Russian Skating Star Andrei Lutai:
Andrei Lutai's commitment to figure skating has paid off. He placed second at the Russian national figure skating championships in both 2007 and 2008. In 2007, he placed 5th at the European championships.
Date and Place of Birth:
Lutai was born on July 24, 1986 in Belgorod, Russia.
Skating Background:
Andrei began to skate when he was six years old. His older sister is a skating coach and was his first skating teacher. His older brother also skated.
Coaches and Training:
Alexei Mishin, the coach of 2006 Olympic figure skating champion,
Evgeni Plushenko, is Andrei's main coach. He also works with Mishin's wife, Tatiana Mishina. Year round, he trains about twenty hours a week with Mishin's select skating group in St. Petersburg, Russia. He has been training under Mishin since 2001.
Choreographer:
Tom Dickson is now considered Lutai's official choreographer. A trip to Colorado was arranged for the week of May 11, 2008 for Andrei to especially work with Dickson at the
Colorado Springs World Arena Ice Hall.
Favorite Skating Moves:
Andrei Lutai loves every part of figure skating. He especially likes jumps, spins, and footwork.
Quadruple Jump Combinations:
Like 2006 Olympic Champion, Evgeni Plushenko, Andrei Lutai is known for being able to do quadruple
jump combinations. Lutai explains his weight must be below a certain level in order to successfully do quadruple jumps.
Education, Hobbies, and Interests:
Lutai is a part-time student. He enjoys computer games and he also enjoys driving cars. He also likes to spend time with friends.
Goals and Dreams:
An Olympic gold medal is Andrei Lutai's goal. He also dreams of having a family and to be a success in whatever route life takes him.
