Ilinykh and Zhiganshin rise from the ashes

[gsk8]

Elena Ilinykh and Ruslan Zhiganshin of Russia, who were both successful in different partnerships, never planned to skate together. However, after the much discussed ice dance break-ups of the past season, they found themselves together.

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[MK's Winter]

Great article! I am so enamored with this team! Goooo Ruslena!!!!

 

[dorispulaski]

Thank you for the great interview!

We have all been wondering about Elena and Ruslan's side of the breakup and the formation of their new team.

 

[Alba]

Thank you for this article. I like Flade's interview in general.

 

[Sandpiper]

Wonderful interview! Interesting to hear they have many common topics outside of skating, hence why they get along well. Good luck to them at GPF and Nationals.

 

[Sam-Skwantch]

What a positive turn of events this whole story has become. They have become a source of inspiration and shown us all the value in pushing forward even in the face of uncertainty. All the while minimizing the negative stories that could have arisen from this situation. I will follow this pair and hope for their continued success.

Thank you GS for providing this

 

[Totentanz]

Very nice interview!! Wishing good luck to Elena and Ruslan, they can possibly medal at big championships in the next seasons.

 

[Kitt]

What a positive turn of events this whole story has become. They have become a source of inspiration and shown us all the value in pushing forward even in the face of uncertainty. All the while minimizing the negative stories that could have arisen from this situation. I will follow this pair and hope for their continued success.

Thank you GS for providing this

Agreed! Totally inspirational couple -- can't wait to see what they do next!

 

[CoyoteChris]

I am very happy for them. We need some good ice skating news about now. (can anyone name two other Russian Ice dance pairs who switched partners? ) But I have a technical question. In the US, I think, if you switch partners, you have to start at ground zero and head up through Sectionals to make it to nats and eventually to the GP circuit? I assume other countries have their own rules?

 

[Krunchii]

Thank you! I love how they radiate positivity and have so much drive to improve themselves, I hope they have a good outing in Barcelona

 

[Alba]

I am very happy for them. We need some good ice skating news about now. (can anyone name two other Russian Ice dance pairs who switched partners? )

Hum...nothing comes to my mind. I don't think there was. :think:

But I have a technical question. In the US, I think, if you switch partners, you have to start at ground zero and head up through Sectionals to make it to nats and eventually to the GP circuit? I assume other countries have their own rules?

I didn't know that. I'm curious to know how this works.

 

[peg]

(can anyone name two other Russian Ice dance pairs who switched partners?

I'm pretty sure that never happened. You must have been having a nightmare

 

[Abraxis12345]

I'm pretty sure that never happened. You must have been having a nightmare

Usova and Zhulin and Gristchuk and Platov, but it happened as pros. In pairs, Mukhortova and Lebedev and Shestakhova and Trankov swapped as juniors, and the new pairs won Jr Worlds in consecutive years. Shestakhova and Lebedev didn't last long and we all know what eventually happened to Mukhortova and Teankov.

 

[peg]

Usova and Zhulin and Gristchuk and Platov, but it happened as pros. In pairs, Mukhortova and Lebedev and Shestakhova and Trankov swapped as juniors, and the new pairs won Jr Worlds in consecutive years. Shestakhova and Lebedev didn't last long and we all know what eventually happened to Mukhortova and Teankov.

Clearly, we need a sarcasm font

 

[uhh]

I am very happy for them. We need some good ice skating news about now. (can anyone name two other Russian Ice dance pairs who switched partners? ) But I have a technical question. In the US, I think, if you switch partners, you have to start at ground zero and head up through Sectionals to make it to nats and eventually to the GP circuit? I assume other countries have their own rules?

They were entitled under the split couple rule to grand prix assignments thanks to where they placed at Worlds last year with their previous partners - this rule applies to skaters from any country, & also explains how Simon Shnapir & Deedee Leng got their assignments this year. As they have GP assignments, they get a bye to Russian Nationals, and didn't have to do the internal Russian Cup events. The only point where they have to completely start again is getting the TES minimum scores for Europeans & Worlds, which they managed in their very first competition.

 

[dorispulaski]

Clearly, we need a sarcasm font

We have one: :sarcasm:

whose name is ... sarcasm, if you check it out.

 

[Alchamei]

I adore them! Let's see what they will perform at GPF. I won't be dissapointed if they finish last with a good performance. I hope they will improve their free dance.

 

[Meoima]

I am just thrilled for I/Z. At the beginning of summer I didn't know they will work out like this. Awesome!

 

[Hyena]

I am just thrilled for I/Z. At the beginning of summer I didn't know they will work out like this. Awesome!

:thumbsup:

It makes me happy seeing THEM so happy out there on the ice and after their performances. That's what skating should be about, right? Just being out there and loving your sport.

 

[beabstress]

I adore them! Let's see what they will perform at GPF. I won't be dissapointed if they finish last with a good performance. I hope they will improve their free dance.

Yes. Just getting to the GPF is a HUGE accomplishment. I doubt this team has unrealistic goals about how they'll place at this competition. What a great chance to get more competition experience! I hope they enjoy their time in Barcelona.