Elena Vodorezova

1.1. Debut and Early Achievements

Vodorezova began her international competitive career in the 1975-1976 season. Coached by Stanislav Zhuk at the Armed Forces sports society in Moscow, she quickly gained recognition for her talent. At just 12 years old, she represented the Soviet Union at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, placing 12th overall. In this competition, she finished 18th in the compulsory figures but demonstrated her free skating prowess by placing 5th in the free skating segment. Her early international breakthrough came at the 1978 European Figure Skating Championships in Strasbourg, where she won the bronze medal. This achievement was particularly significant as it marked the first time a Soviet ladies' single skater had won a medal at the European Championships.

1.2. Technical Skills and Major Medals

Vodorezova was known as a gifted free-skater with distinctive technical skills. She was the first skater to successfully complete a double flip-triple toe loop combination in competition. Her performances were also noted for a spectacularly high double Axel and exceptionally fast spins. Following her return to competitive skating after a period of injury, she continued to achieve significant success. She secured a second bronze medal at the 1982 European Figure Skating Championships in Lyon and then earned a silver medal at the 1983 European Figure Skating Championships in Dortmund. Her most notable achievement came at the 1983 World Figure Skating Championships in Helsinki, where she won the bronze medal. This historic win marked the first World medal for a Soviet female single skater, solidifying her pioneering status in the sport.

1.3. Injury and Comeback

After her success at the 1978 European Championships, Elena Vodorezova faced a significant challenge due to a severe health issue. She missed the entire 1979-1981 competitive seasons because of juvenile arthritis, a condition that was so debilitating it prevented her from even walking for several months in 1979. Despite the severity of her injury, she made a remarkable return to competitive skating in the 1981-1982 season, demonstrating her resilience and dedication to the sport.

1.4. Olympic Appearances

Vodorezova competed in two Winter Olympics during her career. Her debut was at the 1976 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, where she was notably young at just 12 years old, finishing 12th overall. Her second Olympic appearance was at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo. Going into the event, she was considered a medal contender, especially after starting strong by placing 2nd in the compulsory figures. However, she experienced difficulties in the short program and free skating, ultimately finishing in 8th place.

1.5. Retirement from Competition

Elena Vodorezova concluded her competitive skating career in 1984, following her second appearance at the Winter Olympics.

2.1. Beginning of Coaching Career

Vodorezova began her coaching career at the CSKK Club in Moscow. She is known for her professional approach and has primarily focused on developing Russian athletes. In her coaching endeavors, she has collaborated with other notable figures in the sport, including choreographer Irina Tagaeva, who often choreographs for Vodorezova's students, and the renowned coach Tatiana Tarasova.

2.2. Notable Students

Throughout her extensive coaching career, Elena Vodorezova (Buianova) has mentored a long list of prominent figure skaters who have achieved significant success on the international stage. Her notable students include:

• Adelina Sotnikova - 2014 Olympic gold medalist
• Elena Radionova
• Maria Sotskova
• Anastasiia Gubanova
• Maxim Kovtun
• Andrei Griazev (co-coached with Tatiana Tarasova)
• Artem Borodulin
• Adian Pitkeev
• Elene Gedevanishvili
• Olga Markova
• Artur Dmitriev Jr
• Denis Ten
• Alexander Samarin
• Alexandra Proklova
• Polina Tsurskaya
• Egor Rukhin
• Brendan Kerry

Her current students include:

• Artur Danielian
• Alena Kostornaia