Achievements: 2019 Junior World Bronze Medalists, 2018 JGPF Champions, 2019 Junior Russian National Champions
Other Notes: In their four seasons on the JGP circuit they only missed the podium once. When they started skating together in 2014, Sofia was brand new to ice dance while Igor had qualified for Russian Junior nationals the previous season with his former partner.
A fixture of the international junior circuit for four years, an impressive feat for a team whose age difference meant they could have four junior international seasons at most, the reigning Junior World Bronze medalists are preparing to start making their impact on the senior level. Shevchenko/Eremenko might be aging out, but they’re more than ready for the challenge of skating at the senior level. Their speed and performance quality are senior level, and they’re already developing and owning a unique, modern style that sets them apart from the rest.
One of Shevchenko/Eremenko’s strengths is their ability to perform and own their programs. Sofia has always been such a diva, and Igor is just as committed to their programs. They have a strong emotional connection that only amplifies their performance quality, particularly in more dramatic programs. They have been trending toward more abstract FDs but that has in no way meant programs without emotional engagement. And even if the story is less obvious, they make the program just as captivating for the audience.
Historically they have struggled with levels, but have worked hard to improve their depth of edge, cleanliness of their turns, and overall precision and made huge strides this past season, to the point where they actually won JGPF on the strength of their TES. Their slimmest margin victory was a definite highlight of their last junior season and a huge accomplishment and redemption for past events where low tech scores had kept them from higher placements.
They’re a unique, creative team that always pushes their limits, learning the distinctive sit twizzles at the same time as training mates Stepanova/Bukin. They’re great twizzlers in general, with interesting and difficult variations and transitions. There’s nothing like the power move of making twizzles even more difficult, such as sit twizzles late in a program or a backspin exit directly from the last set, and still executing them at a high level. Their use of difficult variations and transitions extends to their other elements as well, Sofia’s flexibility has lent itself to some really interesting and impactful lifts. They are also great at making the most out of each moment in the music, which their choreographic step sequence last season showcased.
They received two GP assignments, Skate America and NHK, and we’re delighted to see them get two assignments without a host pick. Patience will be important as their national field is significantly more crowded than some others and also more than it has been in recent seasons, but we have high hopes that they will continue to improve while showing off their skills because they already have all they need to make a splash.
Watch List:
2015/16 SD Les Valses de Vienne
2015/16 FD Pink Panther
2016/17 SD Seven Nation Army
2016/17 FD Barra Limpa/Chanson D'Amour/Samba in Your Casa
