2019-20 Russian Ladies' Figure Skating

[flanker]

Before watching Anya live, I somehow had the same impression, and that her jumps looked very small, so I somehow get from where comes this.

But after watching her live I can say that I was sooo impressed, her jumps did not look small or forced, all sharp and precise, and her flip seemed her best jump. She built so much consistency while the season progressed! Even during her practice sessions she rarely misses a jump (ofc besides the Quad attempts), and I have a feeling she will just get better and better. Such a graceful, artistically gifted skater, with quads and a great consistency, she is one of the skaters that improved the most last season and can make a huge impression in the next ones.

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Both Anya's and Kamila's new quads looked so effortless and easy that I would probably mistake them with triples if there were no warnings. I even needed to pause and count the rotations to believe those jumps were really quads, because they were so fast.

There is a saying in my country: "never say something is impossible because there always comes some silly sod who doesn't know that it is impossible and just do it."

And that can be applied on Eteri and her team. Nobody said them this is impossible and they just continue in their marvellous work.

 

[TheBallerina]

Both Anya's and Kamila's new quads looked so effortless and easy that I would probably mistake them with triples if there were no warnings. I even needed to pause and count the rotations to believe those jumps were really quads, because they were so fast.
.

It was the same for me, they really do look like triples, the same for Sonya Akatieva who also has an insane rotation speed.

What amazes me even more is the huge "height reserve", that these girls have. Their quads are so high, even tough some of their triples have just a normal height. For me it was the same at Anya's 3Lz-4Lz. So we can never know what we can expect to see next, and it makes it even more entertaining

 

[Edwin]

It was the same for me, they really do look like triples, the same for Sonya Akatieva who also has an insane rotation speed.

What amazes me even more is the huge "height reserve", that these girls have. Their quads are so high, even tough some of their triples have just a normal height. For me it was the same at Anya's 3Lz-4Lz. So we can never know what we can expect to see next, and it makes it even more entertaining

#TeamTutberidzeForProgress is a pressure cooker of talent. Nobody in Khrustalniy wants to lag behind, all want to participate in the fun. Teaching the triple Axels and quads to young skaters with the optimum power to weight ratio is easier, and gives them a head start.
However, Khrustalniy must never forget to look after the basic skating skills that are the foundation of any successful and beautiful program.
Quads only carry you so far, and those of you that also follow gymnastics have seen what open ended scoring does to routine composition, going for the D(ifficulty) score at the expense of the E(xecution) score in women's artistic.

 

[Sugar Coated]

Until recently, I probably had the least expectations for Anna of the 3A skaters (which of course was still higher than pretty much every other ladies skater). For me she was always a bit behind Sasha in jumps and not quite as artistic as Alena. Her FS at senior nationals was a turning point. I think her quads may be more smooth and effortless looking than some of Sasha's.

But what really caught my attention was her exhibition program at the Tutberitze show. It didn't stand out for me at Junior Worlds. But her recent performance of the exhibition demonstrated this whole new side to her. I think she's been given all these very sweet, ice princessy type programs (which makes sense for juniors) that I felt she only had that side to her. But I got to see her sassy, confident side to her doing modern dance and it was really something. It showed that she has range and the ability to do many different styles. This and now adding a quad flip! The next couple years are going to be really interesting for Eteri's team.

 

[tempo]

Few fancam videos of "Champions on Ice" show (20.04.2019) from another side of the rink has appeared:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7xcgYDrzIUPKo42qXeoBvQ/videos?disable_polymer=1

 

[Edwin]

Few fancam videos of "Champions on Ice" show (20.04.2019) from another side of the rink has appeared:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7xcgYDrzIUPKo42qXeoBvQ/videos?disable_polymer=1

Thanks.

We cannot have enough video evidence of this extraordinary exhibition of #TeamTutberidzeForProgress.
The cameraperson being higher up in the stands gives a different view to the beautiful lighting effects.

The skaters being able to perform on the reduced ice space and under this stage lighting is a testimony to their quality. You can notice most routines have had their skate patterns altered, more crosswise travelling and often finding the extreme corners to throw a jump. Doing these exhibitions makes the Khrustalniy skaters stronger, smarter and better in their skating competition programs when there is a small mishap and they need to improvise.

Was it Valiyeva and Akatyeva's first outing with the group? Akat'yeva was so eager to participate in the fun elements and the quad battles.

 

[Fluture]

I really do hope Alëna Kostornaia gets her triple axel back. Hopefully with her new boots she can. I think that would make a lot of people here very happy (and me too!) I really do want her to be a contender for gold and I don’t know if it’s possible without mistakes from others without a technical “trick” like 3A.

I agree. Alena is such a beautiful skater, it would be a shame if she was held back... Maybe I'm old-fashioned but to me, it's Alena Kostornaya that shows what a skater is supposed to be like. Elegant. Refined. Graceful yet athletic and strong with a good technique on jumps. A great performer. Musical. She has everything and she shows clearly with her exhibition that she isn't just the ice-princess-y angel like skater, she can portray anything. If she is healthy, I hope she can learn the 3A. Her 2A is so strong, if she managed to rotate more quickly and have her legs tighter in the air (she kind of has a leg-wrap), it should be possible. But only if she is fully recovered and healthy enough to do it!

If not... well, then there's only the hope that PCS will be distributed accordingly on what's put out on the ice so that she can keep in contention at least. The PCS difference she had at the JGPF gave me hope. That's what it's supposed to be like. Let's wait whether they'll do it like this in seniors.

 

[TripleAxelQueens3]

Just an observation of mine - Akatieva’s 3A looks pretty steady. Two successful attempts in EX and she’s only been training them for a short period of time. Definitely going to be a star once she turns junior. Can she do Russian Cup Stages this year? I think yes, since she’ll be 12, maybe she can’t because she’s not eligible for JGP? But then again, Muravyeva did the fifth stage last season and she’s not eligible yet...

 

[Spirals for Miles]

Just an observation of mine - Akatieva’s 3A looks pretty steady. Two successful attempts in EX and she’s only been training them for a short period of time. Definitely going to be a star once she turns junior. Can she do Russian Cup Stages this year? I think yes, since she’ll be 12, maybe she can’t because she’s not eligible for JGP? But then again, Muravyeva did the fifth stage last season and she’s not eligible yet...

Yes, I believe that all Moscow girls born in 2007 will be eligible for Cup Stages and Jr. Nats this season (correct me if I'm wrong )

 

[Happy Skates]

Yes, I believe that all Moscow girls born in 2007 will be eligible for Cup Stages and Jr. Nats this season (correct me if I'm wrong )

I was wondering this too! I really hope Akatieva is Jr. Nats eligible, cuz she needs somewhere important to compete her new tech content . Plus, It'll make Jr. Nats a lot more exciting!

 

[SkateSkates]

I was wondering this too! I really hope Akatieva is Jr. Nats eligible, cuz she needs somewhere important to compete her new tech content . Plus, It'll make Jr. Nats a lot more exciting!

If I understand the system correctly she will first have to compete at the Moscow open and place high enough to get cup spots. But this shouldn’t be an issue. I would assume both Akatieva and Samodelkina will try to qualify for JR nats next season. Samodelkina will be jr eligible in the 20-21 season.

 

[Happy Skates]

If I understand the system correctly she will first have to compete at the Moscow open and place high enough to get cup spots. But this shouldn’t be an issue. I would assume both Akatieva and Samodelkina will try to qualify for JR nats next season. Samodelkina will be jr eligible in the 20-21 season.

Yeah that makes sense, so is the age rule that you have to be born in 2007 or earlier? I know that girls who are eligible for JGP in the next season are age eligible, but Akatieva isn't age eligible for the JGP for two seasons despite being born in 2007, which is why I was wondering.

 

[Vilord]

Im not russian and dont really know how the junior circuit works in russian but Kostornaia was able to do senior nationals last year despite not being age eligeble for seniors this year since she was born late in the year and had turned 14 before nationals but not 1st july. So to me it would make sense if Akatieva could do junior nats since she will be 12 by then even if she wont be 13 by 30th june next year.

 

[SkateSkates]

Yeah that makes sense, so is the age rule that you have to be born in 2007 or earlier? I know that girls who are eligible for JGP in the next season are age eligible, but Akatieva isn't age eligible for the JGP for two seasons despite being born in 2007, which is why I was wondering.

I am not sure what the age requirements are but I’m pretty sure that Maria Dmitrieva was born in 2007 and she competed at junior nationals this year.

Kostornaia first did a cup event at the KMS level in 2014 I believe.
https://youtu.be/ru943sY2t4k

And gubanova qualified for junior nationals at age 11 if I remember correctly in the 2013/14 season.

 

[PekkaRink]

Before watching Anya live, I somehow had the same impression, and that her jumps looked very small, so I somehow get from where comes this.

But after watching her live I can say that I was sooo impressed, her jumps did not look small or forced, all sharp and precise, and her flip seemed her best jump. She built so much consistency while the season progressed! Even during her practice sessions she rarely misses a jump (ofc besides the Quad attempts), and I have a feeling she will just get better and better. Such a graceful, artistically gifted skater, with quads and a great consistency, she is one of the skaters that improved the most last season and can make a huge impression in the next ones.

Personally, I love Anna. She is so graceful, musical, just a really beautiful skater. At the same time, I can clearly see that her technique is pretty awful on most of her jumps. Unclear edges, smallish, hammer toe and excessive pre-rotation. Her skating skills aren‘t too great either and she often travels in her spins. (She has amazing flexibility, though) I see that and I accept it but for me it doesn‘t take away the enjoyment of watching her. She floats above the ice and the way she gives her movements purpose, to me that matters more than her technique. I can understand why it wouldn’t be like that for some, however.

I can‘t believe the speed at which these girls pull off new quads... I admire them for that even though I have to admit I‘m no particular fan of quads, especially knowing what it did to men‘s competition... But nevertheless, it‘s very impressive and it will be so interesting to see what they all can do next season. We‘re in for a great year!

Oh don’t get me wrong, I did not mean her hammer toe ruins enjoying watching her skate because I absolutely love her performances. It just took away part of the excitement I had when I read she had a 4F and had not watched the video. It’s weird how her her takeoff looks „forced“ and the rest of the jump quite effortless in comparison. Now that I am giving it more thought, that’s also quite an accomplishment that and also her spins where she travels would bother me much more with any other skater, but with Anna it’s just a small part of her performance. Next season is going to be super exciting, the junior quadsters turning senior, absolutely stunning Alena, and on the other hand more experienced skaters who definitely have some advantages PCS-wise and I suppose also when it comes to mental strength. Can’t wait for the season to start

 

[Autumn Leaves]

I would actually bet on Anna’s bright future any day! (Hopefully she stays healthy and injury free!) Just wait until she grows a little more and you will see.

Which reminds me, how about a small betting game for the next season? I know it is impossible to predict; plus we all probably have many favorites. But if we play, I choose Anna.

 

[hippomoomin]

Honestly I have never thought Anna's jumps are small. Her jumps have great upward lift so they don't lack height, especially considering how small she is. Some commented she has the "wrong" techniques as Evgenia's as they rely on upper body strength. Even this I cannot completely agree. She seems to start her Lutz from a low body position before she springs up, but that's not exactly the same as using excessive upper body strength. Also she was not trained in full capacity last year, and this is only her first international season.

Personally, I love Anna. She is so graceful, musical, just a really beautiful skater. At the same time, I can clearly see that her technique is pretty awful on most of her jumps. Unclear edges, smallish, hammer toe and excessive pre-rotation. Her skating skills aren‘t too great either and she often travels in her spins. (She has amazing flexibility, though) I see that and I accept it but for me it doesn‘t take away the enjoyment of watching her. She floats above the ice and the way she gives her movements purpose, to me that matters more than her technique. I can understand why it wouldn’t be like that for some, however.

I can‘t believe the speed at which these girls pull off new quads... I admire them for that even though I have to admit I‘m no particular fan of quads, especially knowing what it did to men‘s competition... But nevertheless, it‘s very impressive and it will be so interesting to see what they all can do next season. We‘re in for a great year!

 

[Happy Skates]

Am I the only one that's already heartbroken that (at least) one of Alina, Anna, Alexandra and Alena are going to be left off of the worlds team next year .

 

[Edwin]

Am I the only one that's already heartbroken that (at least) one of Alina, Anna, Alexandra and Alena are going to be left off of the worlds team next year .

Yes, it is inevitable, with three skaters per federation quota.

Khrustalniy rink can field the whole Russian World Championships team using it Awesome Aces, even with one to spare.

FFKKR will have to do a balancing act to keep the other subordinate organisations happy. But if the Khrustalniy skaters prove superior in the qualification process I cannot see FFKKR passing them by just to appease CSKA or SPB.
It will be very interesting to follow the developments and politics, how Khrustalniy will defend its position and how the other rinks will challenge them.

Most of it depends on the scores Kostornaya, Shcherbakova and Trusova will receive as new seniors compared to the fully established older seniors.
Who else besides these three will be a 'freshman' senior coming season?

Every skater in contention for international assignments will have to up her game, so there will be much more pressure is on the trainers and specialists also. Everybody must try and get those triples and quads consistent, reliable and beautiful while not forgetting the basics. Some rinks have an advantage here, some there, but it seems the scoring advantage of a good quad jump esp in combination is the key.

 

[Scott512]

Yes, it is inevitable, with three skaters per federation quota.

Khrustalniy rink can field the whole Russian World Championships team using it Awesome Aces, even with one to spare.

FFKKR will have to do a balancing act to keep the other subordinate organisations happy. But if the Khrustalniy skaters prove superior in the qualification process I cannot see FFKKR passing them by just to appease CSKA or SPB.
It will be very interesting to follow the developments and politics, how Khrustalniy will defend its position and how the other rinks will challenge them.

Most of it depends on the scores Kostornaya, Shcherbakova and Trusova will receive as new seniors compared to the fully established older seniors.
Who else besides these three will be a 'freshman' senior coming season?

Every skater in contention for international assignments will have to up her game, so there will be much more pressure is on the trainers and specialists also. Everybody must try and get those triples and quads consistent, reliable and beautiful while not forgetting the basics. Some rinks have an advantage here, some there, but it seems the scoring advantage of a good quad jump esp in combination is the key.

They need to change the rules especially for teams that send like four or five skaters to the Grand Prix final. There is no reason not to reward a great country in a discipline away Russia is becoming in ladies singles. An extra spot or two would help and would not dilute competition in fact it would only make it stronger with more good skaters and less weak staterrs. Again there should be a reward for countries who excel in the major competitions like Olympics and World Championships like Russia did in ladies figure skating. Getting Russia an extra spot just one extra spot would not hurt things it would only improve things. I'm just not thinking of 3A and Alina I'm thinking of evgenia and many others. I keep going back to Kazakhstan has as many spots as Russia does in next year's World Championships and that's a joke.

Talking about things like this is going to make this a very long offseason.