Denkova/Staviski teamed up in 1996, when Albena's partner Hristo Nikolov retired. They are the first Bulgarian skaters to become World Champions (2006) and were the first to medal in an ISU World Championship (bronze medal at 2003 Worlds). Denkova was a gymnast before switching to skating. Denkova has been elected president of the Bulgarian Skating Federation in fall 2006. Staviski is orginally from Russia. The couple switched coaches following the 2004/2005 season. Coaches Linitchuk and Karpanosov are the 1980 Olympic Ice Dancing Champions. Denkova's younger sister Ina Demirova is also an ice dancer and competes internationally at the junior level.