Both of Alex Ovechkin’s parents have impressive athletic backgrounds. His father, Mikhail, was a professional soccer player, and his mother, Tatyana, was a basketball player.
Alexander Mikhailovich Ovechkin, a professional ice hockey player from Russia, plays as a left wing for the Washington Capitals.
He has been with the team since he was drafted first overall in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
Moreover, he is regarded as one of the greatest goal-scorers in NHL history and is known for his powerful shot, physical play, and scoring ability.
Alex Ovechkin Grew Up In An Athletic Background Along With His Two Siblings!
Alex was born on 17 September 1985 in Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union, to parents Mikhail and Tatyana Ovechkina.
As for when Mikhail and Tatyana met and married, the details are not documented in the public domain.
However, their athletic backgrounds and shared passion for sports likely played a significant role in their connection.
Now, regarding his siblings, Alex has two older brothers, Sergei and Mikhail.
Unfortunately, Sergei passed away at the age of 24 due to a blood clot following a car accident when Alex was just 10 years old.
Mikhail, the other brother, has kept a lower profile, and there isn’t much public information about his current activities.
Alex’s Father, Mikhail, Was A Professional Soccer Player Whose Career Was Curtailed Due To Injury!
His father, Mikhail, was a former professional soccer player who played for Dynamo Moscow.
Unfortunately, a severe knee injury cut short his career and prevented him from continuing to play professionally.
After his soccer career ended, Mikhail focused on supporting his family and his children’s career.
He played a significant role in Alex’s development as a hockey player. He often attended his games and practices and supported his journey in hockey.
Tragically, Mikhail passed away on February 15, 2023, at the age of 71. He had been dealing with health issues in recent years, which prevented him from traveling to North America to watch his son play.
Alex shared this tragic news via an Instagram post and asked for understanding and privacy during this difficult time. He wrote,
Today my father is passed away.. I thank everyone for the support but please be understanding and do not disturb my family during this very difficult time for us! Thank you.
He was known for his infectious personality and was a familiar face at Capitals games and practices. Also, he always supported his son with a smile.
Tatyana Had a Remarkable Career With The Soviet Union Women’s National Basketball Team!
Likewise, his mother, Tatyana, born in Moscow on March 19, 1950, is a former Russian basketball player.
She joined Dynamo Moscow’s women’s basketball team at 16 and became a star player.
By 19, she was named team captain and played for the club for 13 more years.
In 1976 and 1980, she was rewarded the Order of the Badge of Honor and the Order of Friendship of Peoples, respectively.
She won two Olympic gold medals, one at the 1976 Montreal Olympics and another at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
Additionally, she secured the 1975 World Championship and six European Championships (1970, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1980).
Tatyana has been running the Russian women’s national basketball program in recent years. Also, she is a candidate for induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame.
She continues to participate actively in the basketball community and significantly influences the sport.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Alex wears the number 8 in honor of his mother, who wore the same number during her basketball career.
- He married Anastasia Shubskaya, a model and actress, in 2016.
- The couple has two sons: Sergei, born August 18, 2018, and Ilya, born May 27, 2020.
