Elena was already a world-class pairs skater by the age of 15, skating for Latvia with Oleg Shliakhov. In January of 1996, Shliakhov's skate struck her in the head during practice and the blade penetrated her skull. Elena made her return to the ice later that year with Anton Sikharulidze. After less than a year together, they were European medalists. In 1998, Elena and Anton won the Olympic silver medal and the world championships.
