Russian figure skating has a rich history of producing world-class athletes, and behind these skaters are coaches who have dedicated their lives to the sport. This article highlights some of the most famous and influential Russian figure skating coaches who have shaped the sport.
Eteri Tutberidze
Eteri Georgievna Tutberidze (born February 24, 1974) is a Georgian-Russian figure skating coach who primarily works with female single skaters. She is the head coach at the Sambo 70 skating club in Moscow.
Tutberidze began skating at the age of four and a half, guided by Evgenia Zelikova and then Edouard Pliner. After sustaining a spinal fracture and growing 22 cm, she switched from singles to ice dancing. She was coached by Lidia Kabanova for two years and then joined Elena Tchaikovskaya, who paired her with Vyacheslav Chichekin. After briefly training under Natalia Linichuk, Tutberidze switched to Gennady Akkerman, her coach for the next three years.
Notable Skaters Coached by Eteri Tutberidze
- Evgenia Medvedeva
- Adian Pitkeev
- Sergei Voronov
- Anna Shcherbakova
- Nika Egadze
- Maiia Khromykh
- Polina Shelepen
- Polina Tsurskaya
- Alexey Erokhov
- Elizabet Tursynbayeva
- Alena Kostornaia
- Aleksandra Trusova
- Egor Rukhin
Eteri Tutberidze's methods have been both praised and criticized. Some consider her a revolutionary coach who has pushed the boundaries of what is possible in women's figure skating, while others have raised concerns about the physical and mental toll her training regimen takes on young skaters.
Beginners Guide to Team Tutberidze (drama)
Tatiana Tarasova
Tatiana Anatolyevna Tarasova (born February 13, 1947) is another highly acclaimed Russian figure skating coach and national figure skating team advisor. Tarasova has coached more world and Olympic champions than any other coach in skating history.
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Tatyana Tarasova was born on February 13, 1947. Her father was Anatoly Tarasov, a very well-known ice hockey coach. He introduced her to figure skating when she was just five years old.
At the All-Union Junior Individual and Team Competition held in Kyiv in March 1961, 14-year-old Tatyana Tarasova, pair skating with Alexander Tikhomirov and representing the Trud sports society, placed second in the first-class category. The pair of Tatyana Tarasova and Georgi Proskurin was briefly coached by Elena Tchaikovskaia. With Proskurin, she was a two-time Soviet national medalist.
Tarasova started coaching at age 19, at her father's insistence. In the mid-1980s, Tarasova launched the Russian All-Stars, an ice ballet.
Notable Skaters Coached by Tatiana Tarasova
- Mao Asada: She coached Asada from 2008 until 2010. Asada won the 2010 World title and 2010 Olympic silver medal under Tarasova.
- Sasha Cohen: Coached her from 2002 until 2004.
- Elene Gedevanishvili
- Ilia Kulik: Was also his choreographer.
- Alexei Yagudin: Coached and choreographed him from 1998 to his retirement in 2003.
As a coach, Tatyana Anatolyevna Tarasova has participated in every Winter Olympic Games, World, and European Figure Skating Championship since 1967.
Roman Serov
Roman Serov (born December 16, 1976, in Moscow) is a Russian-born figure skater and coach who has represented both Russia and Israel in international competitions. He is notable for his achievements on the Grand Prix circuit and his success as an Israeli national champion.
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Serov began his figure skating career in Russia. He showed promise early on, twice placing 4th at the Russian Championships. During this period, he also earned medals at the Cup of Russia and the Finlandia Trophy. His performance at the 2001 Winter Universiade in Zakopane was a highlight, where he secured a gold medal in men's singles figure skating.
Following his marriage to an Israeli national, Serov transitioned to representing Israel in the 2003-2004 season after a mandatory waiting period. His decision to switch allegiances was a significant move in his career, influenced by his personal life.
One of his notable coaching engagements has been with Georgian figure skater Elene Gedevanishvili. Serov is currently based at the Ice House Arena in Hackensack, New Jersey, where he continues to contribute to the sport by training new generations of skaters.
Competitive Results of Roman Serov
Serov has a record of competitive results, including:
- 19th at the World Championships in 2004 and 18th in 2005
- 13th at the European Championships in 2004 and 22nd in 2005
- 2nd place at the Grand Prix Cup of Russia
- 3rd place at the Grand Prix Lalique
- Multiple 1st place finishes at Skate Israel and Finlandia Trophy
Roman Serov's journey from a competitive figure skater in Russia to an accomplished representative of Israel and now a dedicated coach in the United States highlights his passion for the sport.
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