In October 2009, M & V graduated with honours from Glyndwr University in Wrexham.

After 3 years of studying the Applied Sport and Exercise Science course for an Honours degree, one thing is certain - M & V are as committed to excellence in their coaching careers.

Sport science sounds like an interesting degree, what does it entail?

Vitaliy:    We studied several core subjects, Sports Psychology, Anatomy & Physiology, Biomechanics and Coaching skills to name just a few. The biggest part of the degree was the dissertation. We both want to thank our volunteer ice skaters from around the U.K. who made our studies possible.

How do you manage University study and Coaching?

Marika:    Coaching skating is mostly at either end of the day, so University slotted right in between, but it was a tight schedule. Sometimes we only got to the campus on time because we rode on Vitaliy's motorbike and could pass the traffic jams!

So what inspired you both to take the same course?

Marika:    To begin with, University was all Vitaliy's idea. When he got the information through for his course my interest was piqued and I applied too! It has been great to expand our knowledge. We have already noticed how our coaching skills have developed as a consequence.

Were you pleased with your final result?

Vitaliy:     We are both very proud to have completed our degrees. I am continuing to study another degree in Physiotherapy.

Marika:    Many young ice skaters sacrifice their school years in pursuit of excellence. I was one of those kids because I left "normal" school life at 12 years old, so this was a really big deal for me. I can't wait to get my certificate and one of those daft pictures with the cap and gown.

I'm especially proud of Vitaliy. Getting a degree is hard enough, but his first language is Russian not English, so I am blown away by how well he's done!

Check out the courses at Glyndwr University, visit www.glyndwr.ac.uk

Pictured left: Marika & Vitaliy perform a dance lift on a force platform for Biomechanical research

Pictured right: Marika & Vitaliy graduate as Bachelors of Science with honours