Alexander Smirnov (figure skater)'s Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Alexander Smirnov (figure skater). Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Alexander Smirnov is a retired Russian pair skater, best known for his partnership with Yuko Kavaguti. Together, they achieved significant success, including two European championships and two World bronze medals. They also earned two bronze medals at the ISU Grand Prix Final and secured three Russian national titles. Smirnov and Kavaguti were pioneers in pair skating, notably becoming the first pair to execute two quadruple throw jumps in a single program and the first to successfully land a quadruple throw loop, marking a significant achievement in the sport's history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2006: Russian Junior Champion

In 2006, Alexander Smirnov and his partner Ekaterina Vasilieva became the Russian Junior Champions. They also placed 6th at the 2006 World Junior Championships. The couple broke up after one season together.

January 2008: European Championships bronze medal

In January 2008, Alexander Smirnov and Yuko Kavaguti competed at the European Championships in Zagreb, Croatia, where they won a bronze medal. Despite landing the throw quad Salchow, a fall on a triple jump affected their overall score.

2008: Russian National Champions

In 2008, Alexander Smirnov and Yuko Kavaguti secured their first Russian national championship title. This victory marked a significant achievement in their career and a step towards dominating the national skating scene.

2008: Won first Russian Championship

In 2008, Alexander Smirnov and Yuko Kavaguti won their first Russian Championship. Kavaguti fell and dislocated her shoulder after a throw quadruple Salchow. She attempted to continue the program despite the pain, however Smirnov, seeing that she had trouble raising her arm, stopped the program. After the two-minute pause permitted by the rules, the pair completed the program and won their first national title

2009: Defended title at Russian National Championships

In 2009, Alexander Smirnov and Yuko Kavaguti defended their title at the Russian National Championships. The pair easily beat the second place team by over 15 points. At the 2009 European Championship the pair improved on the previous year's placement with a silver medal.

2009: World Bronze Medalists

In 2009, Alexander Smirnov and Yuko Kavaguti won their first World bronze medal, showcasing their capabilities on the global stage and solidifying their position as top contenders in pair skating.

2009: Won first world bronze medal

In 2009, at the World Championships in Los Angeles, California, Alexander Smirnov and Yuko Kavaguti won their first world bronze medal. Kavaguti fell hard on her cheek after a throw quad salchow but got up seconds later and the pair continued to skate. They were selected to compete on behalf of Russia in the ISU's first ever World Team Trophy in Japan.

2010: European Champions

In 2010, Alexander Smirnov and Yuko Kavaguti became the European champions, marking a significant triumph in their pair skating career. This achievement highlighted their skill, teamwork, and dedication to the sport.

2010: Won second consecutive world bronze medal

In 2010, Alexander Smirnov and Yuko Kavaguti won their second consecutive world bronze medal at the World Championships in Torino, Italy. They were in second place after the short program but dropped to third after a fall in the free skate.

2010: Won third consecutive championship and European Championship

In 2010, Alexander Smirnov and Yuko Kavaguti won their third consecutive Russian Championship. At the 2010 European Championships, despite Kavaguti dislocating her shoulder mid-program, the pair won the European Championship with a world record free skate score of 139.29.

2012: Won silver at the 2012 Cup of China

In 2012, Alexander Smirnov and Yuko Kavaguti won silver at the 2012 Cup of China, placing second in both the short and long programs. This was their second consecutive medal at this event. At the 2012 Trophée Eric Bompard in France, they won gold. They placed 6th at the 2012 Grand Prix Final.

2012: Won bronze medal at Grand Prix Final

In 2012, Alexander Smirnov and Yuko Kavaguti won the bronze medal at the Grand Prix Final. This marked their first-ever medal at the Grand Prix Final.

2015: European Champions

In 2015, Alexander Smirnov and Yuko Kavaguti secured their second European championship title. That same year, they also became the first pair in history to complete two quadruple throw jumps in one program and the first to land a quadruple throw loop, further solidifying their place in skating history.