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My Sergei: A Love Story
The Olympic gold medalist offers a poignant, loving account of her life with her long-time partner and beloved husband, Sergei Grinkov, from their first introduction and successive world pairs skating championships, to their storybook romance and marriage, to the fatal heart attack that took Sergei's life.
292 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1996
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5172 people want to read
About the author
Ekaterina Gordeeva
5 books36 followersEkaterina "Katia" Alexandrovna Gordeeva is a Russian (Former Soviet) figure skater. Together with her partner and husband, the late Sergei Grinkov, she was the 1988 and 1994 Olympic Chapion and four-time World Champion in Pairs Skating. After Grinkov's death, Gordeeva continued performing as a singles skater.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 486 reviews
August 14, 2022
I once saw a tiktok about the Russian ice skater pair, Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov skating, and they looked so perfect. In the comments I read that he passed away and there was a documentary on Youtube about him, Ekaterina and Sergei's story and his dead.
I watched the documentary and then read this book.
It was... Wow. I don't even how to express how I feel.
This is a love story, but it's also a tragedy.
It was so sentimental and I ended up crying because of how much Ekaterina and Sergei loved each other, how good they were on the rink and how much chemistry they had, not only as lovers, but as a professional pair.
I can't say much about this book, only that broke me so much and I can't stop crying. It was so beautiful and tragic. To know someone since you're very young, being partners, trust in each other, fall ing love with them, share victories and happiness, and lose them from one day to the other. It must be the most devastating feeling ever.
And yet, remember them as they were: someone strong, happy, who cared about the others and made you happy.
I watched the documentary and then read this book.
It was... Wow. I don't even how to express how I feel.
This is a love story, but it's also a tragedy.
It was so sentimental and I ended up crying because of how much Ekaterina and Sergei loved each other, how good they were on the rink and how much chemistry they had, not only as lovers, but as a professional pair.
I can't say much about this book, only that broke me so much and I can't stop crying. It was so beautiful and tragic. To know someone since you're very young, being partners, trust in each other, fall ing love with them, share victories and happiness, and lose them from one day to the other. It must be the most devastating feeling ever.
And yet, remember them as they were: someone strong, happy, who cared about the others and made you happy.
October 4, 2020
I knew this would be sad, but it ended up being heartbreaking.
I’ve never been a big ice skating fan, but my dad, a WWII Marine-old field trash-West Texan cowboy, knew every move couples made on the ice to the extent he would say things like, “Damn, they messed that sal-whatever.” Sooo, watching the Lillehammer Olympics with Dad, I fell in love with Ekaterina and Sergei like everybody else that has watched them. They were romance in action. He was tall and handsome; she was as dainty as a fairy. They were enchanting. Below is their performance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY7HF...
Sergei died a year later on the ice at 28.
The book is Ekaterina remembrances of their life, growing up together as skaters in the USSR and their subsequent romance and birth of their little girl. It’s as much a vision of what it was like to live in Russia as it is a glimpse of their life together. Even after winning their first Olympic gold medal in Sarajevo in 1988 and constantly performing over the world, the two could not afford an apartment for them to move into. After complaining, Sergei got a better car.
The ended up moving to the US once their daughter was born to make some money. Ekaterina also describes the family dramas that support and drain you, little customs that her family celebrated (her father would put her medals in a champagne flute and all they family would take a sip from it hence all her ribbons are stained), as well the insane work that goes into training for the sport. She also writes about how they changed as skaters. She was dropped once and after that Sergei held her more closely through their skating which definitely changed the way I saw them skate.
Little facts pop up about other skaters as well like Katerina Witt grandstanding while Debi Thomas practiced almost guaranteeing her success, and the support of the ice skating community when Sergei died. Russians abound. No other country produces the kind of grace they show while skating.
Since this book was written, Ekaterina married Ilia Kulik, a 1988 gold medal skater, but has divorced. All I could think while reading this is how could you have a successful relationship with the reputation of what has almost become a saint hovering over it.
The co-writer does a capable job, but the depth of information and emotion comes from Ekaterina’s memories, their relationship and their friends and families. As always when I'm moved it's so much harder to write the review. It's not 4 star writing, but having seen the couple on ice it's a four star story.
It is a fairy tale romance, it simply does not have a happy ending.
I’ve never been a big ice skating fan, but my dad, a WWII Marine-old field trash-West Texan cowboy, knew every move couples made on the ice to the extent he would say things like, “Damn, they messed that sal-whatever.” Sooo, watching the Lillehammer Olympics with Dad, I fell in love with Ekaterina and Sergei like everybody else that has watched them. They were romance in action. He was tall and handsome; she was as dainty as a fairy. They were enchanting. Below is their performance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pY7HF...
Sergei died a year later on the ice at 28.
The book is Ekaterina remembrances of their life, growing up together as skaters in the USSR and their subsequent romance and birth of their little girl. It’s as much a vision of what it was like to live in Russia as it is a glimpse of their life together. Even after winning their first Olympic gold medal in Sarajevo in 1988 and constantly performing over the world, the two could not afford an apartment for them to move into. After complaining, Sergei got a better car.
The ended up moving to the US once their daughter was born to make some money. Ekaterina also describes the family dramas that support and drain you, little customs that her family celebrated (her father would put her medals in a champagne flute and all they family would take a sip from it hence all her ribbons are stained), as well the insane work that goes into training for the sport. She also writes about how they changed as skaters. She was dropped once and after that Sergei held her more closely through their skating which definitely changed the way I saw them skate.
Little facts pop up about other skaters as well like Katerina Witt grandstanding while Debi Thomas practiced almost guaranteeing her success, and the support of the ice skating community when Sergei died. Russians abound. No other country produces the kind of grace they show while skating.
Since this book was written, Ekaterina married Ilia Kulik, a 1988 gold medal skater, but has divorced. All I could think while reading this is how could you have a successful relationship with the reputation of what has almost become a saint hovering over it.
The co-writer does a capable job, but the depth of information and emotion comes from Ekaterina’s memories, their relationship and their friends and families. As always when I'm moved it's so much harder to write the review. It's not 4 star writing, but having seen the couple on ice it's a four star story.
It is a fairy tale romance, it simply does not have a happy ending.
December 29, 2010
I read this book in high school, and last night I was having one of those "your mind is going crazy as you're falling asleep" moments that popped this book in my head. I have to be honest and say I can't remember many details (setting, certain events, etc), but I do remember that it was incredibly touching and heartbreaking. You have to understand - until I had my son, I never read romance. I was actually one of the mockers *dodges flying insults*. I read horror; King, Koontz, Saul, etc. In fact, I was the one who had a note from my mother allowing me to read that stuff in junior high. By high school, I had devoured everything in King's backlist and was always waiting for the next one to come out. In one of those interims, I happened to pick this one up on a whim. I am so glad I did.
It is not fiction. It is the story of Sergei and Ekaterina, world famous ice skaters, as the move through life and death as told from her point of view. No spoiler since it was national news in high school that Sergei died. Ekaterina poured her grief and love into this book. It made me cry, and I can honestly say it was my first "romance" novel.
A beautiful glimpse into a love that we don't see very often in the real world anymore. Read this book just to renew your faith that true love does exist.
It is not fiction. It is the story of Sergei and Ekaterina, world famous ice skaters, as the move through life and death as told from her point of view. No spoiler since it was national news in high school that Sergei died. Ekaterina poured her grief and love into this book. It made me cry, and I can honestly say it was my first "romance" novel.
A beautiful glimpse into a love that we don't see very often in the real world anymore. Read this book just to renew your faith that true love does exist.
October 27, 2015
This is the last book I read to my Mom before she passed away. We were almost done and she said, "You better hurry up and finish this book so I can die," and she died a couple of days after we finished it. When I finished it, she said it was a really good book.
The book was a wonderful tribute to Sergei and to the relationship they shared. It was a very moving and inspirational book. And, it was even more sad as I knew my mother was going to die very soon.
I will cherish this book as the last one I shared with my Mom.
The book was a wonderful tribute to Sergei and to the relationship they shared. It was a very moving and inspirational book. And, it was even more sad as I knew my mother was going to die very soon.
I will cherish this book as the last one I shared with my Mom.
December 3, 2015
The 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway seemed to host the pinnacle of ice skating talent, or so it seemed when I watched the proceedings on my television. You had Nancy Kerrigan, Oksana Baiul, Elvis Stojko, Surya Bonaly, and Brian Boitano among the singles, and in ice dancing you had Tovill and Dean. And then in figure skating pairs you had Grinkov and Gordeeva. A pair of skaters that was not only young, handsome, in love, and married with a little daughter, but so talented they blasted their competitors completely off the ice. But then tragedy struck. In 1995, at only 28 years old, Sergei Grinkov collapsed and died from a massive heart attack, permanently breaking up what is arguably the best pair skating couple in history and breaking the hearts of millions of fans, not to mention those of his wife and young daughter.
My Sergei: A Love Story is the tender and romantic tale of these two supremely talented young people who were thrown together by the Soviet athletic machine and rose through the ranks of figure skating, winning award after award, medal after medal, before winning each other's hearts and those of the entire world. It's a lovely tribute from Ekaterina to her husband and the love she holds for Sergei is evident in every word and sentence and paragraph. As well as the admiration she had for a fellow athlete who was at the top of his game. Family photos add depth and intimacy to what is essentially a long love letter to her husband. In the end, it's romantic and bittersweet, touching and heartbreaking.
I read this book back right after it was published, nearly 20 years ago, and I haven't had a chance to revisit it, so I don't know what I might be leaving out or forgetting. Which is why my memory is only of the romance between Ekaterina and Sergei, so I apologize if there's extra dimensions to the tale that I might be leaving out.
My Sergei: A Love Story is the tender and romantic tale of these two supremely talented young people who were thrown together by the Soviet athletic machine and rose through the ranks of figure skating, winning award after award, medal after medal, before winning each other's hearts and those of the entire world. It's a lovely tribute from Ekaterina to her husband and the love she holds for Sergei is evident in every word and sentence and paragraph. As well as the admiration she had for a fellow athlete who was at the top of his game. Family photos add depth and intimacy to what is essentially a long love letter to her husband. In the end, it's romantic and bittersweet, touching and heartbreaking.
I read this book back right after it was published, nearly 20 years ago, and I haven't had a chance to revisit it, so I don't know what I might be leaving out or forgetting. Which is why my memory is only of the romance between Ekaterina and Sergei, so I apologize if there's extra dimensions to the tale that I might be leaving out.
January 7, 2008
A very beautiful and moving book! I loved watching these two skate together. I just remember always thinking they were magical. I remember being very sad when I learned of his death and the shock of him being so young. It is still hard to believe that with all the physicals they took that no problems were ever detected! It was wonderful to read about how they basically grew up together then fell in love. I still miss them skating together!
June 24, 2010
One of the most widely distributed and read skaters' biographies, this is, for a retiring young woman, remarkably frank. Nonetheless, perhaps one of the most interesting aspects is her discussion of her odd and it seems rather troubled friendship with choreographer Marina Zoueva. One gets the sense that here, at least, the whole story has not been told. Interesting, too, to see a relatively unsanitized and foreigner's view of the Stars on Ice "family." Her observations on the "New Russia" were also well worth reading. Most of all, though, as of course she intended, one gets a much better understanding of the big gentle silent (in English) Russian bear who was her husband.
I read this first in the hardback edition; new material in the paperback edition is limited to a 6-page epilogue.
I read this first in the hardback edition; new material in the paperback edition is limited to a 6-page epilogue.
April 27, 2015
This book was way too difficult for me to get through. Not in terms of speed; I gave up the idea of sleep about halfway through the book cause i was not going to put the book down. I ended up sleeping about 2 hrs. In the last half I actually sobbed into my pillow for about ten minutes and hid the book away for about a year. That is what this book did to me (and why it lost a star) I'm sorry cause I really tried to not make it about how heartbreaking the story was (cause it's a memoir, really, she's not going to change it up for an audience) but I haven't quite forgiven her for doing that to me. At the same time she is probably one of the most admirable people I know and I will forever remember her story. It's actually been about 10 years since I've read it, but I don't need to read it again to remember (nor do I have the inclination to put myself through that kind of emotional turmoil ANYWAY).
I remember that she wrote the memoir in a rather sophisticated way; I didn't have any difficulty or interruptions based on awkward wording or corny phrases that appear in memoirs. It was written as fluidly as fiction usually is, but it was too painful to be. So yes, it was an amazing book. I wish I could meet her.
I remember that she wrote the memoir in a rather sophisticated way; I didn't have any difficulty or interruptions based on awkward wording or corny phrases that appear in memoirs. It was written as fluidly as fiction usually is, but it was too painful to be. So yes, it was an amazing book. I wish I could meet her.
November 22, 2009
I was staying with my mother for a week after her hip surgery, and I was very bored at times. I found this book on her shelf and decided to give it a try. It ended up being so good that I couldn't put it down. I read it in less then 2 days which is fast for me, because I tend to spend more time writing then reading. Though it has a very sad ending what a beautiful love story it is.
February 16, 2013
A touching reflection on a life of skating and love, but dated now that Katia has remarried and had another child. Still, the insight into the USSR and their sports machine contrasted with the "Wild West" atmosphere of the new Russia were very interesting.
For the skating lovers, the most fascinating parts were in the relationship with their choreographer, Marina Zueva, who is now coaching the top ice dance teams in the world in Canton, Michigan: Virtue/Moir and Davis/White.
I always loved how effortless Gordeeva & Grinkov made their skating look. They were my favorite pairs team of the late eighties and early nineties. I still remember being shocked at Sergei's death at such a young age. The overwhelming feeling I took away from this book was that as much as Katia protests, the ice really was first in their relationship and everything else was secondary. A bittersweet look at what it takes to be a champion.
For the skating lovers, the most fascinating parts were in the relationship with their choreographer, Marina Zueva, who is now coaching the top ice dance teams in the world in Canton, Michigan: Virtue/Moir and Davis/White.
I always loved how effortless Gordeeva & Grinkov made their skating look. They were my favorite pairs team of the late eighties and early nineties. I still remember being shocked at Sergei's death at such a young age. The overwhelming feeling I took away from this book was that as much as Katia protests, the ice really was first in their relationship and everything else was secondary. A bittersweet look at what it takes to be a champion.
November 22, 2024
The most beautiful romance in sports history, hands down. Heartbreaking. Inspiring. Impossible to forget.
If you ever find yourself doubting whether love is real, go watch YouTube videos of the way these two skated together and looked at each other. There’s a reason why Gordeeva & Grinkov are still considered the greatest pairs team ever, even decades later.
Their tragic love story sparked my enduring passion for figure skating, which continues to this day. The book is written plainly, as Katia was young and needed the help of a translator to publish for an English-speaking audience. Yet the couple’s dedication to their sport—and to each other—shines through.
**cue the ugly crying**
If you ever find yourself doubting whether love is real, go watch YouTube videos of the way these two skated together and looked at each other. There’s a reason why Gordeeva & Grinkov are still considered the greatest pairs team ever, even decades later.
Their tragic love story sparked my enduring passion for figure skating, which continues to this day. The book is written plainly, as Katia was young and needed the help of a translator to publish for an English-speaking audience. Yet the couple’s dedication to their sport—and to each other—shines through.
"No matter what lies ahead, the best years of my life will have been with my Seriozha, and those years are now laid to rest."
**cue the ugly crying**
June 7, 2016
This book, MY SERGEI:A LOVE STORY, by Ekaterina Gordeeva, was a heartwarming, but sad story of their lives together, first as ice skating partners then as a family. A person would just feel so terrible about the tragic death of her young husband , but she seems to have found a way, through skating and the young daughter of theirs, to continue a life that is so changed in just one instant. I know the feeling, it happened to me, although at a somewhat older age, but just as quickly and unexpectedly. For this reason I hesitate to speak of her inner strength, because at these times one feels weak. But I did so enjoy reading of the inside look at the world of ice skating: the drama, difficulty with coaches and others, the joy of doing something so difficult and yet beautiful, the thrill of competition. It is all in here, and much more. And through it all, LOVE!
April 11, 2022
This made me cry. I knew it would because I grew up watching them and I knew their story. The writing isn't great, (English is not her first language), yet it has a sort of raw emotional quality to it that makes the whole thing that much more poignant. I'll probably be spending some quality YouTube time watching some of their programs.
December 6, 2013
I read this book years ago when it was first released. After the tragic death of Sergei. I remember how emotionally moved I was by their love story, I cried forever over this. They were one of my most favorite couples professional ice skating team.
Want to read
August 19, 2025Мне нужно прочитать это в оригинале на русском языке, Екатерина & Сергей было моя любимая фигуристы 🥹
March 5, 2020
I was expecting sad but it wasn't quite as sad as I had anticipated. I found the life of an Olympic skater in the USSR in the 80s very interesting. I was always finding tidbits to tell my husband!
I found some parts amusing like being bored at a dinner with Reagan and Gorbachev! I was surprised by how they left Daria with her grandparents so often, but I could tell that skating was her life.
This book group read will provide a good discussion for love and loss.
I found some parts amusing like being bored at a dinner with Reagan and Gorbachev! I was surprised by how they left Daria with her grandparents so often, but I could tell that skating was her life.
This book group read will provide a good discussion for love and loss.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2024
Going through this book I knew it would be emotional and heartbreaking. I thought about crying which I ended up doing till my head and heart hurt. Now this book will always be a reference and will always have a special place in my heart.
Ekaterina was born in a very peculiar time of the Soviet Union. She lived through the 70s/ 80s/ 90s and the choices of the state more or less shaped her life. Since age 4 she began Figure skating. She was disciplined obedient and dedicated to the sport.
At age 11 coaches will decide what's best for her: to compete solo or in pairs. Since she hadn't a "force jump" she was assigned to Sergei a 15 years old skater. Thus began the saga of Kat and Sergei.
They were first team mates. Great ones who won medals in National/ European/ Word and Olympic championships. Then when Kat grew up they became friends. Their bond grew stronger. Then they became lovers and a true "pair" with the most beautiful performances (I really urge you to watch at least one on Youtube"
They got married, moved to the US when they can compete all year long and have more money. They had a beautiful daughter. They kept skating and loving each other.
Out of the blue, when they're training Sergei clutched his chest and just collapsed. He died from a heart attack at age 28. Kat was 24 and Daria their daughter only 4 years old.
Kat wanted to immortalize Sergei through this book telling with utmost beauty what they went through. And I'm so amazed at how wonderful Sergei had been.
You notice from the get go, his personality is not amplified for the sake of literature. She's not waxing poetics about him. In truth, Sergei was someone really special.
Better than any fictional hero I've ever read about or imagined: he was patient, caring, protective, hard-working and simple.
I really want people to know him because pure souls like him deserve to just live through the ages. I know some people would be afraid of the sadness of the story. However, books are supposed to teach us about life, to tell the beauty of it and the rawness of it. The prologue itself is a work of art. I implore people to give this book a chance and if you're not hocked from the prologue alone then maybe you're not ready (and that's totally fine)
I wish I can write more about the dignified, authentic prose but no words in my limited humble vocabulary would do such man justice. I'm so happy Kat included photos of them together showcasing every milestone in their life.
And let me tell you: Sergei was some a veeeeeeeeery handsome man who had an eternal beauty.
I will end my review with a personal note. Because I love my husband, I confess that sometimes I would think about: what would I do if he suddenly died? It's not the question of how I'll do it but how I'll live as if he's here.
Meaning how I'll sense his wisdom when he's gone? How I'll teach my child to preserve his memory too? Those questions made me cry too and I couldn't confess any of these thoughts to him. Instead I called my mother. I told her about the book I'm reading and what I'm feeling.
We had a long metaphysical/ religious conversation for half an hour on the phone. Now I'm better and decided there's nothing really for me to do! All there is to give is more loving and cherishing to the people we hold dear!
This book was also perfect for checking the box of "Book Translated to English" in my Bingo Challenge.
【01】【02⭕】【03⭕】【04⭕】【05⭕】
【06⭕】【07⭕】【08⭕】【09⭕】【10】
【11⭕】【12⭕】【13 ⭕】【14】【15】
【16】【17⭕】【18】【19】【20⭕】
【21⭕】【22⭕】【23⭕】【24⭕】【25⭕】
Ekaterina was born in a very peculiar time of the Soviet Union. She lived through the 70s/ 80s/ 90s and the choices of the state more or less shaped her life. Since age 4 she began Figure skating. She was disciplined obedient and dedicated to the sport.
At age 11 coaches will decide what's best for her: to compete solo or in pairs. Since she hadn't a "force jump" she was assigned to Sergei a 15 years old skater. Thus began the saga of Kat and Sergei.
They were first team mates. Great ones who won medals in National/ European/ Word and Olympic championships. Then when Kat grew up they became friends. Their bond grew stronger. Then they became lovers and a true "pair" with the most beautiful performances (I really urge you to watch at least one on Youtube"
They got married, moved to the US when they can compete all year long and have more money. They had a beautiful daughter. They kept skating and loving each other.
Out of the blue, when they're training Sergei clutched his chest and just collapsed. He died from a heart attack at age 28. Kat was 24 and Daria their daughter only 4 years old.
Kat wanted to immortalize Sergei through this book telling with utmost beauty what they went through. And I'm so amazed at how wonderful Sergei had been.
You notice from the get go, his personality is not amplified for the sake of literature. She's not waxing poetics about him. In truth, Sergei was someone really special.
Better than any fictional hero I've ever read about or imagined: he was patient, caring, protective, hard-working and simple.
I really want people to know him because pure souls like him deserve to just live through the ages. I know some people would be afraid of the sadness of the story. However, books are supposed to teach us about life, to tell the beauty of it and the rawness of it. The prologue itself is a work of art. I implore people to give this book a chance and if you're not hocked from the prologue alone then maybe you're not ready (and that's totally fine)
I wish I can write more about the dignified, authentic prose but no words in my limited humble vocabulary would do such man justice. I'm so happy Kat included photos of them together showcasing every milestone in their life.
And let me tell you: Sergei was some a veeeeeeeeery handsome man who had an eternal beauty.
I will end my review with a personal note. Because I love my husband, I confess that sometimes I would think about: what would I do if he suddenly died? It's not the question of how I'll do it but how I'll live as if he's here.
Meaning how I'll sense his wisdom when he's gone? How I'll teach my child to preserve his memory too? Those questions made me cry too and I couldn't confess any of these thoughts to him. Instead I called my mother. I told her about the book I'm reading and what I'm feeling.
We had a long metaphysical/ religious conversation for half an hour on the phone. Now I'm better and decided there's nothing really for me to do! All there is to give is more loving and cherishing to the people we hold dear!
This book was also perfect for checking the box of "Book Translated to English" in my Bingo Challenge.
【01】【02⭕】【03⭕】【04⭕】【05⭕】
【06⭕】【07⭕】【08⭕】【09⭕】【10】
【11⭕】【12⭕】【13 ⭕】【14】【15】
【16】【17⭕】【18】【19】【20⭕】
【21⭕】【22⭕】【23⭕】【24⭕】【25⭕】
June 18, 2015
I'd always been a fan of ice-skating, and was watching several videos of ice-skating pairs when I noticed there were an awful lot of videos about this pair –– and several comments like "RIP Sergei, you're greatly missed". That led me to Google them curiously, and I spent a whole night alternating between tears and laughter as I discovered the story of their love.
Ekaterina, or Katia as her friends call her, is first and foremost a skater, not a writer. In videos of her in that period (before she moved to the U. S. for good), she spoke with a Russian accent and occasionally had to pause to describe her feelings in English. This was apparent in this autobiography as well, though much more polished and with proper grammar (of course). It was also a fascinating look into the life of the Soviet Union then, and how much it has changed throughout the years that Katia competed and travelled.
What really made me sad was the lost potential with Sergei. My inner critic feels that Katia's view of Sergei is rather rosy (but how can it not be? especially after his death?), because when I read it I was going, "No way can a guy be so lovely, gentle, kind and patient! No way!!". But he was, for her, and I mourn the years they could have shared together, because their ice-skating was really something different.
Although I wish Katia had written a follow-up of the years to come (seeing that she's married another figure skater), I am glad for her and how her life's turned out. I've also been following Daria from afar; though she did do some ice-skating, I'd read an interview when she said she decided to stop and excel at sports instead because the inevitable shadows her parents have cast over her. That is understandable, and a wise choice, and I hope she'll have a very good life.
Ekaterina, or Katia as her friends call her, is first and foremost a skater, not a writer. In videos of her in that period (before she moved to the U. S. for good), she spoke with a Russian accent and occasionally had to pause to describe her feelings in English. This was apparent in this autobiography as well, though much more polished and with proper grammar (of course). It was also a fascinating look into the life of the Soviet Union then, and how much it has changed throughout the years that Katia competed and travelled.
What really made me sad was the lost potential with Sergei. My inner critic feels that Katia's view of Sergei is rather rosy (but how can it not be? especially after his death?), because when I read it I was going, "No way can a guy be so lovely, gentle, kind and patient! No way!!". But he was, for her, and I mourn the years they could have shared together, because their ice-skating was really something different.
Although I wish Katia had written a follow-up of the years to come (seeing that she's married another figure skater), I am glad for her and how her life's turned out. I've also been following Daria from afar; though she did do some ice-skating, I'd read an interview when she said she decided to stop and excel at sports instead because the inevitable shadows her parents have cast over her. That is understandable, and a wise choice, and I hope she'll have a very good life.
December 31, 2025
This book was not only interesting in the aspect of learning about Russian athletes’ training and a bit about day to day life and traditions but also very moving in the fact that Katia Gordeeva met her husband when she was basically still a child, then they fell in love, started a family and she lost him again at a very young age.
Additionally interesting is the fact that Katia and Sergei were together and skating at a time when other widely known events occurred, such as Glasnost and Perestroika as well as the attack on figure skater Nancy Kerrigan, and those happenings are intertwined in Katia Gordeeva’s memoir about her husband.
Additionally interesting is the fact that Katia and Sergei were together and skating at a time when other widely known events occurred, such as Glasnost and Perestroika as well as the attack on figure skater Nancy Kerrigan, and those happenings are intertwined in Katia Gordeeva’s memoir about her husband.
September 20, 2012
This review is somewhat skewered as I was a huge fan of Gordeeva and Grinkov and find their tragic story as moving now as it was when Sergei died. I could criticize the writing style of the memoir, but what purpose would that serve? After all, everyone knows Ekaterina is not an author, just a very young woman (at the time this was published) dealing with the loss of her husband, the father of her child, and her one and only skating partner, and attempting to put into words the brief life she shared with him. It is a heartbreaking story, particularly if you followed their skating career.
January 13, 2022
This was truly the most beautiful and heartbreaking thing I’ve ever read. Katia and Sergei were made for each other and the time they had together was truly like a fairytale. I can only hope that Katia and her beautiful Daria have found happiness in their lives, and that they always remain with Sergei in their hearts. Katia is so strong, and I thank her for sharing the lovely story of her and her Sergei.
June 10, 2010
I picked this up because I'm fascinated by figure skating, and thought it sounded really interesting. And it was in parts, but unfortunately Ekaterina Gordeeva is obviously not a writer, so certain sections of the book were rather clunky making the emotions difficult to relate to.
Two things really effected my experience of the book though. The first was discovering that I may actually have seen Ekaterina and Sergie perform 'live'! At least I remember my mum taking my sister and me to an international skating competition back when I was a teen, and it might very well have been the 1994 World Championship in Copenhagen.
The second was thanks to modern technology - about halfway through the book, I realized that many of the competitions mentioned would probably be on YouTube. Honestly, it was a really, really odd feeling to read about a program, and then sit down to watch it on the computer - especially knowing that Sergei died rehearing for just such a competition.
It was a surprisingly slow read, but well worth the time spent on it.
Two things really effected my experience of the book though. The first was discovering that I may actually have seen Ekaterina and Sergie perform 'live'! At least I remember my mum taking my sister and me to an international skating competition back when I was a teen, and it might very well have been the 1994 World Championship in Copenhagen.
The second was thanks to modern technology - about halfway through the book, I realized that many of the competitions mentioned would probably be on YouTube. Honestly, it was a really, really odd feeling to read about a program, and then sit down to watch it on the computer - especially knowing that Sergei died rehearing for just such a competition.
It was a surprisingly slow read, but well worth the time spent on it.
June 23, 2011
Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov were gold medal pairs figure skaters from Russia. This story goes through the initial pairing up at age 11 for Katia until more recent times.
The training and rigorous regimen required by their coaches for their amateur careers was impressive. Beside the talent and obvious attachment this must of helped them win their medals. Katia also describes the slow growing of their love and eventually marriage and the birth of their daughter.
Their move to the United States and their move to the 'professionals' and the life of the ice shows are all described.
In 1995, Sergei died of a heart attack and Katia is devastated. How she copes both on and off the ice and how she builds a life for herself and her daughter as a single parent shows her courage.
This book has some pictures which are great to look at. Ekaterina is not the best of writers but is very frank almost to the point of making the reader think she is without emotion at times.
The training and rigorous regimen required by their coaches for their amateur careers was impressive. Beside the talent and obvious attachment this must of helped them win their medals. Katia also describes the slow growing of their love and eventually marriage and the birth of their daughter.
Their move to the United States and their move to the 'professionals' and the life of the ice shows are all described.
In 1995, Sergei died of a heart attack and Katia is devastated. How she copes both on and off the ice and how she builds a life for herself and her daughter as a single parent shows her courage.
This book has some pictures which are great to look at. Ekaterina is not the best of writers but is very frank almost to the point of making the reader think she is without emotion at times.
July 6, 2007
I am a huge fan of ice skating and the very best was Ekaterina Gordeeva and her husband Sergei. They were magically on ice and partners both on and off the ice.
They took some time off to become parents to Darya and decided after the Olympics to turn professional. Once afternoon during practice Sergei isn't well and later dies.
The story that Ekaterina tells of how they meet, fell in love, had a child, shared amazing magic skating together on the ice and how she tries to cope without him will make you cry.
Love like that only comes around once in a life time. Reading this book will take you on her journey.
Have some tissues ready.
They took some time off to become parents to Darya and decided after the Olympics to turn professional. Once afternoon during practice Sergei isn't well and later dies.
The story that Ekaterina tells of how they meet, fell in love, had a child, shared amazing magic skating together on the ice and how she tries to cope without him will make you cry.
Love like that only comes around once in a life time. Reading this book will take you on her journey.
Have some tissues ready.
July 27, 2013
As a child and a teenager, I loved watching ice skating. During that time, I fell in love with Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov. I can't even begin to explain what I felt as I watched the two of them perform together. They were the perfect love story. When Sergei suddenly passed away, a part of me died so I can't even begin to pretend to know what Katia went through.
My Sergei is their story through the eye's of Katia from the their meeting up until she took the ice again after his death. You don't have to be an ice skating fan to enjoy this book. It's an amazing story. I couldn't even tell you how many times I've read it. In fact, I think I may have to read it again.....
My Sergei is their story through the eye's of Katia from the their meeting up until she took the ice again after his death. You don't have to be an ice skating fan to enjoy this book. It's an amazing story. I couldn't even tell you how many times I've read it. In fact, I think I may have to read it again.....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2012
I remember seeing them skate on TV and being totally mesmerized by them. I was still a child and I was cheering them on and cried from joy when they got gold medals. I was heartbroken when Sergei died so young. As much as I loved this couple, I was disappointed in reading the book. Obviously, Ekaterina is NOT a writer by profession, so I can't expect a great prose from her, but still, I thought the book sounded like a teenage girl diary. Simple, naive, fairy-tale romantic.
July 3, 2014
I found this an interesting book and made me realize what an Olympic skater goes thru' in order to be good enough to win the Gold. It is definitely a love story of Gordeeva and Grinkov and their trials as they won 2 Gold Medals. Regardless of their circumstances they remained very much in love. I found it a little slow at times but I liked the ending as Ekaterina came to realize how protected her live had been as long as her husband lived. Very good book.
September 18, 2014
This was both a heart warming and heart breaking story. Katia Gordeeva writes honestly about her life, skating and her husband Sergei. It's obvious how much they loved each other and their daughter which makes Sergei's death all the more painful to read. I certainly cried and was touched by Katia's bravery and desire to pay tribute to Sergei's memory as well as making sure she and her daughter have a happy future.
Inspirational for sure!
Inspirational for sure!
March 7, 2016
This is the story of Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov told by Ekaterina "Katia". Ekaterina "Katia" Alexandrovna Gordeeva is a Russian figure skater. She was paired with Sergei Grinkov at a very young age to skate together. After many years of skating together they fell in love and married then had a child. On November 20, 1995 Sergei passed away of heart disease. Book is both uplifting and sad.
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