Russian figure skating champion Evgeny Plushenko stated that his son… (плющенко · александр · азербайджан)
Russian figure skating champion Evgeny Plushenko stated that his son Alexander, better known as Gnom Gnomych, was 'not needed by anyone in Russia.' Plushenko further claimed that in Russia, his son Alexander 'was not needed by anyone.'
Consensus
- Eugene Plushenko stated that his son Alexander was 'nobody needed' in Russia.
- Alexander Pлющенко transitioned to represent Azerbaijan in figure skating starting from the 2026/27 season.
- The International Skating Union (ISU) granted Alexander permission on July 1 to compete for Azerbaijan internationally.
- Eugene Plushenko believes his son needs to go international to develop, as Russian sports are declining.
- Alexander Pлющенко remains a Russian citizen despite obtaining Azerbaijani sporting citizenship.
Points of divergence
- The Azerbaijan Winter Sports Federation announced in early July that Alexander Plushenko would begin competing under the Azerbaijani flag from the 2026/27 season. — fontanka
- Alexander Pлющенко stated he has no regrets about switching teams, even though Russian athletes are allowed to compete internationally. — vm
- Alexander Pлющенко said he remains Russian despite acquiring Azerbaijani sports citizenship. — vm
- The Figure Skating Federation of Russia (FFKKR) granted Alexander a release on May 21, during an executive committee meeting. — vesti
Coverage (3 sources)
- Plushchenko claims his son was 'not needed by anyone' in Russia — Фонтанка
- Plushenko claims his son Alexander was 'not needed by anyone' in Russia — Вечерняя Москва
- Plushenko on his son's move to the Azerbaijan national team: He was not needed here — Вести