Savchenko/Szolkowy are the first German skaters to win an European title in 12 years when they took the gold in 2007 and the first Germans to win Worlds in 11 years (in 2008). They are also the first German figure skaters to medal at the Olympic Games in 12 years. Their coach Ingo Steuer won Europeans with partner Mandy Wötzel in 1995, Worlds in 1997 and Olympic bronze in 1998. Savchenko is the 2000 World Junior Pairs Champion (with Stanislav Morozov), competing for the Ukraine. After her partnership with Morozov dissolved in 2002, she eventually moved to Germany in 2003 to team up with Szolkowy. Savchenko/Szolkowy won the 2004 German Nationals after skating together for just a few months. Savchenko obtained German citizenship in January 2006. She is often designing the costumes for the couple. The couple has performed the throw triple Axel in competition.