Elena Berezhnaya and Anton Sikharulidze struck gold at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, fulfilling their lifes work and carrying on the long Russian tradition of excellence in pair skating.

Their joy was tempered; however, as they immediately found themselves at the center of figure skatings most famous judging scandal in history. In the face of this controversy, Elena and Anton conducted themselves with dignity, and set an example for sportsmanship when Canadians Jamie Sal and David Pelletier were also awarded the pairs gold medal.

Upon returning to Russia after the Winter Games, Elena and Anton received a hero钒s welcome that included a reception with President Vladimir Putin. Endorsement deals at home and in Europe soon followed, capping a truly unique and memorable Olympic experience.

For Elena and Anton, their skating journey had begun as young children. She at age four when her mother took her to a local rink for fun, while he first stepped onto the ice at age five when his parents enrolled him in a skating school for health and activity.

Each turned to pair skating in their teens and had success with previous partners. Anton was twice a World Junior Champion with Maria Petrova (who later became the 2000 World Champion with Alexei Tikhonov). Meanwhile, Elena finished eighth at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics and seventh at the 1994 and 1995 World Championships with Oleg Shliakov, with whom she skated for Latvia.

In January 1996, Elena was seriously injured when Shliakhovs blade pierced her head as they practiced side-by-side camel spins. Five months and a remarkable recovery later, coach Tamara Moskvina paired Elena with Anton.

The skating world took notice that fall when the duo earned a bronze medal in their debut (at Trophe Lalique) with a style and ability reminiscent of their Russian predecessors and idols Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov. Little more than a year thereafter, Elena and Anton won the silver medal at the 1998 Olympics and captured their first of back-to-back world titles.

In the summer of 1999, they relocated from St. Petersburg, Russia to Hackensack, New Jersey with their coach. Anton enjoyed the close proximity to New York City and its Russian district, and Elena explored new pursuits of karate and drawing classes. After two years they returned home to St. Petersburg, where they currently reside.

Elena has recently opened a caf called Axel that she decorated herself. In his spare time, Anton participates in a variety of sportsincluding hockey, tennis, soccer and basketball.

Both are excited to be in their third season of Smuckers Stars on Ice and look forward to making new fans as they tour North America.


Elena Berezhnaya & Anton Sikharulidze
Olympic Gold Medalists Competitive Highlights
2002 Winter Olympics - 1st
2001 World Championship - 2nd
2001 ISU Grand Prix Final - 2nd
2001 European Championship - 1st
2001 Russian National Championship - 1st 2000 ISU Grand Prix Final - 3rd 2000 Russian National Championship - 1st
1999 Canadian Open - 1st
1999 Skate Canada - 1st
1999 Skate America - 3rd
1999 USFSA Autumn Challenge - 1st
1999 USFSA Spring Challenge - 1st
1999 ISU Grand Prix Final - 2nd
1999 Japan Open - 1st
1999 World Championship - 1st
1999 Russian Nationals - 1st
1998 Good Will Games - 1st
1998 Ultimate FOur - 1st
1998 World Championship - 1st
1998 Winter Olympics - 2nd
1998 European Championship - 1st
1998 Russian Nationals - 2nd
1997 Champions Series Final - 1st
1997 World Championship - 9th
1997 European Championship - 3rd