Alexei Kiliakov

Early years

Although born in the U.S., Kiliakov and his parents also have Israeli citizenship. Therefore, it was not a difficult choice to represent Israel when teaming up with Tkachenko. “It was the right time,” said Kiliakov of the switch. “Representing Israel brings more responsibility in a way, because when you receive an opportunity for more international events, you need to be ready as an athlete to show good results.”^[1]

While competing for the US, the team placed 12th at their Junior Grand Prix in France in 2019. After the switch to Israel, they placed eighth in both their Junior Grand Prix events during the 2022–23 season. The team also finished 13th and 11th at the World Junior Figure Skating Championships in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

2023–24 season

The team had a successful season in their final year competing in the junior ranks. They medaled at both of their individual Junior Grand Prix events (Czech Republic and Italy) and qualified for the 2023-24 Junior Grand Prix Final where they won silver. “We are so happy that our hard work paid off,” said Kiliakov after the free dance. “We did a lot to improve this season. This music is from a contemporary ballet by Christopher Dean about political depression in South America. The music is very beautiful, and we watched the ballet a few times. The costume in the original play is body paint and of course we couldn't do that, but we tried to get as close to the original as possible.”^[3]

Kiliakov and Tkachenko went on to win the silver at the 2024 World Junior Figure Skating Championships and in doing so, became the first Israeli team to win a medal at this event.^[4] “It feels great to have won a medal,” said Kiliakov. “This free dance was definitely something special, but it showed us what we are capable of and motivates us to create something new.”^[4]

Ice dance with Elizabeth Tkachenko

Ice dance with Elizabeth Tkachenko (for Israel)

Ice dance with Elizabeth Tkachenko (for the United States)