German · Kyiv, Ukraine · Born 19 January 1984German pairs team who won Olympic gold in 2018 with a world-record free skate, the culmination of Ukrainian-born Aliona Savchenko's fifth Olympic Games across three different partners.
Aliona Savchenko was born on 19 January 1984 in Kyiv, Ukraine, and began pairs skating internationally in 1999-2000, eventually representing Germany with partner Robin Szolkowy, with whom she won five World titles and two Olympic bronze medals (2010, 2014). After Szolkowy retired following Sochi 2014, Savchenko partnered with French-born skater Bruno Massot, who began training with her in April 2014. Because skating rules prevent partners from competing for two different countries, Massot had to be released by the French federation to switch allegiance to Germany, a process complicated by contract disputes that delayed his eligibility until October 2015. The pair achieved German citizenship for Massot in late 2017, just in time for the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, where they entered fourth after the short program before delivering a world-record free skate of 159.31 points, propelling them to gold ahead of China's Sui Wenjing and Han Cong by less than half a point. A month later, Savchenko and Massot won the 2018 World Championship with an even higher world-record free skate score of 162.86 points, giving Savchenko a career-record 11 World medals and sixth World title, tying Alexander Zaitsev for second on the all-time pairs list. The pair announced an indefinite break from competition shortly after, which became permanent by 2021, with Savchenko becoming a mother and Massot moving into coaching in France.
Winning Olympic gold with a world-record free skate score, capping Aliona Savchenko's remarkable fifth Olympic Games across three different partners
How They Played
Bold, daring pairs skaters renowned for their sky-high triple twist, difficult throw jumps and dramatic, emotionally charged programs
Lasting Impact
Remembered for one of the most dramatic comebacks in Olympic pairs skating history, rising from fourth place to gold with a career-defining performance
Career Honours
- 2018 Olympic Gold Medal
- 2018 World Championship (world-record free skate)
- Savchenko: 2x Olympic Bronze with previous partner Robin Szolkowy (2010, 2014)
- Savchenko: 11 career World medals, tying for 2nd all-time in pairs
German Athletes