Two-time Olympic silver medalist in figure skating Evgenia Medvedeva came to Dynamo training camp in UAE and told about football in her life, favorite player and whether she would take Konstantin Tyukavin as a couple for the Ice Age show.
— What are your first impressions of training with the football team?
— These are such Vietnamese flashbacks, because I have been going to training camps for many years myself, and these are my first training camps for 6-7 years. Even though I am here not as an athlete, but as an observer, I still feel like a part of preparation.
— What is the difference in the training camps of football players and figure skaters?
— The camp of football players is very similar to the dry camp of figure skaters (it is called dry because it presumes training without ice). These are two training sessions, which take place outdoors, under the sun, according to approximately the same schedule. We also have running exercises, exercises with elastic bands, jump ropes, spinners for training the vestibular apparatus. Of course, football players have their own specialized exercises, which are unlikely to be useful for figure skaters.
— What was your least favorite item at the training camp?
— Well, everything. The camps are very hard, it's a huge burden. You need to get in shape after a long vacation. Training camps are like a hell, but it's much easier during the season. Now I sympathize with the guys, but I don't want to train with them, I'd rather watch the action as an observer (laughs).
— Did you want to play football yourself?
— I don't think I'm going to be great. But just to try – why not? When I was a little girl, the boys often played football with the smallest balls before the gym sessions – usually tennis balls, because the gym was small. I usually stood in goal and it was impossible to score against me. I denied everything.
— Would you stand in goal now?
— I don't know, I need to try.
— Maybe you would like to play in attack?
— I can attack, yes (laughs).
— Do you have the favorite football player in Dynamo and in world football?
— In world football, I think, this is Lionel Messi. I supported him at the World Cup. At Dynamo, I don't know personally all of the guys yet. But yesterday there was a funny interview with Kostya Tyukavin, and today we will talk with Arsen Zakharyan. It will be fun, because Kostya will be sitting behind the scenes. I think I won't even need to ask anything, they both will tell everything themselves.
— Do you like being an interviewer?
— It's a little difficult for me. After all, I'm used to being interviewed all my career. I haven't learned myself to ask in a free form yet, so sometimes I get nervous. It is clear that everything comes with experience.
— Arsen and you have already participated together in a photo shoot session at the GUM skating rink. What can you say about his potential on the ice?
— He had previously skated at the age of 5, so it was very good for the first time. Kostya is already begging for the Ice Age show. Firstly, we need to have a look at him on trial. If it is needed, we'll teach him (laughs).
— Did any of the guys impress you at the training camp?
— I was rather impressed by the organization of the training camp – the number of players, coaches, staff, even the chef arrived. Our training camps were held with the same squad as we worked then during the season – the head coach, his assistant and choreographer. In football, everything is so thorough.
— How did football come into your life?
— Suddenly. The Dynamo – Spartak derby took place in Moscow in the summer, and I was asked in an interview: Dynamo or Spartak. And I answered Dynamo, because our team, which was called Time of the First, performed in blue colors at the Channel One Cup. That's how it all turned out, and now I'm here.
— You often go to the VTB Arena. What did you remember the most?
— I liked the Dynamo – Zenit match, which turned out to be very emotional. The fans of both sides were very noisy. When there is a confrontation in the stands, it is always interesting.
— Is there a difference between fans in football and figure skating?
— Yes, they are completely different. In figure skating, the public does not allow itself any offensive chants. If someone is rooting for one figure skater, then he supports her and simply remains silent during the performance of other participants. There are some isolated cases, but this is not encouraged. Let's just say we have mutual respect between fan bases.
— This year our club turns one hundred years old. Do you feel a special atmosphere in the team and at the stadium?
— The most important thing is that everyone is friendly. I have never heard about omissions or intrigues. Any team is based on the fact that everyone comes and does his job responsibly, does not put a stick in anyone's wheels. After all, football is not an individual game.
— What can you wish Dynamo in the anniversary year?
— I wish productivity, efficiency and all those qualities that an athlete should be endowed with in order to win. Guys, go ahead, and we will support you in every possible way.