When Alex Ovechkin’s mother was asked why she let her son choose hockey and not any other sport, her reply was simple. “He is a very athletic guy,” she said, recalling the times when Ovechkin would watch the sport as a child and run with a stick around the apartment. Her decision to let him follow his instincts made Ovechkin stand as one of the greatest players in ice hockey today. After all, 887 goals prove it all, right?

Tatyana Ovechkina, a proud former basketball player and two-time Olympic gold medalist who is no stranger to the values of athleticism and discipline, laid the foundation for her son’s journey. And, just when Ovechkin was asked about his favorite female athlete of all time, his answer had been as simple as his dedication on ice!

Recently, a video on X was shared by the Washington Capitals where they were answering their favorite female athlete. Unlike many in his team who named the likes of Simone Biles, Kelsey Plum, Maria Sharapova, and Serena Williams, Ovechkin made a unique call. “Put my mom, yeah,” he said, without even a moment of guessing. A wholesome yet heartwarming honor to the lady who helped him get where he is today!

Not just a mother, but Tatyana is the spirit behind his athletic prowess. And you will call it a sports lineage if you watch the iconic jersey number 8, very precisely—the same that her mother wore as the pro basketball player. Well, number 8 has a whole new meaning now! A true matriarch, she has passed down more than just her genes. With preparing his mindset to create a competitive fire in Ovechkin, Tatyana is the backbone of this Washington star.

Though apart, they each thrive, maintaining a strong bond despite the distance. And, whenever she is home to his son in Arlington, Virginia, she brings in a whole lot of love, advice, and delicious home-cooked meals for his family. But beyond the warmth of motherly love, how does she continue to shape his competitive spirit even now? With a simple game of H-O-R-S-E, of course! Well, Tatyana hasn’t stopped from challenging his son yet, proving her bossiness that defines success in life. “She has so much experience. We are both professional athletes. Mom is a strong athlete and a strong person,” Ovechkin said.

Mother helped Alex Ovechkin secure the best deal!

When Alex Ovechkin signed his historic 13-year, $124 million contract, it was more than just a personal milestone but a testament to the influence of his mother. How? Well, she played a key role in securing one of the biggest deals in NHL history, making her one of the most skilled negotiators! Every move in that contract was made with strict approval of her. Alongside being the supportive athlete mother, she became his closest advisor this time, ensuring he got not only the right contract but also the right terms to secure his future!

But it wasn’t easy. A little more than a year after firing agent Don Meehan, Tatiana, and the Ovechkin family sat before the Capitals’ top executives to set out the details of the deal. It was hours before the contract length was agreed upon. She also secured a no-trade clause for her son—something that was rare in Geroge McPhee’s career as Capitals GM—allowing Ovechkin to have the right to annually list ten teams he would refuse to be traded to. Sounds amazing, right? Tatiana did all that while saving Ovechkin over $3.72 million in agent fees!

And ever since after that, he has been unstoppable! With serious injuries and multiple setbacks, he kept on playing and delivering his best, which made him 8 goals closer to breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record! But beyond contracts and goals, what remains special to him is his mom’s greatest advice—“Just be yourself.”