Maikki Uotila


Maikki Uotila-Kraatz is a Finnish ice dancer. With Toni Mattila, she is the 1997 Finnish national champion and competed in the final segment at the 1996 European Championships.

Personal life

Uotila was born on 25 February 1977 in Espoo, Finland. She received a Bachelor of Arts in dance from Sarah Lawrence College in New York. In 2004, she settled in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She married Victor Kraatz on June 19, 2004. They have two sons – Oliver and Henry.

Career

Competitive

Uotila competed as a single skater until 1994, winning the junior silver medal at the 1992 Nordic Championships. In 1994, she switched to ice dancing, teaming up Toni Mattila. They competed in the free dance at the 1996 European Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, finishing 23rd. They also appeared at the 1996 World Championships in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, but were eliminated after the compulsory dances.
After two silver medals, Uotila/Mattila won the Finnish national title in the 1996–1997 season. They placed 26th at the 1997 European Championships in Paris, France. They were coached by Arja Wuorivirta and Martin Skotnicky. They ended their partnership in 1997 after three seasons together.
Uotila competed with Michel Bigras in the 1997–1998 season.

Post-competitive

Uotila coaches ice dancing at the BC Centre of Excellence. She has also worked as a dance instructor at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts in Burnaby.

Programs

SeasonOriginal danceFree dance
1996–1997

  • West Side Story
  • by Leonard Bernstein
    performed by the Boston Pops Orchestra
    choreo. by Shanti Ruchpaul

    Competitive highlights

    Ice dancing with Bigras

    Ice dancing with Mattila

    Ladies' singles

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