Tatiana Volosozhar: The Ukrainian-Born Russian Pair Skating Sensation

A Legacy of Gold

Tatiana Volosozhar is a name synonymous with excellence in the world of figure skating. With her partner Maxim Trankov, she has etched her name in the annals of history as the two-time 2014 Olympic champion in pairs and team events, as well as the 2013 World champion.

Volosozhar's impressive career has been marked by numerous victories, including four European championships, two Grand Prix Final titles, and three Russian national championships. Her partnership with Trankov has yielded six Grand Prix series events, cementing their status as one of the most dominant pairs in figure skating.

Early Years and Rise to Prominence

Born on May 22, 1986, in Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine, Volosozhar began skating at the tender age of four. Despite initial reservations from her instructors about her weight, she persevered and eventually switched to pairs skating at 14. This decision, although met with dismay from her father, would prove to be a turning point in her career.

Volosozhar's early partnership with Petr Kharchenko yielded several medals on the Junior Grand Prix circuit, as well as the Ukrainian national championship title in 2004. The pair's success led to their participation in the 2004 Junior Worlds, where they finished fifth, and the senior Worlds, where they placed 14th.

Partnership with Stanislav Morozov

Following her split with Kharchenko, Volosozhar teamed up with Stanislav Morozov, with whom she would go on to win four Ukrainian national championships (2005, 2007, 2008, and 2010). The pair's notable achievements include a fourth-place finish at the World Championships and several top-ten placements at European championships.

Russian Citizenship and Partnership with Maxim Trankov

In December 2010, Volosozhar was granted expedited Russian citizenship, thanks to her Russian-born parents. This switch marked the beginning of a new chapter in her career, as she teamed up with Maxim Trankov.

The Volosozhar-Trankov partnership has been nothing short of phenomenal, yielding a plethora of accolades, including their historic Olympic double gold in 2014, and their status as record holders for the short program before the 2018-2019 scoring change.

Awards and Recognition

• Two-time Olympic champion (2014) - pairs and team events
• 2013 World champion
• Four-time European champion (2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016)
• Two-time Grand Prix Final champion (2012, 2016)
• Three-time Russian national champion (2011, 2013, and 2016)

Legacy and Impact

Tatiana Volosozhar's remarkable career has left an indelible mark on the world of figure skating. Her dedication, perseverance, and passion have inspired generations of skaters, and her achievements will continue to be celebrated for years to come.