Elena was already a world-class pairs skater by the age of 15, skating
for Latvia with Oleg Shliakhov. In January of 1996, Shliakhov's skate
struck her in the head during practice and the blade penetrated her
skull. Elena made her return to the ice later that year with Anton
Sikharulidze. After less than a year together, they were European
medalists. In 1998, Elena and Anton won the Olympic silver medal and
the world championships.
Took karate lessons and art classes while living in Hackensack, New
Jersey. Elena even sketched a portrait of President Vladimir Putin at
an athlete reception following the 2002 Olympics and gave it to him!
Pairs figure skater with Anton Sikharulidze
Father, Viktor Berezhnoy, and mother, Tatiana Berezhnaya.
Has two brothers - one older, one younger.
Figure Skating coach is lengendary Russian coach, Tamara Moskvina.