[1] They began competing on the ISU Junior Series in 1997, winning a silver medal and placing 4th at their two events.

The following season, Romaniuta / Barantsev won gold and silver on JGP series and qualified for their second Final, where they took the bronze medal.

In 1999–2000, Romaniuta / Barantsev won gold in every junior-level they entered, including the JGP Final and the 2000 World Junior Championships.

[2] They also made their senior international debut at the 2000 World Championships in Nice, France, finishing 16th.

[3] Romaniuta was born in Hungary because her father was serving there in the Soviet army, but was raised in Yekaterinburg.