2015-16 State of Russian Ladies skating

[Shayuki]

She is definitely not happy about it. Neither am I.
She has to back to the choreography class in order to keep her winning hopes alive. Her program this year was disappointing - basically skating from band to band with a dramatic face expression and flapping her arms to a hideous music. It will not win her much. She was my favorite, I was rooting for her and I was disappointed. She has to deliver a mature program.

This is so difficult for me to understand / accept. Her music during juniors in 2012-2013 was rather interesting and pretty listenable as well, in my opinion. Her SP music in 2013-2014 was one of my absolute favorites and certainly my favorite for her. Her LP that season wasn't amazing but still pretty good. After that, she's just had a garbage program after garbage program. Even though I've wanted her to do well for the longest time, it's difficult to even take her seriously at this point in time, which in my opinion is an extremely sad development.

 

[RemyRose]

It's ironic, because Morozov also did Anna's programs & they're perfect for her. He is sooo hit & miss, & I don't really understand if it's just a matter of who he clicks with, or if someone has to pay extra to get the "better" choreo vs the cut rate kind. But he doesn't seem like a good fit for Elena. Who did her Anna Karenina program, Averbuch? I would like to see her get something like that again.

Yeah and Elena Maslennikova. They are both listed as co-choreographers. But they also did her Frida program, the J-Lo program, and Rach. And I read that her coach went to Morozov with Titanic but that was googled translated. I think this is just her natural style but then you add Morozov and its just a mess. Anna's natural style and Morozov just mesh better, IMO.

 

[RemyRose]

NBC said that Titanic as a FP was chosen by her coach Inna.

I like Morozov programs most of the time: this season Anna's SP&LP and S/K LP are beautiful, but i think right now, without TAT, Averbukh is the best russian choreographer at the moment.

Her coach should know better TAT is over-rated. The programs she did for Adelina or okayed for Adelina Maybe its a CSKA problem? They didn't know how to package Adelina either until after DWTS. Nor Kovtun. Zhan Bush ended up with Ghost very much like I/K. Don't like Samarin packaging either. Well have to wait until next season for Pitkeev and Voronov.

 

[winky97]

Being a little rough on Lena on this board. Maybe she did not have the best of programs this year, but it's not like she failed all season long. Liza's programs this year and last year were worse than Lena's IMO. Not meant to be a attack on Liza because I like her. Just what I think.

Lena has struggled all season with her jumps that many thought she would lose, but she is so gritty she was in the mix to the end in every competition. She lost GOE because of issues with her jumps. First competition she has not medaled in two years. She is still my favorite Russian lady. Though Anna did pick up some points.

 

[moriel]

Also we should keep in mind the level of the competition.
Evgenia gave her best.
Anna gave her best.
Ashley gave her best.
Gracie had a great SP and an LP with few mistakes (not a complete meltdown).
Satoko was perfect too.

It was not easy to everybody, and if Radio didnt struggle with her jumps because of the growth spurt.... 2 points would have put her on 4th. 4 points would have put her ahead of Anna.

 

[Tolstoj]

Her coach should know better TAT is over-rated. The programs she did for Adelina or okayed for Adelina Maybe its a CSKA problem? They didn't know how to package Adelina either until after DWTS. Nor Kovtun. Zhan Bush ended up with Ghost very much like I/K. Don't like Samarin packaging either. Well have to wait until next season for Pitkeev and Voronov.

I liked Capriccio Espagnol and i loved her super-aggressive and a little sassy Habanera (but it was choreographed by Peter Tchernyshev) while Aguilera's program was terrible.

Samarin program's are okay to me, nothing extraordinary but at least not as bad as Aliyev's LP (Riccardo Cocciante, seriously?)

 

[moriel]

Tchernyshev could be actually a good choice.
But then i'm biased ofc.

 

[Ekm]

I hope Anna's medaling at Worlds will give her some renewed confidence and propel her forward next season.

 

[RemyRose]

I liked Capriccio Espagnol and i loved her super-aggressive and a little sassy Habanera (but it was choreographed by Peter Tchernyshev) while Aguilera's program was terrible.

Samarin program's are okay to me, nothing extraordinary but at least not as bad as Aliyev's LP (Riccardo Cocciante, seriously?)

What's wrong with Riccardo Cocciante?

Liza's programs this year and last year were worse than Lena's IMO.

Last year was good. But this year I have to agree.

 

[Abstractor]

I think next year the "older" russian girls could come back strong and be on top again. Sot and Lip and maybe even Tuk. These women are now in post-puberty age, they had their "bad year" that happens from time to time to every athlete but i think they are ready to dominate again :think:

I hardly doubt it as a system in place within rus fed strongly suggests that there would be another bunch of super-girls coming - as they had been out every 1-2 seasons, to hunt for medals that leads to a ridicuolus situation with no russian ladies older then 18 on the competitive stage for the last 5 years.

ISU should gome thinkin on working out an interim level of championships - may name it `youth` (between junior and senior ones) to accomodate for 15-17 yo (so the worlds might start from 18 yo). That would be fair and could make genuine Ladies skating.

 

[winky97]

I hardly doubt it as a system in place within rus fed strongly suggests that there would be another bunch of super-girls coming - as they had been out every 1-2 seasons, to hunt for medals that leads to a ridicuolus situation with no russian ladies older then 18 on the competitive stage for the last 5 years.

ISU should gome thinkin on working out an interim level of championships - may name it `youth` (between junior and senior ones) to accomodate for 15-17 yo (so the worlds might start from 18 yo). That would be fair and could make genuine Ladies skating.

Actually Russia's next lady in waiting Polina T will not be eligible for Seniors next session. They will have some juniors coming out including my personal favorite Maria Sotsokova, but I honestly don't believe that the junior ladies that will be senior next session can really challenge Russia's current seniors. It will be the same senior ladies from this session battling next session.

 

[SarahSynchro]

I feel super guilty for admitting this, but until worlds, I never really paid much attention to Anna. Even when she won the bronze at Russian nationals, I thought: "meh, that must be a fluke, she's just the girl who splats all over the ice". But after seeing both her programs at the WC, I was blown away! Her attack, her speed, her powerful jumps: wow. Just wow. And her haircutter-into-a-biellman spin, holy crap! amazeballs. So this is almost like a public apology to Anna because now I am a fan, and I can understand what her fans have been saying all these years: "if only she could put together two great programs, she could be amongst the best of the best"; sure enough, she did it twice this year! Surviving the Russian nationals ladies bloodbath is an accomplishment in itself, an then to do it again against a stacked field at worlds is just so darn impressive. Hopefully she can keep the momentum going into next season. I'll be watching.

 

[mrrice]

I feel super guilty for admitting this, but until worlds, I never really paid much attention to Anna. Even when she won the bronze at Russian nationals, I thought: "meh, that must be a fluke, she's just the girl who splats all over the ice". But after seeing both her programs at the WC, I was blown away! Her attack, her speed, her powerful jumps: wow. Just wow. And her haircutter-into-a-biellman spin, holy crap! amazeballs. So this is almost like a public apology to Anna because now I am a fan, and I can understand what her fans have been saying all these years: "if only she could put together two great programs, she could be amongst the best of the best"; sure enough, she did it twice this year! Surviving the Russian nationals ladies bloodbath is an accomplishment in itself, an then to do it again against a stacked field at worlds is just so darn impressive. Hopefully she can keep the momentum going into next season. I'll be watching.

Anna was without a doubt the biggest surprise of the ladies. After hearing what a "Head Case" she was supposed to be, I was not expecting her to be as great as she was. Talk about a diva. I was absolutely blown away her.

 

[drivingmissdaisy]

Anna was without a doubt the biggest surprise of the ladies. After hearing what a "Head Case" she was supposed to be, I was not expecting her to be as great as she was. Talk about a diva. I was absolutely blown away her.

She had one catastrophic GP event but earlier in the season posted one of the highest total scores of the year. I was surprised by her performances too because I thought she might crumble under the pressure. In the end, I think Russia sent their best possible team.

 

[Shayuki]

Actually Russia's next lady in waiting Polina T will not be eligible for Seniors next session. They will have some juniors coming out including my personal favorite Maria Sotsokova, but I honestly don't believe that the junior ladies that will be senior next session can really challenge Russia's current seniors. It will be the same senior ladies from this session battling next session.

Has Proklova retired? I'd consider her far more promising than Sotskova but of course if she doesn't skate that's not really a factor...

 

[SarahSynchro]

One other thing on the topic of Anna, it's so hard to believe she is only seventeen. She looks like a beautiful grown woman past her teenage years. Meanwhile, in reality, she's only two months older than Yulia and nine months older than Elena. :shocked:

 

[winky97]

Has Proklova retired? I'd consider her far more promising than Sotskova but of course if she doesn't skate that's not really a factor...

I don't know what's up with Proklova. I don't believe that she has retired. Last I heard she trained with Sotnikova's coach. I think she has struggled with injury. The reason I cited Sotskova is she has stated that she will be senior next season. I guess we will have to wait to see what Mother Russia has in store for us next season.

 

[mrrice]

One other thing on the topic of Anna, it's so hard to believe she is only seventeen. She looks like a beautiful grown woman past her teenage years, meanwhile in reality, she's only two months older than Yulia and nine months older than Elena.

100% Correct and I was just about to say that I hope she doesn't going into a slump after the HUGE statement she made at these Worlds. There's nothing better than being pleasantly surprised by a skater and I found myself screaming......Get It Girl!! At the end of Anna's program. :agree:

Last thing about Anna. I heard her say "Spwasiba" which I know to be Thank You in Russian. Is it a regional thing that when I hear my wife Maria B. say thank you, it sounds like "Swasiba" with a silent "P" I hope that made sense.

 

[Sweet Dream]

Being a little rough on Lena on this board. Maybe she did not have the best of programs this year, but it's not like she failed all season long. Liza's programs this year and last year were worse than Lena's IMO. Not meant to be a attack on Liza because I like her. Just what I think.

Lena has struggled all season with her jumps that many thought she would lose, but she is so gritty she was in the mix to the end in every competition. She lost GOE because of issues with her jumps. First competition she has not medaled in two years. She is still my favorite Russian lady. Though Anna did pick up some points.

Will you calm down a bit, please? If Liza's programs were worse than Elena's last year, how could she beat a seemingly clean Elena at Euros? You may say that Liza was technically stronger than Elena there, but it is only partially true. About the programs this year, IIRC, Liza's LP was very well received by the audience at the Japan Open and her SP at the Russian test skate was also highly appreciated by many fans, and the only problem is that she could not cope with the pressure from 3A and deliver one single clean skate at GP stages this season, either SP or LP, which greatly hurt her self-confidence on ice. In other words, your conclusion on Liza's programs is not well-founded.

A strong will is important for a skater's success, but it cannot help Elena improve her jump quality. If she cannot solve her jump issues and poor posture, she will surely be replaced by some strong up-coming compatriots very soon.

 

[mrrice]

^^^ A strong will is important for a skater's success, but it cannot help Elena improve her jump quality. If she cannot solve her jump issues and poor posture, she will surely be replaced by some strong up-coming compatriots very soon.

This is statement is completely true which is why I have so much respect for the Russian Ladies. I can't imagine the pressure they must constantly be feeling. Good grief, Liza was the reigning World Champion and didn't even make the team. Has that ever happened ???