Lyudmila Stanislavovna Smirnova (; born July 21, 1949, in Leningrad) is a retired pair skater who competed for the Soviet Union. With partner Andrei Suraikin, she is the 1972 Winter Olympic silver medalist. With her then-husband Alexei Ulanov, she is a two-time World silver medalist.
Career Smirnova began figure skating in 1955 and became a member of the USSR National Team in 1968. She trained in Leningrad at Spartak and competed initially with Suraikin. Smirnova and Suraikin were coached by Maya Belenkaya. They were the 2nd strongest Soviet pair behind Irina Rodnina and Alexei Ulanov, and placed second behind them at both the World and European Championships three times (1970–1972).
Smirnova and Ulanov, skating for rival teams, fell in love. The pairs decided to separate—a decision they made before the 1972 Games. Rodnina and Ulanov won the gold, and Smirnova and Suraikin the silver. Thereafter, Smirnova began skating with Ulanov.
Smirnova and Ulanov competed for two seasons. They won silver medals at the 1973 World and European Championships. The next season, they won European bronze and World silver medals.
In 1972, Smirnova was awarded the Medal For Labour Heroism.
Personal life Smirnova and Ulanov married and later divorced after having two children, Nikolai Ulanov and Irina Ulanova. Their daughter, Irina Ulanova, is a former pair skater who skated with Alexander Smirnov, and Maxim Trankov for about three years.
Competitive highlights
Results (with Suraikin)
Event 1968-1969 1969–1970 1970–1971 1971–1972 Winter Olympic Games 2nd World Championships 2nd 2nd 2nd European Championships 2nd 2nd 2nd Prize of Moscow News 2nd 1st 2nd Winter Universiade 1st Soviet Championships 4th 2nd 2nd USSR Cup 2nd
With Ulanov Event 1972–1973 1973–1974 World Championships 2nd 2nd European Championships 2nd 3rd Soviet Championships 3rd Prize of Moscow News 1st
References
External links Smirnova and Suraikin profile Smirnova and Ulanov competition results