 |
 |
 |
 |
Spotlight: Angela Nikodinov, Figure Skater
 Click here for more on this story |
Posted: Friday March 05, 1999 12:47 PM
Nikodinov is poised to take on the competition. |
Born: May 9, 1980, Spartanburg, South Carolina
Residence: San Pedro, California
Upcoming Event: U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Salt Lake City, February 7-14
Worth Watching Because: In 1996, shortly after switching coaches, Nikodinov began a meteoric ascent in the free skate. New coach Peter Oppegard worked with Nikodinov to improve her "artistic expression", adding elegance and grace to the strong technical skills she already had. While her finishes in the last two U.S. championships -- fifth in 1998 and fourth in 1997 -- did not earn Nikodinov a spot on the U.S. World Team, she showed that she could challenge marquee skaters. Last October, Nikodinov surprised many by upsetting veteran Nicole Bobek to win bronze at Skate America 1998 in October. Armed with a strong work ethic and determination to win, Nikodinov now looks to jump from the national stage to the international arena. A medal at the U.S. championships could give her that opportunity.
Greatest Success: Winning bronze medal at 1998 Skate America.
Quote/Unquote: "Angela has as normal a family life as I've seen for somebody that skates," said Oppegard in Skating magazine. "A lot of people focus on skating when they get home. I think Angela has to clean her room like anybody else. Her parents have instilled that in her."
Cool Fact: Angela, whose parents are Bulgarian emigres, is fluent in Bulgarian and English. She also understands Russian and several Slavic languages.
Come back soon for a new women's sports Spotlight.
| Related information | |
| Stories | |
 Previous Women's Sports Spotlights | |
| Multimedia | |
|
Click here for the latest audio and video
| |
| Search our site | Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day |
| Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call 1-888-53-CNNSI. | |
Copyright © 1999 CNN/SI. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines.