Evgenia Medvedeva: “Given the circumstances that surrounded our athletes, they are leaving without medals but with their heads held high. Sometimes, that is worth more than any award.”
Two-time world champion Evgenia Medvedeva reflected on the performances of Russian figure skaters Petr Gumennik and Adeliia Petrosian at the Milan Olympics, where both finished sixth in their respective events.
original source: Telegram
Two-time world champion Evgenia Medvedeva shared her admiration for Petr Gumennik and Adeliia Petrosian’s performances at the 2026 Milan Olympics, highlighting their strength and character despite immense challenges and pressure.
“We’re returning from Milan, and there are so many emotions. Yes, of course, we all went into this with hopes for medals. I know how much the skaters wanted that. But given the circumstances that surrounded our athletes, they are leaving without medals but with their heads held high. Sometimes, that is worth more than any award.
Petr Gumennik, in my opinion, should have been on the podium. I am sincerely impressed by his performances and by how composed he was. Despite all the pressure and injustice he faced, he maintained his dignity, stayed focused, and showcased an exceptional level of skating. Honestly, I’m not sure I would have been able to handle my nerves the way he did in his situation. Petya and his team – you are amazing. You put in incredible work, and that was evident in every movement.
Adeliia Petrosian is a special source of pride. She faced immense pressure, high expectations, and a media frenzy that had already ‘awarded’ her the gold medal before the competition even started. Stepping onto the ice under such circumstances is incredibly challenging. But Adelia handled it. She showed character, strength, and dignified skating. Yes, her free skate didn’t go exactly as planned, and she was a bit unlucky. But she had every chance to be among the top three, and that’s a fact. This girl has an incredible future ahead of her. And I’ll always be there for her.
I’m proud of all of you. Despite everything,” Medvedeva wrote.
Related topics: Adeliia Petrosian, Evgenia Medvedeva, Olympic Games, Petr Gumennik
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