Rumors of romance spark as Russian skaters Petr Gumennik and Elizaveta Tuktamysheva attend retraining camp in California
Petr Gumennik and Elizaveta Tuktamysheva spotted at the training camp in California amid lingering romance rumors
original source: Sports / Championat
According to Sport-Express, Petr Gumennik is currently training under renowned coach Rafael Arutyunyan in California. Gumennik, who is slated to compete in September at the Olympic qualification evenr in Beijing for the 2026 Winter Games, is making use of the expertise of Arutyunyan, known for coaching some of the world’s top skaters, including Olympic champion Nathan Chen and two-time world champion Ilia Malinin.
Photos recently surfaced on social media showing Gumennik and Tuktamysheva together in California. The images were shared by 12-year-old Californian figure skater Olivia June, who captioned her post with excitement: “So happy to see them both!”‘
What Brings Tuktamysheva to California?
While Gumennik’s purpose in California involves Olympic preparation, Elizaveta Tuktamysheva’s visit has drawn equal intrigue. The 2015 World and European Champion, who has not competed since 2023, previously expressed a desire to have an internship with Rafael Arutyunyan, calling him one of the most important figures in figure skating alongside her longtime coach Alexei Mishin.
“I would be very interested in training and learning from Rafael Arutyunyan. He’s an amazing coach, one of the best,” Tuktamysheva said in a video interview on the Okko platform. “I think Alexei [Mishin] and Rafael are two of the most significant people in figure skating.”
Her recent presence near Arutyunyan’s training base, combined with Gumennik’s arrival, has fueled speculation about whether Tuktamysheva herself is exploring work in an international coaching environment, as she hinted earlier in her career.
Romance Rumors Resurface
Adding to the intrigue, rumors of a romantic relationship between Tuktamysheva and Gumennik have been circulating among Russian figure skating circles for some time, and their simultaneous appearance in California has only intensified the chatter.
Tuktamysheva, however, addressed these rumors head-on, denying any romantic involvement with her fellow skater. Responding to reports in the media, she wrote on her Telegram channel: “Friends, the press has reported that I am in a relationship. Do not rush to believe unconfirmed rumors. If I have any important personal news, you will hear it directly from me. Thank you for your respect and support.”
What’s Next for Both Skaters?
While Tuktamysheva remains out of competition, her presence in a location closely tied to Arutyunyan, as well as her statements about her admiration for his coaching, suggest she could be exploring new opportunities for growth. Gumennik, meanwhile, is intensifying his preparations for Beijing’s crucial qualification event this September, where his focus will be on securing a path to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.
Their time together in California undoubtedly raises questions about their individual journeys and personal connection, with fans eagerly watching for updates on both their careers and lives off the ice. For now, only time will tell what comes next for these two prominent figures in figure skating.
Related topics: Elizaveta Tuktamysheva, Petr Gumennik, Rafael Arutyunyan
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