Diana Davis (born January 16, 2003) is an American-Russian ice dancer who represents the United States. She previously competed for Russia. With her skating partner Gleb Smolkin, she is the 2022 Russian national silver medalist and a 2022 Olympian. Davis is the daughter of prominent figure skating coach Eteri Tutberidze.
Early Life and Background
Diana Davis was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Her mother is Eteri Tutberidze, a highly successful Russian figure skating coach known for training numerous Olympic and World champions. Davis began skating at a young age. She has a hearing impairment, which she manages with hearing aids, and has been open about this aspect of her life, inspiring many in the figure skating community.
Skating Career
Early Career
Davis initially competed as a single skater before transitioning to ice dance. She formed her partnership with Gleb Smolkin in 2018. The duo quickly established themselves on the junior international circuit.
Junior Career Highlights
Davis and Smolkin made their international junior debut during the 2018–19 season. They competed in the Junior Grand Prix (JGP) series, earning medals and demonstrating strong potential. Their notable achievements at the junior level include:
- 2019 JGP Chelyabinsk: Silver medal
- 2019 JGP Lake Placid: Bronze medal
They qualified for the Junior Grand Prix Final in 2019, finishing in fourth place. They also competed at the 2020 World Junior Championships, where they placed fifth.
Senior Career Highlights
Davis and Smolkin transitioned to the senior level for the 2021–22 season, a pivotal period in their career.
- 2021–22 Grand Prix Series: They competed in the Grand Prix events, notably securing a bronze medal at the 2021 CS Warsaw Cup, which helped them gain international experience.
- 2022 Russian Championships: The pair achieved a significant breakthrough by winning the silver medal at the Russian Figure Skating Championships. This strong performance earned them a spot on the Russian Olympic team.
- 2022 European Championships: They made their European Championships debut, finishing in seventh place.
- 2022 Winter Olympics (Beijing): Davis and Smolkin represented the Russian Olympic Committee at the Beijing Olympics. They finished 14th in the ice dance competition.
Change of Federation
Following the 2022 Olympic season and the international sanctions imposed on Russian athletes, Davis and Smolkin began training primarily in the United States. In 2023, they officially switched to represent the United States in international competitions. They made their debut representing the U.S. during the 2023–24 season.
Personal Life
Diana Davis is known for her close relationship with her mother, Eteri Tutberidze. She has openly discussed her hearing impairment, often serving as an advocate for individuals with disabilities in sports. She is also reportedly married to her skating partner, Gleb Smolkin.
Skating Style
Davis and Smolkin are known for their intricate lifts, strong technical elements, and developing artistry on the ice. Their programs often feature contemporary music and a blend of athleticism and expressiveness.
Competitive Results (Senior Level for Russia)
| Event | 2021–22 |
|---|---|
| Winter Olympics | 14th |
| World Championships | DNP |
| European Championships | 7th |
| Russian Championships | 2nd |
| CS Warsaw Cup | 3rd |
| Rostelecom Cup | 7th |
| NHK Trophy | 5th |
(Note: "DNP" denotes Did Not Participate. Results for the United States are from the 2023–24 season onwards.)
See Also
- Eteri Tutberidze: Her mother, a renowned figure skating coach.
- Gleb Smolkin: Her ice dance partner.
- Figure skating at the 2022 Winter Olympics – Ice dance