Yevgeny Plushchenko Grew Up

YEVGENY PLUSHCHENKO GREW UP under harsh conditions in St. Petersburg, Russia. But in 2001, he found riches at the World Figure Skating Championships.

The ancient rink where Plushchenko trained couldn’t even afford to repair its Zamboni. The skating surface contained ruts and chips, making it difficult to work on routines. In addition, the heating system rarely functioned, forcing the teenager to don three layers of jackets and pants. The Russian’s family struggled as well. They lived in a one-room apartment, sharing a bathroom with other families down the hall.

But Plushchenko’s endurance reaped dividends. After a disappointing free skate the prior year, he refocused for the 2001 championships. During his training, the 18-year-old found inspiration from his memories of watching Viktor Petrenko on television.

When Plushchenko took the ice, the skater immediately engrossed the crowd with an amazing program. Using various musical pieces, including the television theme from The Addams Family, Yevgeny jumped and spun with precision and flair. The jumps included his unique quadruple toe loop–triple toe loop–double loop combination and eight additional triples. He highlighted spins with a Biellmann maneuver, placing his leg behind his head as he twisted on the ice.

At the performance’s conclusion, spectators shouted for perfect 6.0s. Although no judge gave a perfect score, 5.9s abounded as Plushchenko easily claimed his first world title.

EXTRA < < < < < < < < < < < < < <

POINT Competing on the international skating scene takes years of practice and lots of cash. Yevgeny Plushchenko had the time, but his family and city didn’t have money for the facilities and coaches available to most top skaters. But somehow Plushchenko managed to rise above his surroundings.

From his poor and needy St. Petersburg beginnings, Yevgeny Plushchenko ascended to skating’s princely throne—the world championship. Athletics became a way out of difficult circumstances for him and many others.

In the Bible a woman asked God to help her out of difficult circumstances. Hannah didn’t have children at a time in history when a woman’s status depended on sons and daughters. But God answered her prayers. He gave her a son named Samuel, who became a godly leader.

GOAL! Imagine living in the Plushchenkos’ cramped apartment and training on the crumbling ice rink. Picture yourself overcoming such obstacles. God will help you overcome your own challenges in life. All you have to do is ask him.