Alina Zagitova

[Noreg16]

Once Alina clears her UR issues, I do see her training harder jumps. I don't believe that a 3A would be an option because her 2A is small and the technique is awkward. [QUITE]

Her 2a is fine considering those entrances and exits, if it was a poor technique jump for her no way they d risk her falling adding all this difficulty to execution, she gets tired basically skating through whole program on one leg. Agree on 4flip and its height but i still think her junior 2A had potential to 3A

 

[paji15]

Well, I have mentioned it earlier but now it is official. There is one thing that bothers me. Assiastant technical specialist for ladies is Kateřina Kamberská. She is Czech and often is a co-commentator of figure skating on Czech TV. And I really don't like her, she is obvious antifan of Eteri's school and Alina personally, her comments about her are literally awful/disrespectful this season, not only from personal perspective but she also made some completely false claims about her team - I believe I gave some examples already. So I'm not sure how her presence in tech panel will affect Alina's scoring. On the "positive" note, Kamberská is often disrespectful to many other skaters in her comments also (but always notices somethong positive about japanese skaters).

OMG She's there? She always seems to me very subjective when she is a commentator.....

Btw I'd like to ask you - It's me or the other comentator - Olga Žáková, also don't like Alina? She seems to me always very hard on her. Like "her double axel was smaaaaall" .. she always criticize her A LOT and then suddenly goes sth like "I like on her that she is smooth, I'm not afraid with her that she screw it up.." Gosh how much I hate that lady. She has a problem even when girls wear ponytail instead of bun (if you are not Czech girl, then you can wear whatever you wants to and it's beautiful, OR if you are not Tessa Virtue, cause Virtue Moir are legends enough to break the rules in her eyes). But on Alina she seems to me especially strict.

Now I'm thinking about if I even wanna watch czech stream.

 

[paji15]

Lisa had 3A since 12-13 yo, it takes certain body strength and structure combined with right technique to do 3A, so not the same story. Even Eteri said it was easier for them (her students, at least 3) to do a quad instead. Replying to other post: Alina is not learning a quad lz or flip, they ve tried it but mostly for fun for Japanese tv, it became obvious after JTv show. Also about Sofia making the team with low scores ...this year only one of Eteri’s students was a competition -Alina, next year there will be 3 Alina will have to deal with. I really don’t know how she can be so strong mentally. Kihira, Liza Tuk, Alena K do 3A, Rika and Liza Turs landed quads at practice already, Anya and Sasha do 2-3 quads at competitions, its gonna be crazy next year.
I think Alina CAN learn a quad flip, and their whole group is gonna practice 3A so id rather her do that.ofc her opponents are gonna be also unstable and will have puberty knocking on their door one day too. Whishing Alina all the luck, stability in skating and new beautiful programs i cant wait to see

Ok I didn't know that Liza had a 3A before! And I agree it's difficult, of course.

But about their plan for her to do quads - https://twitter.com/mmelaniepadilla/status/1063440291280142338 here is Daniil talking about that for Russian TV, not just for Japannesse show.

So yes the next season will be huge. I can't even imagine all Russian promissing skaters will get two spots at GPs. There is so much of them. But I'm really looking forward for Alina. Whatever happened during next season, she will skate that season and I'm here for it! She is fighter and I'm her fan no matter what, I believe in her!

 

[Noreg16]

Ok I didn't know that Liza had a 3A before! And I agree it's difficult, of course.

But about their plan for her to do quads - https://twitter.com/mmelaniepadilla/status/1063440291280142338 here is Daniil talking about that for Russian TV, not just for Japannesse show.

So yes the next season will be huge. I can't even imagine all Russian promissing skaters will get two spots at GPs. There is so much of them. But I'm really looking forward for Alina. Whatever happened during next season, she will skate that season and I'm here for it! She is fighter and I'm her fan no matter what, I believe in her!

I saw that video, and idk he said they tried (sounded like once to me) but they can’t “seriously” talk about learning until seasons end. But i cant imagine when its gonna happen, march-april is packed, she has 4 shows after worlds, idk if she is up to team champ event, and maybe more shows in russia, then they have 2 weeks off in may...im a pessimist lol and tbh honest im not impressed by quads or 3A, seeing how jumping them makes skaters simplify their programs, be less artistic and even chill with transitions, step sequence etc, not to mention high risk of trauma...i feel like thats not figure skating i want for Alina even tho it can prove some annoying people wrong. Im sure i will change my mind seeing 4flip from Alina so don’t mind me lol

 

[flanker]

OMG She's there? She always seems to me very subjective when she is a commentator.....

Btw I'd like to ask you - It's me or the other comentator - Olga Žáková, also don't like Alina? She seems to me always very hard on her. Like "her double axel was smaaaaall" .. she always criticize her A LOT and then suddenly goes sth like "I like on her that she is smooth, I'm not afraid with her that she screw it up.." Gosh how much I hate that lady. She has a problem even when girls wear ponytail instead of bun (if you are not Czech girl, then you can wear whatever you wants to and it's beautiful, OR if you are not Tessa Virtue, cause Virtue Moir are legends enough to break the rules in her eyes). But on Alina she seems to me especially strict.

Now I'm thinking about if I even wanna watch czech stream.

Well, Olga Žáková is definitely better than Kamberská, but she is like from side to side, just like you said. She is mostly commenting pairs and ice dance, singles not that often, so I can recall her comments on Alina only from last year Worlds short program. She made some commets about her that I would disagree with but not that kind of what Kamberská sometimes has said. On the other hand, during the break in the worlds SP they showed Sasha's FP from junior worlds and she made some not very nice comments about Sasha. Also she always seems to me that she likes Mishin so she is in her comments much more responsive to his ladies than to Eteri's. But at least she is not so biased, Kambeská e. g. on Euros this year was like "overseas (canadian and US - really???) and japanese ladies will show us what real figure skating is" - she did not say it exactly like this but it was obvious that she is favors them.

 

[leilaraj]

That judge there was an interview with posted on the Edge a week (?) or so ago is THE commentator on Norwegian Eurosport. She might have a companion with her but she's been there since literally at least 2001 world's (my earliest viewing memory of her) and every euros/world's since? Until the internet this was the only person I ever heard commentate. I find it really weird that she's a judge because through almost 20 years I heard her make razor sharp distinctions between "artists" and "technical skaters" and then of course those that have both. (Guess what Alina was referred to during PC.)

I guess ultimately this really shows how human and biased judges are, but I think it would be better if they kept it more distinct. Hopefully Ms. Kamberská will be fair! :agree:




On another note, I just saw the 3lz3t3lo3lo.... Someone isn't here to play

Where did you see her combo? I need to see it also!

 

[paji15]

I saw that video, and idk he said they tried (sounded like once to me) but they can’t “seriously” talk about learning until seasons end. But i cant imagine when its gonna happen, march-april is packed, she has 4 shows after worlds, idk if she is up to team champ event, and maybe more shows in russia, then they have 2 weeks off in may...im a pessimist lol and tbh honest im not impressed by quads or 3A, seeing how jumping them makes skaters simplify their programs, be less artistic and even chill with transitions, step sequence etc, not to mention high risk of trauma...i feel like thats not figure skating i want for Alina even tho it can prove some annoying people wrong. Im sure i will change my mind seeing 4flip from Alina so don’t mind me lol

To be honest, I don't have strong opinion about 3A and quads. As we discussed before, I would preffer if they change a scoring system and add more points for combos. Because those combos Alina is doing are very hard. It's hard to compare it with single quad or triple axel, but because 3Lz-Lo is considered as the most difficult combo, and only a few female skaters are able to do it (not even every men), I would like to see reward for that. Also it can be good way to balance two sides of figure skating. Huge jumps and artistry. As you said, with quads or 3A, skaters tend to have easier transitions, they need time to prepare for jump etc. I like Alina's busy programs. Also there is better place for artistry - both expression and smooth moves. And - I love how Alina look stronger with jumps and I love to see how huge they are etc., but I really enjoy how much she is improving in expression, dance, moves, ... It would be sad if figure skating loose all those things only for focus on 4s/3A.

 

[patee]

How come there are no videos of today's practice? I'm really happy about the good news that Alina is in a really good shape. I can't tell you how much I'd like to see her perform her season's best in Saitama! Not just because of the fact in itself, but because I have some similar experiences like Flanker's in connection with negative and ignorant commentating. Some of the comments right after Alina's FS at the 2019 EC, which really made me mad, said (on one of the major sport TV channels) that she seemed burnt out, there was very little possibility for her to come back from there and it was even possible that the FSFR would consider to withdraw her from the WC. I was boiling with rage and could hardly believe my ears! And this nonsense was said by an expert, a former judge actually. So I'd really, really love to see Alina prove these people wrong! I guess everybody feels the same here anyway, so let's just send all our positive and supportive energy to our beloved Queen of Ice!

 

[Noreg16]

Well, Olga Žáková is definitely better than Kamberská, but she is like from side to side, just like you said. She is mostly commenting pairs and ice dance, singles not that often, so I can recall her comments on Alina only from last year Worlds short program. She made some commets about her that I would disagree with but not that kind of what Kamberská sometimes has said. On the other hand, during the break in the worlds SP they showed Sasha's FP from junior worlds and she made some not very nice commets about Sasha. Also she always seems to me that she likes Mishin so she is in her comments much more responsive to his ladies than to Eteri's. But at least she is not so biased, Kambeská e. g. on Euros this year was like "overseas (canadian and US - really???) and japanese ladies will show us what real figure skating is" - she did not say it exactly like this but it was obvious that she is favors them.

Good thing she is not the judge...but Alina is screwed anyway with her 3lz3lo coz its very debatable where jumping starts and if it was really UR. Meh i wish I didn’t know who the rest of the panel was too...coz not helping

 

[paji15]

Well, Olga Žáková is definitely better than Kamberská, but she is like from side to side, just like you said. She is mostly commenting pairs and ice dance, singles not that often, so I can recall her comments on Alina only from last year Worlds short program. She made some commets about her that I would disagree with but not that kind of what Kamberská sometimes has said. On the other hand, during the break in the worlds SP they showed Sasha's FP from junior worlds and she made some not very nice commets about Sasha. Also she always seems to me that she likes Mishin so she is in her comments much more responsive to his ladies than to Eteri's. But at least she is not so biased, Kambeská e. g. on Euros this year was like "overseas (canadian and US - really???) and japanese ladies will show us what real figure skating is" - she did not say it exactly like this but it was obvious that she is favors them.

Oh yes, she loves Mishin She made it quite clear at this years euros. I think she doesn't like very young skaters (if they are not from Mishin), also she likes the way Carolina Costner is skating, and Eteri's school is very different. I know what you mean, Kamberská is very odd. Hope she will do her job and will use one standard for everybody.

 

[Noreg16]

To be honest, I don't have strong opinion about 3A and quads. As we discussed before, I would preffer if they change a scoring system and add more points for combos. Because those combos Alina is doing are very hard. It's hard to compare it with single quad or triple axel, but because 3Lz-Lo is considered as the most difficult combo, and only a few female skaters are able to do it (not even every men), I would like to see reward for that. Also it can be good way to balance two sides of figure skating. Huge jumps and artistry. As you said, with quads or 3A, skaters tend to have easier transitions, they need time to prepare for jump etc. I like Alina's busy programs. Also there is better place for artistry - both expression and smooth moves. And - I love how Alina look stronger with jumps and I love to see how huge they are etc., but I really enjoy how much she is improving in expression, dance, moves, ... It would be sad if figure skating loose all those things only for focus on 4s/3A.

I agree on scoring system being total bs combos wise and goe comparing to what u get for single 3A or 4 is ridiculous, risk with 3lz3lo is so big, potential ur and carmen is structured terribly for “saving” combos if Alina fails Lz she cant even properly add loop to the flip coz of the jump entry. Now im getting worked up and kinda mad at Eteri again for Carmen being so hard to skate but illogical risk/scores wise.

 

[neusw]

It saddens me that figure skating, like many of the more traditionally "feminine" sports, is so catty, mean, and politically charged. It's beneficial to no one but the gossipmongers and totally unnecessary for the sport's development or fan enjoyment. The politics isn't just because it's a judged sport. For example, many skiing and snowboarding disciplines are also judged, and the attitude of those sports is generally much more laid back and supportive. Sure, there may be discussions about scoring and differing opinions, but you rarely hear the kind of extreme hatred and vitriol put out by warring feds or fanbases that is commonplace in figure skating. It's like having an "artistic" component to a sport gives any rando with a keyboard or a microphone validation that their artistic opinion, and therefore their judgement of the entire sport, is superior and the only correct way to go.

 

[Noreg16]

It saddens me that figure skating, like many of the more traditionally "feminine" sports, is so catty, mean, and politically charged. It's beneficial to no one but the gossipmongers and totally unnecessary for the sport's development or fan enjoyment. The politics isn't just because it's a judged sport. For example, many skiing and snowboarding disciplines are also judged, and the attitude of those sports is generally much more laid back and supportive. Sure, there may be discussions about scoring and differing opinions, but you rarely hear the kind of extreme hatred and vitriol put out by warring feds or fanbases that is commonplace in figure skating. It's like having an "artistic" component to a sport gives any rando with a keyboard or a microphone validation that their artistic opinion, and therefore their judgement of the entire sport, is superior and the only correct way to go.

People have opinions and freedom of speech, they also have unsatisfying lives - bad rs, bad jobs, bad experiences with other people so they will always want to change the subject from themselves and “be an expert” on why certain people don’t deserve the praise, place or money, they earned by working hard and succeeding, hating on “losers” also helps ugly peoples self esteem. So im not sure it’s only about artistics ...but in general agressive fans are people who just want to pat themselves on the back for “betting on the right horse” like it’s their own achievement.

 

[lesnar001]

Assistant Tech Caller is not a "fan"?
Pffft.

"The Hamster" is in the house(rink) - and she's taking no prisoners!

Even is she gets dinged with a couple of "UR's" everything is going to be just fine.
Alina earns big points with everything she does on the ice.

I expect to see a couple more Czech flags in Alina's fanfest after Worlds is over.
Yes indeedy.

 

[TheBallerina]

"The Hamster" is in the house

Motto for these Worlds?

 

[flanker]

Assistant Tech Caller is not a "fan"?
Pffft.

"The Hamster" is in the house(rink) - and she's taking no prisoners!

Even is she gets dinged with a couple of "UR's" everything is going to be just fine.
Alina earns big points with everything she does on the ice.

I expect to see a couple more Czech flags in Alina's fanfest after Worlds is over.
Yes indeedy.

You are optimistic because you don't know how our most read news server idnes - in those rare ocations when writing about figure skating - is writing about russian figure skating and about Eteri's school particularly.

 

[lusk8]

Well, Alina can't change the judges or anyone's preconceived ideas, what she can do is go out there and do her show.

I say show, because, whenever Alina skates it is a show. Show of skill, show of strength and show of guts.

I mean, two different 3Lz combos in the same FP, check, doing a 3Lz+3Lo regardless of likely GOE candy fest, check, difficult entries into 2A, double check, "I'll raise my arms if I want to, lack of rewards be damned", check.

Alina's difficult jump entries and intricate transitions mean that we really don't know her "jump potential" to its complete extend. Never seen her do a 2A after a run around the rink entry, so I can't say what will or will not come out of it.

I'm sure she has the skills, the technical ease, to learn any new element she wants to learn and sets her mind to learn. Will it be easy? Nothing in figure skating is easy, even a run around the rink 2A is not easy. Her double set of different 3Lz combos are "easily accessible to all" in the current field, as nearly every skater has those jumps as single jumps and lots have 3Lz combos (+3T being popular the go to choice), yet we don't see anyone else going for them. And we have people with 3Lz that are amazing, like "print this and frame it" amazing, still, we don't see it. Probably because it is super hard to pull off.

Skaters work with what they have in terms of consistent skills, what they can learn to great odds and what is greatly rewarding in points. That's how it should be.

Alina's jump layout is the hardest jump layout possible without a 3A, and like other layouts that are super hard (here including the 3A layout ones) it comes with risks.

She is out there, every single day, in every practice, working to make those risks lower and to turn them into big rewards. She is already turning it into an amazing show for us regardless.

My faith in Alina is like her: limitless. As is my enjoyment of every single one of her skates.

Now, it's show time!!!

 

[lesnar001]

You are optimistic because you don't know how our most read news server idnes - in those rare ocations when writing about figure skating - is writing about russian figure skating and about Eteri's school particularly.

I guess we'll have to wait and see. But what exactly does the assistant tech caller do besides the jumps?

I'm hoping Alina is in top shape and won't give any reason for the tech callers to even remotely question whether a jump was fully rotated or not.

But, like anything else in figure skating, Alina can only control what she does on the ice.
If she UR's and its called fairly, OK.
But if she DOESN'T UR and it is still called because of bias against Russian School/Eteri....

Well - let's just say that Eteri is not going to pleased.
And that's one person I would not want as an enemy.

I believe the tech callers will be fair (or at least consistent) with all the skaters.
This is Worlds. And next year's participants depend on the results as well.

 

[paji15]

all of it

it's a show time!! Let's go Alina!

 

[Finley]

Motto for these Worlds?

It's Hamster Time! (Sung to the tune of MC Hammer!)