Evan Lysacek is in demand.

Since the figure skater won the gold medal at the Vancouver Olympics, he's done the talk-show circuit, photo shoots and won a spot on "Dancing with the Stars."

Lysacek has received offers to cut in line at coffee shops. His frequent breakfast hangout, Joan's on Third, offered him a regular table.

He has declined such offers.

He's so trendy that he made it on the cover of the celebrity gossip magazine Life & Style. The others that shared space in this week's issue? Regulars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston, Nicole Richie and Lady Gaga.

Lysacek even had his first paparazzi experience as a photographer followed him in his car after an appearance on CNN's "Larry King Show."

"At first, I thought, `what could they possibly want to see me doing?"' Lysacek wondered. "I was on my way to dinner with friends and when we came out they were gone."

The congratulations, goodwill, messages and opportunities are not gone. They're just filtering in for Lysacek.

Lysacek, the 24-year-old who trains in Los Angeles, will be the star today at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, where he has worked with coach Frank Carroll. Lysacek and Olympian Mirai Nagasu, who's from Arcadia, will be the guests of honor in a reception with city officials, fans and skaters. The event is open to the public and starts at 6 p.m.

"The people at the rink have been so supportive of me, everybody

from the Kings and Lakers," Lysacek said. "It's not just figure-skating people. It's a cool opportunity for me to go back and say thank you, more than anything. I couldn't be where I am without the help and support of so many people. Probably the most special part is that I get to say thank you to so many people."

Lysacek can't believe his good fortune. He's finally realized his dream and success has created other opportunities. He's often stopped to pose for pictures and if his medal isn't visible, people want to know where it's located. Lysacek has all of his medals stored in a box in a cabinet, but the gold medal will soon be on display in his house.

He's received so many calls, with one of his favorites coming from fashion designer Ralph Lauren. Lysacek represents the company and Lauren called to offer congratulations and lunch in New York next time Lysacek is in town. Lysacek has never met Lauren.

Producer Jerry Bruckheimer sent him a Blu-Ray of the movie "Top Gun." That was a treat for Lysacek, who skated his very first program to music from the movie.

And then there's "Dancing with the Stars," the show that has done wonders for the careers of athletes and singers and movie stars.

Lysacek is considered one of the favorites.

"It's definitely harder than I thought it would be," Lysacek said. "I know what incredible athletes dancers are. I thought I would bring a little of my skating to the table and it would help me but it's almost made it worse. I'm used to rotating in one direction and stepping with one foot first. All of that is completely opposite. I thought, `I'm doing it for fun,' but the second I started, I got competitive again and I want to win."

Lysacek's pro partner is Anna Trebunskaya, and Lysacek told her that while training he likes to be pushed. Trebunskaya is known for demanding the most out of partners.

Transitioning from training at the rink to the dance studio was an easy one for Lysacek.

"I've been preparing for the Olympics the last four years and that's been my sole focus," Lysacek said. "I still have to pinch myself. A lot of athletes go through this considerable letdown and huge void in their life when the competition is over.

"This is a great way for me to move toward another goal and to keep the daily structure in my life. It's about the next challenge and really having a good time."

Lysacek was having a good time with gal pal and Olympic gymnast Nastia Liukin, whom he calls a friend. But following his gold medal, People magazine reported he and Liukin were an item, and that's why he's on the cover of a gossip magazine. Lysacek's publicist said he is single. He began to operate in a different world once that gold medal was hung around his neck.

"I've just never had to be careful before about things I might say," Lysacek said. "Pretty much everything I've ever said to what kind of car I wanted to buy to who I was dating can end up front page news. I have to be more careful.

"I want to be a good example. I feel there's so many positive role models from athletes to actors. I want to be a positive role model. I know how important that is. I'm not going to go away and hide my entire life. The right approach is to lead by example."

And that will start with Lysacek giving thanks today.