Trivia

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.

Partnership with former partner, Oleg Shliakhov, ended after a near-fatal accident. Shliakhov's skating blade accidently pierced Berezhnaya's skull whilst practising routine side-by-side spins. Berezhnaya went on to make a full recovery after life-threatening injuries, but it marked the end of Shliakhov and Berezhnaya's skating partnership. Berezhnaya went on to skate for Russia with fellow Russian skater, Anton Sikharulidze, and later became World, Olympic and European champions.

Won the co-gold with her partner Anton and the Canadians Jamie Sale and David Pellieter.

Won the Silver medal with Anton in the 1998 Winter Olympics.

Favorite skating element to perform are throw jumps.

In the summer of 2001, Elena's family opened a café named Axel in Nevinnomissk. Elena painted murals of the night time sky on the walls and the café is being managed by her older brother.

Since they won the Olympic silver medal in 1998 and none was awarded in 2002, Elena and Anton could be called the reigning Olympic gold and silver medalists!

Performed with "Stars on Ice" during their 2003-2004 touring season.

Her pairs partner, Anton, calls Elena Kisa, which means 'kitten' in Russian, while she calls him Kislota--acid.

Has been in a relationship with Steven Cousins since 2005.

Gave birth to her 1st child at age 29, a son Tristan Cousins on October 6, 2007. Child's father is her former husband, Steven Cousins.

Gave birth to her 2nd child at age 31, a daughter Sophia-Diana Cousins on June 21, 2009. Child's father is her former husband, Steven Cousins.