Anton Evgenyvich Nikanorov

left, winter 2000

Vital Statistics:

Nickname: Antosha
Birthdate:  January 23, 1971
Birthplace:  St. Petersburg, Russia
Hair:  brown
Eyes:  brown    
Height: 6'0"
Weight/Build:  170 lbs.
Parents: Evgeny Nikanorov and Maria Nikaronova
Siblings:  Oksana, b.1972, Margarita, b. 1974    
Roommate:  
Relatives at KMAS: none

Skating Statistics:

Discipline: Dance
Coaches:  Irina Stashkova and Igor Kozelkov, junior world dance champions in 1999, now in their first year at Seniors
Skating History: Anton was a very successful ice dancer with his partner, Raisa Chernikova.  They were twice world champions, in 1992 and 1993, and the Olympic gold medallists in 1992.  After the 1992-1993 season, they turned professional, and were successful at pro skating, until 1995.  At the young age of 24, Anton suffered a career-ending back injury in a skiing accident, forcing him and Raisa to quit skating competitively.  Raisa, two years younger than Anton, married and now has a three year old daughter, Daria.  She does costume designing in St. Petersburg for Anton's teams, and they remain very close.
Coaching History:  Anton began coaching in 1996, a year after his injury.  He still skates, to keep in shape, but can't train seriously like he used to.  In 1996, he took on a young Russian dance team, Stashkova and Kozelkov.  With them, he rose through the novice and junior ranks, their career highlight so far being winning the 1999 Junior World Championships.  This is their first year at seniors, and Anton has high hopes for them as a dance team of the future.

Reason for Being at KMAS:

Anton lives in St. Petersburg, but is a good friend of Yelena Bukaryeva's, and is bringing his dance team to KMAS to train with Marie Landauf before Europeans and Worlds.

Biography/Personality:

Anton is a sweet and caring man, although he has a good sense of humor and knows how to have a good time.  He's also extremely insightful in his sport, and has a lot of experience in ice dancing.  In St. Petersburg, he spends a lot of time at the rink, working with younger dance teams, and his main students, Stashkova and Kozelkov.  Anton is very close to his partner, Raisa Chernikova, her husband, and their daughter, Daria.  He has even taught three year old Daria the basics of ice dancing.  Anton is very good friends also with several Russian champions that have trained in St. Petersburg through the years.  He remains close to his younger sister, Margarita, who is a medical student in St. Petersburg.

Other Noteworthy News/Facts:

Besides being a dance coach, Anton also works for Yelena's father a little bit.  Anton is now romantically involved with longtime friend Yelena Bukaryeva.