Yulia Lipnitskaya

[Noolan]

My questions as well

For the federation, the most important thing is sending the strongest skaters who have the best chance to win. So they look at the results and figure out who's the strongest this season. Seems reasonable to me. The nationals are supposed to be the most important competition for figuring out who goes to Europe, but if a strong skater fails at the nationals, that doesn't necessarily mean he's not going to Europe. Remember, the goal is to send the strongest.

 

[Yamita]

Well ... Yulia is still World #2 (behind Mao) if that counts. http://www.isuresults.com/ws/ws/wsladies.htm
Knowing that she looks forward to competing at the Nationals is good enough for me to sleep reasonably well at night.

At the Nationals, Yulia needs to convince herself that her LP is 100% ready so that she will not be forced to overthink. She can then skate as herself and leave all the anxiety to crazy fans like us.

 

[Yamita]

For the federation, the most important thing is sending the strongest skaters who have the best chance to win. So they look at the results and figure out who's the strongest this season. Seems reasonable to me. The nationals are supposed to be the most important competition for figuring out who goes to Europe, but if a strong skater fails at the nationals, that doesn't necessarily mean he's not going to Europe. Remember, the goal is to send the strongest.

So it does not seem to be an easy job for whoever makes the decision at Russian Fed. He/she/they need to bear the consequence (skaters/coaches/public complaints) if wrong prediction/selections are made. I assume it competes for funding with other sports as well.

 

[Alba]

The problem with sending Yulia is that she a) hasn't had a great season so far b) there are other girls who are competitive at Europeans/Worlds, whether it's Anna, Alena, or Adelina. I think Yulia needs one solid LP under her belt--whether it's at Nationals or a Senior B--or else it's going to look corrupt. (I say look corrupt, not is corrupt). Especially if one of Anna or Alena has a somewhat decent showing at Nationals.

I don't think she will be sent at Worlds, if she is going to have problems with her LP at Nationals.
My point last night was that IF they (Eteri and Yulia) had chosen to change the program, and with that program she has no problems, then she would've defenitely been sent to Worlds, even without competing at Nationals.

So it does not seem to be an easy job for whoever makes the decision at Russian Fed. He/she/they need to bear the consequence (skaters/coaches/public complaints) if wrong prediction/selections are made.

Yes. Look with Plushenko case and the Olympics.
The truth is that Kovtun was not a secure bet either, in all honesty. Plushenko on the other hand was not a young boy anymore, but perhaps they thought that with his reputation and condition before the Olympics he could be able to deliver.

In another occasion Kovtun was sent to Worlds instead of Menshov, and Kovtun didn't have a good performance there.

How much politic is involved? Who knows.
Some say Wagner was sent to the Olympics because of her sponsors. Judging afterwords, I think USA Fed was right, but who's to say haw Nagasu would've performed there? Maybe she would've had the sakting of her life.

You never know for sure, it's always a risk.

 

[mat]

...
My point last night was that IF they (Eteri and Yulia) had chosen to change the program, and with that program she has no problems, then she would've defenitely been sent to Worlds, even without competing at Nationals.
...

It's not the skates, legs, jumping, training, programs, music or something like that. The problem is in her head and an environment where she is. Solutions to this problem: 1.To change coaches. They had exhausted themselves. They were able to raise it, but don't know what to do with it today. The control they lost in the last season. Let it looks doubtful, but it should be done. 2. Throw all computers, forget about the TV and Newspapers. She became dependent information dependent attention to her. This is a worse drug. 3. More energy to study, to go beyond the usual communication (narrow circle of persons, related to figure skating). In other words, she needs to grow up. Only then will she come out of the impasse, reduce breakdowns, get rid of fears, insecurities and confusion that swept over her.

 

[Alba]

It's not the skates, legs, jumping, training, programs, music or something like that. The problem is in her head and an environment where she is.

And if you have read my comments, you would see that I've said many times there is nothing wrong with the program. The problem is in her head.
I'm talking about something else here. A discussion we had last night.
It's not actually my opinion.

About the enivironment, I have read nothing negative about it, or reports that would suggest something is wrong. Do you have more information? Please share, I'm very much interested.

Solutions to this problem: 1.To change coaches. They had exhausted themselves. They were able to raise it, but don't know what to do with it today. The control they lost in the last season. Let it looks doubtful, but it should be done.

Again, based on what you say that? Does she has bad programs? Has her technique worsen? They lost control in which sense? Please elaborate a bit.

2. Throw all computers, forget about the TV and Newspapers. She became dependent information dependent attention to her. This is a worse drug.

Whe did you see that? How do you know that she has becaome depended information/attention to her?

3. More energy to study, to go beyond the usual communication (narrow circle of persons, related to figure skating).

More energy to study? What are you talking about? She just gave her exames and she is about to have some more in Jan. and intend to graduates 2 years in advance.

And what do you know about her circle of persons?
She just said in her last interview she never had interest to listen to people before, and all she would do is listen to music. She also said in the past that she didn't have many friends, even few.

In other words, she needs to grow up. Only then will she come out of the impasse, reduce breakdowns, get rid of fears, insecurities and confusion that swept over her.

Wow. What a crime being 16 (or 40 for that matter) and have breakdowns.
How wonderful must be, to be always perfect and without a problem in the world.

 

[mat]

...

Don't be angry, please. I also worry about her failures as you do. She said: I don't understand why fell again. This is repeated with February and coaches can't return it to its normal state, which we are all happy to see. About what her limited circle of friends were talking and she and her coach. Any special information from her close circle I do not have. These are just observations and conclusions. But little acquainted with the world of Russian sports.

 

[Meoima]

I think the point is Yulia wants to do her best but it seems she doesn't know why it's not working. Like she didn't enjoy her LP. Obviously it's in her head. I don't know what makes her failed in the LP while Eteri said she did really well in practice.

There's this thing popped up in my mind when I read Yuzuru's interview. He explained why he didn't do well at NHK. And he said something like "I told myself to do it as in practice, and at the moment I thought about that, I failed. Because practice is not real competition." It's like no matter how well you can do in practice, it's not enough. You need to feel that you are constantly in competition or something like that.

I don't understand much about top athletes' mindset. But I think Yuzuru has a point. Maybe Yulia needs to compete more and more in senior B, to gain her killer instinct back. Practice is not enough because in practice you can do well most of the time. And maybe that's the reason Liza has constantly participated in so many senior B competitions this season. To regain her competitive mood.

 

[tristin]

It's not the skates, legs, jumping, training, programs, music or something like that. The problem is in her head and an environment where she is. Solutions to this problem: 1.To change coaches. They had exhausted themselves. They were able to raise it, but don't know what to do with it today. The control they lost in the last season. Let it looks doubtful, but it should be done. 2. Throw all computers, forget about the TV and Newspapers. She became dependent information dependent attention to her. This is a worse drug. 3. More energy to study, to go beyond the usual communication (narrow circle of persons, related to figure skating). In other words, she needs to grow up. Only then will she come out of the impasse, reduce breakdowns, get rid of fears, insecurities and confusion that swept over her.

+1
My opinion is the same in some ways. First, when your coach has 50 students more and some of them are your direct competitors and she may not be aware of you and makes every second day stressful and a competition its mentally exhausting. Sometimes the changes are good, and Yulia seems to be a person that fits the known. For me, and it's my opinion, the best thing to do is leave Russia and find another coach, as they other skaters did( it's no easy, I know). Otherwise, wait until September because the choreographer is busy with his shows is not logical. There are many good choreographers, and they could do a change of choreographer, because all are very repetitive, and judges are no longer surprised, and musics with more strength, if you still do not know how to express well, you need a music take you.

With respect to friends ... she is not a social person, but when she learns how much others can teach and how relate with others, not only the Russians, you see that much more fun the skating can be. .. she must learn to relax with others.

is just my opinion, but I think even she did not change her environment, there will be nothing positive in her skating .... and please Yulia, change the costume and hairstyle in the SP... Your body is not a girl anymore. She has got a lot of talent, only needs step foward

Sorry for my English..

 

[adelia]

Hmm... I think things just need time. Time, patience and a systematic logical approach. Drastic changes at this point will probably not help, whether it is changing the program or changing the coach. It is important to think about the long term.

 

[mat]

+1
... leave Russia and find another coach, as they other skaters did (it's no easy, I know)...

My advice: be careful with such radical proposals. Moreover, in Russia, there are many excellent coaches and choreographers and there is no sense to go somewhere.

 

[Yamita]

I had a silly thought along Meoima's line: Maybe Yulia can invite 100 of her loyal fans to cheer for her in 2 or 3 of her training sessions to create the atmosphere of an competition. That way she can simulate the experience and analyze it. Then I thought this idea might not be practical and effective, so I did not post it. (well ... I still did it, didn't I? )

Point is baby step is not a bad idea at all.

 

[sjid]

It's not the skates, legs, jumping, training, programs, music or something like that. The problem is in her head and an environment where she is. Solutions to this problem: 1.To change coaches. They had exhausted themselves. They were able to raise it, but don't know what to do with it today. The control they lost in the last season. Let it looks doubtful, but it should be done. 2. Throw all computers, forget about the TV and Newspapers. She became dependent information dependent attention to her. This is a worse drug. 3. More energy to study, to go beyond the usual communication (narrow circle of persons, related to figure skating). In other words, she needs to grow up. Only then will she come out of the impasse, reduce breakdowns, get rid of fears, insecurities and confusion that swept over her.

Mat, This situation is as complex as any I know. Neither you nor I will be able to offer substantive advice or solutions. You will learn the most if you read intervews with Yulia, the more the better. Listen to what she says sympathetically and let that serve as a basis for anything you say or think. Saying it is in her head is like saying a medical condition is in the chest. It is nebulous, it offers no insight. I suggest you also read through this forum, where you will find many interesting thoughts and much sympathy, but they will change nothing. She is in a system that is all about maximizing physical achievement, it ignores every other dimension of human existence. Such narrowness always carries a cost, the degree depends on the individual. The system could be changed quickly and easily, and that tells you it is here to stay. We can only hope, pray that Yulia finds peace sooner than later.

 

[tristin]

My advice: be careful with such radical proposals. Moreover, in Russia, there are many excellent coaches and choreographers and there is no sense to go somewhere.

Part of the problem, it's Russia, media y all the competition between the girls... The next year will be Radionova, Liza, Adelina, Anna, Serafima y Evgenia and maybe more... and she trains with 2 of them and they're very very good...sometimes the tranquility of remoteness is beneficial and also her mother always goes with her. But I repeat, it's only my opinion.. she will do whatever she wants, so....

 

[Sandpiper]

I don't think she will be sent at Worlds, if she is going to have problems with her LP at Nationals.
My point last night was that IF they (Eteri and Yulia) had chosen to change the program, and with that program she has no problems, then she would've defenitely been sent to Worlds, even without competing at Nationals.

But how will Eteri and Yulia know the new program "has no problems"? Even if it works in practice, that doesn't mean it's going to hit off in competition (See the interview with Adelina's coach I referenced before--perfect practices and kept falling apart in competition). And, even if they did know it had no problems... how will they convince the Russian Federation of that?

This isn't like either of the Kovtun situations. Anna, Adelina, and even Alena are more competitive internationally than Kovtun or Menshov were at the time. The Russian Fed has fewer choices in the men's field.

Now, if Adelina's still injured, and Anna and Alena both bomb Nationals, Yulia will probably get sent to Europeans/Worlds even if she doesn't compete. But if Anna/Alena skate well, or if Adelina says she'll be ready by Europeans, then imo, Yulia needs one good (not totally clean, but solid) skate under her belt. If not at Nationals, then at least some Senior B before Europeans. I don't see them sending her if she doesn't compete at all until Worlds.

 

[Yamita]

Part of the problem, it's Russia, media y all the competition between the girls... The next year will be Radionova, Liza, Adelina, Anna, Serafima y Evgenia and maybe more... and she trains with 2 of them and they're very very good...sometimes the tranquility of remoteness is beneficial and also her mother always goes with her. But I repeat, it's only my opinion.. she will do whatever she wants, so....

trishin, thank you for your thought but I respectfully disagree. With Yulia's talent, she will have too much media attention anywhere in the world. High competitiveness in Russia is exactly what makes Yulia and other Russian girls so strong in figure skating. Also, moving to a different country will bring culture shock, which might drive her into isolation (like you indicated she is already not very sociable). On top of those, I feel that Yulia is very proud of her own country. I really do not see the possibility (as least for now).

 

[Alba]

Don't be angry, please. I also worry about her failures as you do. She said: I don't understand why fell again. This is repeated with February and coaches can't return it to its normal state, which we are all happy to see. About what her limited circle of friends were talking and she and her coach. Any special information from her close circle I do not have. These are just observations and conclusions. But little acquainted with the world of Russian sports.

I'm not angry. Sorry if I sounde like that. I'm asking, really.
Your comment had a pretty solid conviction sound. As someone who knows what's going on there, with her. About her not studying enough, her being dependent attention/informations about her (?), her friends circle etc. If I understood your comment correctly. That's a pretty strong speculation, IMO:

About the coach: You do not change coaches anytime things go bad. There are skaters who does so, and they end up more messed than before.
Liza was many times criticised for not changing the coach, for example. I guess she was right to stick with Mishin, and he with her. Since also he was told to give up on her.

I have nothing against changing coaches, but there must be a good reason for it. Coaches are not always the reason why a skater is not doing well.

 

[Meoima]

Why should Yulia change her coach? She has been doing well in practice. It's the competition she struggles. My hope is she will participate in more senior B, complete at a lesser level of pressure, just as Liza.

 

[mat]

... We can only hope, pray that Yulia finds peace sooner than later.

I basically agree. But just to wait and hope - it is not enough. Therefore speak.i

 

[Sam-Skwantch]

You guys are over thinking this situation IMO. We've already got more than we can ask for out of any skater from Yulia. She may come back and defy the odds and find herself before nationals and she may not. I think Yulia is actually in a better place now in regards to her mental state than ever and is simply struggling to find her motivation. We're all knocking but we know she answers the door only when she is ready. One good skate might be all it takes to spark a fire. Either way I'm proud of her and I have confidence in her and Eteri. She is probably going to have one of the best post seasons she has ever had. Just my gut of course telling me this.

Re: SP costume....it's perfect

Don't forget Yulia committed everything in 2009 to Sochi and that was all she worked toward. I think she is simply looking for and deserves peace of mind. I'll certainly be patient after all she has given.