2018-19 Russian Ladies' figure skating

[Pouchkine]

Evgenia is a young woman with the agency to do whatever she'd like with her life and skating career. She is also allowed to change her mind. She made a huge decision to move to Canada and certainly involved many people in that decision. She, the people at Rusfes who were invloved, and whoever else was involved handled the situation how they saw fit at the time. To think this is something that you can "agree" or "disagree" with is laughable. No one has any right to have such opinions on personal and private matters. Support her or don't, but you have no right to make any assertion on her personal character (and whether you "respect" her or don't) because of stories that you probably know 10% of information on.

To be quite honest, in my view, there is no explanation or excuse for the way Evgenia is treated on Russian forums. These are people looking for excuses to h/te on her. Whether they say they are doing it out of nationality, or loyalty to Eteri, or in "support" of Alina, or because Zhenya fans have been rude--- none of these are valid excuses to treat an athlete the way she is treated. These are hateful people with a hateful agenda and will look for anything n*gative to fuel their hatred. There is no valid excuse or explanation for this. And beyond this all, Russian skating fans have never been as supportive of Zhenya as they were at RusNats and the Cup Final! Let's not give these h*ters more credit than they deserve. Their hateful agenda has not only failed, but inspired more love for Evgenia! Their words on the internet are not representative of reality.

Well that's how it works on 99% of internet forums. If you let that bother you it's your problem. The thing that matters now is to know if the RusFed is "punishing" her for the move.

I like all the Russian Skaters but my favorite is Evgenia and I really hope she's there. Alina and Evgenia really must be there. Then decide between Samodurova and Konstantinova.

 

[oatmella]

Olympic channel article: https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/s...sia-medvedeva-zagitova-figure-skating-worlds/

Confusion surrounds Russia's team for Saitama with Evgenia Medvedeva saying she will be there to win if selected.

 

[meadow]

You think way to big of them if you see this debacle as a "strategy". I think is poor planning. The risk of russia loosing three spots next year is not so big as some people love to write here in the style of russian ice dance tragedy 2.0.

It's the opposite: one of the easiest years for russian ladies to keep 3 spots

No, that's right, "strategy" wasn't the right word probably. I don't believe they planned it in advance. I just think they didn't know who to choose and so they opted to keep all options open in order to send the three girls with the highest chance of medaling/of having good results.
What I meant was that I really don't think they care about who is going to have a last chance this year or things like that.

 

[DSQ]

How is refusing to answer different than saying she's not working with her anymore?

I guess it’s more diplomatic but more telling.

The best way to answer such questions is to give yourself an out. “I’m not thinking about changing coaches at the moment.”

Ultimately it was a lose lose situation for her as she couldn’t totally avoid the press like other skaters. In other countries figure skating get much less press so a wishy washy answer would suffice.

She’s young and she’s definitely learned from that situation.

 

[Mawwerg]

There are rumors Samodelkina is going to attempt triple axel in her free.

 

[Alexz]

RusFed: here is the list, but we did not make our final decision yet..
The skating world: :ddevil:




I think RusFed just like drama. Sometimes. And sometimes it is healthy. They definitely have been attracting a lot of attention to Russian skaters and coaches for the recent 4-5 years. The whole world is talking about them now. A lot. Drama in FS world is some kind of soap opera or a tv-sitcom now for us. Way to promote FS too.

Just a small example. We all know Plyuschenko is a walking drama. Their way of scandals with Yagudin and mutual trolling in press is a separated genre of sport of sorts. They both are Olympic champions, very successful and beloved skaters. Quad jumpers as well. They are so vocal, loud and noticeable in the media. But who remembers the other Russian Olympic champion - great skater Ilia Kulik? He is very low-key, may be he likes it that way. But he barely invited to tv or to ice shows, while usual suspects of scandal making - Yags and Plyushie - all over world in shows and the tv. Meanwhile Kulik is just another Olympic champion we barely talk about. BTW, Yags just made an awesome and honest interview with rythmic-gymnast Margarita Mamun, def worth translating. She describes how she lacks "sport character" and coachesh tried to pit and create rivalry betweeen her and Kudryavtseva, how she straggled with puberty and was losing her focus and interest in sport, was making a lot of mistakes/falls/losing apparatus and how they tried to shake her up, tried to create a drama or to piss her off on purpose, tried to create a *itchy character out of her, but at the end they failed and she won her gold medal anyways. Because Kudryavtseva made a big mistake and Margarita went focused and clean. I laughed my socks off. In a good way.

The more drama and a slight controversy in sport = the more headlines, the more attention, the bigger viewership. RusFed seems to understand the market. I am pretty sure they already made their decision. Back in Saransk when they summoned Coaches Council after Rus Nats. They are not gonna drag all influential coaches and experts/judges back together on another summit to debate for hours again about who should be on a team. Again.

They just keeping us in suspense for a now - they deliberately delay telling us something that we are very eager to know about. Classic thriller-movie scenario. Plus messing with rival skaters heads form other countries is probably also a bonus. Russia does not really have a consistency this year, so why not to mess with people's and other skaters' heads to spice it up a bit? It is no-brainer. Drama and no consistency for Russians this year? Well, let's mess with everyone heads then! They succeed after all. 'Cauz I briefly scrolled my feeds and twitter with my morning - fans and most of figure skating world are going nuts. :rofl2:

The main question is simple: would they go with the stronger jumpers and internationally highest sorcerers or with TAT-flation this season?

Where is that TAT MEME with CSKA-mafia Godfather parody when you need one?

 

[Scott512]

She was supposed not to blatantly lie to her fans. She looked very confident and sure while saying "Yes, of course, I'll continue to work with Eteri, no doubts". And in two months she's in Canada. That's not a decision that people make in a week. She could choose not to answer. That'd be less hypocritical. Personally, that was the moment when I lost all my respect for her. But I guess people are different, some may find that kind of behavior ok.

p.s I don't hate her. Just don't care anymore.

That is harsh. She was leaving her coach of 11 years this almost mythical intimidating figure and didnt know the perfect way to do it. I think Polina left Eteri the same way.

 

[heyheyhey]

Kulik didn’t really need drama tbh, he was the heartthrob & had instant success so once he got his Gold, he went professional & got his money at the height of ice touring. Don’t think he would have cared to be part of any soap opera.

Anyways, the decision seems pretty clear cut to me so I really don’t see the need for them to wait to announce. Regardless of who they send (other than Stasya), the 3 spots are pretty much guaranteed so I don’t believe that that’s really an issue. You send the top 3 that have done the best internationally this year, it’s very simple. I don’t see the fuss. Regardless, this will likely be the last time you see any of these girls on the world team again (other than maybe Liza because of 3A) so I wish them luck (sincerely).

 

[oatmella]

The only drama Ilia Kulik needed was acting in the movie ‘Center Stage’
http://toofab.com/photos/center-stage-cast-then-now/

 

[Alex65]

There are rumors Samodelkina is going to attempt triple axel in her free.

Fan festivals of young girls (up to 13) were closed, and now the news about young ladies, many of whom deserve more attention, is simply drowning in a stream of speculations and fantasies of people who are more interested in the drama of older ladies.
Yagudin and Kulik also already here

 

[My FS]

Kamila Valieva SP Championship Of Moscow,good quality and sound

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbFys_JXx7Q

 

[malya]

Check out the recent comments about RusFed’s decision and you’ll see there are lots of expressions of strange personal hatred towards Medvedeva. I don’t think this type of behaviour can be explained or excused, no matter who is the athlete they are bashing, a decent person will not write things like what you can find there. I think that the most hated athlete by these trolls is Medvedeva and Konstantinova is following closely behind.

I am not talking about hate comments or anything. It's a bit hard to say but I don't care about hate comments in some blog or whatever apparently skating fans are always aggressive. I did never read stuff like that.

I'm talking about actual physical stalking after making comments of physical assault. This is about somebody physically close to the skaters that shouts hate comments after Alina recognized her and ran away.
It's about a media narrative that is constantly being pushed that devalue her and want to make her another Adelina. And apparently about how some 'translators' (yesterday I have opened twitter for the first time in years to look for a comment - and I also checked around Med VS Zagi. I saw a russian fan who 'translates' stuff talk in russian about something that defending that stalker. I don't want to accuse anybody or go on twitter again because honestly: If you get told to double check your narrative and don't you will always believe what you want to believe) have made english speakers believe this is just about some h*te comments on blogs or social media for both sides.
That is not what is happening and if you can read russian you see it. And that is why the situation in russian FS is now what it is and Alina has gained a lot of supporters.
Some people take part, some people think this is just 'normal fan hate' and ignore but many call that out and want to 'protect the poor girl'.

This is no contest about who gets more hate or whatever on social media.

W/e I tried. I'm not lying - why should I? Doublecheck the russian press with a neutral translate or fking google at this point.
I'm not arguing against an ones favourite skater to some dumb h*te war. I was surprised at the very different narrative nationally (some press tries to spread the same) and internationally, do with it what you will.

 

[ankifeather]

I think RusFed just like drama. Sometimes. And sometimes it is healthy. They definitely have been attracting a lot of attention to Russian skaters and coaches for the recent 4-5 years. The whole world is talking about them now. A lot. Drama in FS world is some kind of soap opera or a tv-sitcom now for us. Way to promote FS too.

The more drama and a slight controversy in sport - the more headlines, the more attentions, the more drama. RusFed seems to understand the market. I am pretty sure they already made their decision. Back in Saransk when they summoned Coaches Council after Rus Nats. They not gonna drag all influential coaches and experts/judges back together on another summit to debate for hours again about who should be on a team.

They just keeping us in suspense for a now - they deliberately delay telling us something that we are very eager to know about. Classic thriller movie scenario. Plus messing with rival skaters heads form other countries is also a bonus. Russia does not really have a consistency this year, so why not to mess with people's and skaters' heads to spice it up a bit? It is no-brainer. Drama and no consistency for Russians this year? Let's mess with everyone heads then! They succeed after all. 'Cauz I briefly scrolled my feeds and twitter this morning with my morning - fans and most of figure skating world are going nuts

The only heads Rusfed is messing with right now are their own skaters. The skaters from other countries probably don't care which Russian lady show up by this point, but are focusing on preparing themselves.

Not sure how what's happening right now can be considered "healthy" creates buzz sure, but not healthy. and I believe both Med and Alina could have had a better season and performed better this year without all this chaos - and we might actually be having "real" drama of good performances right now.

And there are many ways to promote skating without faux drama - like holding a parade in honour of your champion, like giving a dog as an international relationship gesture, like inviting skaters to game shows and reveal their fun side, like plastering advertisement of skaters all over town , not just of you own skaters but foreign ones too. This is healthy promotion of the sport and drums up just as much interest.

 

[plushyfan]

Just a small example. We all know what Plyuschenko is walking drama. Their way of scandals with Yagudin and mutual trolling in press is a separated genre of sport of sorts. They both are Olympic champions, very successful and beloved skaters. Quad jumpers as well. They are so vocal, loud and noticeable in the media. But who remembers the other Russian Olympic champion - great skater Ilia Kulik? He is very low-key, may be he likes it that way. But he barely invited to tv or to ice shows, while usual suspects of scandal making - Yags and Plyushie - all over world in shows and the tv. Meanwhile Kulik is just another Olympic champion we barely talk about. BTW, Yags just made an awesome and honest interview with rythmic-gymnast Margarita Mamun, def worth translating. She describes how she lacks "sport character" and coachesh tried to pit and create rivalry betweeen her and Kudryavtseva, how she straggled with puberty and was losing her focus and interest in sport, was making a lot of mistakes/falls/losing apparatus and how they tried to shake her up, tried to create a drama or to piss her off on purpose, tried to create a *itchy character out of her, but at the end they failed and she won her gold medal anyways. Because Kudryavtseva made a big mistake and Margarita went focused and clean. I laughed my socks off. In a good way.

I agree with you in general. I just don't understand when anybody makes equality between Plush and Yag's fame and popularity.

 

[plushyfan]

The only drama Ilia Kulik needed was acting in the movie ‘Center Stage’
http://toofab.com/photos/center-stage-cast-then-now/

I liked it!!!

 

[Alexz]

Okay, good. I was seriously starting to think I’m missing something important (it completely flew over my head that Medvedeva would be seriously campaigning for a third Worlds sport at the Russian Cup Final, after all) because I’m not understanding the fear of losing three spots for next year.

Zagitova is the best Russian senior lady right now. If you look at all her performances this season, one could make the conclusion that her recent problems are in the free. She’s been scoring 70+ in the SP. Even if she bombs the free at Worlds, she still makes top 10 because of the strength of the SP and PCS cushion. If she skates to her potential, however, she podiums.

Liza is consistent and an outside podium threat. She’s already beaten both Sakamoto and Miyahara. In fact, her scores are actually among the highest among the ladies this season. And she has 2 3As. She doesn’t have the PCS, but if she hits her tech, she’s dangerous.

Samodurova is being underestimated I think. Her scores have risen significantly in international competition. She went from 184.82 to a 213.84. She’s officially a 205-210 skater. That’s better than the Americans and almost as good as an imperfect Sakamoto. And honestly, better than Miyahara, who she beat at GPF.

Medvedeva is being overestimated. PCS is not much of a cushion if you’re going to get hit on tech. Internationally, her average SP scores are in the mid-60s and FP average is low 130s with a total average score of barely 200 and that’s with the PCS. Any of the top girls can beat that. I don’t think she’s on an upward trajectory, either. Not bombing a competition is not the same as skating well. I think RusFed really wants her on the team, but they cannot justify it. They may have a case if she would have won RCF handily with two great skates. But that’s not what happened. She was given the win. Internationally, Liz wins by about 10 points. Therefore, she doesn't deserve a spot. There's no argument, reason, or justification. None.

If Zagitova repeats her Worlds performance from last year, I have confidence that Liza and Samodurova can pick up the slack.

….Unfortunately, it seems, RusFed doesn't have the same confidence. RusFed seriously needs to wake up and open their eyes. The decision is not hard (it’s actually very easy), but they’re making it hard. You know what happens when you overthink something? You usually end up shooting yourself in the foot.

Matter of fact, wasn’t Japan in this situation last year with the men? I don’t remember Japan pulling this nonsense. They were in serious danger of losing three spots for next year, but they just picked a team with crossed fingers. And look what happened.

Agree on may things. But there are other backstage factors. TAT-fluence. They really should put a monument up for TAT and call it "monument for corruption in sport".

Thing is if RusFed announce that Medvedeva is off the team now (till the next season at least) a lot of Zhenya's stans might lose interest in upcoming Worlds. But by delaying announcement they keeping fans in suspense. Week or few days before the draw the team list will be "quietly" published. So all the disgruntled fans still can keep watching/visiting the Worlds and secretly root for everyone to have a meltdown and fall. Or something. Like I said RusFed knows the market and sinful human nature. Frankly, Zhenya has homework to do, but we wish her to comeback strong next year. She said herself she wants to skate more and to have a long career. But there is a TAT-favoritism factor at play here. And it can really hurt Zhenya at the end and can cause another wave of bad PR on her head. Oh, well, let's remember Lenok Radionova and her PCS - compare home and abroad PCS - not everyone likes TAT's pets, including the judges. TAT can really squeeze Zhenya into the team, but that if Zhenya won't skate clean again and everyone will start wondering immediately "why in a world Liza was left home?". Zhenya will receive a lot of backlash not only from Liza's uber-fans, but from the big part of the figure skating fan community. Well, we remember Radionova was being annoyingly forced by TAT, promoted and pushed on the 3rd team spot, only to be fatshamed and criticized by TAT herself 2 years later. CSKA does not care about their skaters, and likes them only when they have an elusive chance to win? And we remember Radionova being put first despite her shaky landing over clean and consistent Zhenya. GP Rostelecom 2016 in Moscow comes to mind. Locally, PCS is a very subjective and unfair, PCS given internationally is much more fair and accurate. Radionova is a lovely skater, easy likable and a nice lovely person, but TAT's ruthless favoritism hurt her, we dont really miss her now, the only thing we remember how TAT was annoying with promoting Radionova at any chance given.

 

[Alexz]

The only heads Rusfed is messing with right now are their own skaters. The skaters from other countries probably don't care which Russian lady show up by this point, but are focusing on preparing themselves.
.

I think they know what's up. 3 Russian skaters who know they are in are quietly training now. Other 2 (out of 5 real candidates) are kept in the dark. For a now. Mishin is surprisingly calm: "Liza is not on the team? This does not mean anything. End of interview, please." Will see, I guess.

And there are many ways to promote skating without faux drama - like holding a parade in honour of your champion, like giving a dog as an international relationship gesture, like inviting skaters to game shows and reveal their fun side, like plastering advertisement of skaters all over town , not just of you own skaters but foreign ones too. This is healthy promotion of the sport and drums up just as much interest.

RusFed is doing all that and more. Much more. Last time I checked they are regularly having an interesting ice shows for TV. Lots of press, lots of social media, and even juniors are interviewed often. Including on TV. There was a piece about Javi's retirement AFAIK. There are at least 4-5 nice TV fluff pieces every month by Russian or Japanese TV about Russian ladies. But the real passion for sport and spark of emotions you can get out of fans only when there is some kind of drama. I guess our Russian forumers could correct me, but I have a feeling that in terms of PR and marketing figure skating RusFed is the most effective of all Russian sport feds.

Hmm.. Fun fact. Even Chinese TV made a TV fluff about ALexandra Trusova and her "dragon" dress recently. I guess they really like the dragons (?) and are getting ready for Winter Beijing-2022 already? I bet Eteri and Dani G will make a some kind of Chinese-themed (or newly found Sino-Rus friendship dedicated) program for one of their skater for Oly 2022. Just wait.

 

[Alexz]

Kulik didn’t really need drama tbh, he was the heartthrob & had instant success so once he got his Gold, he went professional & got his money at the height of ice touring. Don’t think he would have cared to be part of any soap opera.

At the end of the day money is a very expendable resource. Not necessary to be part of the soap opera, but there are other options too.

 

[Manitou]

The only drama Ilia Kulik needed was acting in the movie ‘Center Stage’
http://toofab.com/photos/center-stage-cast-then-now/

It was an awesome movie. I loved it. And I remember when Ilia (or his character) was trying to pick some girls in the bar, they were turning him down, but as soon as he said "I'm Russian" they were all for him. As if "I'm Russian" were some magical chick spell.

 

[Jontor]

Okay, good. I was seriously starting to think I’m missing something important (it completely flew over my head that Medvedeva would be seriously campaigning for a third Worlds sport at the Russian Cup Final, after all) because I’m not understanding the fear of losing three spots for next year.

Zagitova is the best Russian senior lady right now. If you look at all her performances this season, one could make the conclusion that her recent problems are in the free. She’s been scoring 70+ in the SP. Even if she bombs the free at Worlds, she still makes top 10 because of the strength of the SP and PCS cushion. If she skates to her potential, however, she podiums.

Liza is consistent and an outside podium threat. She’s already beaten both Sakamoto and Miyahara. In fact, her scores are actually among the highest among the ladies this season. And she has 2 3As. She doesn’t have the PCS, but if she hits her tech, she’s dangerous.

Samodurova is being underestimated I think. Her scores have risen significantly in international competition. She went from 184.82 to a 213.84. She’s officially a 205-210 skater. That’s better than the Americans and almost as good as an imperfect Sakamoto. And honestly, better than Miyahara, who she beat at GPF.

Medvedeva is being overestimated. PCS is not much of a cushion if you’re going to get hit on tech. Internationally, her average SP scores are in the mid-60s and FP average is low 130s with a total average score of barely 200 and that’s with the PCS. Any of the top girls can beat that. I don’t think she’s on an upward trajectory, either. Not bombing a competition is not the same as skating well. I think RusFed really wants her on the team, but they cannot justify it. They may have a case if she would have won RCF handily with two great skates. But that’s not what happened. She was given the win. Internationally, Liz wins by about 10 points. Therefore, she doesn't deserve a spot. There's no argument, reason, or justification. None.

If Zagitova repeats her Worlds performance from last year, I have confidence that Liza and Samodurova can pick up the slack.

….Unfortunately, it seems, RusFed doesn't have the same confidence. RusFed seriously needs to wake up and open their eyes. The decision is not hard (it’s actually very easy), but they’re making it hard. You know what happens when you overthink something? You usually end up shooting yourself in the foot.

Matter of fact, wasn’t Japan in this situation last year with the men? I don’t remember Japan pulling this nonsense. They were in serious danger of losing three spots for next year, but they just picked a team with crossed fingers. And look what happened.

I agree with everything here. Let's face it. RusFed wants Medvedeva to go to Worlds. The RCF was blatantly judged in Medvedeva's favour. And now they are holding back because, damn it, Tuktamysheva had a great skate aswell at RCF. That was not according to plan.
I've always been a Medvedeva fan but I am getting really annoyed by this favourism she gets now. OK it might be politcs but it just isn't fair to anyone including Medvedeva herself.
Let the ice speak I say. And for me Med just isn't good enough for Worlds this year...

Edit: Of course Med is Worlds material but not with the current 3 per country rule.