Q&A with Evan Lysacek

(Credit: Submitted by Rob Bailey Communications)

Figure skater and Olympic gold medalist Evan Lysacek hasn’t had much rest since winning the men’s overall gold in Vancouver in February — while wearing a snake-adorned costume designed by Vera Wang.

He’s one of the celebs on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars,” and performs four shows a week with “Smucker’s Stars on Ice,” which will make a stop at Conseco Fieldhouse on Wednesday. But with about six weeks left on each show, the 24-year-old isn’t looking forward to his schedule slowing down in the least.

Lysacek talked to The Star just before he went on the ice in Albany, N.Y., and answered personal questions about fellow skaters Evgeni Plushenko and Johnny Weir — and whether he’s dating anyone.

Right now, you’re doing both “Stars on Ice” and “Dancing With the Stars.” How in the world are you doing both?
I don’t get much sleep. It’s a very, very hectic schedule, but I love doing “Stars on Ice” because it’s an opportunity for me to connect with my fans. It’s so fulfilling for me.

Less than a year ago, you weren’t internationally known and now you’re a household name. How are you dealing with the new fame?
I have my people around me when I’m on the road and they keep me in my own little bubble. I don’t have much connection with the outside world, and then I go out to L.A. and it kind of hits me when I have 40 paparazzi who are following me for eight hours a day.

Other than the obvious, what are the major differences between dancing and ice skating?
I am having a little bit of a hard time getting confident on the floor. I’m most confident on the ice because it’s like, “Ah, I’m home!”

Are you ever planning to slow down?
I’m actually dreading the day when it’s all over. I don’t know that I’ve ever really had a day off, and that’s how I like it.

You’re obviously a very competitive person. Is there such a thing as too competitive?
I’m competitive when it really matters. With dancing, it’s really hard for me to know, really, where I stand. Until the live show, Ana (Trebunskaya, his partner) and I can’t really measure where we’re at.”

You’ve earned sort of a reputation for your Vera Wang-designed costumes you wore during the Olympics. What made you go to her?
I’ve always been picky in my skating with what I wear. Vera’s a good friend of mine and she’s always been like family to me. To me, it’s kind of like the packaging of the show. It turned out great, and I love what I wore.

Silver medalist Evgeni Plushenko was pretty vocal in saying he felt you shouldn’t have won the gold medal because you didn’t have a quadruple jump. What are your thoughts on this, a few months looking back?
I couldn’t do anything but be honest. I do respect him and I can’t think of a bad thing to say about him. The judging system that’s in play now couldn’t be manipulated. I’m sure he was upset about not winning, and after the fact, now I’m sure he’s extremely proud of his silver medal.

Fellow American Olympic skater Johnny Weir has said he feels snubbed by “Stars on Ice” because his sexual orientation wasn’t “family-friendly enough.” Thoughts?
“Stars on Ice” is really selective of who they hire and they only hire the best of the best to skate. It would’ve been hard of them to justify hiring him, and I think he was really upset because he wanted the financial benefit of the tour. A lot of us in the skating world were really disappointed in the way he reacted, basically whining that he wasn’t chosen.

Last question: Are you seeing anyone?
I’m single. The reason, well…(laughs)…I’m limited to who I can see. I’m dating in L.A., but I just haven’t found the right girl.

Smuckers Stars on Ice
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Where: Conseco Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St.
Cost: $25 to $135.
Info: (800) 745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.