Key Highlights
- Anthony Ponomarenko’s parents, Marina Klimova and Sergei Ponomarenko, are former ice dancing medalists with a unique Olympic record.
- Anthony’s parents have coached him since his early years in figure skating.
- American ice dance team Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko are competing at the 2026 National Championships with world-class coaching.
The Legacy of Marina Klimova and Sergei Ponomarenko
Marina Klimova, born in 1966 in Yekaterinburg (formerly Sverdlovsk), moved to Moscow for her figure skating training. There she met Sergei Ponomarenko, with whom they formed an iconic ice dance partnership. Their journey from a pair of skaters to Olympic royalty is nothing short of remarkable.
In 1984, Klimova and Ponomarenko won the bronze medal at the Winter Olympics in Sarajevo.
They followed this up with another bronze at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. Their crowning achievement came in 1992 when they represented the Unified Team at the Winter Olympics in Albertville, winning a silver medal.
A Unique Olympic Record
What sets Klimova and Ponomarenko apart is their unique Olympic record: they are the only ice dancing pair to have won medals of every color. This makes them not just champions but legends in the world of figure skating.
After retiring from competitive skating, Klimova and Ponomarenko continued to make waves in the world of coaching. They moved to the United States, settling in the Bay Area where they have two sons: Tim (born 1998) and Anthony (born 2001).
Anthony’s Early Beginnings
Anthony’s parents didn’t initially want him to take up figure skating. They believed their sons would be “completely normal.” But from a young age, Anthony was drawn to the ice rink. He fell in love with it and quickly showed promise.
Klimova and Ponomarenko share their advice with their son, emphasizing that his partner is his best friend. “Nobody else matters except her,” says Anthony about Christina Carreira.
Coaching Legacy
Both Klimova and Ponomarenko continue to coach young figure skaters at Sharks Ice in San Jose, California. They also serve as ISU technical specialists for Russia. Sergei has remained a significant presence in his son’s career, providing regular technical feedback.
A Family of Champions
The Ponomarenkos and Klimovas have established a legacy that spans generations. Their story is one of perseverance, talent, and dedication to the sport they love. As Anthony competes at the 2026 National Championships, his parents’ influence remains a cornerstone of his success.
