Yulia Kanakina

Yulia Kanakina was born on December 11, 1995, in Krasnoyarsk, Russia. Prior to her career in skeleton racing, she trained as a ballet dancer. Her introduction to skeleton occurred at the age of 14 when a physical education coach, scouting for talent for the Junior Olympic Games, identified her for her speed. Initially balancing both ballet and skeleton, Kanakina ultimately committed to skeleton racing. She began her international competitive career in 2011.

Kanakina’s career progressed rapidly. She was promoted to the World Cup squad during the 2014–15 season. A significant milestone was achieved in 2017 when she became the IBSF Junior World Champion in women’s skeleton in Sigulda. In the same year, she placed 26th in the senior IBSF World Championships. The following year, in 2018, she secured a silver medal at the Junior World Championships, finishing behind Anna Fernstädt. Kanakina continued to compete at a high level, participating in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, where she placed 11th in the women’s skeleton event. Her World Cup achievements include one silver and two bronze medals.

Following her marriage in 2022, Kanakina temporarily stepped away from skeleton racing in anticipation of her first child. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated commitment to the sport, from her early days balancing two demanding disciplines to her achievements on the international stage.