View Full Version : Whatever Happened To....
sasafrass452
11-10-2003, 11:05 AM
Klimova &... what's his name? *sigh* It's been so long since I've seen them I can't even remember his name! How aweful is that... They turned pro didn't they? Are they still skating?
Sergei Ponomarenko (sp?) was the technical specialist for the ice dance competition at Skate Canada.
I'm not sure if he's doing the entire Grand Prix or not.
Impromptu
11-10-2003, 11:37 AM
Originally posted by sasafrass452
Klimova &... what's his name? *sigh* It's been so long since I've seen them I can't even remember his name! How aweful is that... They turned pro didn't they? Are they still skating?
They coach ice dance in California (Peninsula Skating Club, I think). Their teams include Donowick/Ungar and Solomon/Smith, both of whom competed in the JGP.
Trillian
11-10-2003, 12:16 PM
I think they coach a handful of other skaters as well, but Donowick & Ungar and Solomon & Smith are the most high profile students coached by Klimova & Ponomerenko. They've had a few other successful teams at the lower levels in the U.S. as well, including Russell & Metzger, who also competed internationally. They're based in San Jose, CA, and most of their skaters do represent the Peninsula SC. From what I've been told, they prefer not to take on students who are over a certain age, which is probably why most of their success has been at the lower levels thus far; I'd assume that ideally, when their longtime students get older, they'll have some senior level teams.
I did a spotlight interview with Carly Donowick & Leo Ungar for the Unseen Skaters (http://www.unseenskaters.com) web site a few months ago; here's what they had to say about their coaches.
How have your coaches, Marina Klimova and Sergei Ponomerenko, influenced your skating?
CD: Their style and experience have influenced Leo’s and my skating tremendously. They are very encouraging and Sergei is a very funny guy. He is an unbelievable technician and he’s very good at teaching compulsories.
LU: Absolutely. They are amazing. Whenever they do so much as stroke a lap around the ice rink it is clear the amount of talent they possess and training they've had. Just their presence around the rink is a constant reminder of what's it's like to be on top and, as such, is very inspirational. What's more, to top it all off, they are great coaches. I consider myself very lucky to study with them.
The full interview is here:
http://www.unseenskaters.com/articles/20032004/20030726_donowick_ungar.html
A.H.Black
11-10-2003, 12:49 PM
They are always pretty visible at Regionals and Sectionals. Pacific Coast's is this week so they will have a busy week.
A number of years ago, they served as Bourne and Kraatz's coaches for one season. If I recall correctly, they are the parents of two children.
sasafrass452
11-15-2003, 05:37 PM
Didn't she get a new partner at some point? I thought she did, but maybe I'm wrong....
Aussie Willy
11-16-2003, 03:23 AM
Her and Sergei have always skated together, ever since she was 17. I just loved their skating when they did compete. One of the best teams ever.
Mel On Ice
11-16-2003, 12:11 PM
And they have an Olympic medal of every color. I think they are the only team that can say that.
A.H.Black
11-16-2003, 05:55 PM
Didn't she get a new partner at some point? I thought she did, but maybe I'm wrong....
Aussie Willy is right. They have been together for a very long time. Could you have been thinking of Irina Rodnina?
sasafrass452
11-17-2003, 07:02 AM
No, I don't think so. I thought I read somewhere a long time ago that she had a new partner.
Originally posted by A.H.Black
Aussie Willy is right. They have been together for a very long time. Could you have been thinking of Irina Rodnina?
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