Andrei Griazev

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Figure Skater Andrei Griazev

Andrei Griazev is a talented up-and-coming figure skater representing Russia. Andrei was born on July 26, 1985, in Perm, Russia. He began skating at the age of four. At the age of 11, he moved from Perm to St. Petersburg, to train with famous coach Alexei Mishin at the Yublieney training center; the same coach who had worked with Olympic champions Alexei Urmanov, Alexei Yagudin, and Evgeney Plushenko.

During his time with professor Mishin, Andrei developed the powerful triple axel he is so known for. After several years with professor Mishin, Andrei placed a disappointing 14th at the Junior World Championships in 2002. After this, the famed coach no longer took personal interest in the boy, having him work with his wife, Tatiana Mishina.

Andrei became frustrated and disappointed, and left Yublieney, going home to Perm and not skating at all for several months. Reportedly, his mother had contact with former training mate Yagudin, who suggested that Andrei come to the United States to train with Tatiana Tarasova. Andrei moved to the U.S. to train with the famous coach, and in 2004, became Junior World Champion. That same year, he placed third at Russian senior nationals, and earned his way to European championships and World championships, where he placed 8th and 12th, respectively.

In 2005, Andrei suffered a back injury, having to withdraw from Skate America. He struggled at Cup of Russia, placing 7th, but then earned silver at Russian Nationals. He went again to European championships, placing an impressive 5th, and moved up a place at World championships to 11th.

2006 proved to be a year of highs and lows. As Tarasova had returned to Russia, Andrei did also, training with the great coach and Elena Buianova (nee Vodorezova). He had a very disappointing performance at Skate Canada, placing 9th out of 11 men. The very next week, however, he won the bronze medal at Cup of China, his first senior Grand Prix medal. At that competition, he actually led after the short program, and earned new personal best scores for his short program, long program, and overall total.

What looked like a near certainty to medal at Russian nationals faltered, when Andrei struggled badly in both programs and placed a disappointing 9th. He missed going to European championships and Olympic games. Due to some other skater withdrawals and struggles, Andrei was sent to 2006 Worlds, where he had uninspiring qualifying and short programs, but performed a nearly flawless long program which was one of the high points of the competition.

Andrei returned to Russia in March 2006 to take part in the "Italian Carnival" skating tour produced by Ilia Averbukh. He had also taken part in this tour the previous year. However, this year his touring schedule was cut short when he suffered a meniscus tear and had to leave the tour to undergo surgery. For the 2006 season, Andrei is currently scheduled to compete at the Karl Shafer Memorial, Trophee Eric Bompard, and Cup of Russia.

Sources

• http://andrei-griazev.com/ (see media links)
• http://www.isufs.org/bios/isufs00005107.htm