May 2005
From CNN's show:
THEN & NOW
transcripted by Su-jan
Woman’s voice from the off: A tragic love story more than the competitive world of figure skating. Ekaterina Gordeeva and her skating partner Sergei Grinkov captured the pairs gold medal for Russia in the 1988 Olympics and again in 1994.
Along the way they married and had a daugther Daria. But during a practice session in 1995 Grinkov died suddenly from a heart attack. Gordeeva found comfort in the same place as she had found love – on the ice. Returning alone just 3 months later.
Ekaterina: To come back on the ice it was hard and at the same time it was kind of a healing process.
Woman’s voice from the off: Gordeeva became a household name and face. Writing two books and signing several endorsements, including Target. She even launched her own fragrance’s line. She eventually found love again. Marrying fellow Russian Olympic Gold medalist Ilia Kulik. And had a second daughter Elizaveta. Gordeeva has toured with “Stars on Ice” for 7 years. But says her achievements off the ice are most important to her.
Ekaterina: I think still kids is a precious moment to be part of Olympic experience and, ehm, that was very special, too. But I think the kids would be a first – ah – the first gold medal (breaking out into a smile).
the G&G corner - Copyright © Su-jan Yip, September 1996 - 2007