Evgenia Medvedeva: From Private Athlete to Media Sensation
Evgenia Medvedeva, the two-time world champion figure skater, is set to celebrate her 25th birthday next month. Known for her reserved nature during her competitive career, Medvedeva has transformed into a more open and engaging personality as she delves into the world of ice shows and media projects. This shift has allowed her to share personal stories, including her romantic relationship with Dmitry Chigirev, and to attract a growing audience for her YouTube show, "BeS kommentarii."
In a candid moment, Medvedeva recounted her experience with Eteri Tutberidze's coaching staff, who reminded her of her humble beginnings despite her accolades. She recalled, "You’re a nobody. You’re just an athlete. Leave your medal over there... You’ve got the Olympics ahead of you, go work." While painful at the time, she now appreciates the tough love that motivated her to excel both in sports and in her burgeoning media career. Medvedeva believes that understanding how to handle fleeting moments of fame is crucial for long-term success.
Her YouTube channel has featured a variety of guests, including fellow athletes and entertainers, with her episode featuring Alexandra Trusova achieving over a million views. Despite facing setbacks, such as a guest's refusal to air an episode, Medvedeva continues to embrace her role in the entertainment industry. Recently, she participated in the program "Please, Don't Tell," where she shared humorous anecdotes about her life as a figure skater.
Embracing Openness: A Winning Strategy
Medvedeva's openness has proven to be a strategic advantage, leading to numerous television appearances and advertising contracts. She has participated in multiple seasons of the show "Ice Age" and will co-host an upcoming season with Alexei Yagudin. Additionally, she is set to compete in "Star Dances" on TNT, partnering with dancer Ildar Gainutdinov.
Interestingly, Medvedeva's ventures have been met with a more positive reception online compared to her rival Alina Zagitova, who often faces criticism. RT columnist Elena Vaitsekhovskaya noted that while both athletes are self-sufficient brands, Medvedeva has navigated the media landscape with greater success. Vaitsekhovskaya attributes this to Medvedeva's continuous learning and adaptability, making her a captivating figure in the public eye.