Names/Marina/Marina Anissina
AthleteRussian1975 – present

Marina Anissina

Olympic gold medalist in ice dance (2002)

Biography

Marina Anissina (born July 30, 1975) is a retired Russian ice dancer who became one of the most successful dancers of her era. Partnered with Gwendal Peizerat for much of her competitive career, Anissina won the gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, one of ice dancing's most prestigious achievements. The pair were known for their innovative choreography, technical precision, and emotional expressiveness on ice. Anissina and Peizerat won five European Championships and three World Championships during their partnership, establishing themselves as dominant forces in ice dance during the 1990s and early 2000s. Their performances were characterized by seamless transitions, complex footwork, and an ability to convey profound emotion through movement. After retiring from competitive skating, Anissina continued her involvement in ice dance as a coach and choreographer, passing on her knowledge and artistic vision to the next generation of skaters. Her influence on ice dance technique and presentation remains significant in the sport.

The Name Marina

Marina is a traditional Russian name; Anissina's prominence as an Olympic champion and world-class athlete has strengthened the name's association with grace, strength, and international achievement.

Quick Facts
Category

Athlete

Nationality

Russian

Born

1975

Thinking about the name

Marina

Latin origin

The feminine form of Marin, also derived from Latin marinus meaning 'of the sea.' Marina gained prominence in the 20th century as both a literary name and a royal choice, notably borne by Princess Marina of Greece. The name conveys sophistication and a connection to the ocean, with strong appeal in Mediterranean and Eastern European cultures.