Ksenia Makarova
A graceful skater who carried the flag for a new generation of Russian women before a quiet retreat from the sport's spotlight.
Born 1992 (age 34)·Russian figure skater·Birthday: December 20·Millennials
Biography
Ksenia Makarova emerged at a pivotal moment in Russian figure skating. Born in the United States to Russian skating coaches, she chose to compete for her parents' homeland just as the nation was rebuilding its formidable women's program. With a style more lyrical and balletic than the explosive jumpers that would soon dominate, Makarova won the Russian national title in 2010 with a mature elegance that stood out. Her performance at the Vancouver Olympics that same year, where she placed a respectable 10th, represented a step in Russia's return to Olympic relevance in the women's event. While her competitive career was relatively brief and overshadowed by the technical revolution that followed, Makarova's artistry and her choice to skate for Russia provided a crucial bridge between eras. She later retired and returned to live in the United States, stepping away from the intense pressure of the sport.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ksenia was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ksenia Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Ksenia's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the 2010 Russian national champion, a key title during the country's rebuilding phase in women's skating.
- Represented Russia at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, finishing in 10th place.
- Won the silver medal at the 2010 Skate Canada International Grand Prix event.
- Was the 2009 Cup of Nice champion.
Did You Know?
She was born in New York, USA, and holds dual Russian and American citizenship.
Her parents, Oleg Makarov and Larisa Selezneva, were pairs skaters who won a bronze medal for the Soviet Union at the 1984 Olympics.
She trained for part of her career in Hackensack, New Jersey, with coaches including Viktor Petrenko.
After retiring, she has worked as a figure skating coach in the United States.
“I skate to tell a story with my body.”
