Alena Leonova

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Not to be confused with the Soviet pair skater Elena Leonova.
Alena Leonova
Leonova with a bronze medal at the 2011 NHK Trophy.
Full nameAlena Igorevna Leonova
Native nameАлёна Игоревна Леонова
Born (1990-11-23) 23 November 1990 (age 33)
Leningrad, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Height1.59 m (5 ft 2+1⁄2 in)
Figure skating career
CountryRussia
CoachEvgeni Rukavicin
Skating clubOlympic School St. Petersburg
Began skating1993
Retired2021
Medal record
Representing  Russia
Figure skating: Ladies' singles
World Championships
Silver medal – second place 2012 Nice Ladies' singles
Grand Prix Final
Bronze medal – third place 2011–12 Quebec Ladies' singles
Winter Universiade
Gold medal – first place 2015 Granada Ladies' singles
World Junior Championships
Gold medal – first place 2009 Sofia Ladies' singles

Alena Igorevna Leonova (Russian: Алёна Игоревна Леонова; born 23 November 1990) is a retired Russian figure skater. She is the 2012 World silver medalist, the 2011 Grand Prix Final bronze medalist, the 2009 World Junior champion, and a three-time (2010–2012) Russian national medalist. She is also the 2014–15 ISU Challenger Series runner-up.

Personal life[edit]

Alena Igorevna Leonova was born on 23 November 1990 in Saint Petersburg (Leningrad).[1][2] She has a sister and brother, both of whom skated when they were young.[3]

In April 2019, Leonova married figure skater Anton Shulepov.[4] On 18 February 2022, gave birth to a son Artemy.[5]

Career[edit]

Early career[edit]

Leonova started skating at the age of four.[6][7] Coached initially by Marina Vakhrameeva, she later moved to the group of Tatiana Mishina, who was assisted by Alla Piatova.[7] Piatova formed her own group and became Leonova's main coach when she was 10.[7]

In her junior career, Leonova became a two-time Cup of Nice gold medalist and won silver at the 2007 Junior Grand Prix in Romania. She also won the silver medal at the 2008 Russian Junior Championships. In August 2008, she partially tore ligaments in her right ankle joint.[3] She placed fourth at the 2009 European Championships. She then won gold at the 2009 World Junior Championships.,[3] a surprising win as the focus was on Caroline Zhang, Ashley Wagner, and Elene Gedevanishvili as the leading contenders for the title. After her win, the Russian Federation rented an apartment for her.[citation needed]

2009–10 season[edit]

Leonova won the bronze medal at the 2009 Cup of Russia and the silver medal at the 2009 NHK Trophy. These results qualified her for the Grand Prix Final, where she placed sixth. She then won the silver medal at the 2010 Russian Championships and was selected to compete at the 2010 Winter Olympics, where she placed ninth. She concluded her season by placing 13th at the 2010 World Championships.

2010–11 season[edit]

Leonova started her season at the 2010 Coupe de Nice where she won the gold medal. After picking up a pair of bronze medals at the 2010 Finlandia Trophy and 2010 Cup of China, she won another silver medal at the 2011 Russian Championships. Leonova then finished fourth at the 2011 World Championships.[8] Following the event, she began working full-time with Nikolai Morozov in Moscow.[9][10][11]

2011–12 season[edit]

Leonova with her coaches Nikolai Morozov (left) and Alla Piatova (right)

Leonova decided to compete in three Grand Prix events in the 2011–12 season.[9] After placing fourth at the 2011 Skate Canada, she won bronze at 2011 NHK Trophy and silver at 2011 Cup of Russia to qualify for her second Grand Prix Final. At the Grand Prix Final, she won the bronze medal.

Leonova won the bronze medal at the 2012 Russian Championships. At the 2012 European Championships, she finished seventh and sustained an injury to her left knee during the free skate.[12] Leonova placed first in the short program at the 2012 World Championships on her way to her first World medal, a silver.[13][14] Her podium finish was Russia's first in ladies' singles since 2005 when Irina Slutskaya won the title.[15] Leonova was named Russia's team captain at the 2012 World Team Trophy. Competing with a cold, she finished seventh in the ladies' event.[16]

2012–13 season[edit]

Leonova finished seventh at the 2012 Skate America. She placed sixth at her next Grand Prix event, the 2012 Rostelecom Cup. Her coach attributed Leonova's poor performances at the events to worn out equipment.[citation needed] Leonova finished seventh at the 2013 Russian Championships where she competed with a new long program that was put together one week before the competition.[17] She was not assigned to the 2013 European Championships because Nikol Gosviani placed ahead of Leonova amongst the age-eligible ladies. Leonova was sent to the 2013 World Championships. She returned to her long program from the previous season and finished thirteenth at the event.

2013–14 season[edit]

Leonova withdrew from her first 2013–14 Grand Prix event, the 2013 Skate Canada, due to a sprained ankle.[18] Leonova competed in her second event, at the 2013 NHK Trophy and finished seventh. At the 2014 Russian Championships, Leonova placed fourth in the short and seventh in the free, finishing fifth overall. She was assigned to the 2014 European Championships because the skaters in third and fourth place (Elena Radionova and Alexandra Proklova respectively) were not yet age-eligible for senior ISU Championship events. Leonova missed the podium at Europeans, finishing fourth overall. She was coached by Morozov in Novogorsk, Moscow until the end of the season.[19]

2014–15 season[edit]

In June 2014, Leonova began training under Evgeni Rukavicin in Saint Petersburg.[20] She started the 2014–15 season with a silver medal at the 2014 Nebelhorn Trophy. Her 2014–15 Grand Prix assignments were the 2014 Skate Canada International and 2014 NHK Trophy.[21] She then finished ninth at the 2016 Russian Championships. She ended her season with a win at the Russian Cup Final.

2017–18 season[edit]

Alena finished fifth in both the 2017 CS Finlandia Trophy and the 2017 CS Ondrej Nepela Trophy, resulting in her finishing seventh in the 2017–18 ISU Challenger Series. Alena Finished sixth in the 2017 NHK Trophy, earning personal best scores in the free skate and overall score. At the 2017 Skate America she finished in seventh place. Alena was not selected for a place on the Russian National Team.

2018–19 season[edit]

Alena was invited to the 2018 NHK Trophy after Elena Radionova withdrew due to injury. She finished seventh in the most competitive event of the Grand Prix season, achieving new personal bests in the short program and total score. At the 2019 Russian Championships, she placed twelfth.

Skating style[edit]

Leonova is renowned for either superb technical ability, great style or artistic abilities, or noteworthy consistency, but she increasingly has gained recognition and praise for her unique choreography, on ice personality and delivery of her programs, and speed and attack. Her programs in the 2011 and 2012 seasons, done by renowned choreographer Nikolai Morozov, were noted for their creativity, rather bizarre and off beat quality, and complexity, and her delivery and commitment to them were praised. Early in her career she drew comparisons to former Russian great Irina Slutskaya due to her strong jumping ability and effervescent personality on the ice.

Programs[edit]

Leonova at the 2012 World Championships
Leonova's gold medal at the 2009 World Junior Championships
Season Short program Free skating Exhibition
2018–19
[22]
2017–18
[23]
  • Tune Maari Entriyaan (Bollywood Selection)
2016–17
[2]
2015–16
[24][25][26]
2014–15
[20][27]
  • Smile
    performed by Nat King Cole
  • Overture - Unveiling the Statue
    by Carl Davis
  • Terry's Theme
    by Charlie Chaplin
    choreo. by Olga Glinka
  • Asi se baila el Tango
    (from Take the Lead)
  • Otono Porteno
    performed by Ensemble Nuevo Tango
    choreo. by Olga Glinka
2013–14
[18][19][28] 		Russian folk:
  • Barynia
  • Kalinka
2012–13
[29][30]
2011–12
[31]
  • Adagio for Strings
    by Samuel Barber
  • Requiem for a Tower
    (from Requiem for a Dream)
    by Clint Mansell
    performed by Escala quartet
2010–11
[32]
2009–10
[33]
2008–09
[34]
  • Al Andaluz
    by Manolo Carrasco
2007–08
[35]
2006–07
[36]
  • Jewish Dance

Competitive highlights[edit]

Leonova at the 2011 NHK Trophy

GP: Grand Prix; CS: Challenger Series; JGP: Junior Grand Prix

International[37]
Event 06–07 07–08 08–09 09–10 10–11 11–12 12–13 13–14 14–15 15–16 16–17 17–18 18–19
Olympics 9th
Worlds 7th 13th 4th 2nd 13th
Europeans 4th 7th 5th 7th 4th
GP Final 6th 3rd
GP Cup of China 7th 3rd
GP NHK Trophy 2nd 3rd 7th 2nd 8th WD 6th 7th
GP Rostelecom 5th 3rd 9th 2nd 6th
GP Skate America 7th 7th
GP Skate Canada 4th WD 6th 8th
GP France 12th
CS Finlandia 5th
CS Golden Spin 4th 3rd
CS Ice Challenge 4th
CS Nebelhorn 2nd 2nd
CS Ondrej Nepela 6th 5th
Universiade 1st 5th
Cup of Nice 2nd 1st 2nd 4th
Finlandia Trophy 1st 3rd
Merano Cup 1st
International: Junior[37]
Event 06–07 07–08 08–09 09–10 10–11 11–12 12–13 13–14 14–15 15–16 16–17 17–18 18–19
Junior Worlds 12th 6th 1st
JGP Croatia 5th
JGP Romania 2nd
Cup of Nice 1st J 1st J
National[38]
Russian Champ. 7th 7th 5th 2nd 2nd 3rd 7th 5th 7th 9th 13th 15th 12th
Russian Junior 2nd 2nd
Team events
World Team
Trophy		 5th T
6th P		 5th T
7th P
Japan Open 2nd T
4th P		 3rd T
4th P
J = Junior level; WD = Withdrew
T = Team result; P = Personal result. Medals awarded for team result only.

Detailed results[edit]

Leonova at the 2012 World Championships
Leonova at the 2011 Cup of Russia
Leonova at the 2011 European Championships
Leonova at the 2009 Junior World Championships

Small medals for short and free programs awarded only at ISU Championships.

2018–19 season
Date Event SP FS Total
19–23 December 2018 2019 Russian Championships 7
70.79 		13
128.73 		12
199.52
9–11 November 2018 2018 NHK Trophy 6
68.22 		7
125.93 		7
194.15
2017–18 season
Date Event SP FS Total
21–24 December 2017 2018 Russian Championships 16
62.15 		15
114.57 		15
176.72
24–26 November 2017 2017 Skate America 7
63.91 		7
122.02 		7
185.93
10–12 November 2017 2017 NHK Trophy 7
63.61 		5
127.34 		6
190.95
6–8 October 2017 2017 CS Finlandia Trophy 6
56.73 		3
121.73 		5
178.46
21–23 September 2017 2017 CS Ondrej Nepela Trophy 5
54.70 		5
115.98 		5
170.68
2016–17 season
Date Event SP FS Total
1–5 February 2017 2017 Winter Universiade 6
54.69 		4
116.37 		5
171.06
20–26 December 2016 2017 Russian Championships 11
60.60 		13
114.07 		13
174.67
7–10 December 2016 2016 CS Golden Spin of Zagreb 3
64.18 		2
127.21 		3
191.39
11–13 November 2016 2016 Trophée de France 7
63.87 		12
77.49 		12
141.36
19–23 October 2016 2016 Cup of Nice 4
54.47 		5
99.55 		4
154.02
29 September – 1 October 2016 2016 CS Ondrej Nepela Memorial 4
56.84 		7
94.28 		6
151.12
2015–16 season
Date Event SP FS Total
16–20 February 2016 2015–16 Russian Cup – Final
domestic competition 		2
64.78 		1
126.56 		1
191.34
24–27 December 2015 2016 Russian Championships 7
66.15 		9
124.17 		9
190.32
2–5 December 2015 2015 CS Golden Spin of Zagreb 2
58.86 		4
114.38 		4
173.24
27–29 November 2015 2015 NHK Trophy 7
59.63 		9
106.12 		8
165.75
30 October – November 1, 2015 2015 Skate Canada 10
52.08 		8
108.29 		8
160.37
14–18 October 2015 2015 International Cup of Nice 1
68.52 		2
110.07 		2
178.59
24–26 September 2015 2015 CS Nebelhorn Trophy 4
56.41 		2
109.20 		2
165.61
2014–15 season
Date Event SP FS Total
4–8 February 2015 2015 Winter Universiade 1
67.12 		1
115.73 		1
182.85
24–27 December 2014 2015 Russian Championships 5
67.99 		7
116.34 		7
184.33
28–30 November 2014 2014 NHK Trophy 2
68.11 		3
118.29 		2
186.40
14–16 November 2014 2014 CS Ice Challenge 1
56.75 		5
91.54 		4
148.29
31 October – 2 November 2014 2014 Skate Canada 3
62.54 		6
101.61 		6
164.15
25–27 September 2014 2014 CS Nebelhorn Trophy 1
66.72 		3
119.99 		2
186.71
2013–14 season
Date Event SP FS Total
15–19 January 2014 2014 European Championships 4
64.09 		5
114.06 		4
178.15
24–26 December 2013 2014 Russian Championships 4
67.03 		7
120.45 		5
187.48
8–10 November 2013 2013 NHK Trophy 7
55.86 		7
106.08 		7
161.94
2012–13 season
Date Event SP FS Total
10–17 March 2013 2013 World Championships 13
56.30 		14
102.76 		13
159.06
25–28 December 2012 2013 Russian Championships 6
59.64 		8
110.00 		7
169.64
9–11 November 2012 2012 Rostelecom Cup 4
58.85 		8
98.42 		6
157.27
19–21 October 2012 2012 Skate America 9
46.72 		5
106.77 		7
153.49
2011–12 season
Date Event SP FS Total
18–22 April 2012 2012 World Team Trophy 9
50.92 		6
102.79 		5T/7P
153.71
26 March – 1 April 2012 2012 World Championships 1
64.61 		4
119.67 		2
184.28
23–29 January 2012 2012 European Championships 7
54.50 		6
104.28 		7
158.78
25–29 December 2011 2012 Russian Championships 5
59.95 		3
118.20 		3
178.15
8–11 December 2011 2011–12 Grand Prix Final 3
60.46 		4
115.96 		3
176.42
25–27 November 2011 2011 Rostelecom Cup 2
63.91 		2
116.54 		2
180.45
11–13 November 2011 2011 NHK Trophy 2
61.76 		4
108.92 		3
170.68
27–30 October 2011 2011 Skate Canada 7
49.75 		4
102.47 		4
152.22
2010–11 season
Date Event SP FS Total
27 April – 1 May 2011 2011 World Championships 5
59.75 		4
124.17 		4
183.92
24–30 January 2011 2011 European Championships 13
48.40 		3
105.91 		5
154.31
26–29 December 2010 2011 Russian Championships 3
60.14 		2
127.54 		2
187.68
18–21 November 2010 2010 Rostelecom Cup 9
46.61 		7
97.45 		9
144.06
4–7 November 2010 2010 Cup of China 5
50.79 		3
97.82 		3
148.61
13–17 October 2010 2010 Coupe de Nice 1
55.52 		1
111.18 		1
166.70
7–10 October 2010 2010 Finlandia Trophy 3
51.68 		6
83.09 		3
134.77
2009–10 season
Date Event SP FS Total
22–28 March 2010 2010 World Championships 14
54.36 		14
98.50 		13
152.86
14–27 February 2010 2010 Winter Olympics 8
62.14 		10
110.32 		9
172.46
18–24 January 2010 2010 European Championships 5
58.26 		7
95.31 		7
153.57
23–27 December 2009 2010 Russian Championships 4
55.70 		2
120.19 		2
175.89
3–6 December 2009 2009–10 Grand Prix Final 3
61.60 		6
94.95 		6
156.55
5–8 November 2009 2009 NHK Trophy 5
52.34 		1
108.51 		2
160.85
22–25 October 2009 2009 Rostelecom Cup 4
56.78 		3
103.28 		3
160.06
8–11 October 2009 2009 Finlandia Trophy 1
56.24 		1
105.93 		1
162.17
2008–09 season
Date Event SP FS Total
15–19 April 2009 2009 World Team Trophy 6
54.72 		5
106.68 		5T/6P
161.40
23–29 March 2009 2009 World Championships 11
58.18 		6
110.73 		7
168.91
23 February – 1 March 2009 2009 World Junior Championships 3
55.50 		2
101.68 		1
157.18
20–25 January 2009 2009 European Championships 11
45.08 		4
98.91 		4
143.99
24–28 December 2008 2009 Russian Championships 3
6
5
143.49
20–23 November 2008 2008 Cup of Russia 7
50.96 		5
94.97 		5
145.93
6–9 November 2008 2008 Cup of China 8
44.04 		7
93.23 		7
137.27
15–19 October 2008 2008 Coupe de Nice 4
43.40 		2
84.01 		2
127.41
2007–08 season
Date Event SP FS Total
25 February – 2 March 2008 2008 World Junior Championships 7
49.76 		5
88.30 		6
138.06
30 January – 2 February 2008 2008 Russian Junior Championships 1
3
2
140.91
3–7 January 2008 2008 Russian Championships 8
5
7
132.22
18–21 October 2007 2007 Coupe de Nice 3
42.42 		1
89.28 		1
131.70
26–29 September 2007 2007 JGP Croatia 10
37.05 		4
81.03 		5
118.08
6–9 September 2007 2007 JGP Romania 5
39.64 		1
86.86 		2
126.50

References[edit]

  1. ^ СПИСОК кандидатов в спортивные сборные команды Российской Федерации по фигурному катанию на коньках на 2014-2015 гг. [List of candidates for the Russian national figure skating team in the 2014–2015 season] (PDF) (in Russian). Russian Figure Skating Federation. 24 April 2014. p. 5. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 August 2014.
  2. ^ a b "Alena LEONOVA: 2016/2017". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on 22 June 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  3. ^ a b c "Interview with Aliona Leonova: World Junior Championships 2009". FigureSkating-Online. 14 June 2009. Archived from the original on 16 March 2012. Retrieved 24 June 2011.
  4. ^ Леонова вышла замуж за Шулепова [Leonova married to Shulepov] (in Russian). 21 April 2019.
  5. ^ "Самая важная фотография в моей ленте👼🏻@antosha_shulepov теперь ты папа🥰 А я самая счастливая мама на Земле🤱🏻 Всем любви и добра🤞🏻" [The most important photo in my feed👼🏻 @antosha_shulepov now you are dad🥰 And I'm the happiest mom on Earth🤱🏻 Love and kindness to all🤞🏻]. www.instagram.com (in Russian). Retrieved 2022-04-30.
  6. ^ Flade, Tatjana (14 June 2009). "Alena Leonova: An unexpected break-through". Golden Skate.
  7. ^ a b c Bagdasarova, Maria (2009). "Alena Leonova: "When I was born, someone gave my mom a horoscope of my life which said that I might become a successful athlete"". AbsoluteSkating.com. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  8. ^ Luchianov, Vladislav (2 May 2011). "Leonova will continue to train with new inspiration". IceNetwork. Archived from the original on 25 September 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2011.
  9. ^ a b Bagdasarova, Maria (10 December 2011). "Alena Leonova: "I feel that I can show new sides of myself."". Absolute Skating. Retrieved 15 December 2011.
  10. ^ Фигуристка Леонова считает, что смена тренера пошла ей на пользу [Skater Leonova believes changing coaches has worked out well for her] (in Russian). RIA Novosti. 4 September 2011. Retrieved 5 September 2011.
  11. ^ Flade, Tatjana (16 September 2011). "Russian Skaters Preview New Programs". IFS Magazine. Archived from the original on 1 October 2011.
  12. ^ Flade, Tatjana (29 January 2012). "Kostner takes fourth European title". Golden Skate.
  13. ^ Flade, Tatjana (9 May 2012). "Perseverance pays off for Leonova". Golden Skate.
  14. ^ Simonenko, Andrei (3 April 2012). Фигуристка Леонова: всегда знала, что мне нужен тренер со стержнем [Figure skater Leonova: I always knew]. rsport.ru (in Russian).
  15. ^ Moore, Emmeline (31 March 2012). "Chan, Kostner strike gold in Nice". Agence France-Presse. Google News. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013.
  16. ^ Фигуристка Леонова выступает на КЧМ в Токио на фоне простуды [Figure skater Leonova performs at World Team Trophy in Tokyo with the common cold]. rsport.ru (in Russian). 20 April 2012.
  17. ^ Vorobieva, Maria (7 January 2013). Алена Леонова: я не готова "отпустить" этот сезон – буду бороться за место в составе сборной России на чемпионате мира! [Alena Leonova: I'm not ready to give up on this season – I will fight for a spot on the Russian team to the World Championships]. team-russia2014.ru (in Russian). Archived from the original on 25 January 2013. Retrieved 10 January 2013.
  18. ^ a b Ivanov, Vladimir (24 October 2013). Николай Морозов: Леонова настроена максимально успешно начать сезон [Nikolai Morozov: Leonova is ready to start her season]. team-russia2014.ru (in Russian). Archived from the original on 29 October 2018. Retrieved 3 November 2013.
  19. ^ a b "Alena LEONOVA: 2013/2014". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on 4 June 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  20. ^ a b Flade, Tatjana (20 October 2014). "Alena Leonova fights back". Golden Skate.
  21. ^ "2014-15 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating" (PDF). July 18, 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 22, 2014.
  22. ^ "Alena LEONOVA: 2018/2019". International Skating Union.
  23. ^ "Alena LEONOVA: 2017/2018". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on 17 October 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  24. ^ Simonenko, Andrei (22 April 2015). Фигуристка Леонова планирует оставить короткую программу на следующий сезон [Figure skater Leonova plans to keep short program for next season]. R-Sport (in Russian).
  25. ^ Simonenko, Andrei (16 May 2015). Работа Леоновой с американским хореографом на сборе в США была полезной - тренер [Leonova working with the American choreographer in the camp in the United States has been useful - Coach]. R-Sport (in Russian). Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 17 May 2015.
  26. ^ "Alena LEONOVA: 2015/2016". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on 28 May 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  27. ^ "Alena LEONOVA: 2014/2015". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on 22 May 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  28. ^ "Alena LEONOVA: 2013/2014". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  29. ^ "Alena LEONOVA: 2012/2013". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on 3 September 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  30. ^ "Alena LEONOVA: 2012/2013". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on 22 September 2012.
  31. ^ "Alena LEONOVA: 2011/2012". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on 10 April 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  32. ^ "Alena LEONOVA: 2010/2011". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on 15 August 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  33. ^ "Alena LEONOVA: 2009/2010". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on 10 March 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  34. ^ "Alena LEONOVA: 2008/2009". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on 19 June 2009.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  35. ^ "Alena LEONOVA: 2007/2008". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on 26 June 2008.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  36. ^ "Alena LEONOVA: 2006/2007". International Skating Union. Archived from the original on 1 July 2007.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  37. ^ a b "Competition Results: Alena LEONOVA". International Skating Union.
  38. ^ Алёна Игоревна Леонова [Alena Igorevna Leonova]. fskate.ru (in Russian).

External links[edit]

Media related to Alena Leonova at Wikimedia Commons

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