Meet Naomi Nari Nam & Themistocles Leftheris

Coaches Peter Oppegard, Karen Kwan Oppegard Chreographer Peter Oppegard Training Facility EastWest Ice Palace Training Town Artesia, California Seasons Together 3

Up Close

Naomi Nari Nam and Themistocles Leftheris had their first try out in April 2005, two weeks after Naomi switched from singles to pairs skating.

"I was really quite nervous during our first try out. Because I had heard many great things about Themi, I wanted to skate well so he would want to skate with me," Naomi said.

"The tryout went great. We were both ecstatic," she said. "Themi and I had a great connection together both on and off of the ice. It only seemed like we were destined to skate together."

After becoming partners that month, Naomi decided to leave her coaches of 10 years, John Nicks, Jenni Meno and Todd Sand to skate with Peter Oppegard, who coached Themi.

"I thought the change of coaches and being in a new environment would be the best for a 'new start' in my career," Naomi said.

"Peter has definitely made me the pair skater I am today. He works us very hard so we can be prepared for our upcoming competitions," she said. "All three of us have definitely developed a trust and bond with each that no one can break."

Naomi and Themi train at the EastWest Ice in Artesia, California.

"I can't ask for a better training facility than the EastWest Ice Palace," Naomi said.