“The younger generation needs to rewatch the performances of Belousova and Protopopov” – Ilya Averbukh

Trainer and choreographer Ilya Averbukh in a conversation with , he called on the younger generation of skaters to reconsider the performances of Lyudmila Belousova and Oleg Protopopov.

On Friday, Skating Lesson announced that Protopopov had died at the age of 91. During his sports career, the skater performed in tandem with his wife Lyudmila Belousova. The duo won the USSR championships six times, the world and European championships four times, and won gold at the 1964 and 1968 Olympic Games.

— Of course, the figure skating legend has died. Lyudmila Belousova and Oleg Protopopov were outstanding figure skaters. These were two innovators who led pairs skating during these years. We must remember and appreciate it.

I always remember him performing at my ice show. This was the only time they performed in Russia, in Moscow, after leaving the USSR. It was the first and last time. I managed to convince him. These were very difficult negotiations. Their performance in Moscow will be remembered forever. I can be proud of it.

They devote themselves entirely to figure skating. They probably set a record for longevity, skating together at over 70 years old. Each of their performances was warmly received by the audience.

I think it makes sense for the younger generation to review their performance, even if the complexity of the programs is not the same. Every skater should know their main program “Dreams of Love”. Everyone involved in this sport should know the history of figure skating,” Averbukh told .

Belousova died in September 2017.