From Russia With Love [#38]: Fall/Winter 2020

[binbinwinwin]

I think Trusova was someone who really benefitted from Daniil choreography even though I'm not a fan of his, when I saw her live as a junior I thought she had such interesting, eclectic energy on the ice and despite not being as technically complete as Shcherbakova and Kostornaia, I actually had the most fun watching her and became a fan. Her programs this season just seem a bit "store-bought" if that makes sense. I thought the placements were fair. Hope she gets some rest to recover properly from her injury.

Also general question about Russian skating, but is it possible for there be separate threads dedicated to each discipline? I find it a bit strange that for Russia where every field is so deep there is just one Russian skating thread here.

 

[Natanielle825]

Also general question about Russian skating, but is it possible for there be separate threads dedicated to each discipline? I find it a bit strange that for Russia where every field is so deep there is just one Russian skating thread here.

A whole thread just for Russian ladies? Sounds like a godless place

I still don't see a world in which the world championship takes place this year. As far as I'm aware, the US, Russia, Japan and Italy are like the only countries that had any competitions this year. If every other country has not even been holding domestic competitions, they're not going to randomly select a team to send abroad. And worlds won't be held for five countries, even if those countries hold a lot of top skaters. I could be wrong, but I'm betting they waste their time preparing then cancel.

It seems silly to make predictions but just for fun: seems Trusova and Kostornaia would have to fight for a third Olympic spot, and that's if Kostornaia returns to full force (and no one is injured). If Usacheva gets the triple axel and Kostornaia doesn't, she might take that spot. You wouldn't think triple axels could compete with quads but PCS is a funny thing, it can and has been used to bridge many a TCS gap at the federation's whim.

 

[mjb52]

There have been a lot of smaller competitions, including national ones in Europe. Go into the Kiss & Cry thread and you can get a better idea of what is going on. Canadian skaters have been the most restricted but I think even they competed in sectionals?

 

[NAOTMAA]

Watching the competition again and all I can say is poor Liza. Everyone's been talking about Anna's illness but Liza looks like she's still sick. Her face and movement, she looked like she was in a total daze and not all there. You could actually feel it yourself just by looking at her through the screen. I can't imagine how terrible she must be feeling. She was very brave to try, I hope she now starts really resting cause she needs it

 

[seabm7]

There have been a lot of smaller competitions, including national ones in Europe. Go into the Kiss & Cry thread and you can get a better idea of what is going on. Canadian skaters have been the most restricted but I think even they competed in sectionals?

Actually, since last March, there has been zero competitions in South Korea, except a few club competitions at Pohan Ice Rink.

 

[mjb52]

Wow, that really surprises me, since Japan has had a few and Japan and South Korea tend to be grouped together as success stories and societies that have more "normal" activity.

 

[seabm7]

Wow, that really surprises me, since Japan has had a few and Japan and South Korea tend to be grouped together as success stories and societies that have more "normal" activity.

They closed the national training center for skaters, since the dormitory next to it was used to house patients. Most of municipal rinks were closed to prevent the spread, so KSU had no ice surface to rent for competitions. KSU just managed to conduct level tests when a certain municipal rink was open for a few weeks.

Young You at NHK is the only Korean skater who could participate in a high level competition this season, both domestically and internationally.

 

[Ka3sha]

Russian National Champions are guaranteed a place on the Worlds team, decision about others will be made later.

Чемпионы России гарантировали себе право выступить на ЧМ

Чемпионы России по фигурному катанию гарантировали себе участие в чемпионате мира 2021 года, если он состоится, такое решение принято на исполкоме Федерации... РИА Новости Спорт, 27.12.2020

rsport.ria.ru

 

[taz'smum]

Russian National Champions are guaranteed a place on the Worlds team, decision about others will be made later.

Чемпионы России гарантировали себе право выступить на ЧМ

Чемпионы России по фигурному катанию гарантировали себе участие в чемпионате мира 2021 года, если он состоится, такое решение принято на исполкоме Федерации... РИА Новости Спорт, 27.12.2020

rsport.ria.ru

That seems a fair decision, as they need to see who is in competition shape nearer the time.
I'd imagine the Russian cup final in February will be the deciding competition.
Normally the silver and bronze medalists have to prove themselves worthy of Worlds at Euros anyway.
So nothing really lost for them.

 

[Perky Shae Lynn]

I think Trusova was someone who really benefitted from Daniil choreography even though I'm not a fan of his, when I saw her live as a junior I thought she had such interesting, eclectic energy on the ice and despite not being as technically complete as Shcherbakova and Kostornaia, I actually had the most fun watching her and became a fan. Her programs this season just seem a bit "store-bought" if that makes sense. I thought the placements were fair. Hope she gets some rest to recover properly from her injury.

I don't think it's Daniil's choreography that made her sparkle. It was her spirit. Sasha was a lot more confident, and skated with conviction. She had fun, and she was fun to watch. Things started going south last year. By the end of the season a bunch of things happened: Sasha was no longer treated like a unicorn, the novelty of seniors wore off, her confidence was shaken, and competition anxiety became an issue. She was never pushed to be a better overall skater as a junior, and now she's paying the price. The sparkling little jumper is gone and the well-rounded skater is not hatching, at least not yet. But I am not ready to give up on her. I hope she finds her groove again.

 

[Bigbird]

Funny. I love the new Sasha we're seeing. Especially in the LP. She was never going to be a tiny sprite forever was she? She has made her transition beautifully. Something Eteri has never done really with any skater. Plushenko and team will have many more students coming their way.

 

[Ka3sha]

2021/2022 Russian test skates will be in Chelyabinsk.

 

[taz'smum]

2021/2022 Russian test skates will be in Chelyabinsk.

Big money maker ...

 

[Ka3sha]

Evgenia Medvedeva, gala program from today

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f30kVnVpPVg

 

[Ka3sha]

The Fed announced that they plan to have three additional events somewhere in February and March for both seniors and juniors. I saw it on Russian boards, but can’t find the link now

 

[seabm7]

The Fed announced that they plan to have three additional events somewhere in February and March for both seniors and juniors. I saw it on Russian boards, but can’t find the link now

Here is one article mentioning the plan.

Федерация фигурного катания России объявила о новых турнирах и правилах отбора в сборную на ЧМ

Сегодня в Челябинске прошло заседание исполкома ФФКР.

www.sport-express.ru

 

[Bigbird]

Hope this means Mishina / Gallaimov have a chance to got to Worlds they are betetr thsn Boikova / Kozlovskii
maybe there is a 10% chance for Kostyornaia if she gets back her 3 axel and lose around 8 kilos.

If she cant get back together by next season, that is post Olympics
shes done unless she has the patience like Tuk to stay many more years with very unstable results

I see similarities with Kostornaia and Tuk (weight issue was why Tuktamysheva could not regain her triple axel until 2018), terrible growing pains disruption, Kostornaia gained so much weight and got the worst scenarios at the wrong time.

Aren't you not tired of yourself already?

 

[svea]

what is old school and new school skating?

 

[ChiquitaBanana]

We’re all talking about Worlds but who really think -outside the Russian bubble - it will take place? New KV variant in Britain, third wave in Japan/South Korea... . On the other hand, I am so grateful to the Russian skating community For skating and providing drama to my tedious days

 

[Perky Shae Lynn]

Watching Medvedeva gave me goosebumps. She is so beautiful.

I remember criticizing every aspect of her skating a few years ago. As fans we look for a perfect skater - and always find something to improve. I wish I had embraced Medvedeva for what she was, instead of focusing on imperfections. It's not often that you see a true heart of a champion; in my time, it's Katarina Witt, Michelle Kwan, Irina Slutskaya, Yuna Kim and Evgenia Medvedeva. Perfect or not, they were fierce competitors who came from a place of absolute love of skating - and left an incredible mark on the sport. Skating needs Medvedeva. Not sure she is physically able to come back and be competitive. I truly hope so.

 

[mjb52]

I just don't get it. Do people not notice that sports is happening all over the world? Maybe some people here only follow figure skating and nothing else?

 

[Sylvia]

Russia’s Skating Dynasty Meets Its Toughest Challenger - article by Louise Radnofsky today in the Wall Street Journal (behind a paywall):

Russia’s Skating Dynasty Meets Its Toughest Challenger: Coronavirus

The novel coronavirus has done the impossible, dulling Russia’s skating rat race almost as swiftly as it’s felled the country’s top skaters.

tinyurl.com

I can see the beginning part:

For decades, the Russian national figure skating championship has been so flush with talent that scratching a way to the podium was the toughest fight of the season for many international contenders.

This year, even making it to the entry list was brutal.

The novel coronavirus has done the impossible, dulling the country’s skating rat race almost as swiftly as it’s felled Russia’s top skaters, almost all of whom have announced positive tests this season or abruptly withdrawn from earlier events because of what they’ve called pneumonia.

The numbers would make an American professional sports franchise wince. More than one of these athletes have reported potentially career-ending complications from their bouts with Covid-19. A threat looms over their septuagenarian coaches, who have presided over Russia’s figure skating dynasty.

And still, the competition took place this week in Chelyabinsk, defined by its casualties more than the titles and berths awarded to tentatively scheduled international events.

ETA - you can try reading the entire WSJ article via Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/louiseradnofsky/status/1343236704761733121
Excerpt:

Kirill Lyovkin, secretary-general of the St. Petersburg federation, said that it was difficult to say why so many skaters had become ill, but that he hoped there would be no lasting consequences.
"Different people get sick. Unfortunately no one is immune from the disease. This should be analyzed by professionals and doctors. All athletes are under the medical supervision of specialists. All sports organizations have doctors. We have sports doctors for the city's national team. I hope that everything will be fine and everyone will be healthy and be able to compete successfully."

 

[mjb52]

That article is sort of fascinating, b/c it relates actual facts but in a slightly weird way. Thanks for calling S/K "world champions in waiting," lol. I love them but would not go quite that far yet...

 

[Scott512]

Indeed really bad timing

She has 1 more season to redeem
but this involvelosing at least 8-10 kilos for her to be competitive

10 kilos is over 20 freaking pounds. She can't lose that much weight she would be unhealthy.
How much do you think alyona weighs? My guess is about a 100 pounds. Remember she's very tiny a little over 5' tall if Alions lost 10 kilos she would be down in the seventies weight wise.
I just don't see it. If she lost 5 pounds that would be plenty.

 

[Tobbe]

Мария Талалайкина. Произвольная программа. Женщины. Чемпионат России по фигурному катанию 2021

Смотрите все видео Первого канала на https://www.1tv.ruСмотрите также прямое вещание Первого канала в Интернете на http://stream.1tv.ru/liveОфициальные ка...

www.youtube.com

Maria Talalaykina's magnificent Maleficent program is one of my favourites this year. It's choreographed by Alena Leonova and I think it's brilliant. And Maria sells it well...she IS Maleficent. That evil laugh - +100 PCS!!

It's crazy that this girl never had an international assignment when she would probably medal at any other countries Nationals. But that's the murdering competition that is Russian Ladies...

 

[binbinwinwin]

Wow, that really surprises me, since Japan has had a few and Japan and South Korea tend to be grouped together as success stories and societies that have more "normal" activity.

They are promoted as success stories because they want to prove lockdowns don't work while leaving out a lot of pertinent information. South Korea has no ICU beds left and Japan's medical system is on the brink of collapse according their doctors and nurses, Japan should really be getting as much flack for having audiences and holding competitions as Russia.

I don't think it's Daniil's choreography that made her sparkle. It was her spirit. Sasha was a lot more confident, and skated with conviction. She had fun, and she was fun to watch. Things started going south last year. By the end of the season a bunch of things happened: Sasha was no longer treated like a unicorn, the novelty of seniors wore off, her confidence was shaken, and competition anxiety became an issue. She was never pushed to be a better overall skater as a junior, and now she's paying the price. The sparkling little jumper is gone and the well-rounded skater is not hatching, at least not yet. But I am not ready to give up on her. I hope she finds her groove again.

No I found the packed choreography Daniil does really suited her, other skaters it looked busy but Trusova made me feel like she had a good variety of footwork and movement and I really, highly enjoyed her. I think it's too early to say whether or not she has confidence, it's more of a transitional period so there will be growing pains, it's not her "final form" I guess. Just that the choreography is underwhelming to me this year which isn't helping.

 

[Scott512]

Мария Талалайкина. Произвольная программа. Женщины. Чемпионат России по фигурному катанию 2021

Смотрите все видео Первого канала на https://www.1tv.ruСмотрите также прямое вещание Первого канала в Интернете на http://stream.1tv.ru/liveОфициальные ка...

www.youtube.com

Maria Talalaykina's magnificent Maleficent program is one of my favourites this year. It's choreographed by Alena Leonova and I think it's brilliant. And Maria sells it well...she IS Maleficent. That evil laugh - +100 PCS!!

It's crazy that this girl never had an international assignment when she would probably medal at any other countries Nationals. But that's the murdering competition that is Russian Ladies...

Crazy that this girl has such a great program and was underscored she usually is as are Little Liza and Nastya.

Can you really tell me that little Liza and Maria's performances were 30 points less than Dasha's?

 

[Meoima]

Мария Талалайкина. Произвольная программа. Женщины. Чемпионат России по фигурному катанию 2021

Смотрите все видео Первого канала на https://www.1tv.ruСмотрите также прямое вещание Первого канала в Интернете на http://stream.1tv.ru/liveОфициальные ка...

www.youtube.com

Maria Talalaykina's magnificent Maleficent program is one of my favourites this year. It's choreographed by Alena Leonova and I think it's brilliant. And Maria sells it well...she IS Maleficent. That evil laugh - +100 PCS!!

It's crazy that this girl never had an international assignment when she would probably medal at any other countries Nationals. But that's the murdering competition that is Russian Ladies...

That laugh was just brilliant.

 

[Tobbe]

Crazy that this girl has such a great program and was underscored she usually is as are Little Liza and Nastya.

Can you really tell me that little Liza and Maria's performances were 30 points less than Dasha's?

Well, they were a bit behind after the short (remember Maria had a fall). About 20 points behind in the long. Daria had higher tech plus both little Liza and Maria had URs and again weaker tech, while Daria had no mistakes.

But I agree, Daria's program is not my cup of tea, I loved Maria's and Liza's more, but the point system doesn't work that way. And unfortunately it doesn't take into account what you and I think...

 

[Vash01]

Well, they were a bit behind after the short (remember Maria had a fall). About 20 points behind in the long. Daria had higher tech plus both little Liza and Maria had URs and again weaker tech, while Daria had no mistakes.

But I agree, Daria's program is not my cup of tea, I loved Maria's and Liza's more, but the point system doesn't work that way. And unfortunately it doesn't take into account what you and I think...

I disagreed with Usacheva’s high marks because she had a stumble and a few more bobbles.