Evgenia Levanova: A Rhythmic Gymnast’s Life On and Off the Mat
Russian rhythmic gymnast Evgenia Levanova posted a new video from her vacation on her Instagram page. The post touches on ongoing controversy surrounding the Meta platform and its leadership, which has drawn scrutiny and sanctions in Russia.
In the clip, Levanova appears on a sunlit beach wearing a red mini bikini, her posture calm and confident as she enjoys a moment away from the gym floors and press glare.
Levanova has built a remarkable career in rhythmic gymnastics, earning multiple world titles and a string of podium finishes across major events. She has become a five-time world champion, with victories in both individual and group routines. She has been a consistent member of the Russian national team since 2017, a period that has seen the sport undergo intense training cycles and high expectations. She trains under Irina Viner, the longtime head coach of Russia’s national team, and Tatyana Sergaeva, a respected senior coach who guides the team through demanding routines, choreography, and execution. The duo’s guidance emphasizes a blend of precision, artistry, and athletic power, shaping Levanova into a performer capable of delivering high-impact moments on the world stage.
On the personal side, Levanova has been in a relationship with figure skater Maxim Kovtun since 2018. The couple announced their engagement in August 2021 and wed in October 2023. Kovtun has carved out his own career in men’s singles skating, earning two silver medals at the World Team Championships and the same number of European Championship medals in singles. He also earned a notable finish at the Universiade in 2019, showcasing his talent across major international competitions. The pairing of a rhythmic gymnast and a figure skater has drawn attention from fans in Canada, the United States, and beyond, illustrating how Olympic disciplines often intersect in media coverage and public interest.
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) announced in July that athletes from Russia and Belarus would be allowed to compete in a neutral status under the federation’s auspices starting January 1, 2024. This change affects how athletes participate on world stages while national affiliations are presented in a neutral context, a shift that may influence event dynamics and fan perception in North America. For Levanova and Kovtun, it means continuing to pursue excellence while navigating the evolving landscape of international competition and representation.
Beyond the headlines, Levanova’s journey reveals the everyday realities of elite sport. The training regime—early mornings, hours devoted to apparatus work, dance elements, and the seamless execution of routines—demands unwavering focus. Her coaches emphasize not only technique but also the storytelling quality of performances, urging her to connect with judges and audiences through emotion as well as precision. The public nature of an athlete’s life in the digital age adds another layer of responsibility, with social media offering a window into training camps, travel, and glimpses of downtime. For fans across North America, Levanova’s posts provide a narrative of dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence that transcends borders and sports alike.
As Levanova continues to compete and refine her craft, her partnership with Kovtun remains a focal point for many observers. Their shared life in and out of competition highlights a broader interest in how athletes manage personal milestones alongside the pressures of high-level sport. The couple’s story resonates with sports fans in Canada and the United States, where rhythmic gymnastics and figure skating maintain vibrant communities and regular media coverage. In the coming seasons, Levanova will likely remain a prominent figure within the sport, balancing demanding training with public appearances and the ongoing dialogue about the role of national identity in international competition.