Iryna Pidgaina and Artem Koval
Iryna Pidgaina and Artem Koval of Ukraine can look back on a standout 2024–2025 season filled with significant milestones. In the Junior Grand Prix (JGP) series, the young ice dancers earned a silver medal at their first event in Ankara, Turkey, in September. Two weeks later, they followed up with a gold medal in Ljubljana, Slovenia, where they earned all-new personal bests. These two victories secured them a spot at their first JGP Final, where they placed fourth.
Recently, the promising team placed fourth at the 2025 Junior World Championships in Debrecen, Hungary—11 spots higher than last year. They will continue to compete in the Junior ranks for the 2025–26 season and are poised to be top contenders at major Junior events as other teams will be moving up to the Senior ranks.
In this interview, Pidgaina and Koval team reflect on their journey together—from teaming up in Ukraine nearly four years ago to continuing their skating career in Vienna, Austria. This is the country they sought refuge in after the war forced them to leave home. They also open up about the struggles they and their families have faced during this difficult time for their country and how they have adjusted to life in Austria.
Looking ahead, they discuss their goals for the upcoming season and how they plan to take the next steps in their development. To wrap things up, we lighten the mood with a fun game—finding out who is most likely to become a coach, who would make the better singles skater, who’s the better cook, and more.
Tune in!
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