Natalya Nepryaeva, the renowned cross-country skiing Olympic champion, and Alexander Terentyev, a Beijing 2022 Games bronze medalist, have entered a new chapter by tying the knot. A wedding photo shared by Terentyev on his social media accounts captures the moment the couple held their marriage certificate together, signaling the official start of their life as a married pair. The image sparked a wave of congratulations from fans and fellow athletes who have long admired their dedication on the snow and their camaraderie off the track.
Terentyev stands out in the sport as a standout talent who has repeatedly demonstrated his grit and versatility. He is celebrated for his extraordinary success during the 2021/2022 season, where he earned the overall World Cup title ahead of schedule, a rare feat that culminated in the coveted Crystal Globe. His triumphs reflect not only raw speed but also a strategic understanding of multi-stage races and endurance under pressure, attributes that have earned him both national pride and international respect.
Among Terentyev’s achievements at the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing, he secured two bronze medals, contributing to a strong Russian presence on the podium. These performances added to his growing list of accolades and cemented his status as one of the sport’s rising stars. The couple’s wedding thus arrives at a moment when Terentyev’s career is celebrated for its consistency and longevity, even as the broader competitive landscape continues to evolve.
In the spring of 2022, the sport’s governing body, the International Ski Federation (FIS), implemented a precautionary measure that affected athletes from Russia and Belarus. The decision extended to the end of the 2021/22 season, suspending participation in international events for competitors from those nations and reshaping international competition schedules for many athletes and teams during that period. The fallout from these changes has been felt across the sport, influencing training plans, event calendars, and the ways athletes connect with fans around the world.
Amid these developments, the wedding scene drew attention beyond the two athletes themselves. Notably, former Russian figure skaters Alena Kostornaya and Georgy Kunitsa attended the ceremony, highlighting how athletes from different disciplines have intersected on a personal level during this era. Their presence underscored the sense of community within Russian winter sports and the mutual respect shared among athletes who have navigated similar challenges and triumphs on the world stage.