Written by: Thomas Blackwood

Anna Levandi: The Elegant Estonian Figure Skater

Renowned for her poise and precision on the ice, Anna Levandi is a former competitive figure skater who represented the Soviet Union in international competitions, earning a World silver medal and four European bronze medals during her illustrious career.

Early Life and Career

Born Anna Anatolevna Kondrashova on June 30, 1965, in Moscow, Russia (then Soviet Union), Levandi began skating at the tender age of six under the guidance of Edouard Pliner. She made her senior ISU debut in 1983 and quickly rose through the ranks, winning her first European bronze medal in 1984.

Rise to Prominence

Levandi's breakthrough came at the 1984 World Figure Skating Championships, where she clinched the silver medal with a stunning free program that featured three triple jumps. Although her marks were deemed high by the judges, the crowd booed, hinting at controversy. Undeterred, Levandi went on to win three more European bronze medals between 1986 and 1988, solidifying her position as a top contender in the figure skating world.

Coaching Career and Legacy

After retiring from competitive skating, Levandi transitioned to coaching and has since become a respected figure in the Estonian figure skating community. She founded the Anna Levandi Figure Skating Club in Tallinn, where she has coached and choreographed for several prominent skaters, including Johanna Allik and Jasmine Alexandra Costa. Her dedication to nurturing young talent has earned her a lasting legacy in the world of figure skating.

Awards and Honors

• 1984 World silver medalist
• Four-time European bronze medalist (1984, 1986, 1987, and 1988)
• Olympic competitor (1984 and 1988)

Personal Life

Levandi is married to Allar Levandi, an Estonian former Olympic Nordic combined skier, whom she met at the 1988 Winter Olympics. The couple has a son, Arlet Levandi, who is also a figure skater and competes for Estonia.

Today, Levandi continues to inspire a new generation of skaters with her expertise, passion, and dedication to the sport she loves. Her storied career serves as a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and elegance on the ice.

Influence on Modern Figure Skating

Levandi's contributions to figure skating extend beyond her competitive career. Her emphasis on artistic expression and technical precision has influenced generations of skaters. As a coach, she has helped shape the careers of several prominent Estonian skaters, ensuring her legacy in the sport.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Levandi changed coaches three times during her competitive career, working with Edouard Pliner, Stanislav Zhuk, and Stanislav Leonovich.
• In 1986, she and Marina Zoueva wrote a letter to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, complaining about Zhuk's abusive behavior, which led to his retirement.

Anna Levandi's remarkable journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring figure skaters and enthusiasts alike. Her commitment to the sport has left an indelible mark on the world of figure skating, cementing her place as one of the most beloved and respected figures in the sport.