Two-time silver medalist of the 2018 Olympic Gamesin figure skating , two-time world champion Yevgenia Medvedeva was appointed ambassador of the Russian national team at the 32nd Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, which will be held from July 24 to August 9, 2020.
President of the Russian Olympic Committee Stanislav Pozdnyakov explained why this decision was made: “During the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang there was a difficult situation for Russian team. Discussion of participation in the Games under the Olympic flag took a huge toll on athletes, coaches and sports community. Athletes, sports officials, fans went through this difficult period together, and at the end of February the Russian Olympic Committee was reinstated, which allows it to participate in all Olympic events under national flag, bear all responsibilities and have all rights in accordance with the Olympic Charter.
One of the key roles in restoration of the status of the Olympic Committee was played by Yevgenia Medvedeva, who participated in the IOC meetings, brilliantly performed and charmed everyone not only with her beauty, not only with her athletic results, but also with her knowledge of the matter, emotions that she shared with colleagues from IOC."
Stanislav Pozdnyakov highlighted athlete’s diplomatic efforts: “That's why we chose Yevgenia Medvedeva as ambassador, who will represent the Russian Olympic team at the Tokyo Olympics. I’m sure that year later, when games in Tokyo will begin, she will be the most natural, laid-back representative of our team, our athletes. We're currently promoting the Russian Olympic team, and we have two main slogans: "Be on the team" and "Support the team." This shows that we must unite forces of all the athletes who will represent Russia, and the fans who will support our athletes in Tokyo."
Medvedeva herself said that be attending the Tokyo Summer Olympics she wants to "support her team, support Russia." “It's a unique opportunity to support all those guys. I know firsthand how difficult it is to perform at the Olympic Games, but it's so inspiring! Each games are unique in their own way. I'm really glad that I will be able to feel the atmosphere of the Olympic Games. It's a great honor to be on the team, to be with the team and to support those who will perform at the Olympic Games."
Speaking about the Olympics Games in Pyeongchang, Medvedeva said: “It was a very difficult time. It was very difficult for our entire team to prepare ourselves mentally for the fact that we did not have our own flag.”
