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Arlington, VA : Alexei--You brought down the house in Salt Lake! I loved watching you perform. What are your immediate plans? Will you stay in the amateur ranks or turn professional? Congrats on your Olympic gold medal!!

Alexei Yagudin: It's only been two weeks since I finished the Olympics, so I haven't made a decision yet. I feel really powerful now, so I'm definitely not turning pro now.

Japan : I read an article that says you celebrated the gold medal at the local McDonald's with french flies and wine. Why McDonald's? Were't there any other good places to celebrate? Or, do you particularly love McDonald's?

Alexei Yagudin: No, I just said McDonald's because I've been on a diet, so I can't eat what I want. When I was done with the Olympics, I had a little time to enjoy myself.

Stella from Hong Kong : Did you have a chance to watch any of the skating events after your competition? Apart from your Russian team-mates who were you cheering for?

Alexei Yagudin: I didn't see the ice dancing, but I saw the ladies' program (the short and long). Of course I was cheering for the Russian skaters, but I like when there's a huge fight and someone wins.

Michal from Israel : Hi! I was wodering, since competitions and tours are in different parts of the world (US, Europe, Japan..), how do you handle the time differences (jet-lag), and does it effect the skating? Another Q: I heard you were thinking of NOT going to Nagano. Is this true? If the answer is yes: Why, and do you have any idea when you will make that decision? Keep the good job, Michal PS: Your official fan site is great!

Alexei Yagudin: It's hard to compete when you have to fly across the ocean because of jet lag. We try to get to the competition a week earlier if possible. As for Nagano, we haven't made a final decision, but we continue to prepare.

Beaufort, SC : Hello and congratulations on your Olympic win! I and a lot of other "cyber" fans were pulling for you. I have a question concerning residency, you seem to enjoy living in the U.S. and I have been wondering whether you have ever considered becoming an American citizen.

Alexei Yagudin: I haven't decided yet, because it's a hard decision. I'm really proud of being Russian and I was proud to see the Russian flag raised when I won the medal. It's hard to decide right now, because the Olympics are over and I have to figure out what to do next. I like living here - the people are very supportive.

Denver Colorado : The music used in the Olympics gala is the same as that used for "Memorial" for Holiday on Ice in Canada. Why is it skated differently in the two exhibitions, and how do you decide which to skate?

Alexei Yagudin: That music was Tatiana's choice, and I wanted to show something different.

Atlanta, Georgia : Mr. Yagudin, How is the media treated in your native country? As a public figure, what differences have you noticed in how you are treated by the press in Russia versus how you are treated in the United States? Thank you.

Alexei Yagudin: In the United States, I've had great celebrations. Last night we met with the mayor of Newington, and a few days ago I met the governor of Connecticut. The U.S. media wants to see a great fight and whoever wins, wins. In Russia, they wanted Plushenko to be first, and his pictures were all over Moscow in the streets. I'm not getting supported just because I don't live there anymore. That's why they don't really like me. But overall I'm happy with the press and media. In the first two weeks I've done so much media for countries all over the world.

Japan : I heard you used to smoke but quit. I'm trying to stop smoking now but not successfully. How did you do that? Did you use any particular method?

Alexei Yagudin: When you really want to do it, you just have to do it. No one can do it for you.

Stella from Hong Kong : How did you celebrate the days after you won gold? Did you stay in the Olympic village?

Alexei Yagudin: Every night I'd leave the village and go to downtown Salt Lake City, because before winning I didn't have a chance to do it.

Reno, NV : There have been a lot of stories and interviews about you searching for someone. (I believe there is a Russian newspaper campaign now to find you a wife..?) And yet there must be many volunteers! <G> What has been difficult to find in a woman?

Alexei Yagudin: It's easy to find a girl, but hard to find the right one.

Comment from Alexei Yagudin: That's why I'm still searching.

Kiev,Ukraine : Lesha,what is your relations with Pluschenko?I've heard they aren't good,why?

Alexei Yagudin: Exactly the same as they've been. I can't say we're friends at all. When we see each other, it's just a competition.

Dallas, Texas : There has been alot of talk among your fans that you were embarassed when the camera followed you backstage during the Olympic gala and caught your costume change. How did you really feel?

Alexei Yagudin: I was not embarrassed. I didn't tell them I was going to change. It was actually fun, because no one expected that.

Berlin, Germany : Could you imagine to go back to university and study a non-sport related subject? And if, which?

Alexei Yagudin: No, I can't picture myself doing that. All my life I've been figure skating, which is why I went to a sports university. If you want to learn something else, you need to have time, which I didn't have.

Frankfort, KY : You are an incredibly powerful skater. What is your off-ice training regimen?

Alexei Yagudin: Basically I don't have much time to do other stuff. I really like fishing and to play tennis. I go to the music store to listen to something new.

Georgia, Tbilisi : Alexei,I wish you all the best!I love your skating so much! Which of your programms do you like best? Nino Kipiani

Alexei Yagudin: I really like "Winter", the short program, and the "Lawrence of Arabia".

Ontario, Canada : Are you definitely committed to doing the full Canadian Stars on Ice tour? They are advertising that you will be there, but you can't always believe everything that is advertised!

Alexei Yagudin: Yes. I will do the Skate the Nation tour adn the Canadian Stars on Ice this year.

Maureen from Amsterdan, Holland : Congratulations Alexei! We all wonder if you ever have the time to read all your fanmail, check your website and what does all this attention do for you?

Alexei Yagudin: Yes, I check my official Web site. Sometimes I read the fan mail, but there are thousands of those, and since the Olympics I've gotten so much mail...I send half of my mail to my agent to help me out.

Czech Republic : Did you root for the Russian hockey team in Salt Lake City? I heard your psychologist Zagaynov worked with them...

Alexei Yagudin: Actually yes. I went to watch two matches. I was really excited to be there and watch it live. The last time they played in 1980, the Americans won (and they won this time too). I was definitely hoping the Russians would be first. But that's life.

Los Gatos, Ca : Dear Alexei, Since you are so popular and adored in the U.S., with the fact that you are trained in the U.S., what's the possibility that you will represent the U.S. in competition? Will you make the U.S. as your permanant residence if you ever leave the competitive skating and start coaching?

Alexei Yagudin: I have to get citizenship. Then we can talk about competing for the U.S. I'm happy to have a green card, which allows me to go back and forth. The Olympics are over, so I want to get some rest and then I'll decide what to do. Who knows? I may compete for the United States. I'm happy to have the support and love of an American audience.

Westland, Michigan : I am so happy for you. What are you going to do this year for your birthday in March?

Alexei Yagudin: There are two ways to celebrate. The first is to skate the qualifying rounds at the Worlds. If not, I think I'll get all my friends together and celebrate in Connecticut.

Comment from USATODAY.com Host: Thanks very much to Alexei Yagudin and to everyone who participated.