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Rafael ArutyunyanFigure skating coach
Date of Birth: 05.07.1957
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Rafael Arutyunyan
Rafael Arutyunyan is a figure skating coach from Armenia and a former figure skater. He is best known in Russia as the coach of skater Alexander Abt, and in the West as the last coach of five-time world champion Michelle Kwan. Arutyunyan began his career in the field of figure skating in his hometown of Tbilisi and achieved moderate success as an amateur athlete, becoming a candidate for the title of Master of Sports of the USSR.
Early Life and Career
Arutyunyan later moved to Yerevan and graduated from the Armenian State Institute of Physical Culture. From 1976 to 1985, he worked as a coach at the Yerevan Children and Youth School of Figure Skating. However, due to the lack of an ice rink in Armenia that met international standards, he received an invitation to work in Moscow.
Coaching Career
In Moscow, Arutyunyan continued his coaching career and gained recognition for his expertise. He became known for his work with skaters such as Jeffrey Buttle, Mao Asada, Mai Asada, Alexander Abt, Sergei Voronov, Ivan Dinev, Alexander Shubin, and Anton Klykov. He also worked at the Sokolniki Sports Complex in Moscow alongside his wife, Vera Anatolyevna Arutyunyan, who also coached a figure skating group.
Move to California
Since 2000, Arutyunyan has been living in the state of California, where he coaches at the Lake Arrowhead Ice Castle. He has continued to train elite skaters and has produced several successful athletes. Arutyunyan's coaching methods and attention to detail have earned him a reputation as one of the top figure skating coaches in the world.
Overall, Rafael Arutyunyan has had a long and successful career in the world of figure skating. His dedication to his craft and his ability to develop talented skaters have made him a highly respected coach in the international figure skating community.
