Adelina was No1 Olympic Hope beginning from RusNats 2009.Unfortunately Sotnikova seenms unbeatable at Russian Nationals
If she skated good, she was unbeatable at RusNats afier that. But at RusNats-2010 she was 4th (mistaken), and at RusNats-2013 she was 3rd (fall in FS, and excellent skating of Liza - Olympic Hope No2, who became champion).
At RusNats-2012 many fans believe that really Lipnitskaia was better, but champion was Sotnikova.
At RusNats-2014 I (and not only me) believe that best was Radionova with absolutely clean skating. But politics - before olympics places 1 and 2 were granted to Olympic Team.
Hmmm...and Anna has twice had her worst performance of the last two years at Russian Nationals. I wish her good luck at Nationals next year!
At this and previous seasons RusNats are very strong competition in female skating. Only Worlds are stronger. Euro (where, except Russians, only Kosther was of very high level) and 4CC (at most ignored by best skaters) are weaker.
Anna's 5th place at RusNats-2013 is good enough, and adequate to her level (lower than in this season). This 5th place means not less than 3rd place of JrWorlds.
At RusNats-2014 were two reasons of Anna's 8th place:
1. Minor injury just before RusNats and mistakes because of it.
2. Politics. RusFed had Adelina and Julia for two Olympic spots and did not want third pretender. Anna because of this was underscored, her real place, I believe, was 5th or 6th.
The same politics why not-age-eligible Radionova was lowered to 3rd place.
I believe RusFed was right - Julia and Adelina were best choice for Olympics. We've seen excellent Julia's skating at Commands and Adelina's at Individuals (Adelina deserves medal, what medal - may be different views, but medal no doubt).
Just afier Olympics situation changed. Anna from "non-needed third" became one of skaters for new olympic cycle, needed for RusFed.
Judging at Final of Russian Cup was good for her (I mean no underscoring, she skated well), and she was sent to Worlds.
And once more - happy birthday to Anna!