The pairs competition at this year's Worlds was extra exciting, mostly because of the world debut of a new pair: Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov, representing Russia. They skated superbly and earned the silver medal in their first major international event.Both skaters have had previous partners. Tatiana competed with Stanislav Morozov from 2005 until last season. The couple were 4-time Ukranian Champions. They finished 12 at the 2006 Olympics in Torino, and 8th at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.
Trankov skated with Maria Makhortova from 2003 until last season. With Makhortova, Trankov is the 2005 World Junior Champion, 2007 Russian National Champion, and a 3-time European Championship medalist
In the past, I've heard Tatiana described by skating commentators as one of the best female pairs skaters in the world, who was held back from her true potential by her sluggish, ox-like partner (who incidentally is also her off-ice partner). Trankov and Makhortova's relationship was so troubled that their former coach, 1984 Olympic pairs champion, Oleg Vasiliev, had to come up with incentives for them not to fight.
After ending their partnerships at the end of last season, Volosozhar and Trankov decided to team up, and magic has ensued ever since. One of their coaches is Stanislav Morozov. Tatiana's Russian citizenship came through just in time for the pair to win the National Russian title. At Worlds, they exceeded expectations, and have become the new "ones to watch." If they can finish second in their first Worlds in their first season together, imagine what they can accomplish with more time! It's going to be an exciting rivarly between them and 3-time and reigning World Champions Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy of Germany. (Interestingly enough, Tatiana and Aliona are both from Ukraine, and both formerly skated with Morozov).
See for yourself just how good this new pair is!! Enjoy!!
Tatiana and Maxim's short program to "Carmina Burana" by Carl Orff:
Long program to "Romeo and Juliet" by Sergei Prokofiev:
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