Born: 1949 (Moscow, Russia)
Irina Konstantinovna Rodnina (Russian: , IPA: [rin knstntinvn rdnna]; born 12 September 1949) is a Russian politician and retired figure skater. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest pair skaters in the history of the sport. Rodnina is the only pair skater to win 10 successive World Championships (1969–78) and three successive Olympic gold medals (1972, 1976, 1980). She has made significant contributions to the field of figure skating both as an athlete and as a coach.
Rodnina’s journey in figure skating began when she was enrolled in skating lessons at a young age. Her parents, recognizing her potential, brought her to her first skating rink in Moscow in 1954. Despite suffering from pneumonia multiple times in her pre-school years, Rodnina’s passion for skating grew stronger. At the age of 13, she began training at the Children and Youth Sports School of CSKA on Leningradsky Prospekt.
In 1963, Rodnina partnered with her first skating partner, Oleg Vlasov, under the coaching of Sonia and Milan Valun. However, it was with her next partner, Alexei Ulanov, under the guidance of Stanislav Zhuk, that Rodnina achieved great success. Rodnina and Ulanov won four consecutive World and European titles together.
Their first World title came in 1969, where they finished ahead of Tamara Moskvina and Alexei Mishin. They defended their title in 1970 and 1971, outperforming silver medalists Lyudmila Smirnova and Andrei Suraikin. However, prior to the 1972 Olympics, Ulanov fell in love with Smirnova, and the decision was made for the couple to skate together the following season.
Rodnina and Ulanov went on to compete at the 1972 Olympics, where they captured the gold medal. Unfortunately, during a practice session before the 1972 World Championships, Rodnina suffered a serious accident and ended up in the hospital with a concussion and intracranial hematoma. Despite this setback, they still managed to win their fourth World title.
After Ulanov’s retirement, Rodnina’s coach suggested she partner with Alexander Zaitsev in 1972. Zaitsev was a young skater from Leningrad with excellent jumping technique. Together, Rodnina and Zaitsev formed a formidable pairing, winning numerous competitions and solidifying their place in figure skating history.
One of their most notable performances took place at the 1973 World Championships. During their short program, a technical malfunction caused their music to stop. Undeterred, Rodnina and Zaitsev continued their program in silence, demonstrating their exceptional skill and intense concentration. They received a standing ovation and ultimately clinched the gold medal.
Rodnina and Zaitsev continued to dominate the pair skating scene, winning consecutive World Championships from 1973 to 1978. They also achieved success at the Olympic Games, capturing the gold medal in 1976 and 1980.
Following her retirement from competitive skating, Rodnina turned her attention to coaching. She has trained and mentored several successful skaters, passing on her knowledge and expertise to the next generation.
In addition to her contributions to figure skating, Rodnina ventured into politics. In 2007, she was elected to the State Duma as a member of President Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party. Her political career showcases her dedication to serving her country and making a positive impact on society.
Throughout her illustrious career, Irina Rodnina has left an indelible mark on the sport of figure skating. Her achievements, both on and off the ice, have solidified her status as a true pioneer and legend in the world of women’s sports.
Awards:
– Olympic gold medals in 1972, 1976, and 1980
– 10 consecutive World Championships from 1969 to 1978
– Numerous European Championships titles
– Inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame
– Honored as a Merited Master of Sports of the USSR