2021 and married in October 2023. Kovtun has competed in men’s singles skating at major championships, garnering accolades such as two silver medals at the World Team Championships and two European Championship silver medals in singles. He also earned a runner-up finish at the 2019 Universiade, underscoring a career that spans multiple disciplines within the broader world of Olympic-style performance sports.
In recent years, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) signaled a shift in how athletes from Russia and Belarus could compete, stating in July that athletes may participate in neutral status under the federation’s auspices beginning January 1, 2024. This move was framed as a step toward maintaining international competition while addressing geopolitical considerations that influence national affiliations in sport. The policy change has been a talking point for teams and fans across North America, where many viewers follow gymnastics and figure skating closely during global events.
Past headlines have also touched on moments when individual athletes’ attire or appearance has sparked discussion. Levanova’s public appearances, like many other athletes, often invite commentary about performance, media presence, and personal branding within the sport’s broader cultural context. The ongoing dialogue around athletes competing under neutral or national banners continues to shape how fans engage with gymnastics and figure skating on the world stage.