Evgenia Medvedeva, the Russian figure skater known for her on‑ice poise, sat down with reporters to address the chatter about a rivalry with her fellow skater Alina Zagitova. During a press briefing, she spoke openly about how the focus on competition sometimes eclipses the real bond and mutual drive that exist between the two athletes. This context framed a conversation that resonated with skating fans across North America, who follow every twist in the tale of two of Russia’s most prominent competitors.
To questions from the press, Medvedeva suggested that the rivalry was largely a media creation. She noted that she and Zagitova are partners in a demanding sport, not enemies, and that their exchanges on the ice push them to higher levels. Her remarks matched the sentiment shared by many fans in Canada and the United States who prefer to view the rivalry as a catalyst for improvement rather than a feud.
Beyond the rink, Medvedeva expressed enthusiasm about taking on the hosting duties for the Ice Age television project, succeeding Zagitova. She described the opportunity as exciting and a chance to connect with audiences off the ice, bringing the same energy and discipline she applies to competition.
At the PyeongChang Olympics in 2018, Medvedeva earned two silver medals. She finished as the silver medalist in the ladies’ singles and helped Russia secure a second-place finish in the team event. The gold in the women’s singles went to Zagitova by a slender margin of one point in a tightly contested race, a result that underscored the intense rivalry captivating fans around the world and fueling discussions in North America as well.
Beyond the Olympics, Medvedeva collected golds at the World Championships and European Championships, underscoring her status among the sport’s elite. She last competed in December 2019, and in April 2023 she announced her retirement from competition. She later joined Ice Age performances, staying connected with fans while transitioning to life beyond top‑level competition.
Zagitova captured Olympic gold in 2018, solidifying her status as a leading figure in women’s skating. In addition to the Olympic title, she earned World Championship gold in 2019 and European Championship golds in 2018 and 2019, along with medals at those events in other years. Her string of achievements placed her among the sport’s most accomplished skaters of her era. She paused her competitive skating in 2019, but did not publicly declare retirement at that time.
Earlier in her public profile, Zagitova released a video titled From the Most Dangerous Shoot of My Life, offering fans a rare glimpse into the realities behind elite training and the pressures of performing at the highest level. The clip sparked conversations among skating enthusiasts about the demanding path these athletes tread.