State of Russian Ladies in skating: 2014-15 Season

[Sam-Skwantch]

The biggest question mark for me at Russian nationals will be Serafima. I love the girl but don't know how she'll fare next season. There is definitely drama surrounding the move and I don't know how it will all pan out if she goes senior.

So much talent...(will be left behind)...when the big international events go down.

 

[shiroKJ]

I'm so excited for the Russian ladies next season

 

[sabinfire]

So much talent...(will be left behind)...when the big international events go down.

There is no favorable outcome for selection to Euros/Worlds when it comes to the Russian ladies...

I would not bet on seeing Serafima after Nationals.

 

[andromache]

There are few Russian ladies I would bet on at this point, aside from Liza and Adelina (if she returns) because of puberty. There's no lack of talent in Russia, but many of the upcoming ladies from juniors plus the very young ladies in seniors, could end up coming short. I think Evegenia is likely the favorite (aside from Liza because of the triple axel) but Serafima could easily beat her this season depending on how their bodies change. Anything could happen because of the depth of the current seniors and rising juniors--although I think Liza will stay #1--the other spots are more open and will come down to Pogo, Evegenia, Serafima, Adelina, Yulia, or perhaps another lady.

Russian Nationals might be the most unpredictable competition of the season.

 

[winky97]

There are few Russian ladies I would bet on at this point, aside from Liza and Adelina (if she returns) because of puberty. There's no lack of talent in Russia, but many of the upcoming ladies from juniors plus the very young ladies in seniors, could end up coming short. I think Evegenia is likely the favorite (aside from Liza because of the triple axel) but Serafima could easily beat her this season depending on how their bodies change. Anything could happen because of the depth of the current seniors and rising juniors--although I think Liza will stay #1--the other spots are more open and will come down to Pogo, Evegenia, Serafima, Adelina, Yulia, or perhaps another lady.

Russian Nationals might be the most unpredictable competition of the season.

You don't envision Radionova in this? While I worry about Radinova's body changes, I still see her as a major factor this year. I don't see Adelina being a big factor. Her actually getting back out there and competing is doubtful , regardless of what she and her camp says. I view her situation as nothing to prove everything to lose. The level of competition in Russia is too high and she has not been out there for a year. Plus IMO she was no great shakes before the layoff. And now to try to come back with what's going on now. I am glad that I am not Russian female figure skater because I don't think I could handle competing in this group.

 

[Krunchii]

You don't envision Radionova in this? While I worry about Radinova's body changes, I still see her as a major factor this year. I don't see Adelina being a big factor. Her actually getting back out there and competing is doubtful , regardless of what she and her camp says. I view her situation as nothing to prove everything to lose. The level of competition in Russia is too high and she has not been out there for a year. Plus IMO she was no great shakes before the layoff. And now to try to come back with what's going on now. I am glad that I am not Russian female figure skater because I don't think I could handle competing in this group.

Well Adelina is done puberty and she was seen practicing a 3F-3Lo, not that it was rotated but her 3flutz-3Lo had its rotation ratified in a performance where she was having an off day, it's not farfetched to bet on her even without listening to what her camp says.

If Elena grows anymore she will have to rely on sheer determination to land her jumps, she's still using her arms a lot to swing herself and her free leg is so low when she lands, somehow I feel like if she grows even a little more, we might see her lose a lot of consistency

 

[silverlake22]

Serafima may fair better than Evgenia in the coming season because she went through most of her growing pains/body changes over the last couple seasons and is probably done/mostly done growing. Evgenia on the other hand is just starting to grow very quickly and could be in big trouble once she inevitably fills out. She uses her arms a lot in her jumps and is also lacking a lot of muscle compared to most of her competitors, her jumps aren't horrible, but I do think they are at risk of failing her and/or becoming inconsistent once she's farther along in puberty. Idk, I just felt like at junior worlds her jumps already looked quite labored, so I'm not sure what will happen once things start to change. Sima meanwhile, jumps much more with her legs and has a lot more speed and power than Evgenia. I think she may have more of a long-term future, though of course I could be wrong. Medvedeva is super talented and seems to have a good work ethic, so that will help, but still, a lot could happen.

I'm curious to see Julia next season. Based off her instagram photos she seems much happier and more relaxed compared to earlier in the season. She also looks much more grown up, both physically and facially, though she doesn't appear to have grown taller or put on much weight, it's more she just looks like a 17 year old now as opposed to a little kid.

 

[silverfoxes]

New interview with Tsareva (didn't know what thread to put it in), also there's a linked interview w/Anna at the bottom that says she will start training the 3A.

http://www.allsportinfo.ru/index.php?id=92571

Tsareva will be coaching Pavel Ignatenko in addition to Anna.

 

[Krunchii]

New interview with Tsareva (didn't know what thread to put it in), also there's a linked interview w/Anna at the bottom that says she will start training the 3A.

http://www.allsportinfo.ru/index.php?id=92571

Tsareva will be coaching Pavel Ignatenko in addition to Anna.

B-b-but Anna's 2A is already so small, it doesn't have the same sort of "springiness" as Liza's or Mao's (or other good 3A jumpers) 2As

 

[Pika]

I'm a bit afraid by all these girls annoucing their work on big jumps... Of course I'm happy the ladies try to push the boundaries, but I just hope we won't have a festival of falls as in the men competitions.... :hopelessness: +the risk of serious injuries, and the risk of neglecting other aspects of skating...

 

[Sandpiper]

I see Evgenia ahead of Sima next year (whether either makes the Euros/Worlds team depends on Adelina and Yulia). But long-term, I wouldn't count out Sima. She's quite athletic and has natural jumping ability--she just needs some fine-tuning on the technique (wonky landings). Right now, I find Evgenia a better all-around skater, but something about Sima really makes me root for her and I look forward to seeing what she'll bring.

New interview with Tsareva (didn't know what thread to put it in), also there's a linked interview w/Anna at the bottom that says she will start training the 3A.

http://www.allsportinfo.ru/index.php?id=92571

Tsareva will be coaching Pavel Ignatenko in addition to Anna.

Anna has great triples, but much like Gracie and Sima, her double axel is a little :hopelessness:. I think she'll need some serious retooling of technique to get a triple. She probably has more motivation than anyone to go for it, since she might need it to get on the team (vs. Elena, Yulia, Adelina, ect.). I personally would like to see her regain her consistency and get better programs, rather than risk injury (again) with the 3A...

 

[Sophie-Anna]

I'm a bit afraid by all these girls annoucing their work on big jumps... Of course I'm happy the ladies try to push the boundaries, but I just hope we won't have a festival of falls as in the men competitions.... :hopelessness: +the risk of serious injuries, and the risk of neglecting other aspects of skating...

I agree...I think if they will try it too much there is a big risk of injury....Liza can do 3A and they just doesn't want stay behind, they want to learn new and more difficult jumps. But Liza has a special jumping abilites and great technique and what is the most important she has got a coach who is a specialist for jumping technique. Mishin might not be the best in terms of presentation or interpretation but he really knows what to do with jumps. And we can't say this about all the coaches.

 

[Sam-Skwantch]

I really don't care about 3a and quads. To me a program filled with good transitions and skated with emotional connection is something that can last in your memories for years to come. A jump is but a brief second and easily forgotten as yet another one is sure to come shortly. The choice is clear. But I guess I can see how some people like the thrill in that moment.

I'm probably just being a wimp and have simply grown tired of chewing my nails off in anticipation of upcoming feats of anti gravitational rotations

 

[hanca]

I really don't care about 3a and quads. To me a program filled with good transitions and skated with emotional connection is something that can last in your memories for years to come. A jump is but a brief second and easily forgotten as yet another one is sure to come shortly. The choice is clear. But I guess I can see how some people like the thrill in that moment.

I'm probably just being a wimp and have simply grown tired of chewing my nails off in anticipation of upcoming feats of anti gravitation rotations

But memories is not what wins competition. Points are. And PCS is so subjective that all there is left is to increase the TES. They all already try spins L4, the hardest jumps and jump combinations, so the only way to go harder is 3A or quad

 

[winky97]

Well Adelina is done puberty and she was seen practicing a 3F-3Lo, not that it was rotated but her 3flutz-3Lo had its rotation ratified in a performance where she was having an off day, it's not farfetched to bet on her even without listening to what her camp says.

If Elena grows anymore she will have to rely on sheer determination to land her jumps, she's still using her arms a lot to swing herself and her free leg is so low when she lands, somehow I feel like if she grows even a little more, we might see her lose a lot of consistency

It is not that I think that it is far fetched to bet on Adelina, despite the fact that I don't care for her skating. I just believe the safer bet is Elena Radionova, despite the issues puberty can bring.

 

[Batsuchan]

But memories is not what wins competition. Points are. And PCS is so subjective that all there is left is to increase the TES. They all already try spins L4, the hardest jumps and jump combinations, so the only way to go harder is 3A or quad

To some extent, I agree, and I can understand Anna's reasoning, even if I don't necessarily think it's the smartest strategy. However, I think it's really positive GOE's that win competitions (as Liza showed at Euros with her pre-3A FS), and underrotated/popped jumps that lose them (as Mao Asada could tell you). Yes, true, skating is a sport, and it's exciting for us fans to see people push the technical boundaries, but if you are a skater, and your goal is to win under the CURRENT scoring system, then going for 3A's/quads is not necessarily the surest bet, especially if you're a skater who struggles with nerves...

Tsareva will be coaching Pavel Ignatenko in addition to Anna.

Well well well, now this is INTERESTING!! Isn't he the rather-cute skater that Anna was hanging out with quite a bit at Worlds, like here?
https://instagram.com/p/03pAy9kuTM/
And here?
https://instagram.com/p/06ZudokufU/?taken-by=ignatenko95

Hehe, forgive me if I'm making something out of nothing, but it's the off-season and I'm BORED....

 

[Totentanz]

Well well well, now this is INTERESTING!! Isn't he the rather-cute skater that Anna was hanging out with quite a bit at Worlds, like here?
https://instagram.com/p/03pAy9kuTM/
And here?
https://instagram.com/p/06ZudokufU/?taken-by=ignatenko95

Hehe, forgive me if I'm making something out of nothing, but it's the off-season and I'm BORED....

Hahah that was the first thing I thought, too! I like Pavel, he's a really nice guy! But his results were declining after his senior debut season. Let's hope Tsareva will help him with her killer looks

Regarding Russian ladies, I decided not to worry because there will always be successful three skaters for the team. But my dream Russian team for 2015/2016 season would be: Liza/Julia/Adelina or in case Adelina doesn't compete Liza/Julia/Anna. I'm sorry for all those who will be left home but it's not the end of their career of course.

 

[hanca]

Hahah that was the first thing I thought, too! I like Pavel, he's a really nice guy! But his results were declining after his senior debut season. Let's hope Tsareva will help him with her killer looks

Regarding Russian ladies, I decided not to worry because there will always be successful three skaters for the team. But my dream Russian team for 2015/2016 season would be: Liza/Julia/Adelina or in case Adelina doesn't compete Liza/Julia/Anna. I'm sorry for all those who will be left home but it's not the end of their career of course.

I am voting for Julia, serafima and Evgenia. Even though it is unrealistic because I can't imagine how Liza would be left home with her 3A. Maybe Europeans Anna or Elena, Serafima and Evgenia, and to worlds Liza, Adelina and Julia. To spread it.

 

[winky97]

I am voting for Julia, serafima and Evgenia. Even though it is unrealistic because I can't imagine how Liza would be left home with her 3A. Maybe Europeans Anna or Elena, Serafima and Evgenia, and to worlds Liza, Adelina and Julia. To spread it.

Hardly likely since Russia uses Europeans to pick its World team. I read somewhere that Russia has selected its 2015-2016 National team, but has the list been publicized yet? I am kinda curious who they will name to the A and B teams. Liza and Elena are almost certain be named to the main team with the year they had.

 

[lyndichee]

I am voting for Julia, serafima and Evgenia. Even though it is unrealistic because I can't imagine how Liza would be left home with her 3A. Maybe Europeans Anna or Elena, Serafima and Evgenia, and to worlds Liza, Adelina and Julia. To spread it.

Europeans has too much history and prestige for them to spread their skaters out.