Grethe Grunberg & Kristjan Rand
Kristjan Rand and Grethe Grunberg represent Estonia. In spring 2005, they won the Estonian (senior) National Championships and in the fall of 2005 they won their first Junior Grand Prix medal – a bronze – at the Tallinn Cup. They are coached by Lea Rand, Kristjan’s mother, and also train and work with Igor Shpilband and Marina Zoueva in Canton, Michigan.
When did you each start skating? Why did you start?
Kristjan: . I started skating at the age of five. My mother wanted to send me to play ice hockey, but there was only one group and Ii was too young for it. So, because my mother was a coach i started doing ice-dance.
When did you start skating together?
I’m not sure, but i think at the age of eight.
This season, you have worked with Igor Shpilband. How has this influenced your skating?
Igor helped us a lot and because of him we won our first grand-prix medal 🙂 He’s a great coach!
Are you training in the USA full-time?
We’re trying to train there as much as we can. Basically for the full season.
What is it like for you to be coached by your mom?
It’s a little hard to be trained by mother, because i’m not so afraid of her. Sometimes we argue, but things like this happen and all in all she’s a good coach
What is your favorite type of music to skate to?
I don’t have any favourites, because i’m not the one who decides, usually. It’s a coach who decides, and I always agree 🙂
What do you think about the new judging system?
I really like it. I’ve got used to it and i think it’s better than the old one. It’s interesting to see your points and levels and so you can see what needs to be changed.
What are your goals for this season?
I would like to be at least top ten at Junior Worlds this season, and to be more exact – 8th.
Who are the skaters that you look up to as role models?
My biggest role model has and always will be Evgeni Platov, he’s the greatest! I also like Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, who are very talented. That’s why I enjoy skating in Igor’s group.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time (hobbies)?
I love soccer, its the best game and sport in the world!!! Its a good way to spend your free time with friends and have fun. In addition, a lot of skaters are good soccer players.