Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Official website of the State –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On October 2, the State University of Management hosted a unique meeting with renowned figure skater and producer Ilya Averbukh and Zlata Chepurnaya, director of the Star Landing project, as part of the "Knowledge.Sport" project. The event was organized by the Russian "Knowledge" Society.
The event was opened by Vladimir Stroev, Rector of the State University of Management, with a welcoming speech:
"Today we'll be engaging in dialogue with true legends in their fields. Those studying in fields related to sports, management, event planning, and more will be especially interested in listening to the guests' presentations, talking with them, and learning how to achieve success in these fields. The main benefit of such interaction is that it inspires new achievements and steps toward career and life development."
The discussion with the stars took place in a question-and-answer format. The session was moderated by Anna Khaustova, Program Director of the Boiling Point at the State University of Management, and Nikita Smirnov, a third-year student in the Department of Public and Municipal Administration.
Zlata Chepurnaya spoke about the history of the "Starship Troopers" project and the creation of the team's anthem, the importance and benefits of a healthy lifestyle, her personal experience, and her plans for the future.
"The idea for the project came to me in 2014 at the 'Race of Heroes,' when I asked myself, 'What could I do in the event of real combat? How can I be of service to my country?' And so I decided to promote sports, a healthy lifestyle, and a responsible attitude toward the planet and people. Together with a team of famous athletes, presenters, actors, and other media personalities, we host various events where everyone can test their strengths, prove themselves, and become healthier and happier," Zlata shared.
To back up her words, the guest led a warm-up session, which was attended not only by students but also by the meeting moderators, as well as Ilya Averbukh.
The next part of the meeting was devoted to the second guest. The Olympic silver medalist, choreographer, and ice show producer spoke frankly about his journey in sports and after retirement, as well as his reasons for returning to Russia and creating ice shows. But the most important part of his speech was the powerful motivation for anyone who wants to succeed:
"Don't be afraid to start doing something. The main thing is to do it. Gradually, what you need will come to you: people, resources, opportunities, results. Therefore, it's worth pursuing even the most seemingly mythical plans. Be prepared to pursue your goal, be open to advice, listen to advice, and learn new things. Don't waste time; win here and now. Even if you don't immediately become the best at something, it's not a failure, but a test of your strength, emotions, and abilities. Don't hoard your strength, and then the story of your victories will be with you."
Students in the audience also asked questions. They were interested in the books the guests were reading, ways to combat anxiety and burnout, the recovery period after injuries, and, of course, the demand for sports managers.
Zlata Chepurnaya named her favorite works about the subconscious and the universe as a whole, advised turning fear into strength, and also recommended finding a place of power where you can recharge in a matter of hours.
Ilya Averbukh, for his part, explained that it's impossible to completely overcome anxiety; you just need to train your body and mind to act clearly and correctly, despite distractions. The athlete also admitted that despite understanding the importance of rest and periodic disconnection from the outside world, he doesn't practice this in his own life because he doesn't want to miss out on opportunities and worries that it will be difficult to return to his usual busy lifestyle after a break.
Ilya Averbukh also emphasized the importance of having a professional manager for an athlete. This person helps shape the athlete's image, navigate the world of contracts and offers, seeks out interesting proposals, and is an integral part of the athlete's team.
The meeting concluded with a group photo and an interview with the guests, which will soon be released on our YouTube channel.
It's worth noting that the Russian Society "Knowledge," with the support of the Russian Ministry of Sport, is implementing the Znanie.Sport project, which aims to promote physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle among young people. Young people are taught the principles of proper nutrition, daily routines, and how to achieve victory. The project launched on September 8 and will cover all regions of the country. Events include lectures, film screenings, and quizzes.
Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: October 2, 2025.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
