Virtuoso - The Skating of Yuri Ovchinnikov

Representing the USSR in the early to mid 1970's, Yuri Ovchinnikov was a powerful free skater renowned for the incredible spring in his jumps. After the artistic watershed created by Toller Cranston in Munich in 1974, Ovchinnikov embraced a more avant garde style which showcased his technique well. As a result, Ovchinnikov actually won the short program at the 1975 Worlds in Colorado Springs and was European bronze medallist the same year. Hampered by figures, this was to be his only podium finish at a major ISU championships. He went on to enjoy an extensive professional career as principal soloist with the Russian All Stars, touring with Torvill & Dean among others. He now lives and coaches in California.