Ekaterina Gordeeva
Ekaterina Gordeeva
Full Name and Common Aliases
Ekaterina Alexandrovna Gordeeva is a Russian former competitive figure skater.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on May 28, 1971, in Moscow, Soviet Union (now Russia).
Nationality and Profession(s)
Russian, Olympic Champion, World Champion, and two-time European Champion. She is also known as Katia Gordeeva or Ekaterina Gordeeva-Shevchenko.
Early Life and Background
Gordeeva began figure skating at the age of five, training under renowned coach Stanislav Zhuk. Her passion for the sport led her to join the Moscow Sports School #2, where she trained alongside future Olympic teammate Evgeni Plushenko. Gordeeva's family supported her early aspirations, recognizing the potential that their daughter possessed.
Major Accomplishments
As a figure skater, Ekaterina achieved remarkable success throughout her career:
At the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, she won the gold medal with partner Sergei Grinkov.
Gordeeva and Grinkov also secured two World titles (1986 and 1989) and three European Championships (1987-89).
Individually, Ekaterina claimed a bronze at the 1991 World Championships.Notable Works or Actions
Gordeeva is not only an accomplished athlete but has also made significant contributions to the figure skating community:
She was one of the first female skaters to successfully execute a triple axel in competition.
Ekaterina's pairs skating partnership with Sergei Grinkov, often referred to as "Sergei and Katia," is widely regarded as one of the greatest duos in the history of figure skating.
Gordeeva was also an advocate for women's rights and social justice during her athletic prime.
Impact and Legacy
Ekaterina Gordeeva's impact on the world of figure skating extends far beyond her impressive competitive record:
She paved the way for future generations of female figure skaters, demonstrating that they could excel at the highest levels.
Her innovative approach to pairs skating helped redefine the sport and raised the bar for competitors worldwide.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Ekaterina Gordeeva's remarkable accomplishments on ice have cemented her place as one of the most beloved and respected figures in figure skating history.
Quotes by Ekaterina Gordeeva
Sometimes it bothers me that people now only recognize me because of tragedy. But I’ve come to understand that people really care and worry for me. I feel I should say to every person I meet, ‘I’m fine. Daria’s fine. Life goes on.’
So I step into the future, as bravely as I’m able, with my heart longing for a time I’ll never see again.
The other day when we were reading The Little Mermaid again, at the part where it says that only human souls can go up to heaven and mermaids can't, you (Daria) said, 'See that's like Papa. He lives in heaven. With the angels'
Sometimes it bothers me that people now only recognize me because of tragedy. But I've come to understand that people really care and worry for me. I feel I should say to every person I meet, 'I'm fine. Daria's fine. Life goes on.'
So I step into the future, as bravely as I'm able, with my heart longing for a time I'll never see again.
Through everything when you have these experiences in life it is important to remember the simple fact that family is always the main thing and most important part of your life.
The life is a wonderful thing. You have to appreciate it NOW... because you never know what is going to happen tomorrow.