Medvedeva and Zagitova Take Center Stage in Figure Skating
The world of figure skating is buzzing with excitement as Channel One begins filming a new season of the popular show "Ice Age," dubbed the People's Season. This season allows non-professional stars to join the competition, and will feature the return of two-time Olympic champion Evgenia Medvedeva as a host, replacing Alina Zagitova. Medvedeva's return has sparked discussions among fans, many of whom expressed relief at her involvement, citing Zagitova's struggles with on-camera presence. Ilya Averbukh, the show's producer, clarified that no one is being replaced, as both hosts have their own projects and will continue to cross paths.
In this season, fans can expect to see Dina and Arina Averynykh, who are set to perform after stepping away from gymnastics. Additionally, Anna Shcherbakova's participation remains uncertain as she recovers from a leg operation, while Kamila Valieva has declined an invitation to join the show.
The judging panel will feature Tatyana Tarasova, Tatyana Navka, Roman Kostomarov, and Oksana Domnina, bringing a wealth of experience to the competition. Averbukh emphasized the motivational aspect of the show, particularly for Kostomarov, who brings a personal connection to the project.
Zagitova's Secret Project and Academic Pursuits
Meanwhile, Alina Zagitova is keeping fans intrigued with a new, undisclosed project, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses on social media. Filming locations include iconic sites such as Red Square, and Zagitova has described some shoots as her most challenging yet. Alongside her skating endeavors, Zagitova is also pursuing her studies at the State Central Institute of Physical Culture and Sport, recently graduating with honors from the Russian Presidential Academy in Producing and Cultural Policy.
Plushenko's Aspirations for His Students
Evgeni Plushenko is gearing up for the upcoming season, setting ambitious goals for his students in the Russian Grand Prix and other competitions. He highlighted the individual targets of his athletes, including Makar Ignatov and Sonya Muravyova, as they aim for top placements. Notably, Plushenko did not mention Alexandra Ignatova, who has remained silent about her competitive future, leading to speculation among fans.
Samodelkina's Journey to the USA
Sofia Samodelkina, a former student of Plushenko, has embarked on an internship with renowned coach Rafael Arutyunyan in the USA after leaving the "Angels of Plushenko" team. Samodelkina's decision was influenced by her desire to train under Arutyunyan, known for coaching Olympic champion Nathan Chen. She expressed her hopes of qualifying for the Olympic Games, a dream she has cherished since childhood.
Tamara Moskvina's Enduring Legacy
Tamara Moskvina, the legendary 83-year-old coach, continues to impress fans with her remarkable physical condition, showcasing her skills on the ice. Recently, she performed a high support with her student Alexander Smirnov, demonstrating that age is no barrier to excellence in figure skating.
The Popularity Contest: Figure Skating vs. Football
The ongoing debate about the popularity of figure skating compared to football was reignited during a recent interview with dancer Dario Cirisano. He suggested that figure skating ranks higher in popularity among sports like rhythmic gymnastics and synchronized swimming, while football aligns more closely with hockey. Roman Savosin, a fan of the media team Broke Boys, humorously shared his support for football, revealing his allegiance to Messi over Ronaldo.
As the new season unfolds, figure skating continues to capture the attention and passion of fans, with its stars navigating personal projects, competitive aspirations, and the pursuit of excellence.
