News/Features:
The latest on Evgeni

Plushenko single again

February 14, 2008

St.Valentine's Day has arrived, and there's a piece of good news for all Russian girls, who haven't got a date yet. One of sport's most desired men, 25-year-old figure skating superstar Evgeni Plushenko has finally got a divorce.

It all started back in 2005 when Plushenko married student Maria Ermak.

But nothing lasts forever, and this alliance lasted just for over a year, before the couple filed for divorce.

And it took them as long to get one. Their son's surname and a luxury apartment in St. Petersburg were to be split.

The court ruling is as follows: Maria keeps the baby, and Evgeni keeps the flat.

From now on Plushenko is to become a Sunday dad.

As to the flat, the judge ruled it is not the couple's joint estate.

The apartment was a gift Evgeni received from President Vladimir Putin after clinching a gold medal at the Olympic Games in Turin in 2006.

Russian figure skating executive says
Plushenko to remain in St. Petersburg

February 2, 2008

The president of the St. Petersburg Federation of Figure Skating, Oleg Nilov, has denied reports that the 2006 Winter Olympics gold medalist Evgeni Plushenko is moving to Volgograd, a city in the lower reaches of the Volga River where he spent a part of his childhood and made first the steps in his remarkable sports career.

Nilov admitted that Plushenko will be spending much time in Volgograd from now on, but the idea that he will move to Volgograd forever probably comes from a misinterpretation of what the Plushenko said earlier in the day.

He also indicated that Plusenko will continue working in the St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly.

According to earlier reports, Plushenko revealed his plans for extensive working and staying in Volgograd during a meeting with the regional governor, Nikolai Maksyuta. They met in Volgograd to discuss the prospects for developing figure skating and other winter sports there.

“I spent my early green years in this city and although I lived for only nine years here, I still consider myself to be a resident of Volgograd,” Plushenko said. “I’ve harbored a plan for breathing a new life into the school of figure skating here for quite some time and now my associates and I are close to translating this dream into reality.

“The main result of this meeting is a decision to build an ice arena in the city of Volzhsky nearby,” he said.

Oleg Nilov confirmed, on his part, that the Olympic champion will engage in rebuilding the school of figure skating in Volgograd that practically ceased to exist in the period of financial upheavals in the early 1990s.

“The figure skating federation and Plushenko dealt with the problem for quite some time and they reached a considerable success in this field,” he said.

Plushenko will coach kids from Volgograd in a hope that some of them may come for further tutelage to St. Petersburg one day – as Plushenko himself did in the early 1990s – and will then take part in the Winter Olympics, Nilov said.

Photos courtesy sochi2014.com

Evgeni magazine interview

October 20, 2007

Article by Tatiana Saburenkova

Lately, we don't hear much about Evgeni Plushenko's new program or a super difficult element he did. Everybody is asking about his recent divorce - why couldn't they get along, who was wrong, who was right? That's why Plushenko doesn't give interviews at all - it's more peaceful this way. Our meeting was moved about 8 to 10 times. We were going to meet in his hometown, St. Petersburg, then in Germany where he was finishing the treatment for his foot, then in Spain where he's been practicing for about 10 years. Finally, he called my cell phone last Saturday, "If you want to talk so much, let's meet in some nice and quiet little restaurant. You name the place, you know Moscow better."

Q: Zhenya, you are getting invited to parties more and more. I recently saw you present an award at Russia Music Awards. You have to agree that the athletes in Russia weren't as...social just five or six years ago. Does it bother you?

A: Why should it bother me? By the way, in the West, that's been going on for a hundred years - a football or hockey player is more interesting for the people than an actor or a singer. I know countries where athletes are number one stars. This is great that we finally woke up and realized that a really great athletes should be loved and invited everywhere. However, we'll be coming only to some places and not all the time.

Q: It looks like a black list - I'll go here, I don't want to go there...

A: In a way. You don't go to every party you are invited to. When will you sleep, work, meet your friends? Of course, you have to see the limits - we know very well that some characters are in every show and every magazine. People are getting nauseous, and they still give and give interviews.

Q: Financially, do you feel any benefits from being social? I remember you were in the tea commercial recently...

A: I can't say that my bank account is just cracking [because of huge amounts of money there]. In the future, I would like to pick one cool contract - expensive and prestigious, and that would be it. I have a lot of offers on the table now, I look at them, but I don't like anything.

Q: Recently, OK! wrote about your new project, www.yatalant.ru. Are you making money from it or is that for something else?

A: Absolutely something else, this is a charity project. People of any age from any town can go to the site, place their work, and producers can go to the same site and pick if they like someone. I won't get a penny from it, but it's not the point. Not all the talented people would go to "star academy" or competitions. People either are shy or don't have the chance to go to Moscow and try out. It's not right....

Q: Good. Why did you go into politics? Is that ambition, wanting to have the power, financial interests? Couple of years ago you were saying you wanted to be a coach and teach children how to skate....

A: I went there because it seemed to me that I could do something good. Figure skating is not for the whole life. I have a lot of good ideas, and I work with the people who are adequate. Of course, when we just joined "Fair Russia" party, they gave Anton Sikharulidze and me the look and were bothered by it - you jumped your toe loops, so keep doing that. Word by word, people realized we'll make sense. I have two ideas that I want to realize, but of course not right away and not on my own...

It's not fair that the skaters still receive lower fees than football or tennis players. Can that be changed? Yes, our salaries went up in the last two years. One of the things I'm working on now is about skating. Why our ballet stars can retire at 35, but skaters at 55? What, do we do less for our country, do we not bring medals? My second project is for communities. We have to make the drivers who don't stop when the pedestrians cross the street pay the big fines. Our roads are nightmare. Very often the drivers curse the pedestrians, like why are they walking... Get off your butt and walk! In Europe, the pedestrians feel safe and wonderful, and it's like that in many countries.

Q: It sounds beautiful, but do you really think that people who don't care for others can be changed? In Europe, not only drivers behave like that, if you get pushed in the store, you get a hundred apologies. The culture is different, isn't that right?

A: We have to do something to start the change. Would it make sense to play the pessimist?

Q: We all remember how you jumped with joy when Sochi was named the Olympic Host for 2014. The people of Sochi aren't too happy as they are afraid that the millions that were allocated for the Olympic preparations would go towards a different path...

A: Tell it how it is. You mean they would get stolen. Of course, you have to watch where the money goes, our country is like that. I think controlling everything is realistic. Sochi's victory is a superb possibility for the athletes, the town, and the country. It's a perfect place for the athletes - the mountains, the sea. I understand why many people from Sochi are in shock: they are afraid their homes will be demolished, the new construction will go there, and they'll be moved who knows where and on which conditions. Everything has to be done by the law.

Q: It’s no secret that your party benefits a lot from your popularity – people trust you and love you. Do you often encounter the other side of popularity? How do you manage the constant pressure from the media?

A: I don’t complain even though there is a trend among the famous people to complain about the reporters. I like being the center of attention, I was never afraid of it, just like I wasn’t afraid of anything new. I experimented on ice so much! People insisted that nobody can do a certain jump for example. And I did. What you’ve been saying about the tabloids and attention is business as usual. Of course, when people are getting in my business too much, I try softly changing the subject. If it doesn’t happen softly, it’s not my fault.

Q: Is that a hint about you not wanting to talk about your personal life? As any famous person, you should be ready that you can’t escape certain questions. For example, nobody really knows what happened between you and your wife, why the sudden decision to divorce…

A: Nobody knows because that’s what I wanted. It wasn’t “sudden”. It was becoming gradually clear that we can’t be together, something is going wrong…

Q: It seems you are talking about it so calmly. Is it easier now?

A: You can say that… My good friend told me before the wedding, “Don’t worry too much if it doesn’t work out for you and Masha. Look, I was married several times, I have kids… There is nothing scary about divorcing”. True, I have a lot of friends who were married more than once or twice, got divorced, and that’s nothing.

Q: Too many girls were attracted to you, wrote letters, called, and you were constantly on the road – did it affect your relationship with your wife?

A: I can say I am very jealous, and that was never good. However, we both felt the relationship is not working out. It’s not about cheating and attraction. Maybe it’s hard to believe, but I don’t like to lie and I’m telling it how it is.

Q: Would you lie if one of your actor friends would ask you if you like his movie, and the movie wasn’t good?

A: I went to see “Apocalypses Code” yesterday. The idea is if you ask me something about that move, I’m supposed to say something good. And I can’t, I didn’t like it. I expected more from the special effects and the plot. In short, like you say, it wasn’t good.

Q: Then, tell us honestly about your new girlfriend. Your admirers would lie to know who she is. There are so many rumors.

A: The same friend that I mentioned before, who warned me about divorce before the wedding, told me something else, “Don’t make the mistakes after the divorce, don’t rush to make it official, don’t rush with the marriage.” So I’m not in a hurry, I can’t even talk about the new relationship. My girlfriend is very beautiful and well-known. She is beautiful, smart, she is a great…We’ve been dating for about a year, but it wouldn’t be good if I tell you who she is.
Q: Did you learn anything from your divorce, like realized what you really need from your other half, what can you never live with?

A: Important is that I feel no regrets about us meeting each other and whatever happened after that. I’m grateful to Masha because I know have a wonderful son. I thought about many things when we lived together. Sometimes the practice would get messed up because I would go on ice and think “Hell, why did she say that? What did she mean?” Of course you can’t live like that. I never had the idea of the perfect woman – all people have their own personality traits that aren’t good, I have enough of them, so my girl can have them too. Some times, a woman is beautiful and smart, but talking with her is unpleasant, and that’s it. In any case, I won’t rush to marry again. And I am very busy now, so getting enough sleep is the happiness, but it’s a pity to waste the time for sleep. I want to go to the movies, party with my friends, and I’m not even talking about work.

Q: Speaking about your job. There were rumors that you are leaving the sport and having another surgery. On the other hand, you mentioned at RMA that you are getting ready to skate and working on your next program. What should we believe?

A: I’m not going anywhere. I had so many surgeries already… , six on one knee. I have to go under the knife again, but I’m postponing that. I’ll prepare the program, and we’ll see. It hurt so much during the last surgery, I told my friends I lost about two kilograms in couple of hours. So, I would remind the parents who dream about putting their child into pro sport that this is not a healthy feature.

Q: Would that

Q: Is that true that you and your ex-wife hadn’t decided yet who will your son be staying with – you or her?

A: I don’t want to talk about it. I see my son on rare occasions, and I’m not happy with it. It won’t be like that for long. I promise that to me and Egor.

 http://www.ok-magazine.ru/?action=article&id=852

Plushenko has knee surgery

July 15, 2007

Olympic figure skating champion Evgeni Plushenko had surgery on his knees last week.

 According to a spokesman, the operation was more difficult that expected. A meniscus was removed successfully, and Evgeni should spend at least two weeks in a clinic in Munich, Gremany.

Rehabilitation will take time; however, doctors affirmed that everything will be fine and Evgeni can return to the training.

Plushenko, regarded as the most gifted skater of his generation, has not competed since winning the men's title at the Turin Olympics in February 2006.

Evgeni helps Sochi
win 2014 Olympics

July 11, 2007

Evgeni Plushenko was among those celebrating July 11 when the International Olympic Committee handed the 2014 Winter Olympics to Sochi.

Plushenko, who won a figure skating gold in the last Games in Turin, Italy, sat around a table at the official Russian hotel with a handful of friends on a balcony, tossing back shots of local tequila barely 30 minutes after the announcement.
"Well? Here's to Sochi!" he said in a toast, and everyone knocked the liquor back right on cue.

Plushenko has been one of the most visible ambassadors for Sochi's bid and made a confident contribution in fluent English at the final presentation.

"We did it! We did it! Sochi! Sochi!" chanted the delirious Sochi delegation in chaotic scenes seconds after Jacques Rogge, president of the IOC, made the announcement at the city's Intercontinental hotel.

Sochi beat Pyeongchang, South Korea, by just four votes, 51-47. Salzburg, the early favorite, was eliminated in the first round with 25 votes. Pyeongchang won the first round, getting 36 votes compared with Sochi's 34.

Many of the Pyeongchang delegation were in tears at the decision, which may well have come as a shock: The city was the clear favorite going into the voting, but that was before the intervention of Sochi's so-called "captain," President Vladimir Putin.

A persuasive speech delivered expertly in English and French by Putin to IOC members earlier in the day swung the vote Sochi's way.

"Winter sports are very popular in Russia and have proved that in the sporting arena, but we have never had the honor to host the Winter Games," said Putin, who had arranged meetings with every IOC member prior to the vote.

Putin's speech opened Sochi's final presentation. He spoke with an urgency and passion that rarely surfaces in his speeches at home, where he has fewer hearts and minds to win over.

Russian Olympic Committee chief Leonid Tyagachyov later Wednesday signed a contract that committed Sochi to organizing the Games, and the organizing committee was finally able to relax.

Evgeni roller-skating
in Guatemala

June 29, 2007

Reigning Olympic champion Evgeni Plushenko went roller-skating with 90 children from urban and rural Guatemala as part of Sochi 2014's "Gateway to the Future" project.
 
While most Guatemalans enjoyed a national holiday, Plushenko traveled to the "Domo" stadium a few minutes from Guatemala City Airport to meet the excited children from the National Skating Federation of Guatemala who had traveled from all over Guatemala to take part in the skating event.
 
Plushenko, who is part of the Sochi 2014 Bid to host Russia’s first-ever Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, said:
 
"Skating on ice and in-line skating are based on the same discipline, and Sochi 2014 wants to promote involvement in sports around the world. Russia is a nation passionate about winter sports, but we have not yet had the honor of hosting the Winter Games, and I hope that will change after the vote here in Guatemala."
 
Plushenko was just one of the Russian sports stars in Guatemala to support Sochi 2014. Others on the ground include five-time Paralympic champion, Mikhail Terentiev and four-time Olympic swimming champion and IOC Member, Alexander Popov, in addition to other Russian Olympic legends who are arriving as part of the Sochi 2014 team.

Evgeni and Edvin Marton pose with young skaters at the Gran Ice Show in Vilnius.

May 31, 2007

Evgeni receives national honor

Evgeni Plushenko has been awarded the Supreme decoration of his country, "For the revival of Russia, XXI century. According to the decision by the Russian Public commission, Plushenko was recommended for the decoration "for the oustanding merits, which promote to the strengthening of economic power, greatness and prosperity of Russia". The decoration holder "For revival of Russia XXI century" receives the gold award, which was made on Moscow Mint, the bill of the decoration holder, the certificate of the decoration holder and the logo of competition -- figurine "PILAR".

April 29

Golden Ice of Stradivarius
begins second half

Evgeni Plushenko, Hungarian composer Edvin Martin as well as figure skating stars and acrobats are beginning the second half of the Golden Ice of Stradivarius  tour in Russia.

The first part of the tour had covered 20 cities all over Russia and the Baltic States, and ended up in St. Petersburg on April, 6.

Since then, Evgeni received the honorable  Slava  award as the best sportsman of the year, while his coach, Alexei Mishin was named the best coach. Evgeni also participated in the U.S. tour  of Champions on Ice. 

April 20

Evgeni named most
stylish sportsman

Evgeni Plushenko was recognized as the most stylish sportsman of the year in at a "Fashion Awards" ceremony.

April 10, 2007

Evgeni returning
to competition!

Olympic gold medalist Evgeni Plushenko has seen enough after taking one season off.

Evgeni said Tuesday he is returning to competitive skating after he took a year off after the Turin Games.

In an interview with the Associated Press in Richmond, Va., today, where Evgeni begins the touring season with Champions On Ice, he said he was disappointed by the Russian men's showing in international events this year, including finishing 18th and 19th at last month's World championships.

Plushenko is concerned Russia could lose at least one or even two of the maximum three Olympic spots if there isn't a quick turnaround.

"After seeing the results of Russian skaters in the world championships in Tokyo, I have decided to go back to competition," said Plushenko. "I want to keep Russian figure skating at a competitive level. I want to bridge the gap so our young skaters have time to train and be competitive, which should be in a few years.

Evgeni also plans to compete at the Vancouver Olympics, something he mentioned he might try after winning at Turin.

"I feel strongly that I can be competitive and ready for the 2010 Olympics," Evgeni said. "I am doing triple Axels in my show programs on the Russian tour and landing quads in my practice sessions.

"Plushenko, 24, had been the dominant men's skater in the world until he took the past season off. He said would continue such difficult elements on the Champions On Ice tour before going into full training for the 2007-08 season.

He expects to skate in Grand Prix competitions, as well as the European and world championships.

Evgeni is a three-time World Champion (2001, '03, and '04) and a 2002 Olympic silver medal.He did not skate in the last three worlds, skipping 2005 because of injury and '06 because he was worn out from the Olympics.

Plushenko has battled knee injuries through the years, but the season off from competition has him feeling healthy.

March 13

Evgeni wins election to Assembly

Evgeni Plushenko has been elected to the St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly.

According to the preliminary results of the elections on March, 12, the party Fair Russia Spravedlivaya Rossia (Plushenko is one of its three main leaders) took 21.9% of the votes.

March 1

The Golden Ice of Stradivari
has started!

The first show took place in Murmansk on February 28.

A northern Russian city of Murmansk welcomed the participants of the show with a severe frost  (it was about 30 degrees below zero)  and sunny weather.

Evgeni Plushenko and Edvin Martom had to hurry up for the opening of the new city ice rink. After that the participants had a rehearsal and then they went to a press conference to give interviews and answer journalists'  questions. There were lots of topics for discussion. For example, the weather. Evgeni said that he had already been to Murmansk, but the last time he was there, the city seemed gloomy, while this time it came out in its true colours  -- bright and vivid. Edvin could not stop admiring  Murmansk, and according to him, he had been dreaming to live in a city where one was able to go skiing all the year round within the city limits.

Evgeni and Edvin told the journalists about their joint performance, which they were going to perform for the first time. Edvin even played his famous violin at the press conference. The show was sold out.

It's a boy!

February 17, 2006

A car taking Gold Medalist Evgeni Plushenko to the Milan airport was involved in an accident in dense fog early Friday morning, but he wasn't hurt in the chain-reaction collision, said Ari Zakarian, Plushenko's agent.

Zakarian said Plushenko, his coach and his choreographer were being driven to the Milan airport to fly back to St. Petersburg, Russia, where Plushenko lives and trains. He was to be honored by the city for his Olympic victory.

According to Zakarian, Plushenko was being chauffeured by a representative of a Russian Olympic team sponsor. The accident was minor, he said. Plushenko arrived in time for his flight.

Plushenko is scheduled to be back in Turin in time for the closing exhibition of skating champions on Feb. 24. After that, Zakarian said, Plushenko will have shows in Europe and Asia and Russia and will make a decision "in about a week" if he will go to the World Figure Skating Championships in Calgary from March 20-26.

ns send
Evgeni is solid
'GOLD', sets Olympic
points standard

February 16, 2006

Evgeni's intensity shows after his short program. / Photo by Kevork Djansezian

Evgeni Plushenko is an Olympic Champion.

He staked his claim to the top prize at the XX Winter Olympics at Torino, Italy with two dazzling programs in a record-setting performance.

Evgeni set personal and overall records in the first Olympics using the new code of points scoring.

He scored 167.67 points in the free skate, beating his previous record by .27 points. He owns the new overall points total with an astonishing 258.33 points, almost seven points better than the record he set in the 2005 Grand Prix Final. He set the short standard on Tuesday with 90.66 points.

Skating to The Godfather soundtrack, performed and arranged by his friend Edvin Marton, Evgeni didn’t leave any room to decide who was the best in the world.

It took Evgeni all of eight minutes when the short program began to set the standard that had everyone else deciding to chase the silver and bronze medals. Evgeni was the second person to skate on Tuesday.

Johnny Weir conceded as much when he said the battle was on for second place on Tuesday when Evgeni piled up a 10-point lead, including a perfect quad-triple toeloop combination.
Evgeni continues Russia’s stranglehold on the Olympic men’s competition. He is the fifth skater from Russia to win a gold medal in the past five Olympics.

Evgeni joins Alexei Yagudin (2002), Ilia Kulik) (1998), Alexei Urmanov (1994) and Viktor Petrenko (1992) among the past five consecutive championships.

Ironically Evgeni was the silver medalist in the 2002 Salt Lake Games. A fall in the short helped decided that outcome against his rival Yagudin. And Petrenko was the technical specialist in Tuesday night’s short program.

Evgeni the 'Dominator'
sets Olympic
points standard

Free skate is Thursday night

February 14, 2006

Evgeni Plushenko sent a message loud and clear.

And it only took approximately eight minutes into the men’s competition.

He didn’t have to say a word. It was all in the posted numbers following his passionate short program at the XX Winter Olympics at Torino, Italy – 90.66.

Nobody came within 10 points of Evgeni Tuesday night.

He is halfway home to the gold medal that eluded him four years in an epic battle with his countryman Alexei Yagudin.

Even Johnny Weir, who trails Evgeni in second with 80 points, admitted he is skating for a different color medal than the Russian.

"I've been touted as America's next medal hope. As long as I go well, I can't see why not. I will definitely race for silver," he said after finishing second in the men's short program.

Evgeni’s personal best score was the highest for any short program since the new scoring system was adopted in 2003.

He was so far ahead of everybody else that his technical score -- 49.69 -- was higher than each of the bottom three men's total scores.

Evgeni said nothing is a lock. "It's a lot of pressure right now, guys, come on," Plushenko said to the media "Nothing happened. I just skated today perfect and did my job."

Evgeni skated to “Tosca” and exhibited all of the tortured passion from Puccini’s opera.
He was tack sharp on every element. It began with a quad toe loop-triple toe loop combination that awarded him 15 points under the new scoring system. Evgeni landed a magnificent triple axel to exhilarating footwork into a triple Lutz.

Evgeni, who drew to skate second out of 30 competitors, had an early morning practice.

He was all business-like when he started his program. His circular step sequence drew extra applause from the crowd and was awarded a level four by the technical panel.

Evgeni’s combination spin was also scored a level four.

After Evgeni, 23, finished, and before bowing to the crowd, he went back to the spot where he landed the quad-triple and touched the ice.

“This is actually my secret. But I can tell you that I had to fight for this quad to the very end. I was leaning backward. But I pulled it off, I stood up. So I was just thankful for that”, he said.

“I achieved a new personal best (score) and I did it in the Olympic Games. This is very important to me”, Evgeni said.

Andrea Joyce of NBC tried to get Evgeni about his performance and he would only say “I am happy now. The free program will be a fight. I will talk after the free.” He waved to the cameras and went into the stands to watch his competitors watch their scores get posted in comparison to his.

It mush have been disheartening for the rest of the men skaters.

But Evgeni wouldn’t claim victory or say he is a clear favorite for the gold medal. "The fight starts right now," Plushenko said. "Yeah, I have 10 points more than everybody and I'm happy with the result, of course. But I should perform the same like I did tonight in the free program. If I do my best, I can win first place."

If Evgeni wins, he would be the fifth straight Russian or Soviet man to win the gold.

The three-time World Champion won his fifth European championship last month. He had the flu and was gasping for breath during the programs. He collapsed in exhaustion after the free skate.

And Evgeni admitted Tuesday he’d been a “little bit sick” earlier in the week.

But Weir, among others trailing Evgeni, aren’t thinking gold.

Asked if someone could still beat the Russian for the gold, Weir said: "If he falls three times maybe, just maybe, someone can squeeze by."

Evgeni draws second position
to skate short program Tuesday

February 12, 2006

Evgeni Plushenko drew the second skating position among 30 competitors for Tuesday's men's Olympic short program at Turin, Italy.

In the past that would be cause for concern, hoping early scores would hold up with 28 skaters, most top challengers, remaining.

However, with the new code of points judging system, Evgeni can still post a top score and the remaining skaters would have to match or better his score.

Skaters now earn points rather than placements from the judges, so maks aren't saved for later competitors.

The free skate will be Thursday.

Training going well for Evgeni;
5 days until men's short program

February 10, 2006

Evgeni Plushenko continues training for the Winter Olympics that is now five days away from the men’s competition.

The men’s Olympic short program is February 14 and the free skate is February 16.

Evgeni proved why he was the favorite to become the fourth straight Russian and fifth straight Russian-born, to win the Olympic men’s gold medal.

Under the new Code of Points scoring system, Evgeni has the seven highest scores recorded.

His victory in the European Championship two weeks ago was nothing less than sensational.

During Evgeni’s free skate to “Godfather” Ari Zakarian said Evgeni “was screaming during his footwork because of all the power he was putting into it.”

Zakarian, who is Evgeni’s agent and close friend, said Evgeni was so exhausted after his free skate he just collapsed on the ice.

“Evgeni is feeling better and concentrating on his competitions,” Zakarian said.

Zakarian, who has seen Evgeni skate exclusively during magnificent career, described Evgeni’s free skate at Europeans as “one of a kind. I can’t remember when I’ve seen him skate better.”

Evgeni gets a solid victory
with 5th European gold medal

January 21, 2006

Evgeni Plushenko may not have been feeling his best but he sure did a good job disguising it in the free skate at the European Championships at Lyon, France.

Evgeni won the free skate and cruised to his fifth European Championship victory. He also won the short program.

The closest anybody could get to Evgeni was runnerup Stephane Lambiel who was second. Evgeni earned 162.53 points for the free skate and 245.33 overall. That was over seven points better than Lambiel (154.14), who set a personal high mark for his free skate program.

Evgeni’s victory margin was a whopping 16.56 points better than Lambiel. "Plushenko was the best today," Lambiel said. "Against him I can't make any errors."

Evgeni had been taking intravenous fluids three days before arriving in Lyon at the last minute to attend the draw. "I almost didn't come. But this is the final preparation before the Olympic Games," he said.

When he finished his free skate to “The Godfather”, a soundtrack performed by Nino Rota, Evgeni lay sprawled on the ice in exhaustion. “It was very difficult to skate the program because I'm still not healthy. After the third minute I couldn't breathe. I was gulping for air, like a fish out of water” Evgeni said.

Evgeni’s emotions came through when he leaped from the kiss and cry and raised his arms in victory. As the TV cameras panned Evgeni, he raised his hand with his five fingers in the camera signaling the number of victories he’s accumulated at Europeans.

He is the favorite to win the gold medal at next month’s Olympics at Turin, Italy.

Evgeni has not been beaten in a competition since the 2004 World Championships.

Plushenko opened with a quadruple jump and added seven more triples in his routine. He did two triple Axels, including one in combination with a triple toe loop and a double loop.

He tired near the end of his routine, doubling a salchow and slowing on his spins. As soon as he finished, he went flat on his back on the ice to rest.

Evgeni, still battling the flu,
impressive in short program

January 20, 2006

Evgeni Plushenko, on intravenous fluids for several days, showed he was healthy enough to win the men’s short program at the European Championships at Lyon, France.

Evgeni didn’t decide to the last minute to make the trip for the final competition before next moth’s Olympics. He has been battling the flu for over a week.

He arrived in time for the draw and the three-time world and four-time European champion proceeded to score 82.80 points for almost a five-point lead over Brian Joubert (77.85 points) of France. World Champion Stephane Lambier of Switzerland was third with 74.73 points.

“I was on intravenous fluids for three days, and thanks to the doctor who
got me back on my feet. There was a doubt whether I could come,'” Plushenko
said. “It was a bit hard to skate, to breathe. I'm still coughing badly.”

The men's final is Saturday. “The real fight is tomorrow,” Plushenko said.

If Plushenko wins, he’ll win Russia a sweep of all four European titles for a second straight year. It also gives his management team, Michael Collins Enterprises, three gold medallists – men, women and pairs.

“I’m happy that my team and most of all my coach are satisfied, because I was really sick and I was able to skate quite well in spite of that.”

Plushenko skated to “Tosca”. He displayed remarkable circular steps that included three and four revolutions on one foot while moving. The rare and unusual footwork was a crowd pleaser.

He had a little difficult on a quad-triple jump combination, cutting the second jump to a double when he slipped on the first jump. “I got stuck on the takeoff,” Plushenko said.

Plushenko skated 17th out of the 35 men. He nailed a triple Axel and followed that with a triple Lutz. He received a level three for both the circular and straight line sequence and a level four for his combination spin.

“It wasn’t the best skate, there was a mistake, but it wasn’t bad. All the other elements were very well done. The triple Axel, the triple Lutz, the footwork was well done, the spins weren’t bad, although it was a bit hard to skate, to breathe,” Plushenko said.

Evgeni arrives in Lyon, starts 17th

January 18, 2006

Four-time European Championship gold medalist Evgeni Plushenko arrived in Lyon, France and will participate in this week's final tuneup for the Olympics.

Evgeni, according to his agent, was a possible scratch while he was recovering from the flu. A skater must arrive in time for the draw or must withdraw, acccording to the rules.

This is Evgeni's eighth European Championships. He has won four of the seven he has competed in.

Evgeni has flu, doubtful for Europeans

January 17, 2006

Men's European champion Evgeni Plushenko is a doubt for Friday's men's short program. His coach and agent were quoted as saying he had the flu. Replacements must be named before Thursday's draw.

Plushenko's agent said the Russian would arrive in Lyon late Tuesday. Plushenko, the only Russian to miss repeating at the World Championships when he withdrew with a groin injury, has said he was ready to defend his title against world champion Stephane Lambiel and 2004 European champion Brian Joubert.

Evgeni wins 7th national championship

December 29, 2005

Evgeni Plushenko won his seventh national championship in the past eight years at Kazan, Russia.

Evgeni, the 2002 Olympic silver medalist and three time world champion, will lead the Russian men’s team at the European Championships next month.

Evgeni is scheduled to skate in his second Olympics, at Torino, Italy in mid-February.

Following groin surgery earlier this year, Evgeni easily won the Cup of Russia.

Evgeni dominates Cup of Russia

November 26, 2005

Evgeni Plushenko took all the guess work out of his physical recovery from groin surgery earlier this year.

“After the trauma of the operation, I skated with dignity," Evgeni said. "But a whole struggle is ahead, the season is just beginning."

Evgeni won Cup of Russia in his hometown of St. Petersburg, his only Grand Prix event this season, and skated so solid he set a personal best in his short program Friday night. Evgeni's 87.20 points eclipsed his previous high (84.35) in the short by 2.85 points.

Evgeni earned 12 points with the win and is tied for fifth with a couple of skaters near enough to unseat him from the Grand Prix Final. And all of them will have skated in two events.

He swept first place in the free skate and short and beat Stephane Lambiel by 16.35 points in the process.

Evgeni’s victory was overwhelming. Bronze medalist Johnny Weir finished 35 points back.

"Considering the injuries and the (groin) surgery I had (last spring), I think I performed decently. I’m happy that the judges appreciated my performance and awarded high scores. But the battle is still ahead, this is just the beginning of the season for me,” Evgeni said.

Evgeni appeared in Olympic condition for his first competition of the season.

He was nearly nine points ahead of Lambiel after the short program. Evgeni skated to “Tosca” by Giacomo Puccini in the short.

Evgeni landed a quad and added a triple toe loop as the exclamation point on his opening jump. He added a big triple Axel.

All jump takeoffs were solid and the landings precise. He showed no sign of the groin injury that forced him out of the world championships in March and later required surgery.

Evgeni was asked at a press conference his future plans. “I want to go to Europeans,

Russian Nationals, the Olympic Games and World Championships. There are rumors that I’m retiring, and many are waiting for me to finally retire, but maybe I’ll skate until the next Olympic Games,” he said.

Evgeni to skate exhitibion

Evgeni Plushenko will be a special guest and skate an exhibition at the Gran Gala Lancia Ice in Turin on September 24.

It will be one of the first times Evgeni will skate some of his scheduled Olympic elements in public.

He had surgery on both of his knees in Germany over the summer and his recovery is going well. Evgeni is skating without pain.

He practiced his elements – spins, footword and jumps - for three weeks in Jaca, Spain where he spent some quality training time. He skated to “Carmina Burana” that included new step sequences, spins and transitions.

Evgeni is scheduled to compete at the ISU Grand Prix Cup of Russia, Russian and European Championships before the Olympics in Turin, Italy.

Morosov choreographing Evgeni's programs

August 3, 2005

Nikoli Morosov is in St. Petersburg choreographing Evgeni Plushenko’s programs for the Olympic season. Evgeni won the silver medal in his first Olympics at Salt Lake City in 2002.

Alexei Mishin, Plushenko’s long time coach, invited Morosov to choreograph the programs.

“I was so excited at the idea of working with Evgeni,” Morosov said. “He is one of the most talented skaters ever in figure skating. It is amazing what he can do.”

Evgeni underwent groin surgery by Russian noted specialist Ulrika Mushavek, got married earlier this summer to Maria Ermak, has taken a short honeymoon and skated in several shows.

He began his competition training last month on the Jubilejny rink in St. Petersburg. Evgeni’s routine in the past has been to travel to Spain.

Mishin was asked in the spring who would choreograph Evgeni’s programs and
would only say “they are true professionals.”

“I wanted to work with him (Evgeni) for many years,” Morosov said. “I was so surprised when Mr. Mishin contacted me with the proposal. I was surprised and happy.

“I changed my schedule right away to come to St. Petersburg. Eveni is very focused and disciplined. He is a serious skater with amazing ability.”

Evgeni is a three-time World Champion, four-time European champion and
six-time Russian National and Cup of Russia champion. He has 47 golds among
his 73 career competitions.

Evgeni weds Maria in St. Petersburg

photos from www.mk.ru

June 19, 2005

On Saturday June 18, 2005, the most eligible Russian bachelor Evgeni Plushenko was married to 20-year-old Maria Ermak in the most luxurious place to get married in St. Petersburg.

There was a lot of security around in case there were a lot of fans who might interrupt the ceremony. But there was no interruption, mainly because the time and the place of the wedding was kept secret.

The wedding was organized traditionally. Evgeni and Maria spent the last night before ceremony separately. In the morning, Evgeni "ransomed" his bride from her girlfriends.

At 2:20 p.m., the procession arrived at the Wedding Palace on English Embankment. Plushenko, wore an elegant dark-brown striped suit, with a white tie. Maria looked beautiful in a white wedding dress and carrying white roses. At 3:09 they were announced husband and wife. Maria took Evgeni’s last name. During the ceremony Zhenya was always with Maria, he didn't let her go for a minute.

The newlyweds received a gift from the Palace – a pair of skates, which were made from white flowers, and the topics were decorated with diamonds. Evgeni got a certificate of merit from the city, which says "Saint-Petersburg loves you and is proud of you!"

Then the procession had a trip around St. Petersburg, where they visited Vasil’yevsky Island, the Monument of Peter the Great, Summer Garden and Mars Field. After that there was a banquet at the hotel "Astoria".

On Sunday the celebrations were continued on a steamship. The newlyweds had a trip on the rivers and canals of Saint-Petersburg.

In few days Evgeni will be going to Japan to take part in a show called "Dreams on Ice", and after that he and his young wife are going to have a short honeymoon trip.

Plushenko's chosen bride, 20, is a 3rd-year student of sociology faculty at St. Petersburg University.

Plushenko and Maria met almost a year ago.

One day, when Plushenko was driving in St. Petersburg, he saw a pretty, dark-haired girl in an open Cabriolet. Not thinking for long, he drove after her. He drove to her, met her. and he won her.

They say that at first Maria didn't recognize Evgeni as the World champion. Maria learned that from her friends. Evgeni was seen a lot waiting for Maria after classes at the university. Her classmates say that she didn't brag about dating the famous skater.

Two months ago, Evgeni popped the question and asked Maria to marry him.

We asked Tatyana Vasilyevna, Evgeni's mother, how she felt.

"Oh, I'm worried, as any mother would be," she said.

Did Evgeni ask for your advice before the proposal to Maria?

"Of course. I asked him 'maybe it's better to wait,' but he had already made the decision. Then I met Maria and loved her.When I realized what kind of a person she is, I gave my blessing to my son."

Isn't it hard for you to give your son to another woman?

"Masha is a nice girl. She deserves to be his wife. I gave Zhenya to trustful hands."

What did you say to your son this morning? "I wished him love, happiness, patience."

Evgeni's coach, Alexei Mishin, arrived with a gorgeous bunch of flowers.

We asked Mishin: What did you say when Evgeni told you that he was going to be married?

"I told him: Congratulations, dear friend! The wish to marry isn't a mosquito's bite. It's an important step."

Is Evgeni's marriage going to affect his career?

"I think not."

Among the guests were Roman Kostomarov, Viktor Petrenko, Alexander Abt, and the hockey player Alexander Yudin. Ice acrobat Alexei Polishchuk was Evgeni’s "best man".

Viktor and Nina Petrenko were at the wedding too. Alexei Mishin gave a speech telling everyone that Viktor is Evgeni's skating idol, and Viktor was very honored. When Viktor responded to the compliment he said. "I hope you will follow in my footsteps not just in skating and get your Olympic Gold Medal but with your marriage and family, as Nina and I are celebrating our 13th wedding anniversary tomorrow (June 19) and our daughter will turn 8 years old next month. I wish you to have a happy marriage and be blessed with children."

Ari Zakarian and Michael Colllins, the president of "Champions On Ice" and Michael Collins Enterprises, also attended the ceremony.

"It is great to see Evgeni so happy. He hugged and kissed his bride every chance he got. I wish them a long and happy life together," Collins said.

Information from www.kingonice.com and www.mk.ru

Evgeni begins medical treatment

March 27, 2005

Evgeni Plushenko is in his second week of receiving medical care for an injury suffered before the World Championships in Moscow.

The groin injury, among others, that forced him to withdraw from the free skate, was diagnosed weeks before the World Championships but Evgeni continued to participate.

Trying his quadruple jumps added the extra strain that inflamed his groin injury and forced him to withdraw.

Evgeni is expected to receive an updated diagnosis this week to determine when he can resume skating.

Looking to the future

March 20, 2005

Evgeni Plushenko’s future had to be taken into account and that is among the reasons Plushenko withdrew from the World Championships. His status for touring with Champions On Ice is being discussed and will be decided this week.

The Champions On Ice tour begins March 26. Tours such as Champions on Ice provide skaters with much-needed finances to continue training. "He's really down and he's not really happy right now," Ari Zakarian, his long-time agent, said.

Although Plushenko, 22, has suffered from back and knee problems in the past, his groin injury developed during the European championships in Turin, an event that he won.

The groin injury severely hampered his training up to the Worlds and Plushenko only got about a week and a half of work in before qualifying last Monday. He gained weight and his conditioning was affected as his breathing was labored after the long program in qualifying.

"He's the kind of guy who can push himself through the pain," said
Zakarian. "But the groin can take you out for the whole entire season. We had to think about his overall healthy and the Olympics next year."

According to a medical bulletin issued at the World Championships, Plushenko is suffering from an adductor muscle inflammation syndrome - which is a groin injury to the left side of his lower abdomen.

The injury is similar to the chronic injury that ended or shortened the careers of Viktor Petrenko, Alexei Urmanov and three-time world champ Elvis Stojko. The wear on the body of doing quads is reportedly a big reason for the increase in groin-related injuries.

"The quad-triple (combo) is the only one that is really dangerous for him,'' said Zakarian. ''He can do his triple jumps without problems (when he's healthy)."

Plushenko’s injury was among the top news items in Moscow last week. "The biggest stories in Moscow are the ones about somebody trying to blow up a Russian politician's car and the ones about Plushenko,'' said Zakarian.

Plushenko was given a painkilling injection into his shoulder before last Tuesday’s short program. ''After this injection, I felt really bad and I felt sick,'' Plushenko said.

He fell on his opening quad toe loop. He was doubled over in obvious pain after his practices and performances all week. He complained of a sore hip afterwards, and coach Alexei Mishin said he had a bad back, too.

"My health is not good – everywhere. I am injured right now and in very, very bad condition,'' Plushenko told Eurosport.

Plushenko said he felt the need to skate because the championships were being held in his home country.

Zakarian said Plushenko went to Thursday morning’s practice but after talking with coach Alexei Mishin, Plushenko decided to withdraw.

He did not try a quad in his qualifying round victory but did try a quad in the short program.

"I try to do the impossible," he said. "Last week in St. Petersburg, I couldn't even do the triple Axel and fell on the triple Lutz. I don't want to defend myself. I skated badly." At home in St. Petersburg, he said he got an injection in the groin and it helped him train. But five days before the world championship, the groin started to hurt again. He took painkiller pills before the practices and qualifying.

Plushenko left Moscow last Thursday to return to St. Petersburg to attend a new athlete rehabilitation centre – open only this year.

Plushenko will not perform in an ice show today in St. Petersburg. "The whole city is going to come and see him," Zakarian said. "We don't want to him to be disappointed that he will not be able to perform or they (not to see) him perform as well.

"For him right now, he could skate, but we just worry about if he does the hard elements," Zakarian said.

Plushenko withdraws
from Championships

March 17, 2005

Defending champion Evgeni Plushenko withdrew from the World Figure Skating Championships on Thursday because of a groin injury.

"We took a decision that it was necessary to withdraw and better prepare and recover for the next season, because it will be the main season in my career -- the Olympic Games," Plushenko told Russia's Channel One television.

Plushenko earlier complained of several ailments and insufficient practice. He said he began training for the worlds only two weeks ago.

Plushenko fell on his opening quad toe loop in Tuesday's short program and was in third place behind Switzerland's Stephane Lambiel and Brian Joubert of France.

Plushenko's withdrawal ended Russian skaters' chances of sweeping the titles on home ice and endangered their chances of securing three men's slots for the 2006 Turin Olympics.

Plushenko was one of several top contenders struggling with injuries, including two-time American champion Johnny Weir.

Plushenko third after short program

March 15, 2005

Defending World champion Evgeni Plushenko is in third place following the short program at Tuesday’s World Championships at Moscow.

Plushenko trails Switzerland’s Stephane Lambiel by seven points and is 1.4 points behind second place Brian Joubert of France.

Plushenko has battled groin, hip and back ailments this season. He has limited his competitive schedule due to the ailments.

Plushenko missed his quad but completed his remaining jumps in an otherwise excellent program.

"I have been back on the ice for only two weeks and I am in bad, bad, bad condition," Plushenko said. "But I have to skate here in Moscow. "When you are in such a condition, you could always expect a bad thing to happen and (Tuesday) I fell on the quad. However, given the circumstances, I am satisfied with my performance. It is not too bad for such little training time."

Plushenko first in qualifying round

March 14, 2005

Men's qualifying began Monday in Moscow, Russia, at the 2005 World Championships, and despite nursing a groin injury, Evgeni Plushenko remained first in his qualifying group with 151.90 points.

The qualification points will count 25 percent of the score and Evgeni will go with 37.97 points to the short program wich starts Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. (Moscow time).

Plushenko skated cautiously Sunday, on the eve of the men's qualifying rounds, and missed three jumps in a row at the opening of practice. He spent much of the session consulting with coach Alexei Mishin.

Plushenko was still not sure he'd be able to compete late Sunday.

Plushenko won last year's World Championship despite nursing a knee injury. He had it examined in the U.S. after the season and decided to forego surgery.

He came into the 2004-05 season planning to skip the ISU Grand Prix Series. However, when he won the Cup of Russia, and a skater withdrew, Plushenko was elevated into the GP Final. He won the championship at Beijing and followed that up with his sixth National Championship and his fourth European Championship.

Russians Irina Slutskaya, Plushenko and pairs Tatiana Totmianina and Maxim Marinin, who recently won Gold Medals at the European Championships in Italy, are vying for World titles at the World Championships.

Also representing Michael Collins Enterprises will be U.S. National Champion Johnny Weir, French National Champion Frederic Dambier, Japan's Fumie Suguri, Russia's Elena Sokolova and Hungary's Julia Sebestyne.

Evgeni wins European championship

January 27, 2005

Evgeni Plushenko increased his European Championships winning streak to four by capturing the free skate at Turin, Italy.

Evgeni skated to an updated version of “The Godfather” theme song. He landed a quad and added six triple jumps to finish with a total of 227.14 points. Evgeni’s footwork was dazzling. Although he scaled down three jumps and had a rough landing on another he easily outdistanced runnerup and defending champion Brian Joubert.

Evgeni reacted nonchalantly after learning of his victory. “It is not the first time. The first time it was something new, something special,” Evgeni said.

“I am tired this year because I have had a lot of competitions For 10 years I have skated in a lot of competitions. I need a little bit of rest actually, a little bit of a pause.” Evgeni said.

Evgeni wins sixth Russian title

January 8, 2005

The sixth Russian National championship for Evgeni Plushenko proved to dominating for the World’s No. 1 ranked male figure skater. Plushenko earned four more 6.0s at the competition held in St. Petersburg.

Evgeni earned his four perfect marks in the free skate during his presentation of The Godfather by Edvin Marton. Evgeni landed a quadruple toeloop and then landed consecutively – triple toe loop, double Axel, triple Lutz, triple Salchow, triple flip, triple toeloop, double Axel and triple toeloop.

His marks ranged from 5.8-5.9 for technical merit and he got all 5.9s and 6.0s for presentation.

Evgeni, skating to Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig Beethoven, performed by Viktor Zinchuk, easily won the short program a day earlier.

Grand Prix Gold for Plushenko

Evgeni Plushenko won the Grand Prix Finals Saturday in Beijing.

Plushenko, who entered the GP Final as an alternate when Johnny Weir withdrew because of an injury, won his fourth GP Final.

One year ago Plushenko was penalized in a fluke in the scoring system and lost in the GP Final after sweeping with gold medals in his events. He lost in the GP Final last year when he completed one too many combinations, which wasn’t allowed at the time. “Now we know the rules,” Plushenko said.

Plushenko had little trouble earning his victory. He landed a quadruple toe loop and eight triple jumps in a dynamic program skated to “The Godfather” by Edvin Marton. “I did what I needed to do,” he said.

Plushenko’s schedule is all geared toward the gold medal at next year’s Olympics in Turin, Italy. “That’s my dream. I have all title but I don’t have an Olympic Games title.”

Plushenko’s short program, highlighted by a quadruple-triple toe loop combination, earned him a personal high for points (84.35) under the new scoring system.

Evgeni entered in Grand Prix Final

December 9, 2004

World Champion Evgeni Plushenko will compete in the Grand Prix Final December 16-19 at Beijing China.

Evgeni won the Cup of Russia in his only Grand Prix event this season. By scoring the maximum number of points he became the first alternate.

When Johnny Weir, ranked No. 1 after his Grand Prix qualifying events withdrew from the GP Final with an injury, it moved Evgeni up to the sixth qualifying position.

Evgeni won the Grand Prix Final in 2000 and 2001 and was second the last
two years.

Evgeni wins Cup of Russia

Evgeni Plushenko

Evgeni Plushenko landed a quad and seven triple jumps to win Cup of Russia in Moscow.
It was Plushenko’s first Grand Prix competition of the season. He won the short and freeskate to easily outdistance silver medalist Johnny Weir.

Plushenko finished with 234.45 points, only 0.84 short of his ISU record under the new scoring system.

"For the first start of the season I performed not bad. The task was set to hit a quad, two triple Axels and all the rest. I coped with it,” Plushenko said.

Plushenko previously won a pro-am in early October and decided to rest his injured knee to prepare for the Russian Nationals and World Championships. He will skate in the Marshalls International Challenge Dec. 3 at Auburn Hills, Michigan in another tuneup.

The three-time World Champion opened his freeskate program, performed to the music of “The Godfather” with a quad-triple combination and tacked on another triple-triple and triple-double. The only flaw in Plushenko’s program came when he stepped out of a triple salchow near the end of his program.

Plushenko, although appearing quite strong in his first major competition, didn’t appeared overwhelmed despite beating Weir by 25.46 points.

Evgeni to skate to help the victims of Beslan

Three-time World Champion, Evgeni Plushenko dedicated his performances in "TOGETHER FOR 10 YEARS" exhibition in St. Petersburg to all the victims in Beslan, Russia.

More than 300 people were killed and 700 wounded when terrorists invaded School No.1 in the city of Beslan in Russia's North Oseta region. A portion of the proceeds of the exhbition held at Ice Palace on Oct. 7-8 will go to the families of the victims.

"I am so sad for all the children and their families and my heart goes to them. I hope the aid from our show can bring them just a little happiness during such a terrible tragedy," Plushenko said.

While Plushenko and other cast members will have the victims in mind when they perform, the original idea of the show was to reflect the appreciation and respect that a coach and skater have for one another. Plushenko and coach, Alexei Mishin, have worked together for 10 years.

"This special relationship was built on years of respect and loyalty," said Mishin, adding that some students go in and out. "But not us. We are one unit."

Plushenko plans to skate six to seven programs for both shows. While the 2002 Olympic silver medalist is not nervous, he's excited to have the opportunity to perform for his hometown. "This will be a challenge. I have never skated so many programs in two days before," said Plushenko. "I want to give back to my fans and my country a little of what they have given me. I hope that I can skate well for them."

Plushenko is expected to perform his new short and long programs for this season. "These programs were choreographed by Sergei Petukhov. I like to try new styles," he said, adding that he tries to work with different choreographers each year.

Plushenko was slated to perform for his hometown earlier this summer in June, but became ill and was eventually hospitalized. Ari Zakarian, Plushenko's agent and production manager for Ten Years Together, added, "He really felt bad about this. He felt that he let the people down. He promised them he'd be back."

Evgeni hospitalized with ear inflammation

Evgeni is being treated in a Moscow hospital for inflammation of the middle ear.
READ MORE.

Evgeni wins Marshalls Skating Challenge

April 6, 2004

Three-time World Champion Evgeni Plushenko capped a terrific skating season by winning the Marshalls World Skating Challenge over a star-studded field at Providence, Rhode Island.

Evgeni defended his world championship less than two weeks ago in Dortmund, Germany. He defeated France’s Brian Joubert, whom he also beat at the World Championships.

“If you win the championship, you should just go forward,” Evgeni said. “I skated the last four days. I didn’t jump at all. I just started Monday. It was the final competition of the season, so I’m happy.”

Evgeni wins third World championship!

March 25, 2004

Three times is the charm for Russian Evgeni Plushenko.

He defended his World Championship by winning the Gold Medal in a stunning display of skating at Dortmund, Germany. It is Plushenko’s third World Championship.

Plushenko set skating history, completing the first triple Axel-triple flip. He also accumulated four 6.0s from among the judges in presentation and received 10 5.9s from the judges for technical merit and presentation.

“Finally, I pulled myself together and did two quads. I did my Axel-flip. The third wold title is great, and I thank destiny,” Plushenko said.

Plushenko’s program was the most technically difficult and best performed. He nailed both quad attempts, an opening quad-triple-double combination and solo quad moments later.

His free skate performed to a tribute to ballet master Vaslav Nijinsky was only marred by an awkward fall on his final element. “Unfortunately there was this weird mistake on the loop, I think there was something on the ice, because I don’t know how my blade slipped.”

Plushenko will compete in the Marshalls World Skating Challenge on April 6 in Providence, R.I. He is also on the spring tour of Champions On Ice.

Plushenko, who has competed with a torn meniscus in his right knee throughout the competitive season, is scheduled to have surgery this summer.

Evgeni leads after short program at Worlds

Evgeni Plushenko of Russia won the short program Tuesday at the World Figure Skating Championships in Dortmund, Germany, with his high-energy performance.

Plushenko, who won the World title in 2001 and 2003, is in position to bring home a third title.

His short program, skated to tango and flamenco music, included a quadruple-triple toe loop combination and two other triples. Plushenko’s marks ranged from 5.7 to 5.9 for required elements and 5.8 to 5.9 for presentation.

“I felt good on the ice, everything was fine and as it should be,” Plushenko said. “I think everything will be fine."

Alexei Mishin, his coach, also was pleased: “I think he did his job in the short program today. He did all the elements.”

Evgeni wins qualifying round at Worlds

In the Men's qualifying round at the World Championships in Dortmund, Germany. defending champion Evgeni Plushenko is ahead of teammate Ilia Klimkin and Stefan Lindemann of Germany.

Plushenko gave a strong performance to “St. Petersburg 300”. The two-time World Champion completed a quadruple-triple toeloop combination, a triple Axel, a triple Axel-triple toeloop combination as well as three more triple jumps and fast spins. His only mistake came when he doubled a Salchow.

He earned marks from 5.8 to 5.9 for  both technical merit and presentation.

“This was a good performance, and everything is going according to plan. Now I have to relax and then attack tomorrow full force. This was just the beginning, and the battle goes on”, Plushenko said.

Evgeni plans music video with ballet st