Karina Akopova & Nikita Rakmanin

[GoneWithTheWind]

Karina Akopova (Russian: Карина Акопова) was born June 16, 2003 and Nikita Rakmanin (Russian: Никита Рахманин) was born May 4, 1999. Together, they are pairs skaters representing Armenia.

Previously, the represented Russia and they teamed up in 2020. They are the 2021 CS Denis Ten Memorial and 2021 Budapest Trophy champions.

They train in Sochi and are coached by Fedor Klimov and Dmitri Savin.

Karina previously skated with Timofey Kuznetsov and Maxim Shagalov. Nikita previously skated with Elena Ivanova, Nadezhda Labazina and Sofia Buzaeva.

ISU Bio:
https://www.isuresults.com/bios/isufs00111801.htm

All Skaters Bios:
Karina: https://allskaters.info/karina_akopova/
Nikita: https://allskaters.info/nikita_rakhmanin/

Skating Scores Page:
https://skatingscores.com/rus/pairs/karina_akopova_nikita_rakhmanin/

Personal Best Scores​

Personal Best Total Score	188.85​	11.10.2025​	ISU CS Trialeti Trophy 2025
Personal Best Score Short Program	65.20​	02.09.2025​	ISU CS John Nicks Pairs Challenge International 2025
Personal Best Score Free Skating	123.71​	11.10.2025​	ISU CS Trialeti Trophy 2025

Programs:
2025/2026
SP: Artsakh by Ara Gervorkian
FS: Latkia's Theme (from "Slumdog Millionaire" soundtrack) by Alla Rakha Rahman
Ringa Ringa (from "Slumdog Millionaire" soundtrack) by Alla Rakha Rahman
Jai Ho (from "Slumdog Millionaire" soundtrack) by Alla Rakha Rahman

2021/2022
SP: The Phantom of the Opera by Nadim Naaman
FS: Stayin' Alive by Bee Gees; How Deep Is Your Love by Bee Gees

2020/2021
SP: Limelight; Theme from Modern Times; Modern Times by J-Five
FS: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy; Fall On My by Andrea Bocelli and Matteo Bocelli

Results:
Videos linked in results

Competition	Final Placement
REPRESENTING ARMENIA
Season 2025-2026
2026 Winter Olympics	14
2025 Armenian Nationals	1
2025 Skate America	6
2025 Trialeti Trophy	4
2025 Skate to Milano	2
2025 John Nicks Pairs Challenge	5
REPRESENTING RUSSIA
Season 2023-2024
2023 Russian Cup Stage IV	WD
2023 Russian Cup Stage II	5
Season 2022-2023
2022 Russian Cup IV	WD
2022 Russian Cup II	4
Season 2021-2022
2022 Russian Nationals	6
4 Stage of the Russian Cup 2021	2
Denis Ten Memorial Challenge 2021	1
Budapest Trophy 2021	1
1st Stage of the Russian Cup 2021	3
Season 2020-2021
Russian Cup final 2021	5
Russian Championship 2021	7
4th Stage of the Russian Cup 2020	5
1st Stage of the Russian Cup 2020	4

 

[gordana]

Thank you for starting the theard for this team.
I think, it would be interesting for the people to know that Karina Akopova tried to skate with Hector Giotopoulos-Moore of Australia, but wasn't released by RusFed, because they didn't want another Ekaterina Aleksandrovskaya, successful and competitive to Russian teams.
One more curious fact is that Karina and Nikita train in Sochi under Fedor Klimov and Dmitri Savin and they are the only Russian senior team in that international pairs squad.

 

[GoneWithTheWind]

Thank you for starting the theard for this team.
I think, it would be interesting for the people to know that Karina Akopova tried to skate with Hector Giotopoulos-Moore of Australia, but wasn't released by RusFed, because they didn't want another Ekaterina Aleksandrovskaya, successful and competitive to Russian teams.
One more curious fact is that Karina and Nikita train in Sochi under Fedor Klimov and Dmitri Savin and they are the only Russian senior team in that international pairs squad.

That's really interesting that Karina was going to potentially train in Australia. I'm glad both she and Hector have found other partners to be successful with.
I'll add the information about Karina and Nikita's coaches to the OP.

 

[skylark]

I fell in love with this team when I first saw them do their FS to the Beegees. They have so much personality on the ice and charisma. And I really love their throw jumps. Such confident landings! thank you for making this FF!

 

[flanker]

SP:

 

[PavelSky]

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

Thank you for starting the theard for this team.
I think, it would be interesting for the people to know that Karina Akopova tried to skate with Hector Giotopoulos-Moore of Australia, but wasn't released by RusFed, because they didn't want another Ekaterina Aleksandrovskaya, successful and competitive to Russian teams.
One more curious fact is that Karina and Nikita train in Sochi under Fedor Klimov and Dmitri Savin and they are the only Russian senior team in that international pairs squad.

So they will only release someone they think isn't as talented?

Isn't there a Russian lady skating with Magyar of Hungary? Did she get her release because her talent wasn't as valued?

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

I enjoyed watching Akopova/Rakhmanin at Russian Nationals. Good luck to them!

 

[gordana]

Isn't there a Russian lady skating with Magyar of Hungary? Did she get her release because her talent wasn't as valued?

Ioulia Schchetinina is of Russian heritage, born in Nizhny Novgorod, but as a skater she is totally Swiss. Her family moved to Switzerland in her early childhood and she began skating there and represented Switzerland with Noah Scherer until 2017/2018. So she got her release from the Swiss fed.

 

[LadyB]

Beautiful and super cute video by Channel One from Klimov Team in Kislovodsk, featuring Liza Tuktik!

https://vk.com/fstop2020?z=video-185544959_456250318/fcab9086b7eb5706ca/pl_wall_-185544959

 

[LadyB]

Karina spoke about their trainings camp in Kislovodsk

VK.com | VK

vk.com

Google translation:

" 'We are preparing gradually, distributing the load. There are a lot of runs, so that we have enough for the season. At the trainings camp, we skated a lot of programme layouts, and we trained with parachutes.'

The skater also noted the active participation of the bronze medallist of the 2019 Russian Championships in ice dancing and now coach Sofya Evdokimova in preparing the pair.

Karina: 'I think yes, she is growing as a coach. When she first joined us, she had no experience with adult athletes as such. We gradually got to know each other. We practise choreography in the hall, dancing, gliding and choreography in programmes, work on hands.' "

And here's the full interview:

Фигуристка Акопова рассказала, как они с Рахманиным провели сбор в Кисловодске

МОСКВА, 4 августа. /ТАСС/. Фигуристы сборной России спортивная пара Карина Акопова и Никита Рахманин уделили большое внимание физической..

vk.com

Google translate:

Figure skaters of the Russian national team sports couple Karina Akopova and Nikita Rakhmanin paid great attention to physical training at the training camp in Kislovodsk. Akopova told TASS about this on Thursday.

The skaters were at the training camp in Kislovodsk from 17 to 31 July.

“We are preparing gradually, distributing the load. We run a lot so that we have enough for the season, at the training camp in Kislovodsk we skated a lot of program layouts, trained with parachutes,” Akopova said.

The figure skater also noted the active participation of the bronze medalist of the 2019 Russian Championship in ice dancing, coach Sofya Evdokimova, in preparing the pair. “I think yes, she is growing as a coach, when she came to us, she didn’t have any experience with adult athletes as such. She gradually got to know us, and we got to know her. We have choreography with her in the hall, dancing, gliding and choreography in programs, work on hands," she added.

Akopova, 19, Rakhmanin, 23, the pair train in Sochi under the guidance of the 2014 Olympic champion in the team tournament Fyodor Klimov. At the Russian Championships in December 2021, Akopova and Rakhmanin placed sixth.

 

[LadyB]

Karina has a back injury, which will now be examined.
Speedy, but mainly thorough, recovery, babe!

Карина Акопова пройдет обследование в Москве в связи с травмой спины

Российская фигуристка Карина Акопова, выступающая в паре с Никитой Рахманиным, пройдет обследование в Москве.

www.sports.ru

Google translate:

Karina Akopova will be examined in Moscow due to a back injury​

Russian figure skater Karina Akopova , paired with Nikita Rakhmanin , will be examined in Moscow.
The day before, Akopova and Rakhmanin withdrew from the fourth stage of the Russian Grand Prix before the free program due to an injury to their partner.
“At the warm-up, Karina grabbed her back, I had to withdraw. This injury was already bothering her, there was an exacerbation. Karina remains in Moscow for examination and treatment, ”said the couple’s coach Fedor Klimov .



Published by Anna Lapteva
Source - TASS

 

[LadyB]

Karina posted about her injury on her Telegram channel:

Google translation:
"My last post on this channel was on March 23. A few days later, I started disturb the back (but not while skating, but while skiing).
And to this day I shine. I have been in Moscow since the beginning of December. I really want to go back to Sochi and train. I hope to fly away soon.
About my injury:
As you understand, it happened at the end of March last year. We didn't think it was serious and we continued moderate training. Then came the end of the season and holidays. I thought it was over within a month, but unfortunately this did not happen. We tried to delay practising more difficult elements until July, and then every day it got worse. I crawled to the skating - after that I stopped skating again and went to several doctors in Sochi and Moscow, but they all said there was nothing to worry about.
Nobody could explain what caused the pain.
Luckily, the pain eased a few days before the Sochi GP and everything started to work again and we were pleasantly surprised.
After proper training the SP went not too bad, but already during warm-up for the FS, my leg stopped holding, but I did not want to give up and we turned upfor the competition. I won't comment on our performance. We were hoping for a miracle and went to the next GP, on which I don't want to comment either.
After that, I went to the hospital where I met Mark [Kondratyuk]. Where else would we meet if not in hospital.
Then I returned to Sochi, we had a month to prepare for RusNats. On the very first day of training, the injury started to bother me no longer on triples and doubles, but on single jumps.
I tried not to give up and received several injections. When they failed to help,we decided to WD from RusNats. I flew toMoscow and started treatment again. Old injuries are making themselves felt. At the moment I have compression neuropathy and a bunch of other things, but I am being treated and I hope for the best. "

 

[LadyB]

Great news! Karina is seemingly recovering

Федор Климов: «Уже можно говорить, что Акопова восстановилась. Когда будут увеличиваться нагрузки, будем внимательно следить за ее состоянием»

Федор Климов: «Уже можно говорить, что Акопова восстановилась. Когда будут увеличиваться нагрузки, будем внимательно следить за ее состоянием» - Фигурное катание на Sports.ru

www.sports.ru

Google translate

Fedor Klimov: “We can already say that Akopova has recovered. When the load increases, we will closely monitor its condition.”​

Karina Akopova and Nikita Rakhmanin will start preparing for the season on May 15th.
This was announced by the coach of the sports couple Fedor Klimov.
Skaters missed the Russian championship due to a back injury from a partner.
“The treatment and recovery of Karina took a lot of time, so we tried not to force the load.
But now we can already say that Karina has recovered, and then, when the loads increase, we will closely monitor her condition.
Programs for the guys for the new season have been set, I won’t disclose their details yet, but I’ll say this - I like it.
Now Karina and Nikita have a few days of rest, but on May 15 we return to the ice and begin systematic preparations for the control skates, ”said Klimov.

 

[jimmbboe]

Saw them perform at the test skates. They looked good!!

 

[LadyB]

​

Google translation from sports.ru/17/10/23 - part 1

Karina Akopova: “Last year Tuktamysheva worked with me on jumping, and this year she came to look at the programs and advise me on something”​

Karina Akopova spoke about working with world champion Elizaveta Tuktamysheva.

– I know that outside specialists often come to you. Who did you manage to work with this year?

– Maxim Stavisky , Zhenya Tarasova, Maxim Marinin , Liza Tuktamysheva came to us . It’s interesting to listen to someone else’s opinion, because the coaches still have a blurred vision, they see the same thing every day.

When a new person comes, he says something that our coaches cannot see and offers interesting options. We love it when someone comes to train with us.

– Did Lisa work with you on jumping?

– Last year Lisa worked with me on jumping, and this year she came to watch the programs and give me some advice.

A new coach worked with us on jumping this year - Alexander Korelov. I started working with him on jumping in the spring, and he helped a lot, I thank him very much for that,” said Akopova , who performs in tandem with Nikita Rakhmanin .

 

[LadyB]

Google translation from sports.ru - 17/10/23 part 2

Akopova about her back injury: “It will come back constantly, it will be with me for the rest of my life. But I learned to deal with it"

Karina Akopova spoke about the health problems she had last season.

The figure skater missed part of the season due to a back injury.

— How was your recovery? What are the prognosis for the injury: can it be cured or will it always be with you?

- It will come back constantly, the injury is now with me for the rest of my life. But I learned to cope with it, to cope with my emotions. I try to work to the maximum.

The injury was very serious, very difficult, not even physically, but mentally. I was unable to compete in the free program at the Grand Prix in Moscow due to my psychological state. Not only did I have problems with my leg, with my back - a lot of things were mixed in, but I also started having panic attacks.

Just before the six-minute mark at the Grand Prix stage in Moscow, I started having a panic attack. Of course, I tried to cope with it, but the coaches said that it was better not to risk it. That's why we didn't perform.

After that, I immediately went to the hospital for two weeks, they didn’t really tell me anything. Firstly, they couldn’t make a diagnosis for a very long time—more than six months. Then I flew to Sochi and took blockade courses. They didn't help me either. Of course, we planned to compete at the Russian Championship, but given that even the blockades didn’t help, there was no point in trying to do anything.

I flew back to Moscow, was treated for more than two and a half months, went to rehabilitation, and only went on the ice in February. It was hard because if we tried something new, the next day I couldn’t do anything again. It turns out that we took a step forward and a few steps back because our backs were starting to bother us again.

— You’re great for not being afraid to talk about your psychological state. Have you worked with a psychologist?

- Yes, but now I don’t work anymore, because I don’t need it, I managed it. “I feel good,” Akopova said .

 

[lariko]

Hope to see them competing in the new season for Team Armenia.

 

[aroundtheworld778]

If they are healthy, they will for sure shake up the Olympic qualifying competition.

 

[lariko]

If they are healthy, they will for sure shake up the Olympic qualifying competition.

Honestly, I just want them to finally recover and skate internationally.