Gurgen Vardanyan Figure skating coach Date of Birth: 18.10.1963 Country: Armenia

1. Early Life and Skating Career
2. Transition to Coaching
3. Success as a Coach in Hungary
4. Career in the United Kingdom

Early Life and Skating Career

Gevorg Vardanyan began his skating journey in 1976 in Yerevan under the tutelage of Elena Slepova. He made his mark in the 1978 Winter Spartakiad of the Peoples of the USSR in Sverdlovsk, where he competed in the junior tournament.

From 1978 to 1980, Vardanyan was part of the USSR's junior team. From 1980 to 1987, he trained under the legendary Soviet coach Elena Tchaikovsky and competed successfully in various international tournaments. Vardanyan became the USSR Cup winner in 1983, 1986, and 1987. In 1984, he attained the prestigious title of Master of Sports of International Class.

Transition to Coaching

Vardanyan transitioned to coaching in 1987 and served as a coach and director at the Sports School of Olympic Reserve in Yerevan from 1987 to 1989. In December 1989, he accepted an invitation from the Hungarian Figure Skating Federation to train leading Hungarian skaters.

Success as a Coach in Hungary

As a coach in Hungary, Vardanyan guided Tamara Dorofey and Diana Poth to Hungarian championships and appearances at the World and European Championships. Most notably, he became the coach of nine-time Hungarian champion and European champion Júlia Sebestyén. Vardanyan began training Sebestyén when she was just eight years old and continued to coach her throughout her career with a few interruptions.

In 1994, Vardanyan also began training his son, Tigran Vardanyan, who became a four-time Hungarian champion in men's singles.

Career in the United Kingdom

Vardanyan relocated to Nottingham in the United Kingdom in 2010. There, he took on the role of director of the National Ice Centre and coached notable skaters such as 2011 British champion David Richardson.