State of Russian Men's Figure Skating 2015-2016

[Sandpiper]

Oh, no, that's not what I meant. I was just curious about how it worked. I am definitely one of those skaters that needs full runthroughs, basically because I have no stamina. So I find it difficult to imagine, and am curious as to how to works for other skaters.

Just a guess, but perhaps they train stamina separately? Maybe as a different exercise, and with some off-ice as well? :think:

Plus, "the Russian way" might not necessarily mean "Never ever doing a full run-through except in competition." Maybe they just do them less, or only closer to the competition date to make sure everything's okay (whereas American skaters would do full run-throughs every practice session?) I recall Mishin saying Liza wasn't going to put her 3A in the LP at Worlds, because she had not yet made 6-7 triples after landing the 3A. That implies they did try to go through the entire program.

 

[LRK]

Just a guess, but perhaps they train stamina separately? Maybe as a different exercise, and with some off-ice as well? :think:

Plus, "the Russian way" might not necessarily mean "Never ever doing a full run-through except in competition." Maybe they just do them less, or only closer to the competition date to make sure everything's okay (whereas American skaters would do full run-throughs every practice session?) I recall Mishin saying Liza wasn't going to put her 3A in the LP at Worlds, because she had not yet made 6-7 triples after landing the 3A. That implies they did try to go through the entire program.

Yes, that's what I would imagine too - but... it would be nice to know. I wish someone would ask, in an interview - but I suppose a Russian interviewer just wouldn't think to ask about such a thing...

 

[silverfoxes]

I doubt that all Russian coaches operate the same way. Sergei said that Eteri does everything differently from his previous coaches, for example. And Mishin has all his contraptions & techniques that I don't believe are exactly the norm.

 

[LRK]

I doubt that all Russian coaches operate the same way. Sergei said that Eteri does everything differently from his previous coaches, for example. And Mishin has all his contraptions & techniques that I don't believe are exactly the norm.

Well, it would be interesting to know how they differ from each other too.

 

[silverfoxes]

Well, it would be interesting to know how they differ from each other too.

Certainly...you know, I've always wondered if different coaches (from different clubs/rinks) ever get together and compare notes. Like would Mishin ever go for a beer with Eteri for example (and/or Orser, Arutunian, Morozov, etc), after a competition and swap war stories? Maybe one for the "stupid questions" thread...

 

[Perdita]

2015-16 State of Russian Men

I am a bit surprised that the thread for Russian men have not come up till now (sorry, if I have missed one... if that's the case, please instruct to me to the right place!)

Okay, so I only started to seriously follow Russian men this season as some up-coming skaters as Kolyada, Pitkeev and Petrov caught my eyes. While I was casually following Voronov and Kovtun last season, I don't know much about the state of Russian men in the recent years. So I would love to hear what you think is going on in this field right now and how things will go in the Nationals, the Euros and the Worlds

Let me throw some facts:

Top 10 Seasonal Best (ISU ratified) []=international place:
1. Adian Pitkeev 250.47 (Rostelecom) [9]
2. Mikhail Kolyada 247.97 (Rostelecom) [12]
3. Artur Dimitriev 247.57 (Ice Challenge) [13]
4. Sergei Voronov 244.60 (Rostelecom) [14]
5. Maxim Kovtun 236.38 (Mordovian Ornament) [20]
6. Konstantin Menshov 233.58 (NHK) [23]
7. Moris Kvitelashvili 230.24 (Mordovian Ornament) [28]
8. Dmitri Aliev 226.47 (Tallin Trophy) [29]
9. Alexander Samarin 225.27 (Warsaw Cup) [30]
10. Anton Shulepov 223.52 (Warsaw Cup) [31]
http://www.isuresults.com/isujsstat/sb2015-16/sbtsmto.htm

Top 10 Personal Best (Sorry I didn't bother to check who's competing now):
1. Evgeni Plushenko 261.23 (Euro 2012) [10]
2. Sergei Voronov 252.55 (Euro 2014) [19]
3. Adian Pitkeev 250.47 (Rostelecom 2015) [22]
4. Mikhail Kolyada 247.97 (Rostelecom 2015) [25]
5. Artur Dimitriev 247.57 (Ice Challenge 2015) [26]
6. Maxim Kovtun 247.37 (World 2014) [27]
7. Artur Gachinski 246.27 (Euro 2012) [30]
8. Konstantin Menshov 237.24 (Euro 2014) [40]
9. Alexander Petrov 231.53 (Warsaw 2014) [50]
10. Moris Kvitelashvili 230.24 (Mordovian Ornament 2015) [51]
http://www.isuresults.com/isujsstat/pbsmto.htm

Something I really like about Russian men is that they are almost all paralleled in terms of score but they all have different strength and character. I wanna say a congratulation to all Russian men for not making to the GPF... the field is so packed domestically that going to the GPF before the Nationals was obviously a very bad idea (no offense!)

And I just heard that Adian attempted 4T+half loop combo at Golden Spin :scard7:

ETA: Thanks to the mods for sending me here. That felt like on a magic carpet

 

[Layback11]

I like Adian. #SensitiveArtistRussian

 

[karne]

I still have faith in Artur. <3

 

[silverfoxes]

I am a bit surprised that the thread for Russian men have not come up till now (sorry, if I have missed one... if that's the case, please instruct to me to the right place!)

Okay, so I only started to seriously follow Russian men this season as some up-coming skaters as Kolyada, Pitkeev and Petrov caught my eyes. While I was casually following Voronov and Kovtun last season, I don't know much about the state of Russian men in the recent years. So I would love to hear what you think is going on in this field right now and how things will go in the Nationals, the Euros and the Worlds

Let me throw some facts:

Top 10 Seasonal Best (ISU ratified) []=international place:
1. Adian Pitkeev 250.47 (Rostelecom) [9]
2. Mikhail Kolyada 247.97 (Rostelecom) [12]
3. Artur Dimitriev 247.57 (Ice Challenge) [13]
4. Sergei Voronov 244.60 (Rostelecom) [14]
5. Maxim Kovtun 236.38 (Mordovian Ornament) [20]
6. Konstantin Menshov 233.58 (NHK) [23]
7. Moris Kvitelashvili 230.24 (Mordovian Ornament) [28]
8. Dmitri Aliev 226.47 (Tallin Trophy) [29]
9. Alexander Samarin 225.27 (Warsaw Cup) [30]
10. Anton Shulepov 223.52 (Warsaw Cup) [31]
http://www.isuresults.com/isujsstat/sb2015-16/sbtsmto.htm

Top 10 Personal Best (Sorry I didn't bother to check who's competing now):
1. Evgeni Plushenko 261.23 (Euro 2012) [10]
2. Sergei Voronov 252.55 (Euro 2014) [19]
3. Adian Pitkeev 250.47 (Rostelecom 2015) [22]
4. Mikhail Kolyada 247.97 (Rostelecom 2015) [25]
5. Artur Dimitriev 247.57 (Ice Challenge 2015) [26]
6. Maxim Kovtun 247.37 (World 2014) [27]
7. Artur Gachinski 246.27 (Euro 2012) [30]
8. Konstantin Menshov 237.24 (Euro 2014) [40]
9. Alexander Petrov 231.53 (Warsaw 2014) [50]
10. Moris Kvitelashvili 230.24 (Mordovian Ornament 2015) [51]
http://www.isuresults.com/isujsstat/pbsmto.htm

Something I really like about Russian men is that they are almost all paralleled in terms of score but they all have different strength and character. I wanna say a congratulation to all Russian men for not making to the GPF... the field is so packed domestically that going to the GPF before the Nationals was obviously a very bad idea (no offense!)

To be honest, I had thought about resurrecting the thread, but I figured it would just end up full of people expressing dismay that they finally found a Russian they could like (the "sensitive artist") & pile on the others who have apparently no redeeming qualities , & I'm a little tired of that meme...but I like your train of thought. I've been considering different scenarios & it's just impossible to predict what will happen at Nationals. There were several meltdowns last year & I'm sure we'll see a few more. I do think Kolyada will make the podium, and probably Adian as long he gets it together (although his pattern this season isn't instilling great confidence). Sergei would be my third pick although I love Kostya too, but realistically...I don't see it happening. As for Kovtun, I don't see the Fed holding him up any more - he's just not reliable...but he will probably somehow edge out someone else I like, because he has a history of that. Also, Artur D. could shock everyone & podium, who knows...

I cannot imagine the other Artur competing at this point - does he have to do it to stay in the reserve team next season? There's no way he is going to Euros or Worlds...just being realistic.

 

[Interspectator]

It's such a tight race, how can one choose?
I think I'd send Kolyada, Petrov and Adian, simply because they have programs that I want to see at Worlds... but it could be anyone's to claim.
Enter...Plushenkoooo!

 

[Perdita]

To be honest, I had thought about resurrecting the thread, but I figured it would just end up full of people expressing dismay that they finally found a Russian they could like (the "sensitive artist") & pile on the others who have apparently no redeeming qualities , & I'm a little tired of that meme...but I like your train of thought.

Hi, silverfoxes. I actually did wonder why there's no thread for Russian men when there's someone like you on this forum... I just took a glance at what was going on in the past five pages and oh well... that was pretty exhausting.
I hope this new start will keep things positive on the thread

As everyone can see, I'm definitely rooting for Mika and his SP and FS are my most favourite programmes this season. I can't really predict him to win but I just believe in him that he can win

And I'm gonna say that I love love love Kovtun's Beethoven FS. Honestly I had never thought I would one day start to like Kovtun's programmes but somehow it happened It's diva, silly and a bit sensitive just like him. Last year, Machida called himself to be the only skater who can skate to Symphony No.9 but this year Kovtun convinces me that he is the only one who can pull off Beethoven like THAT. In an interview after NHK, he said that he's having a sort of mind block. He's now in a position to be chased and that requires a completely different mindset from the past seasons so this season might be a struggle for him. But I really hope him to come back strong and be on the podium.

I'm torn between Adian and Seryoja for the third pick... they both deserve one. But since Voronov had an amazing season last year while Adian had a tough one, I'd say this season better be a bright one for Adian

ETA: I realise that Artur Gachinski did not attend in any of the Cup of Russia qualifier. Will he be able to compete at the Nationals? (If he's recovered from injury though)

 

[Layback11]

And I'm gonna say that I love love love Kovtun's Beethoven FS.

Seconding that. It's comedic gold!

 

[Sweet Dream]

I think Kolyada and Aliev are the future of Russian men's figure skating. Love them both.

 

[Weathergal]

I personally think there's a need for any Men's/Ladies/Pairs/Dance (insert country here) thread if people wish to discuss the skaters!

And, although the Russian men's skaters of the past--and the current Russian ladies--have set the standard pretty high, there's still so much to enjoy with Russian men's skating, even if they're not all superstars. I feel that way about lots of skaters. I can enjoy the incredible talents of, for example, Hanyu, Fernandez, and Ten (especially Denis ) and want to see a great competition and the best skaters at that competition prevail. But I get just as much enjoyment watching a pretty outstanding skater like Ge or Voronov skate (or Brown or Aaron or...). And those next "tier" of skaters can be spoilers anyway, not to mention they can possibly be the next group of "Hanyu, Fernandez, Tens, etc." Sorry didn't mean to veer slightly off topic.

I'm looking forward to Russian Nationals, partly because of the high caliber of skating in all the disciplines but also because of the unpredictability of it all! (Those predictions are going to be extra tough!)

I think Sergei Voronov's been more uneven this season, but I wouldn't count him out at Nationals. And even though I'm not a "Muse" fan, I love his SP this season. I think it is a great fit for him and he "wears it well"! And when he lands that 4T-3T, it is a thing of beauty! I think he's still growing into his FS, so it will be interesting to see where he is by Nats.

Maxium Kovtun has even bigger highs and lows than Voronov, but I wouldn't count him out either. I was very skeptical when I heard his SP is to "I Can't Dance" by Genesis, but I have to admit he kinda sold me on it at NHK.

Like Voronov, Konstantin Menshov is another skater I have a soft spot for. He has stuck around for long at a high level, and he always had interesting programs.

One of the things with all these three skaters, is I think they have the potential to do well in their SPs, but their FSs are much more of a wild card, and they tend to fall apart during them rather than pull themselves up in the standings.

Pitkeev is a beautiful skater and could well find himself on the podium, but the newcomer I'm most excited about is Kolyada. Something about him is just magical for me. I felt he was a bit underscored at Rostelecom and that he has both the technical and presentation goods to be on the podium. I'd love to see him and Pitkeev at least go to Euros if not Worlds.

Really hoping I can catch Russian Nats being streamed like I was able to last year--was so much fun to watch live!

 

[plushyfan]

I think Kolyada and Aliev are the future of Russian men's figure skating. Love them both.

I think, too. Plus Pitkeev.

 

[Li'Kitsu]

I have to admit I haven't been paying that much attention to the russian men's field the last seasons (the ladies stole all my attention and energy!)... I liked Voronov and Menshov (not being a fan-liking, but wishing them well and liking to watch them-liking), was iffy on Kovtun, and clinked to the hope that Artur G. will still make it back some day. But now that Kovtun is growing on me thanks to his programs and we have some great newcomers (at least skaters that are relatively new to me, probably not so much for others), that whole field looks amazing! I'm cheering for at least 50% of these guys - now I have no idea who to root for for the Euro and world teams!

Well, nearly, because I'm that little more in love with Mikhails skating, and I want him at Euros and worlds the most But I think whoever gets to go, Russia is going to have great men representing them at the big stages! I'm really excited for nationals

PS: also a special mention to Moris and his awesome SP!

 

[silverfoxes]

Hi, silverfoxes. I actually did wonder why there's no thread for Russian men when there's someone like you on this forum... I just took a glance at what was going on in the past five pages and oh well... that was pretty exhausting.
I hope this new start will keep things positive on the thread

As everyone can see, I'm definitely rooting for Mika and his SP and FS are my most favourite programmes this season. I can't really predict him to win but I just believe in him that he can win

And I'm gonna say that I love love love Kovtun's Beethoven FS. Honestly I had never thought I would one day start to like Kovtun's programmes but somehow it happened It's diva, silly and a bit sensitive just like him. Last year, Machida called himself to be the only skater who can skate to Symphony No.9 but this year Kovtun convinces me that he is the only one who can pull off Beethoven like THAT. In an interview after NHK, he said that he's having a sort of mind block. He's now in a position to be chased and that requires a completely different mindset from the past seasons so this season might be a struggle for him. But I really hope him to come back strong and be on the podium.

I'm torn between Adian and Seryoja for the third pick... they both deserve one. But since Voronov had an amazing season last year while Adian had a tough one, I'd say this season better be a bright one for Adian

ETA: I realise that Artur Gachinski did not attend in any of the Cup of Russia qualifier. Will he be able to compete at the Nationals? (If he's recovered from injury though)

Yes, I'm glad to see other people here who are excited for the Russian men in general, as they seem to get short shrift here a lot of the time! The field is getting really deep!

Artur G. has a bye to Nationals because he was the host pick for Rostelecom Cup. However, I haven't heard that he is back to training after his injury. It doesn't seem to make sense for him to compete, unless there is some really compelling reason (like if his funding for next season depends on it).

Weathergal - I could have almost written your post word for word! I also enjoy Kovtun's programs this season, and I think Kolyada actually stands a good chance to win the whole thing. He's been skating like he wants it all season. But I also hope Pitkeev, Voronov, & Menshov bring their best. And Dmitri, Anton, Moris, Gordei...so many guys I enjoy right now!

 

[gmyers]

Artur Dmitriev Jr did well at ONT so he could be a factor. There's so many that could be a factor. Pitkeev is rising. Voronov and menshov seem to have near automatic medal status if they skate well. Kovtun will be winner if he skates well but even if he has errors because he's still the chosen one. PCS favors him and voronov the most at Russian nationals.

 

[Layback11]

PS: also a special mention to Moris and his awesome SP!

I BELIEVE I CAN FLLLLLY! I BELIEVE I CAN TOUCH THE-

WHAT IS LOVE! BABY DON'T HURT ME! BABY DON'T HURT ME, NO MORE!

 

[Li'Kitsu]

I BELIEVE I CAN FLLLLLY! I BELIEVE I CAN TOUCH THE-

WHAT IS LOVE! BABY DON'T HURT ME! BABY DON'T HURT ME, NO MORE!

BEST. MUSIC CUT. EVER!!!