Russian Olympic gold medalist figure skater Yulia Lipnistkaya has confirmed her pregnancy, regretting that she hadn’t broke the news herself and in a “calm manner” after widespread press reports.
The former skater, who shot to fame at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi with her stunning routine to Schindler's List music, said that she and partner Vladimir Tarasenko are expecting their first kid.
Lipnitskaya planned to announce the news on one of Russia’s federal channels, but rumors around her pregnancy leaked to the Russian press sooner than the skater expected.
“I have been together with Vlad for many years. Of course we wanted to announce the pregnancy in due time and in a calm atmosphere. But unfortunately this didn’t happen.
Thank you everyoneyou’re your congratulations and warm wishes,” the skater said.
Lipnitskaya led Russia to team event gold at the Sochi Games, becoming the youngest Olympic champion in figure skating history at the age of 15.
However, after sensational Olympic triumph Lipnitskaya’s results nosedived, forcing the skater to part ways with long-time coach Eteri Tutberidze. At the age of 19, Lipnitskaya retired form skating citing health problems.