Ekaterina Riazanova facts for kids

Ekaterina Vladimirovna Riazanova (born 6 April 1991) is a talented Russian former ice dancer. She is best known for her partnership with Ilia Tkachenko. Together, they won a silver medal at the 2010 Trophée Eric Bompard and a bronze medal at the 2012 Skate Canada competition. They also earned three medals at the Russian national championships.

Quick facts for kids Ekaterina Riazanova
Riazanova and Tkachenko in 2010
Personal information
Full name	Ekaterina Vladimirovna Riazanova
Country represented	Russia
Born	(1991-04-06) 6 April 1991 (age 34) Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Height	1.67 m (5 ft 6 in)
Former partner	Ilia Tkachenko, Jonathan Guerreiro, Kirill Vakhnenko
Former coach	Alexei Gorshkov, Igor Shpilband, Elena Kustarova, Svetlana Alexeeva
Former choreographer	Sergei Petukhov, Elena Kustarova
Training locations	Odintsovo FSC
Former training locations	Odintsovo
Began skating	1995
Retired	2015
ISU personal best scores
Combined total	157.77 2013 Europeans
Short dance:	64.52 2013 Europeans
Free dance	93.77 2013 Rostelecom Cup
Medal record Figure skating: Ice dancing Representing  Russia (with Tkachenko) Russian Championships Silver 2011 Saransk Ice dancing Bronze 2012 Saransk Ice dancing Bronze 2013 Sochi Ice dancing Representing  Russia (with Guerreiro) World Junior Championships Bronze 2009 Sofia Ice dancing Junior Grand Prix Final Bronze 2008–09 Goyang Ice dancing

Ekaterina Riazanova's Skating Journey

Starting Out in Skating

Ekaterina started skating when she was young to help her health. She first competed in singles skating. However, some problems with her ankles led her to switch to ice dancing. Her first coach for ice dancing was Svetlana Alexeeva.

Ekaterina skated for about six months with her first partner, Kirill Vakhnenko. Then, in the summer of 2006, she teamed up with Jonathan Guerreiro.

Success as a Junior Skater

Ekaterina and Jonathan skated together for three seasons. They achieved great success, winning a bronze medal at the 2009 World Junior Figure Skating Championships. This competition is for younger skaters from all over the world. They trained in Moscow with coaches Elena Kustarova and Svetlana Alexeeva.

Becoming a Senior Skater

In 2009, Ekaterina began a new partnership with Ilia Tkachenko. They both felt it was a good match, even though Ekaterina had to learn new techniques. They trained with coach Alexei Gorshkov near Moscow.

First Seasons with Ilia Tkachenko

Ekaterina and Ilia started competing in the 2009–2010 season. They placed fourth at the Nebelhorn Trophy and sixth at their first Grand Prix event, the Cup of Russia. They also finished fourth at the Russian National Championships.

For the 2010–2011 season, they decided to create a new free dance. They earned a silver medal at the 2010 Trophée Eric Bompard, which is a major international competition. At the 2011 Russian Figure Skating Championships, they won a silver medal. This earned them a spot at the European Championships, where they finished sixth overall.

Challenges and Medals

Ekaterina and Ilia with their coach and choreographer.

In the 2011–2012 season, Ekaterina and Ilia faced some challenges. Ilia accidentally elbowed Ekaterina during practice, causing her to get a concussion and a broken nose. Despite this, they competed at the 2012 Russian Figure Skating Championships and won a bronze medal. They also finished fifth at the 2012 European Figure Skating Championships and ninth at the 2012 World Figure Skating Championships.

The next season, they trained in the U.S. with coach Igor Shpilband. They won bronze medals at the 2012 Skate Canada International and the 2012 Trophée Eric Bompard. They also won another bronze medal at the 2013 Russian Figure Skating Championships.

In their final season together (2013–2014), they finished fourth at two Grand Prix events. They also placed fourth at the 2014 Russian Figure Skating Championships. In April 2014, Ekaterina announced that she and Ilia had decided to part ways. She began looking for a new partner to continue her skating career. She even had a tryout with an Italian skater named Simone Vaturi.

Ekaterina's Life Outside Skating

Ekaterina's father, Vladimir, was a member of the Russian national rugby team. She also has an older brother. Ekaterina studied at the Institute of Physiculture, which is a school focused on physical education and sports.

Skating Programs

Skaters perform different programs set to music. These programs change each season.

Programs with Ilia Tkachenko

Ekaterina and Ilia performing at the 2010 Trophée Eric Bompard.

Programs with Jonathan Guerreiro

Competition Results

With Simone Vaturi

Ekaterina skated with Simone Vaturi for one season.

With Ilia Tkachenko

Ekaterina and Ilia at the 2009 Cup of Russia.

With Jonathan Guerreiro

Ekaterina with Jonathan Guerreiro at the 2009 Junior World Championships.