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It seems Ari Zakarian is enjoying the same scenery as Alina.
Really...It seems Ari Zakarian is enjoying the same scenery as Alina.
Really...
According to her Instagram bio, Zhenya's manager is Levan Matua. Zakarian was definitely her agent in 2018. He works as an agent for many skaters, including Plushenko. He’s also a skater/choreographer/composer/ice show producer and the vice-president of Armenian Figure Skating Federation. I'm not sure if he is still Medvedeva's agent (maybe ask in her fan thread?) but they have worked together on multiple occasions and by all appearances have a very good personal and professional relationship. He even helped choreograph her team's opening number for the Channel 1 Cup.Is Zakarian her manager? I thought he was Zhenya's...?!
According to her Instagram bio, Zhenya's manager is Levan Matua. Zakarian was definitely her agent in 2018. He works as an agent for many skaters, including Plushenko. He’s also a skater/choreographer/composer/ice show producer and the vice-president of Armenian Figure Skating Federation. I'm not sure if he is still Medvedeva's agent (maybe ask in her fan thread?) but they have worked together on multiple occasions and by all appearances have a very good personal and professional relationship. He even helped choreograph her team's opening number for the Channel 1 Cup.
I don't think Zakarian is Alina's manager or her agent. I do think she might work with him on occasion. I'm sure there are times when he can facilitate something more efficiently than her manager. Whoever that may be. Assuming she even has one. If she doesn't have a manager then it makes even more sense to collaborate with Zakarian when the situation requires it.
It's not like it's a conflict of interest. This isn't a 'job' that Zakarian could have booked for another skater. Alina is there by specific invitation from the Japanese. To attend the premiere of a movie in which she makes a cameo appearance. A movie based on a story associated with the Akita-Inu breed. (Masaru says 'Hi!') She is there to do publicity for the movie, promote the Akita-Inu breed, and the relationship between two nations. And to skate to a song from the soundtrack of the movie.
I don't know exactly what he is doing there. I'm sure it's in a professional capacity of some kind since he was at the same rink as Alina while she was skating. It appears he was also sightseeing with Alina and her mom at Lake Kawaguchi. I hope everyone is having a good time.![]()

Alina isn't pursuing two university degrees in order to limit herself in any way. I see her long-term career trajectory following a path very similar to Tatiana Navka & Ilya Averbukh. Combining skating with entertainment and creativity. Her interest in producing, hosting and journalism in addition to her excellent working relationship with Channel 1 can only be a good thing for her future. Not to mention her popularity in Japan. She could easily have her own show.Yeah, come to think of it, it does make sense to hire him once in a while. Kudos to Alina if she doesn't have a manager she would have to share her income with! Maybe she will become a sports agent in the future![]()

Alina isn't pursuing two university degrees in order to limit herself in any way. I see her long-term career trajectory following a path very similar to Tatiana Navka & Ilya Averbukh. Combining skating with entertainment and creativity. Her interest in producing, hosting and journalism in addition to her excellent working relationship with Channel 1 can only be a good thing for her future. Not to mention her popularity in Japan. She could easily have her own show.
In the short-term I think she will explore lots of opportunities and keep her options open. I hope so anyway.
If she wants to be an agent then more power to her. Zakarian is living proof that an agent can still do many other things. Like joining Alina on her trip to Japan.Maybe someone is paying him for his time on this trip but I don't see Alina spending her money on something she doesn't really need.
Not criticizing his presence. I like that Alina has a good professional relationship with the people in FS who can financially benefit her career. As for Zakarian, I want to give him all the credit he is due. In my opinion he has done a lot to promote the popularity of skating. The sport needs that.
I agree with you about her income. By the time you pay taxes, 10% to a manager, 10% to an agent, 10% to RusFed, 20% - 30% (?) to coaches, and any other expenses associated with the venture; you're lucky to see half of the original amount end up in your bank account. If I'm Alina's parents I'm also hiring a separate accountant and a lawyer who are in no way connected to the manager or agent. Pay a flat fee for services rendered to two people who do not stand to profit in any way from Alina's business ventures (they get paid the same amount no matter what) to review contracts and keep an eye on the numbers.
I have trust issues.