Danielle Montalbano (; born January 23, 1989) is an American-born former figure skater, actress who competed for Israel. As a single skater, she is the 2014 Israeli national champion and 2014 Toruń Cup silver medalist. From 2009 to 2012, Montalbano competed in pair skating with partner Evgeni Krasnopolski. They medaled at four international events, including at the Golden Spin of Zagreb and Ice Challenge.
Personal life Danielle Montalbano was born on January 23, 1989, in Manhasset, New York. On May 19, 2015, it was announced that she was engaged to boyfriend and figure skater, Michal Brezina. They married on June 10, 2017. The couple have two children: a daughter, Naya Rose (born 2020) and a son, Noah Michal (born 2022).
Career In 2009, Montalbano teamed up with Evgeni Krasnopolski to compete in pairs. She dislocated her shoulder in practice at the 2011 European Championships, resulting in the pair withdrawing from the event. She broke her ankle in November 2012 while practicing a twist lift – leading to two surgeries, seven screws and a plate – and began rehab after six months. Montalbano and Krasnopolski were coached by Kyoko Ina. Their partnership ended in 2013.
In 2013, Montalbano began competing in ladies' singles. The screws and plate were removed from her ankle following the 2013 Nebelhorn Trophy. She won the 2014 Israeli national title and silver at the Toruń Cup. Montalbano was assigned to the 2014 European Championships, where she placed 35th. She then went to Ellenton, Florida, to train with a partner but broke her patella, putting her in a cast for a month. She teamed up with German pair skater Konrad Hocker-Scholler after a tryout in Oberstdorf.
Montalbano announced her retirement from competitive figure skating on September 10, 2015.
Feature films Acting credits
Year Title Role Notes 2019 Broken HeartedFigure Skater
Programs
Single skating Season Short program Free skating 2013–2014 Libertangoby Astor Piazzolla Lara's Theme (from Doctor Zhivago)
Pair skating Season Short program Free skating 2012–2013 Requiem for a Dream by Clint Mansell Phantom of the Operaby Andrew Lloyd Webber 2011–2012 Assassin's Tango(from Mr. & Mrs. Smith)by John Powell Nyah(from Mission: Impossible)by Hans Zimmer When A Man Loves A Woman 2010–2011 James Bond theme 2009–2010 Night Flight(from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon)by Tan Dun Nyah(from Mission: Impossible)by Hans Zimmer
Competitive highlights
Single skating International Event 2013–14 European Championships 35th Nebelhorn Trophy 27th Dragon Trophy 14th Golden Spin of Zagreb 19th Hellmut Seibt Memorial 13th New Year's Cup 4th Toruń Cup 2nd National Israeli Championships 1st
Pair skating with Krasnopolski GP: Grand Prix
International Event 2009–10 2010–11 2011–12 2012–13 World Champ. 25th 20th 17th European Champ. 18th WD 11th GP Skate America 7th Cup of Nice 11th Golden Spin 4th 6th 3rd Ice Challenge 7th 3rd 3rd Nebelhorn Trophy 9th 6th Toruń Cup 2nd U.S. Classic 6th WD = Withdrew
References
External links