Evgenia Levanova: World Champion Gymnast, Personal Milestones, and Recent FIG Eligibility Updates

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Evgenia Levanova, a prominent Russian rhythmic gymnast, shared a vacation snapshot on her Instagram page, associated with Meta, the platform’s parent company that some in Russia characterize as extremist and have banned domestically.

In the photo, Levanova appears in a swimsuit, capturing a relaxed moment away from competition and training.

Levanova has earned five World Championship titles, including victories in group routines. She has been part of Russia’s national team since 2017, training under Irina Viner, the team’s head coach, and Tatyana Sergaeva, the senior coach. Her career reflects a steady ascent through national teams and international stages, underscoring her role as a leading figure in Russian rhythmic gymnastics.

On the personal front, 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 competed in men’s singles on the ice, bringing a complementary set of accolades to the sports partnership. He earned two silver medals at the World Team Championships and an equal number of European Championship trophies in single skating, with a second-place finish at the 2019 Universiade highlighting his track record.

In July, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) announced a policy allowing athletes from Russia and Belarus to return to competition as neutral athletes under the federation’s oversight, starting January 1, 2024. This decision marks a shift in the participation landscape for athletes from the region, affecting preparation, eligibility, and event strategy for many competitors across disciplines.

Earlier in her career, Levanova also featured in beach settings in various media appearances, illustrating the cross-disciplinary exposure common among elite gymnasts who balance performance with public visibility.

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