Alexander Mikhailovich Ovechkin aka ‘The Great Eight’ was born to athletic parents in 1985. It was explicitly a tumultuous childhood for him and his family because of the historical collapse of the Soviet Union. Ovechkin was guided by them at every step of his career and he publicly recognized their efforts in an interview on YouTube. 

Therefore, talking to Graham Bensinger on his show, the ice hockey pro once disclosed the grave scenario of his childhood, and how his parents went through it all to get him where he is today. 

Alex Ovechkin talked about his road to success

As per a 2015 interview on In Depth with Graham Bensinger, the Russian athlete once got candid about his love for the game in addition to his high regard for the parent Ovechkins. Apparently, his mother was a pro basketball player while his father played pro soccer. However, in lieu of the economic crisis, his father had to work as a taxi driver initially. “Without them, I’m not gonna be here talking to you and I don’t have the kind of popularity that I have right now…the best sticks, helmet, everything what I need, I always get,” he confessed.

Additionally, the 37-year-old left-winger revealed that his father cultured an optimistic relationship with the coaches, whereas his mom nurtured him into an Olympic champion and a superstar. She also had professional associations that got Ovechkin every opportunity to skate with pro hockey players back then. “Everything came together and that’s why we get success,” Ovi stated. 

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When asked what led him towards hockey and how he pursued it, he hinted at his love for the sport, saying, “Soon as I started playing… this is going to be my life. When they (his parents) start to understand that I can be a good hockey player, they put everything on my side.” Nonetheless, in contrast to his humble childhood, the icon has now reaped the benefits of his success with a grand possession. 

Alex Ovechkin’s private and luxurious mansion

In 2012, Ovi bought an ideal mansion tucked away in a secluded space in Mclean, Virginia, per sources. The mansion was worth a whopping $4.275 million and built within an 11,000 sq estate. The deluxe abode comprised 5 bedrooms and seven baths. Additionally, the infrastructure was beautified with grand chandeliers and an aesthetically crafted staircase. Evidently, the Washington Capitals’ captain left no stone unturned to build the home of his dreams.  

Ovechkin has literally come a long way to achieve his goals and emerge as one of the greatest NHL players of all time. He has also represented Russia in the Winter Olympic Games for the years 2006, 2010, and 2014. 

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