Why choose skateboarding over other sports
Growing up, skateboarding surrounded him. It wasn’t a deliberate plan to pick skateboarding over baseball, football, or hockey. It started with a feeling of being drawn to the boards that everyone around him used, and he simply followed that pull. The spark became a habit, then a passion that kept growing. It wasn’t a conscious decision so much as a natural path that felt right from the start.
He explains the origins of his affinity with skating with a light, self-aware smile. It wasn’t just a hobby; it became a part of how he expressed himself, how he moved, and how he connected with others who shared the street-smart discipline of skating.
Dual citizenship and family roots
He holds both American and Russian citizenship. His mother’s side remains deeply connected to Russia, specifically St. Petersburg, even though she moved to the United States about thirty years ago. He was born in Las Vegas, yet at the age of ten, his mother secured him Russian citizenship so he could stay close to family and visit safely. The ties to Russia run through family, culture, and a sense of belonging that transcends borders.
When asked about his current residence and studies, he notes that he lives in Los Angeles, a hub where many of the world’s best skaters train in California. The city serves as a melting pot for talent and a constant source of inspiration for someone who competes on the international stage.
Representing Russia on the international stage
The decision to represent the Russian national team at major events came from a personal sense of heritage. With a mother from Russia and a home filled with Russian culture, it felt natural to align his skating career with Russia on the global stage. He mentions that his choice was communicated through the social channels of the Russian Skateboarding Federation and related coverage.
He first visited Russia at ten, reuniting with relatives on his mother’s side. By nineteen, he returned for a skating competition and competed as part of the Russian team in the European Championship. Before stepping foot in Russia, his impressions were surprisingly calm; his mother’s guidance and conversations at home helped shape a clear, grounded view rather than stereotypes about the country.
Collaboration with the Russian Skateboarding Federation
Over three years with the federation, he has found strong support from the community. He can reach out whenever needed, and the teammates have become friends who stood by him throughout his journey. He has nothing but appreciation for the organization and the people who welcomed him into the fold.
tinged with pride, he reflects on the domestic achievements this year, including winning the Russian Skateboarding Championship and the Strongest Spartakiad. He sees the field as talented, with room for growth in infrastructure, like more skate parks and investment in development programs. A thriving scene can empower more young riders to skate with friends and dream bigger as the sport expands across the country.
International competition and local experiences
He participated in the Grand Skate Tour held in Moscow, a standout event where skaters from Europe and beyond gathered at VDNKh Park. Finishing second behind Argentinian Matias Del Ollo, he described the experience as excellent and immersive, praising the organization, venue, and the chance to interact with a global community of skaters. The competition underscored how skateboarding has grown into a truly international sport, bringing together talent from Africa, Iran, Europe, and more.
Recent global tensions have affected participation in official international events for Russian athletes. He acknowledges the complexity of the situation and understands the broader context beyond sports. While the absence from some events is disappointing, he remains hopeful for a resolution that allows Russia to rejoin the circuit and compete on equal terms. He emphasizes a pragmatic outlook, recognizing that political issues sometimes overshadow athletic goals. The priority is to stay prepared and ready for opportunities as they arise.
National service rumors and potential shifts
When asked about the possibility of conscription or changing national teams, he acknowledged the momentary concerns many would feel about mobilization. While the idea crossed his mind, his status as a U.S. citizen and his family’s Russian roots keep him rooted where he feels he belongs. He has not entertained switching allegiance and believes Russia remains his second family, where he continues to feel represented and supported.
His conversations with his Russian aunt, who visited Moscow to watch him skate, were a meaningful moment. Translation challenges aside, the exchange highlighted how language bridges gaps and deepens connections. He has been steadily improving his Russian, moving from basic phrases to more fluid conversations, and he takes pride in those small, meaningful steps forward.
A nickname, life on social media, and career plans
In the skateboarding world, he is known by a nickname many fans associate with him: the Russian Spy. It reportedly started as a playful tag from a friend and stuck, something he accepts with good humor. In Russia, friends and fans sometimes call him Vanya, the Russian form of his given name, a nod to his early years when his mother called him that at home.
Before skating, he did courier work in Los Angeles to support himself, but that era has passed. He now relies on sponsorships to fund his training and competition lifestyle, dedicating himself fully to the boards and the rhythm of travel and events around the world. His presence on TikTok has grown, though uploading content from Russia presents challenges due to regional restrictions. He adapted by using an American SIM card to stay connected, even if the process was slower than hoped. When will he visit Russia again? That depends on plans, invitations, and logistics, often communicated a week or so before travel. In the meantime, he looks ahead to finishing a few projects, filming tricks, and continuing the training that will fuel a strong start to the next year.
Overall, his path reflects a blend of cross-cultural ties, competitive ambition, and a steady commitment to skateboarding as a global language that connects communities across continents.