| As eligible skaters, Elena and Andrei remained unknown to the large audience.
They never competed in senior European or World Championships.
Elena Leonova competed sucessfully on junior
level with another partner, but the couple split later on. Andrei Khvalko had bad luck
with his partners - one married and her husband didn't allow her to skate anymore, another
one had weak nerves and failed always in competition.
|
Elena Leonova joined Tatiana Tarasova's
"All stars" ice theatre in the 1991/92 season and skated there with her first
and then with her second partner. However, in 1995 she was looking for a change, and
Tarasova suggested Khvalko. She formed a strong couple that excells in acrobatic lifts.
After a year, Leonova/Khvalko were invited
to skate in "Disney on Ice" and then decided to compete. They won their first
pro competition, the 1997 US Open right away. Since then, the Russians are much in demand
for shows and compete sucessfully. Leonova/Khvalko are married and are based in
California.
|
"Stars on Ice" Tour 1999,
Frankfurt/Main, Germany |
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