Alexander Zaitsev (pair skater) facts for kids

Alexander Gennadyevich Zaitsev (born on June 16, 1952) is a famous Russian retired pair skater. He represented the Soviet Union in competitions. With his skating partner, Irina Rodnina, he became a two-time Olympic champion. They won gold medals in 1976 and 1980. He also won six World Championships and seven European Championships. Their coaches were Stanislav Zhuk and later Tatiana Tarasova in Moscow.

From 1973 to 1980, Alexander and Irina won every competition they entered. They are known as one of the most successful pair skating teams ever.

Alexander Zaitsev's Skating Journey

In April 1972, a coach named Stanislav Zhuk suggested Alexander Zaitsev as a partner for Irina Rodnina. Irina was already a very successful skater. She had won four World Championships and an Olympic gold medal with her previous partner, Alexei Ulanov. Alexei had decided to skate with someone else.

Alexander was three years younger than Irina. He was not as experienced, but he learned very quickly. Alexander was from Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), and Irina was from Moscow.

A Memorable Moment at the 1973 World Championships

During their short program at the 1973 World Figure Skating Championships, something unusual happened. Their music suddenly stopped. This might have been because of a worker who was upset about past political events. Even without music, Alexander and Irina kept skating. They showed amazing focus and finished their routine in silence. The crowd gave them a huge standing ovation. They still won the gold medal, beating their rivals, Smirnova and Ulanov. They also defeated them again in 1974.

Changing Coaches and More Wins

In 1974, Alexander and Irina decided to train with a new coach, Tatiana Tarasova. Their relationship with their previous coach, Stanislav Zhuk, had become difficult. With Tatiana Tarasova, they continued their winning streak. They won six World titles in a row. They also earned seven European gold medals.

Their first Olympic gold medal together was in 1976. Alexander and Irina did not compete during the 1978–79 season. This was because Irina was expecting their son. Their son was born on February 23, 1979. They returned to skating in 1980. That year, they won their second Olympic title together. This was Irina's third Olympic gold medal. After this victory, they both retired from competitive skating.

In 2023, Alexander's medal from the 1980 Olympics was sold at an auction. Alexander said he had nothing to do with the sale. He explained that his ex-wife's parents had kept the medal. After retiring from skating, Alexander became a coach. He also worked in the administration of the sport for some time.

Alexander Zaitsev's Family Life

Irina Rodnina and Alexander Zaitsev got married in April 1975. Their son, who they also named Alexander, was born in 1979. Later, the couple divorced.

Amazing Results in Pair Skating

Alexander Zaitsev and Irina Rodnina were a very successful pair skating team.

Alexander Zaitsev and Irina Rodnina achieved many victories together. Here is a summary of their top results:

See also

In Spanish: Aleksandr Záitsev (patinador) para niños

• USSR at the Winter Olympics

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