Lyudmila Smirnova


Lyudmila Stanislavovna Smirnova is a retired pair skater who competed for the Soviet Union. With partner Andrei Suraikin, she is the 1972 Winter Olympic silver medalist. With later partner and former husband Alexei Ulanov, she is a two-time World silver medalist.

Career

Smirnova began figure skating in 1955 and became a member of the USSR National Team in 1968. She trained in Leningrad at Spartak and competed initially with Suraikin. Smirnova and Suraikin were coached by Maya Belenkaya. They were the 2nd strongest Soviet pair behind Irina Rodnina and Alexei Ulanov, and placed second behind them at both the World and European Championships three times.
Smirnova and Ulanov, skating for rival teams, fell in love. The pairs decided to separate—a decision they made before the 1972 Games. Rodnina and Ulanov won the gold, and Smirnova and Suraikin the silver. Thereafter Smirnova began skating with Ulanov.
Smirnova and Ulanov competed for two seasons. They won silver medals at the 1973 World and European Championships. The next season, they won European bronze and World silver medals.
In 1972 Smirnova was awarded the Medal For Labour Heroism.

Personal life

Smirnova and Ulanov married and later divorced after having two children, Nikolai Ulanov and Irina Ulanova. Their daughter, Irina Ulanova, is a former pair skater who skated with Alexander Smirnov, and Maxim Trankov for about three years.

Competitive highlights

Results

Event1968-19691969–19701970–19711971–1972
Winter Olympic Games2nd
World Championships2nd2nd2nd
European Championships2nd2nd2nd
Prize of Moscow News2nd1st2nd
Winter Universiade1st
Soviet Championships4th2nd2nd
USSR Cup2nd

With Ulanov