- Joined
- Oct 20, 2017
So, the Europeans just ended and I would like to use the opportunity to write my first post here on this forum, although I have been reading it for quite a long time 
Zagitova was really fierce and I was happy that she finally managed to pull 2 back to back clean skates. I may be one of the many people who likes her SP a lot. From the very beginning I knew it was going to be great, and now that she skated it clean, it really showed its potential. Her facial expression is limited but her arm movements are to die for, they really go well with the music. And at today's FS I liked how she was smiling, like she was enjoying herself for the first time and not just because she had to be smiley. So, congratulations!
At the same time, I was also sad for Zhenya. I have been following her career since she became a senior and it was very difficult for me to watch her fighting for that podium. The lack of practice time due to injury was obvious. In my opinion it wasn't just the jumps that appeared to be hard for her. Her extentions and attention to the detail weren't also there. If you compare her performance tonight and the one from Japan Open - there is a huge difference regarding her performance skills. For me, it felt like she wasn't that invested at the choreography but more like thinking that she has to just bring it to an end and accept the defeat.
From the beginning of this season I just had this feeling that Zhenya is going to have quite a hard time up until the Olympics, contrary to the many people who believed she would remain unbeatable. I remember back in September watching the test skates and for the free program what stroke me, is that she somehow looked devastated and maybe afraid before the beginning of her skate, which wasn't typical for her. Than the same look at Ondrej Nepela Trophy. And at every other competition she had participated at since then up until today. The only time I have seen her like that was at the JWC 2014 when she made mistakes and was very disappointed with herself.
So, what I am trying to say, is that seeing her perform as she did tonight is not only because of the injury. I don't know what has happened during the summer, she did try a new harder layout which apparently didn't work out for her, or let's say wasn't secure enough because it is an Olympic season. And I don't know if it is only the pressure of Alina moving to seniors and taking over the podium. But Med's mentality definitely has changed, she is far more unstable and that reflects on her skating as well. There is is also a great pressure from the federation and from the media. At every competition this season, as we also saw at the Europeans this week, all eyes were on her. I also do get the feeling that she is a bit more distracted as usual.
For me changing to Anna Karenina FS was a very good call but ever since it has all going downhill. I guess their initial strategy was to maximise her PCS (and she has been working on it since last season) so that she can have a cushion again Zagitova. And the strategy for Alina was to maximise her TES because of her lacking presentation skills. However, nobody expected the injury and perhaps for Alina to actually become that good, even unbeatable currently. Also, Med is constantly changing her spin positions which look nice but she has to concentrate on one specific type of them and then get the execution to its maximum because she already looses there to Zagi.
It may sound a little bit harsh but this is my personal observation. I have no intention to hate on any of them, they both are my top ladies and I am grateful that they make this sport so exciting. Wishing them a good luck for the Olys and to stay healthy!
PS As far as Eteri is concerned - yes, she is more invested in Evgenia. But Daniil is also more invested in Alina and she feels better with him. I guess, they found a way to give an equal support to both girls.
Zagitova was really fierce and I was happy that she finally managed to pull 2 back to back clean skates. I may be one of the many people who likes her SP a lot. From the very beginning I knew it was going to be great, and now that she skated it clean, it really showed its potential. Her facial expression is limited but her arm movements are to die for, they really go well with the music. And at today's FS I liked how she was smiling, like she was enjoying herself for the first time and not just because she had to be smiley. So, congratulations!
At the same time, I was also sad for Zhenya. I have been following her career since she became a senior and it was very difficult for me to watch her fighting for that podium. The lack of practice time due to injury was obvious. In my opinion it wasn't just the jumps that appeared to be hard for her. Her extentions and attention to the detail weren't also there. If you compare her performance tonight and the one from Japan Open - there is a huge difference regarding her performance skills. For me, it felt like she wasn't that invested at the choreography but more like thinking that she has to just bring it to an end and accept the defeat.
From the beginning of this season I just had this feeling that Zhenya is going to have quite a hard time up until the Olympics, contrary to the many people who believed she would remain unbeatable. I remember back in September watching the test skates and for the free program what stroke me, is that she somehow looked devastated and maybe afraid before the beginning of her skate, which wasn't typical for her. Than the same look at Ondrej Nepela Trophy. And at every other competition she had participated at since then up until today. The only time I have seen her like that was at the JWC 2014 when she made mistakes and was very disappointed with herself.
So, what I am trying to say, is that seeing her perform as she did tonight is not only because of the injury. I don't know what has happened during the summer, she did try a new harder layout which apparently didn't work out for her, or let's say wasn't secure enough because it is an Olympic season. And I don't know if it is only the pressure of Alina moving to seniors and taking over the podium. But Med's mentality definitely has changed, she is far more unstable and that reflects on her skating as well. There is is also a great pressure from the federation and from the media. At every competition this season, as we also saw at the Europeans this week, all eyes were on her. I also do get the feeling that she is a bit more distracted as usual.
For me changing to Anna Karenina FS was a very good call but ever since it has all going downhill. I guess their initial strategy was to maximise her PCS (and she has been working on it since last season) so that she can have a cushion again Zagitova. And the strategy for Alina was to maximise her TES because of her lacking presentation skills. However, nobody expected the injury and perhaps for Alina to actually become that good, even unbeatable currently. Also, Med is constantly changing her spin positions which look nice but she has to concentrate on one specific type of them and then get the execution to its maximum because she already looses there to Zagi.
It may sound a little bit harsh but this is my personal observation. I have no intention to hate on any of them, they both are my top ladies and I am grateful that they make this sport so exciting. Wishing them a good luck for the Olys and to stay healthy!
PS As far as Eteri is concerned - yes, she is more invested in Evgenia. But Daniil is also more invested in Alina and she feels better with him. I guess, they found a way to give an equal support to both girls.
Congratulations with your first post, especially in this beautiful thread! 
