Uncertainty over who will be on Russian ladies team for Worlds

[tulosai]

Why? Ksensia got to go to 2 worlds and the Olympics skating for Russia; given her jump content I don't think the same could have been said in the US-maybe but not completely likely. She's gotten something out of skating for Russia.

I guess I can see both points. She did get an Olympics out of skating for Russia, and you're right that this would not have happened for her in the USA that ear against Mirai and Rachael unless Mirai and Rachael skated differently than they actually did. However, now, with the babies coming up, she's not going to be competitive in all likelihood in Russia and in fact probably could remain more competitive in the USA where, with the exception of Gracie, no one has the kind of jump content that Sot, Tuk, Julia, both Polinas consistently (bordering on always) do. I do think though that she is kind of doomed either way right now unless she can get a lutz or at a minimum a flip... ideally both, regardless of if she wants to skate for the USA or Russia. However, she is a lovely skater at times (her SP this year is my favorite of the season) and if she could improve her technical content she might make a resurgence. I don't think it's likely now though.

[seniorita]

However, even if their records were equal, unlike Ksenia, while Leonova's programs can certainly use some work and she certainly is not immune to mistakes, she has both a lutz and a flip and she rarely makes major jumping mistakes- there is the occasional fall but ....

An argument can be made if she has a lutz AND flip but other than that I agree and I like Alena, plus she really fights to keep till Sochi and that is admirable.

[chuckm]

Makarova never had the lutz, and in the past two years she has only been about 50% on the flip. She has had decent SPs but not-so-good FSs, and this seasons FS has been horrible both in concept and execution. Her 4th place at Russian Nationals was a superinflated gift, because she is not competitive with the young Russians and IMO in the future she won't be seen at Euros or Worlds again. She will have to be content with any Senior Bs the RFSF deems to give her.

Leonova has a pleasing personality and she is a far better performer than Makarova. She has a decent jump repertoire, ISU judges seem to love her, and I think RFSF will still give her plenty of international assignments.

[let`s talk]

I don't know what's going on anymore either. Sigh.

Right before the Europeans one of the Russian tabloids (eg.ru) published the article where some conflict between RFSF and Makarova's team were described. The reason of which was the invitation of Zagainov, who is also known as the Black Magician, to work with Ksenia. It was reported that Piseev tried to convince her father, a well-known fskater, to change Ksenia's coach, not to invite some controversial magician. Whatever was going on behind the curtains, the fact is Zagainov was not invited to the Russian Nationals. He also didn't get the accreditation for the Europeans in Sheffield. At that time the article could sound just some tabloid stuff. But now, after Makarova will possibly be kicked out from both the Wolds and Worlds Trophy, I tend to believe there can be some truth in that backstage story. The relationship between Makarova and RFSF doesn't seem like at its best.

[sky_fly20]

its in russian though, news about Shelepen

Piseev confirmed Shelepen might replace Makarova in the Worlds

http://sport.ria.ru/figure_skating/2...570645125.html

[drivingmissdaisy]

Hopefully they can decide soon. It seems a bit unfair to the skaters to hold off on this decision when all the information they need is already there.

[DianaSelene]

I read that Piseev said the decision will be made after the junior worlds. Maybe if she does well, they will replace Makarova?

[drivingmissdaisy]

I guess that would make sense, as they wouldn't want to send Shelepen if she has a meltdown at JW.