Michael Shmerkin | |
---|---|
Personal information | |
Country represented | Israel |
Born |
Odessa, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union |
5 February 1970
Height | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) |
Former coach | Valentin Nikolayev, Galina Zmievskaya |
Skating club | Canada Centre, Metulla, ISR |
Retired | 2002 |
Michael "Misha" Shmerkin (born 5 February 1970) is an Israeli former competitive figure skater.
Early in his career, Shmerkin competed internationally for the Soviet Union, most notably at the 1984 World Junior Championships, where he placed fifth.
Shmerkin moved with his family to Israel in 1991, and Shmerkin began representing his new country in international competition.
At the 1994 Winter Olympics, where he placed 16th, Shmerkin became the first skater to represent Israel at the Olympic Games. He placed 18th at the 1998 Winter Olympics.
In the late 1990s he skated to Jewish songs and had a tallis and menorah embroidered on his costume.
He retired from competitive skating following the 2001/2002 season.
Shmerkin currently coaches in New York.
GP: Champions Series/Grand Prix