March / April 2002
From International Figure Skating:
BACK TO WORK
by R. B.
LOS ANGELES — After more than a year away from skating, two-time Olympic Pair Champion Ekaterina “Katia” Gordeeva recently resurfaced.
In June 2001, Gordeeva, 30, and 1998 Olympic Men’s Champion Ilia Kulik, 24, welcomed a daughter, Elizaveta (Liza), into the world. Gordeeva’s older daughter, Daria Grinkova, is 9. Daria’s father is Gordeeva’s late partner/husband, Sergei Grinkov.
In December, Gordeeva made her return performance at Brian Boitano’s Skating Spectacular . Though she admitted to being both excited and nervous about her return, family was foremost in her mind. “Sure, it was great to get back in front of an audience and skate, but I was most happy about having my family with me — my two daughters and Ilia,” she said.
For Boitano’s show, Gordeeva choreographed her own program, set to Russian folk music. “My father danced with a professional troupe in Russia, so I was familiar with the right attitude and movements,” she noted. “I really enjoyed the process of creating this number, putting the elements together and making it all work.”
Gordeeva’s next appearance is at the Salt Lake City Olympics, where she will be working on behalf of Coca-Cola, which has invited various star athletes to greet its VIPs. “I will talk to the Coca-Cola special guests about skating, my Olympic experiences,” she offered. “My duties are at the very end of the Olympics for four days, which works out well, since Ilia will perform at the closing ceremonies.”
Recently, Gordeeva enjoyed the realization of another new endeavor. Lenox released a figurine titled "Katia’s Celebration of Life", which captured Gordeeva in her 1996 tribute performance to Grinkov.
The hand-painted figurine, nearly three years in the making, stands 9 inches tall in ivory fine china and is trimmed in 24-karat gold. "I was very honored Lenox asked me do this" said Gordeeva. "A friend of mine always gives me Lenox figurines for my birthday, which I love, so I thought it was a great idea." The figurine costs $ 138 and is available at Lenox Classic retailers nationwide and by calling 1-800-63-LENOX.
In April, Gordeeva will do a short promotional tour for Lenox, including stops in Chicago and Houston.
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