Famous figure skaters Lyudmila Belousova and Oleg Protopopov passed away in Switzerland on September 12, 2021. The news of their deaths has left the figure skating community and fans around the world in shock and mourning.
Belousova and Protopopov were a legendary pair in the world of figure skating, known for their grace, precision, and unparalleled chemistry on the ice. They were the first Soviet figure skaters to win an Olympic gold medal, and their performances captivated audiences for decades.
Born in 1935 in Moscow, Belousova and Protopopov began skating together in 1954 and quickly rose to prominence in the Soviet Union. They won their first national title in 1957 and went on to win four consecutive world championships from 1965 to 1968. Their most memorable performance came at the 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria, where they won the gold medal and captured the hearts of the world with their emotional and flawless routine.
After their Olympic success, Belousova and Protopopov became international stars, performing in shows and competitions around the world. They were known for their innovative lifts and spins, which pushed the boundaries of traditional figure skating and earned them the nickname “the ballet on ice.”
In 1979, Belousova and Protopopov defected from the Soviet Union and settled in Switzerland, where they continued to skate and coach. They became Swiss citizens in 1995 and were inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1979.
The couple’s love for each other and for skating was evident in every performance, and their partnership on and off the ice was an inspiration to many. They were married for over 50 years and remained devoted to each other until the end.
The news of their passing has been met with an outpouring of love and admiration from the figure skating community. Skaters, coaches, and fans have taken to social media to express their condolences and share their memories of Belousova and Protopopov.
Fellow figure skating legend and Olympic gold medalist, Scott Hamilton, paid tribute to the pair on Twitter, saying, “Lyudmila and Oleg were the epitome of grace, elegance, and love on the ice. They will be deeply missed but their legacy will live on forever.”
Belousova and Protopopov’s impact on the sport of figure skating cannot be overstated. They paved the way for future generations of skaters and inspired countless people around the world with their artistry and passion for the sport.
Their legacy will continue to live on through the many skaters they coached and the memories they have left behind. Belousova and Protopopov will always be remembered as two of the greatest figure skaters of all time, and their contributions to the sport will never be forgotten.
As we say goodbye to these two beloved figure skating icons, let us remember them not with sadness, but with gratitude for the joy and inspiration they brought to our lives. Rest in peace, Lyudmila Belousova and Oleg Protopopov. Your legacy will live on forever.
