Interview with Nina Mozer (10th May 2016)

[mrrice]

We also share very popular "Lipnicka/Lipnitskaya" surname. It's even more popular in Poland I think. Not that I'm suggesting any transfers or sth...

YOU BET I AM!!!

If I had to choose a name that I heard the most during my brief time touring in Russia. I'd have to say it was "Petrov/Petrova. Is that still a popular surname?

 

[gmyers]

She seems to think that she has nothing to do with injuries! That they just happen and no one is to blame. She's to blame. She's ruining teams with dangeous coaching.

 

[Alexz]

We also share very popular "Lipnicka/Lipnitskaya" surname. It's even more popular in Poland I think. Not that I'm suggesting any transfers or sth... [emoji317]

YOU BET I AM!!!

I actually agree. In this way we would enjoy her talent more often. Even if she would not making for national team. *quickly dugs into bunker, before get crucified by RusFSFed*

 

[Krunchii]

Ok, everyone take a chill pill. I actually went over to original publication in Russian. The English translation is not too accurate.

Russian:


English, almost literally:
I was taught back then not only professional knowledge, but also earthbound (human/humane), the ability to understand and analyze the situation realistically. I understand that there are a sports of complex-coordination: diving, gymnastics, figure skating. People of Eastern genetics (that how she said, she did not use word "Asian" as a race, she meant genetics) emerging in these type of sports. They are very speedy (fast reaction) in nature. If we look at their muscles, their muscle  have twice more "high-speed" fibers (capable of fast muscle contraction). Everything, what is connected with a twisting, spinning, fast coordination, is very important for such sports.

This doesn't change anything, she's still not a human physiologist and this isn't her area of expertise, she's a sports coach. This is grossly simplified science, I spent 1 year of my undergrad degree studying human physiology and I am still so far away from being an authority on this subject. The human body is way more complicated than just fast twitch slow twitch skeletal fibers. Black athletes also have a higher ratio of fast twitch muscle fibers yet there are only a handful of elite black figure skaters in the past few years. Environment and culture can affect how genes are expressed, never mind socio-economic reasons can come into play too. Does she want to talk about how white people have more slow twitch muscle fibers which are good for endurance? She's just finding ways to frame her answer in a way to make it seem like her athletes are disadvantaged.

It's irresponsible of her as a sport authority figure to use such a thing as excuses for why her teams haven't been performing as well. These teams have been working their butts off to win and to imply that they have an advantage because of their genetics is just undermining their efforts. Like people have said already, the past two WCs none of the winners have been of "Eastern genetics", the first quads were done by people who were not of "Eastern genetics," the most cited best spinners, Lucinda Ruh, Natalie Krieg and Yulia Lipnitskaya are not of "Eastern genetics." She's also conveniently ignoring that Duhamel/Radford have been the biggest players in the push towards harder elements by landing quads and doing sbs 3Lz. There are so many factors at play and you can say the translation is wrong but her meaning is still the same and it is wrong.

 

[Alexz]

This doesn't change anything, she's still not a human physiologist and this isn't her area of expertise, she's a sports coach. This is grossly simplified science, I spent 1 year of my undergrad degree studying human physiology and I am still so far away from being an authority on this subject. The human body is way more complicated than just fast twitch slow twitch skeletal fibers. Black athletes also have a higher ratio of fast twitch muscle fibers yet there are only a handful of elite black figure skaters in the past few years. Environment and culture can affect how genes are expressed, never mind socio-economic reasons can come into play too. Does she want to talk about how white people have more slow twitch muscle fibers which are good for endurance? She's just finding ways to frame her answer in a way to make it seem like her athletes are disadvantaged.

It's irresponsible of her as a sport authority figure to use such a thing as excuses for why her teams haven't been performing as well. These teams have been working their butts off to win and to imply that they have an advantage because of their genetics is just undermining their efforts. Like people have said already, the past two WCs none of the winners have been of "Eastern genetics", the first quads were done by people who were not of "Eastern genetics," the most cited best spinners, Lucinda Ruh, Natalie Krieg and Yulia Lipnitskaya are not of "Eastern genetics." She's also conveniently ignoring that Duhamel/Radford have been the biggest players in the push towards harder elements by landing quads and doing sbs 3Lz. There are so many factors at play and you can say the translation is wrong but her meaning is still the same and it is wrong.

Dully noted. Although I'm not saying that she is right or wrong. It's just her opinion. Take it for what it is.

Me, personally,... I'm not sure what is correct scientifically. And I don't care much. I'm a white man, as my mom would say "white as a sugar", and I can't jump. And I'm ok with it. Seriously. Even when someone would be saying in my face that white men cant jump. I accepted myself long time ago. Why it's not ok to say something like that or that Eastern genetics (whatever it means) have a faster reaction and better coordination is beyond me? We all are very different and it's a good thing. Besides, it's not like she was asking to automatically deduct points for athletes from Asia. It was just her opinion which she expressed and which she completely entitled to. Even if she is wrong, you still want to have her censored simply because ... linguistics and she shares her opinion? Let the woman talk, so we can discuss it here. Why so aggressive?

 

[Alexz]

If I had to choose a name that I heard the most during my brief time touring in Russia. I'd have to say it was "Petrov/Petrova. Is that still a popular surname?

http://todiscoverrussia.com/top-20-most-common-russian-family-names-and-their-meaning/

 

[Ares]

Well, I agree with you. She should have use better wording. However, if you are from Poland, you probably know what there are no silly political correctness in Russia. They call it as they see it. Just like pretty much everywhere in Eastern Europe, just like in Poland too. I guess it's something they share together. I been in Russia many times, I drove through Poland several times too. It's a national special feature and local flavor of identity..

Well I have never been in Russia neither I know any personally but I've heard about that feature of Russian people before (from Russians too). They are pretty straightforward in their behaviour, when they smile for example - it's genuine. I recall some complaints about people from Russia that they never smile or that they are permanently sad, but it's bogus. They simply do not do it on purpose like people from UK. I don't mean that Brits are self-interested, it is because it is deep rooted and somehow instinctive for them. Different culture is an important factor in that as well.
I think that Poles are somehow in between those two extremes as we smile quite regularly in public situations albeit we're still closer to Russians (even if so different in non-verbal communication).

 

[mrrice]

I actually agree. In this way we would enjoy her talent more often. Even if she would not making for national team. *quickly dugs into bunker, before get crucified by RusFSFed*

Let's talk about something less controversial.........Have any of you had Borscht? If so, what did you think of it? I guess it's supposed to be served cold and that's the way it was when I first tried it. Yuck....:disapp: Fortunately, the second time I tried it, one of our hosts in Russia made it for us and it was not only HOT. He also put giant meat balls in it, and topped with sour cream...Delicious!!! :agree:

Which way do you eat Borsscht??

 

[mrrice]

http://todiscoverrussia.com/top-20-most-common-russian-family-names-and-their-meaning/

Thanks for that link, Alexz!!!!! I loved reading that and I can't believe I never put Petrova and Peters together.

 

[Krunchii]

Dully noted. Although I'm not saying that she is right or wrong. It's just her opinion. Take it for what it is.

Me, personally,... I'm not sure what is correct scientifically. And I don't care much. I'm a white man, as my mom would say "white as a sugar", and I can't jump. And I'm ok with it. Seriously. Even when someone would be saying in my face that white men cant jump. I accepted myself long time ago. Why it's not ok to say something like that or that Eastern genetics (whatever it means) have a faster reaction and better coordination is beyond me? We all are very different and it's a good thing. Besides, it's not like she was asking to automatically deduct points for athletes from Asia. It was just her opinion which she expressed and which she completely entitled to. Even if she is wrong, you still want to have her censored simply because ... linguistics and she shares her opinion? Let the woman talk, so we can discuss it here. Why so aggressive?

Well I'm Chinese-Canadian and I'm lethargic and I can't spin to save my life. I'm not asking for her to be censored or anything, she can say whatever she wants but that doesn't mean people can't challenge her views. She is entitled to her wrong opinion. Muscle fibers are just a small factor in athletic ability and it's a narrow minded view to shift the blame onto genetics when clearly, her team had hiccups due to injuries. She could have easily said something like her teams are artistically strong and while their elements aren't the hardest they're beautiful, which is true, when her teams skate clean, the elements look great, I'd take a V/T triple throw over D/R's 4S any day.

I'm not trying to silence her, I pointed out why she is wrong. I'm tired of stereotypes and people twisting scientific research to to undermine people's hard work. It's demeaning and demoralizing to be told yeah you did well because of the colour of your skin. No they worked hard, everyone has their advantages and disadvantages, it's very narrow of her to say oh well, these people have an advantage in this category without mentioning her own athletes' advantages. Like I said, there are a lot of factors at play and there's no way we can quantify them so simply.

 

[whatif]

What?.........Then why don't the Russians use their God given talents to their advantage? What Meldonium withdrawal have people all up in a crisis? If she's going to talk such gibberish with so much gusto she needs to but a lid on it. Fast.

Actually, she does state that Russians have their own advantages, which currently does not help them, she did not go into more detail though.LOL.

 

[whatif]

Actually, they were all non-Caucasians with the exception of Medvedeva who's half-Armenian.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peoples_of_the_Caucasus

LMFAO, according to definition of Caucasian (which is actually racist term invented in USA and not used anywhere else in the world) Armenians are , barely, but also Caucasian.

 

[Pracygr]

I get immediately skeptical as soon as somebody uses 'race' in a supposedly serious anthropological argument. The term bears no scientific relevance any longer, just like we don't use caloric to describe physical properties of heat, or celestial sphere to explain mechanics of astronomical bodies. So it all sounds like an excuse and a fairly lame one at that. And if Mozer wanted to get some sympathy from her compatriots, then she certainly missed the mark, since her claims are being ridiculed in Russia probably more than anywhere else. I suppose she was caught in an emotional moment and said the first thing that came into her head. And it wasn't good.

 

[mrrice]

I get immediately skeptical as soon as somebody uses 'race' in a supposedly serious anthropological argument. The term bears no scientific relevance any longer, just like we don't use caloric to describe physical properties of heat, or celestial sphere to explain mechanics of astronomical bodies. So it all sounds like an excuse and a fairly lame one at that. And if Mozer wanted to get some sympathy from her compatriots, then she certainly missed the mark, since her claims are being ridiculed in Russia probably more than anywhere else. I suppose she was caught in an emotional moment and said the first thing that came into her head. And it wasn't good.

Exactly, I'm sure there were several people who can't believe that she chose the words she used in that interview. Poor thing, I almost feel sorry for her. But, you can't un-ring a bell so, I'm sure an apology will be coming soon.

 

[AC96]

Well, I agree with you. She should have use better wording. However, if you are from Poland, you probably know what there are no silly political correctness in Russia. They call it as they see it

There's being politically incorrect, and then there's being plain incorrect. Congrats, Nina Mozer, on the dazzling display of ignorance to demonstrate both.

 

[Mango]

I'm wondering what she thinks of Yuko Kavaguti? She's a person of "Eastern genetics" but she competes for Russia in pairs. And she does quads too! Or is Yuko like a unicorn for Russian pairs?

 

[Alexz]

Let's talk about something less controversial.........Have any of you had Borscht? If so, what did you think of it? I guess it's supposed to be served cold and that's the way it was when I first tried it. Yuck....:disapp: Fortunately, the second time I tried it, one of our hosts in Russia made it for us and it was not only HOT. He also put giant meat balls in it, and topped with sour cream...Delicious!!! :agree:

Which way do you eat Borsscht??

Borscht - yes! Omg, yes. It's absolutely delicious. I specifically visit a Russian restaurant "Elijah's" over here in San Diego for some borshcht soup. My parents are Russian Jews, so my mom used to cook it for us often. Borscht can be cold and hot (like boiled with veggies and stuff). Sour cream and some garlic on a side (to scare off some Russian vampires). I remember by dad used to like it with a a bit dill and chopped green onions on top.
I'm sure there are few Russian food places in Bay area which should serve a decent borscht, but nothing can beat a home-cooked one.

Ukrainians and Russians are still arguing who invented borscht first. It's their personal business, I don't care at all. From my experience Ukrainian version tends to be a bit more "fatty", they usually use pork for it. Russians use beef mostly. However there is also a vegetarian option. Basically the same ingredients and taste, just no meat at all and only red beets and other good veggies. It's to die for.

 

[MaxSwagg]

I'm wondering what she thinks of Yuko Kavaguti? She's a person of "Eastern genetics" but she competes for Russia in pairs. And she does quads too! Or is Yuko like a unicorn for Russian pairs?

Well even Vasilliev said she's a good skater but the Yuko/Sasha pairing will just never really work because she's not "really Russian." And frankly I have to agree. They were always just the "spare pair."

 

[Alexz]

Well I'm Chinese-Canadian and I'm lethargic and I can't spin to save my life. I'm not asking for her to be censored or anything, she can say whatever she wants but that doesn't mean people can't challenge her views. She is entitled to her wrong opinion. Muscle fibers are just a small factor in athletic ability and it's a narrow minded view to shift the blame onto genetics when clearly, her team had hiccups due to injuries. She could have easily said something like her teams are artistically strong and while their elements aren't the hardest they're beautiful, which is true, when her teams skate clean, the elements look great, I'd take a V/T triple throw over D/R's 4S any day.

I'm not trying to silence her, I pointed out why she is wrong. I'm tired of stereotypes and people twisting scientific research to to undermine people's hard work. It's demeaning and demoralizing to be told yeah you did well because of the colour of your skin. No they worked hard, everyone has their advantages and disadvantages, it's very narrow of her to say oh well, these people have an advantage in this category without mentioning her own athletes' advantages. Like I said, there are a lot of factors at play and there's no way we can quantify them so simply.

And I agree. She should understand as a coach of her caliber or at least as coach of such beloved athletes as VT or SK that her words printed anywhere will attract a big attention of figure skating community and every word will be analyzed under microscope. Russians are always being straight-forward, direct to the point and brutally honest, it's their special style. Frankly, it doesn't doing them any good sometimes.

Well, I recently re-watched TSL's 2 hours long interview with Tamara Moskvina, i gotta say she I very vivid example here. When she speaks English, she basically literally translates herself word by word in English. Basically on a fly. I checked some of her interviews on Russian, she speaks pretty much the same, builds her sentences and sometimes sounds like Yoda. It's hard at first, but shortly when you get a hang of it, you will be amazed of her wisdom.

Tamara Moskvina might be a great example of the way Russian thinking works. Take it or leave, but it's just how they are. Rough around the edges, but warm and fuzzy; we can't stand them sometimes, but can't live without them at all. If I had roll my eyes and have a penny every time some of my Russian friends say something not politically correct, I would made a fortune already! I usually trying to make it simple for myself: Russia is not East or West, Russia is North! [emoji3]

 

[Alexz]

Thanks for that link, Alexz!!!!! I loved reading that and I can't believe I never put Petrova and Peters together.

Or Kuznetsov as Blacksmith or Smith. Morozov as Frost. Linguistics, sir.

Nota Bene: Medvedeva - Bear. Or in Russian: Medved = med + ved = honey + know = literally "the one who knows where the honey is".

P.S. Let me research for you what Butirskaya means..