Natalia Linichuk Figure Skating Coach Date of Birth: 06.02.1956 Country: Russia

1. A Legendary Figure Skating Coach
2. Controversial Judging System
3. Overcoming Creative Differences
4. Notable Students and Their Transitions
5. Life in America and Family Matters
6. Closing Thoughts

A Legendary Figure Skating Coach

Natalia Linichuk, a renowned figure skating coach, has a remarkable track record of guiding her students to victory. Six times, she has led her protégés to the coveted World Championship title.

Controversial Judging System

In an interview, Linichuk expressed her opinion on the current judging system, which involves anonymous scoring and the discarding of five out of 14 judges' evaluations. She believes that the system has given judges more freedom to voice their opinions, but acknowledges that it is not without its flaws. She suggests that a significant error in judging may have cost her students, Irina Lobacheva and Ilya Averbukh, a gold medal at the World Championships in Washington.

Overcoming Creative Differences

Linichuk admits to occasional creative disagreements with her students. In 1999, Lobacheva and Averbukh attempted to create their own program without consulting her, but their choice of music proved unfruitful. Linichuk stood her ground, ultimately convincing her students to revise their program, which then led them to victory.

Notable Students and Their Transitions

Tanya Navka and Roman Kostomarov, former students of Linichuk, have also achieved great success. Linichuk reveals that Kostomarov was initially reluctant to partner with Navka, but she successfully persuaded him otherwise.

Other notable former students include Oksana Grishuk, who left Linichuk's team to join Tatiana Tarasova. Linichuk maintains a cordial relationship with Grishuk despite a legal dispute over money. Angelica Krylova, another former student, has found love and success with her Italian choreographer, Giuseppe Arena.

Life in America and Family Matters

Linichuk and her husband, Gennady Karponosov, have been based in America for the past nine years, where they coach at the University of Delaware's Ice Rink. Their daughter, Anastasiya, has chosen to pursue ballroom dancing rather than follow in her parents' footsteps.

Closing Thoughts

Linichuk emphasizes the importance of her students' future endeavors. While she would be happy to have them continue in figure skating, she understands the need for them to explore other paths. She credits their dedication and hard work for their achievements and continues to support them in their personal and professional lives.