Career
She represented Russia at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. Early years
In 2005 Avvakumova changed from cross country skiing to ski jumping. In 2011, she took part in her first event in Lillehammer, placing 40th. debut (2012)
In 2012 her best results are the 13th and 14th position in Zao and Hinzenbach respectively.
With her Russian team she placed 11th in Lillehammer (23 November 2012).
World Championships (2013)
In 2013 she represented Russia in the World Championships in Val di Fiemme and placed 13th in the individual ranking and 9th in the team ranking. In the series Avvakumova established herself among the world"s best female jumpers placing third and second at Hinterzarten.
Avvakumova"s coaches are Konstantin Shaitanov, Roman Kerov and Roman Pashkin. Standings
Wins
Since 2009 Avvakumova has studied sports at the Moscow State Academy of Physical Education, Youth and Tourism МГАФК (Московская государственная академия физической культуры, formerly known as МОГИФК) in Malakhovka.
Avvakumova lives in Chulkovo (Чулково), a small village south east of Moscow.
Her mother Svetlana (Светлана Сергеевна Тактаева) is a teacher at the СОШ №20, the local high school Irina attended. In Russian media and in several rankings, Avvakumova"s maiden name Taktaeva (also Taktayeva, Russian Тактаева) is also used or rather used again. On 23 December 2011, Irina Taktaeva married Maxim Avvakumov and from 2012/2013 on all rankings should have changed to Avvakumova, as did the FIS ranking.
Irina"s father"s surname, Taktaev, is of Tatar origin and her father Andrey is from Izhevsk (Ижевск), but Irina herself emphasizes that she is completely Russian.