Elena Radionova | Page 112 | Golden Skate

Elena Radionova

omg so sweet! When did you give that to her?

I gave it to Lena right at the end of the Ladies' SP practice. Thankfully, one of my friends saved me a seat in the front row, so I was able to dangle the bag over the boards and yell at Elena. I'm pretty sure she wouldn't have skated over otherwise. I also got a picture with Lena! :love: She was trying to leave quickly (it was just a few hours before the SP, after all), but because I gave her a present she agreed. What a cutie! :luv17:

I don't know if anyone got a video of this- if they did, I would love to rewatch! I just happened to be looking over in the Kiss and Cry after Anna got her scores, and I saw Elena come out of the green room or whatever they call it (where the current 1st through 3rd place skaters sit and wait) and give Anna a big hug before leaving. I think Anna's score had just kicked her out of medal contention actually. The only other person I saw who did something similar was Max Aaron coming out to hug and congratulate Adam in the Kiss and Cry. It was very sweet to watch.

It's so cool that Lena wore your jacket!! I'll have to be sure and get her something cool she will wear next time.

Aww, it is sweet that Lena hugged Anna, but I'm not surprised. They've always gotten along well, and Anna skated more cleanly than Lena, so I'm sure Lena thought it was fair that Anna beat her. However, if Anna had fallen Anna-style and still beat Lena with 139 pts, I think Lena would have been (rightfully) upset... Lena's a sweetheart, but she also wants to win fair-and-square if she can! :yes:

I am super excited that Lena wore the jacket I got her! I mean, as I said earlier, I'm not 100% sure because I can't see the "Harvard University" on the front, but it's the right color, it's a hoodie, and the logo on the sleeve says Jansport. ;)

I know!! Thanks for posting that interview, I really enjoyed it. I actually don't mind so much that Evgenia and Anna are getting lots of attention. I mean, I wish it were Elena who won, etc. but the other girls (esp Anna) deserve the attention for how well they performed at Worlds, and I hope now that the spotlight is off Elena, she can really work hard, at both skating and her studies! I want her to do well in her post-skating life too, so these tests are important!

Personally, I'm a little jealous that Anna is getting sooo much attention for her bronze whereas Lena got basically nothing after her World bronze last year--maybe 1 radio interview?? :dev2: I guess it's because Anna and Zhenya are at the same club, and also because it was an unexpectedly pleasant surprise for Anna to get bronze, while Lena's bronze was a disappointment given her performance during the rest of the 2014-15 season.

But yes, Lena's got a lot of work to do, both on the ice and off! :yes:
 
Cute photos from the ladies SP practice (not mine):
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cfy0rUvUUAEKrFW.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cfy0rXdUEAAbg-V.jpg

And in case you missed it earlier, here's the news from the designer's website about Lena's FS costume at Worlds:

http://alenaakhmadullina.ru/news/n-8808

At the 2016 World Figure Skating Championships in Boston Russian figure skater Elena Radionova appeared in a dress created especially for the occasion by designer Alena Akhmadullina.
The initiator of the cooperation with the brand Alena Akhmadullina was one of the company's shareholders "Gazenergoservis" Anton Sikharulidze. Currently Anton is negotiating with Radionova sponsorship and assistance in her preparation for the next season and 2018, in which the Olympic Games will be held in South Korea. The work of Elena Radionova Anton Sikharulidze is advised designers at all stages of the suit.
"We have a long-standing friendship with Alena, and I know she is a creative person, interested in unusual projects, and she has once again proved that she could cope perfectly with the task. Many experts pointed out that the dress Elena Radionova wore at the World Figure Skating Championships was the most memorable of all the participants. We plan to continue the cooperation with Alena Akhmadullina to create costumes for Elena Radionova ", - says Anton Sikharulidze.
"In creating the costumes for the athletes there are nuances: it should be approached very athlete, music, combined with the program idea. It is also figure skating, there are many rules concerning costumes that must be followed. For me, this is not the first experience of working with athletes, but it is the first time I work with the world of figure skating. I am very pleased with the work of Elena Radionova's team and look forward to continued cooperation, "- says Alena Akhmadullina.

While it's cool that Lena's getting to work with a pretty famous designer (she has shows in Paris) and is probably getting costumes for free, if her new FS dress is any example, I am not a fan! :disapp: I do think some of her other collections are pretty cool, though, so hopefully they can come up with something good for Lena.

I'm also happy to see that Anton Sikharulidze is arranging funding for Lena, because that is a major concern of mine. :yes:

After Worlds, there was much speculation on the Russian forums that Lena would move to Buyanova.
Apparently TAT said something suggesting Lena would leave Goncharenko in her commentary...?? Can any of the Russian speakers confirm this?

However, all the other rumors about Lena leaving Inna have proven untrue so far, so I'm SURE that's the case now, especially after I've read the news above and Inna's recent interview. But a part of me wonders, would Lena be better off in Buyanova's group? Well, maybe not now that Masha Sotskova has moved there. But what do you guys think?

It is clear that Goncharenko's group has pretty bad training conditions (very little funding compared to Buyanova's group, and limited ice time/ice at inconvenient times). Do you think Lena would be better off in Buyanova's group, where she would have funding for all the on-ice and off-ice specialists she could want, where she could pick the times she wanted to use the ice, and where she would have the money to work with the best choreographers in Russia or abroad? Or it is better to stick with Goncharenko, who is like her second mother, despite the less-than-ideal conditions?

Personally, I think Lena should stick with Inna, because I think a large part of her stability seems to come from her lifelong relationship with Inna. She 100% trusts Inna, and Inna seems to know exactly what to say to Lena to get her to perform.

But it does seem like a very tough choice. Hopefully Lena will be able to secure all the funding she needs. I wish she would use some of the funding websites like the other skaters. I totally would donate!! :yes:
 
After Worlds, there was much speculation on the Russian forums that Lena would move to Buyanova.
Apparently TAT said something suggesting Lena would leave Goncharenko in her commentary...?? Can any of the Russian speakers confirm this?

However, all the other rumors about Lena leaving Inna have proven untrue so far, so I'm SURE that's the case now, especially after I've read the news above and Inna's recent interview. But a part of me wonders, would Lena be better off in Buyanova's group? Well, maybe not now that Masha Sotskova has moved there. But what do you guys think?

It is clear that Goncharenko's group has pretty bad training conditions (very little funding compared to Buyanova's group, and limited ice time/ice at inconvenient times). Do you think Lena would be better off in Buyanova's group, where she would have funding for all the on-ice and off-ice specialists she could want, where she could pick the times she wanted to use the ice, and where she would have the money to work with the best choreographers in Russia or abroad? Or it is better to stick with Goncharenko, who is like her second mother, despite the less-than-ideal conditions?

Personally, I think Lena should stick with Inna, because I think a large part of her stability seems to come from her lifelong relationship with Inna. She 100% trusts Inna, and Inna seems to know exactly what to say to Lena to get her to perform.

But it does seem like a very tough choice. Hopefully Lena will be able to secure all the funding she needs. I wish she would use some of the funding websites like the other skaters. I totally would donate!! :yes:

This is the first I'm hearing of anything like this; I assumed being at the same rink meant fairly equal treatment - particularly given how effusive Tarasova is in praising Elena in her commentary.

Buyanova's group certainly wouldn't be a step down - after all, they produced the reigning Olympic champion - but her skaters tend to be pretty inconsistent. Elena's saving grace this season was her ability to put down near-perfect skates for 90% of the season (and through the majority of her career) and I'd hate to see that compromised. Perhaps the greater funding and amenities explain Team Buyanova's inconsistencies; they don't have to fight the same way Elena does.

The only thing that gives me pause is when it comes to technical development, and looking ahead to what Elena can do to continue pushing the envelope. She already has the highest BV, but doesn't always get the same magnitude of GOE. I was watching her do a 3S in one of her exos and I wonder if that might be her best option in terms of a quad. Buyanova's team has the big jumps, and I wouldn't be surprised if they were able to help Elena hone a 4S. She might not need it - and I definitely don't want it if her consistency is the price - but it might be something to consider when reviewing what can be done to instill a greater "wow factor" with the judges.
 
You overthinking it. Lena def needs some ballet training and posture corsage for couple summer months. She can turn to Bolshoi's academy or Vaganova's for some good ballet teachers. Hopefully she works on her shoulders-neck-hands coordination and gets rid of some 'teenagery' gnarly posture. She will graduate into classy lady no doubts. Well, a lot of people (including TAT) see a big star for years to come potential in her. Problem is what the the Russian field will get even more fierce next season.
Same bloodbath as this year, plus phenomena Tsurskaya. (Sotskova is not eligible yet, afaik. But this prodigy will join ranks next season.) So it's 7 world class almost equally strong athletes competing for 3 spots on National team. However, Russian Fed seems to treat everyone equally fair for the last 5 years, everyone is given multiple chances on different GPs and tournaments.
 
Same bloodbath as this year, plus phenomena Tsurskaya. (Sotskova is not eligible yet, afaik. But this prodigy will join ranks next season.) So it's 7 world class almost equally strong athletes competing for 3 spots on National team. However, Russian Fed seems to treat everyone equally fair for the last 5 years, everyone is given multiple chances on different GPs and tournaments.

Actually you have it reversed; Sotskova is already age-eligible for seniors (she was an alternate for 2016 Worlds). Tsurskaya is too young to compete in 2016-17 season as a senior.

But you are right that the competition will be fierce! :yes:
 
You overthinking it. Lena def needs some ballet training and posture corsage for couple summer months. She can turn to Bolshoi's academy or Vaganova's for some good ballet teachers. Hopefully she works on her shoulders-neck-hands coordination and gets rid of some 'teenagery' gnarly posture. She will graduate into classy lady no doubts. Well, a lot of people (including TAT) see a big star for years to come potential in her. Problem is what the the Russian field will get even more fierce next season.
Same bloodbath as this year, plus phenomena Tsurskaya. (Sotskova is not eligible yet, afaik. But this prodigy will join ranks next season.) So it's 7 world class almost equally strong athletes competing for 3 spots on National team. However, Russian Fed seems to treat everyone equally fair for the last 5 years, everyone is given multiple chances on different GPs and tournaments.

Maybe so, but I do like a more objective guarantee, and a quad - much like a Tuktamysheva 3A, which I'd be surprised if we never saw again - could be one way to get there.

I was thinking in terms of international competition, anyway; that consistency, steady maturation and other minor improvements should keep her in medal contention among her peers.

Haven't see this posited here, but what about this for a free skate next season? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBGQDVFWDjU

I'd been thinking something more Broadway - something to take advantage of her brassiness - but she wouldn't even have to change the above arrangement; the music slows down just in time for the loop-half loop-sal :laugh:
 
Actually you have it reversed; Sotskova is already age-eligible for seniors (she was an alternate for 2016 Worlds). Tsurskaya is too young to compete in 2016-17 season as a senior.

But you are right that the competition will be fierce! :yes:
Oh, yes. I stand corrected. Thanks. There is a big load of Russian ladies, I tend to loose track of them every now and then. :)
 
:

After Worlds, there was much speculation on the Russian forums that Lena would move to Buyanova.
Apparently TAT said something suggesting Lena would leave Goncharenko in her commentary...?? Can any of the Russian speakers confirm this?

Really?! I would hope not. I agree Inna and Elena's relationship seems very strong, and I would hate to see that change because of Russian FS politics. I hope if Elena can skate really well next season and win, maybe she can raise Inna's profile and she will get more recognition (and thus more funding and power) as a coach?

Perhaps the greater funding and amenities explain Team Buyanova's inconsistencies; they don't have to fight the same way Elena does.

That is very interesting...I never thought about it that way but it makes some sense to me. Lena's going to need more ice time to make her jump landings more smooth though!
 
A few years ago I saw in Inna and Elena's relationship more understanding and some dedication. Previously, Elena was lovely and obedient girl. Now, I've heard in some Russian documentary that her coach is forced to make concessions for her. We've all seen before, Lena obediently listened to her coach, who set up her on a great skate. And all turned out. Now, especially at the World Cup, I've seen some irritation on the face of Lena after talking with Inna. Something going wrong. Everything goes to the fact that Lena will change the coach. And for me more sorry Inna than Lena. This woman is so much invested in this girl - and here's the result.
 
I might be wrong but...
Lena has changed. Yes, she grew up etc., but she is not longer that sweet and innocent girl. Now in her I rather see a "Mean girls" character - her constantly on the phone during press conferences(IMO so rude), attitude towards her coach (now I see it is not only me who noticed the change), looks at other girls etc.
 
Well, being a well-known skater doesn't mean she is immune to mood swings, hormonal changes and all that comes with puberty. I think we all know teens with attitude problems, or maybe we were one, once...:slink: I would be curious if Inna has talked to her about how she might be coming across. On the one hand I don't think there is anything wrong with being 'real' and not faking happiness at all times (it turns me off from some other skaters), but she does have a public image, and people like to read into every little thing, for better or worse. I'm sure Lena's character is still essentially good, but it's been a difficult season for her & it seems hard for her to hide her emotions.
 
A few years ago I saw in Inna and Elena's relationship more understanding and some dedication. Previously, Elena was lovely and obedient girl. Now, I've heard in some Russian documentary that her coach is forced to make concessions for her. We've all seen before, Lena obediently listened to her coach, who set up her on a great skate. And all turned out. Now, especially at the World Cup, I've seen some irritation on the face of Lena after talking with Inna. Something going wrong. Everything goes to the fact that Lena will change the coach. And for me more sorry Inna than Lena. This woman is so much invested in this girl - and here's the result.

Lena is not a little girl anymore, but is instead a young woman. I think it is natural for someone who is no longer a child to assert their point of view and voice their opinions more, and not simply allow themselves to be dictated to. Based on her recent interview, Inna seems to understand this too. Lena's relationship with Inna is like that of a parent child relationship. As the child grows up they take more control over stuff pertaining to them, but also must deal with the consequences of their decisions as well. Sometime there may be difficulties in the relationship as the "child" grows, but with understanding the relationship can survive.

What I have seen in Lena face is more frustration than irritation this year. Her body has been constantly changing and the result is that her jumps have been impacted. I sat through practices at the Worlds where she was having problems and she was clearly frustrated. Looking at her recent interview Lena seem to have the right attitude. She recognizes that she has work to do.

Switching to Buyanova's group might not be the answer for her. Buyanova may have access to more, but it seems like she is piling in students. With Inna, Lena is number 1, with Buyanova probably not as long as Sotnikova is there.

What kind of concessions are you hearing Inna has to make to Lena?
 
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What I have seen in Lena face is more frustration than irritation this year.

I agree. Eventhough I can only watch her from videos. Changes are so normal, and based on her interviews, she's clearly aware of what she did(attitude) and how people reacted... we should give her time. I dont see her cry yet, maybe she's that tough or she's being hard on herself too.. (?)
 
A few years ago I saw in Inna and Elena's relationship more understanding and some dedication. Previously, Elena was lovely and obedient girl. Now, I've heard in some Russian documentary that her coach is forced to make concessions for her. We've all seen before, Lena obediently listened to her coach, who set up her on a great skate. And all turned out. Now, especially at the World Cup, I've seen some irritation on the face of Lena after talking with Inna. Something going wrong. Everything goes to the fact that Lena will change the coach. And for me more sorry Inna than Lena. This woman is so much invested in this girl - and here's the result.

Clearly Inna and Lena look sooo unhappy in this photo...NOT!!!! :biggrin:
http://cska.ru/upload/gallery_570d0ff028b95.jpg

And Lena must hate the other girls soooo much that she looks miserable here with Anna... :laugh:
http://cska.ru/upload/gallery_570d0fe900f81.jpg

And surely she forced poor Zhenya to that park in Boston to take photos with her, right?? :drama:

Give Lena a break! She was always a very emotional girl, and now she's a teenager with raging hormones. Yes, perhaps she should try to control her emotions more in the green room and the press conferences, but that's all part of growing up. :yes:

I totally agree with winky97 and umeko_yur1tasukee; Lena has been frustrated and has every right to be.
And some friction with Inna (who really is like her second mom) is to be expected. Let's not forget that Anna P. tried to leave her coach last year but they were able to work things out!!

**

Here is the article with more photos from the press conference from today, and they are lovely!! :love:
http://cska.ru/news/vitalij_mutko_vyrazil_blagodarnost_elene_radionovoj_i_inne_goncharenko-8101
Some of my favorites:

Our pretty girl
http://cska.ru/upload/gallery_570d0fe9016ae.jpg

Looks like the henna tattoo from Worlds hasn't worn off yet!
http://cska.ru/upload/gallery_570d0ff027e28.jpg

How I've missed that genuinely happy smile!!
http://cska.ru/upload/gallery_570d0ff028027.jpg

This is the first I'm hearing of anything like this; I assumed being at the same rink meant fairly equal treatment - particularly given how effusive Tarasova is in praising Elena in her commentary.

You can read all about it here:
http://www.goldenskate.com/forum/sh...na-Radionova&p=1065857&viewfull=1#post1065857
 
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