Every great drama needs a sequel, and the “you did no quad!” battle between silver medalist Yevgeny Plushenko and gold medalist Evan Lysacek — which has drawn the Kremlin into the fray — is no exception. First, it was announced Saturday that Russia had appointed Plushenko special ambassador to the 2014 Sochi Olympics. From Itar-Tass:

“Russian figure skater Yevgeny Plyushchenko, who won the silver medal in men’s skating, was appointed an ‘official ambassador’ of the Sochi-2014 Olympic Games. He received the ambassador’s diploma at a meeting with Dmitry Chernyshenko, head of the organizing committee for the 2014 Sochi Olympics at the Sochi-2014 Russian House.

…’Plyushchenko is an icon for millions across the world. His dedication is a model for young athletes who will take part in the Sochi Olympics,’ Chernyshenko said and thanked Plyushchenko for ‘joining our team.’ ‘Together we shall win,’ he added.”

But will he be just an ambassador? No, likely a competitor, it seems, setting the stage for a Cold War-worthy rematch (“Rocky IV,” anyone?) between the two skaters (and the way Vladimir Putin is chipping away at freedoms in Russia, that may not be too far from the truth by 2014). More:

“Russia’s Evgeni Plushenko, who hoped to become the first repeat men’s Olympic gold medalist since 1952, but won silver in the free skate in Vancouver, said on Sunday he hoped to perform at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

‘I hope and I dream of skating at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. The Olympic Games will be held in Russia and I would like to participate. I believe I’ll make this attempt,’ Plushenko said in an interview with Canadian television.

Plushenko led the competition at the Vancouver Olympics after the short program, but the U.S.’s Evan Lysacek, the reigning world champion, beat him with an overall score of 257.67 points. Japan’s Daisuke Takahashi will take home the bronze medal with 247.23. Plushenko’s overall score from both events was 256.36.

Plushenko, 27, disappointed with the silver medal, earlier said figure skating had changed and he may quit the sport. ‘This may be my last competition. We will see,’ he said.”

Plushenko would be 31 then, and Lysacek will be 28.

(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)