2019-20 Russian Ladies' Figure Skating

[Scott512]

But it is no reason for Nastya to intentionally disparage these top girls. These girls work hard, they do not decide what the judges award, and have no influence on the RusFed's decisions. My opinion, watching all girls for these past years, is that Gubanova is not more talented or a better skater than many of them. She is over rating herself, and blaming her lack of success on others and other factors.

It is "bad sport" to speak badly about your competition, and Gubanova did exactly that, willingly.

Most will disagree with the willing part. We think she was led into it by someone who is a stir the pot journalist. But you're right and Nastya said these things and she has to live with it and understand what she did and said publicly should have been avoided. hopefully she won't do it again but she needs someone in her life who will explain it to her and I don't know if she has that person or advisor. With the online interview she had last week online someone asked her who's artistry do you not like and she said she did not want to say anything bad about anyone. She also said very good things about her former coach. Very classy. I think Nastya is learning but she said what she said to Rodina. I only wish Rodina had said to Nastya that some of your answers will not be received well do you want me to edit them out? But that did not happen and the rest is history. At this point forward Nastya needs to let her skating do the talking..

 

[Jontor]

Oh my. This Gubanova discussion makes me sad. I really feel for the girl. I hope she gets Challenger's and wins them, and maybe maybe if there are any WD's at GP she still might get a GP assignment? But I guess it's safe to say that this season is her most important yet, she really needs some great results.

 

[nussnacker]

But it is no reason for Nastya to intentionally disparage these top girls. These girls work hard, they do not decide what the judges award, and have no influence on the RusFed's decisions. My opinion, watching all girls for these past years, is that Gubanova is not more talented or a better skater than many of them. She is over rating herself, and blaming her lack of success on others and other factors.

It is "bad sport" to speak badly about your competition, and Gubanova did exactly that, willingly.

She didn’t speak badly about them per se.

Like in one part she says something like: from when I was a kid I was always at the bottom of the table, I skate well, I jump well, but everyone forgets about my titles and remembers something bad. I feel bad/sad when I know I’m not any worse than anyone else but I look at my marks and understand that I’m standing lower (in the rankings).

About Trusova and Shcherbakova she said they are kids and pre pubescent and it’s easier for them to jump quads, but Nastya wants to learn them as well.
She didn’t say they are going to break their backs in this interview, but she said something about it a year ago, something like “Trusova is doing quads now, but she won’t be able to do them in 2 years” or something like that.
Then there was a bit about how other girls receive reputation marks, I think she said something like, they have a reputation hence they get +4+5, and I get +2.

So, not talking bad about her competition per se, just kind of... there was a certain theme in her answers.

 

[Scott512]

Oh my. This Gubanova discussion makes me sad. I really feel for the girl. I hope she gets Challenger's and wins them, and maybe maybe if there are any WD's at GP she still might get a GP assignment? But I guess it's safe to say that this season is her most important yet, she really needs some great results.

Agreed.

 

[Scott512]

Oh my. This Gubanova discussion makes me sad. I really feel for the girl. I hope she gets Challenger's and wins them, and maybe maybe if there are any WD's at GP she still might get a GP assignment? But I guess it's safe to say that this season is her most important yet, she really needs some great results.

She didn’t speak badly about them per se.

Like in one part she says something like: from when I was a kid I was always at the bottom of the table, I skate well, I jump well, but everyone forgets about my titles and remembers something bad. I feel bad/sad when I know I’m not any worse than anyone else but I look at my marks and understand that I’m standing lower (in the rankings).

About Trusova and Shcherbakova she said they are kids and pre pubescent and it’s easier for them to jump quads, but Nastya wants to learn them as well.
She didn’t say they are going to break their legs in this interview, but she said something about it a year ago, something like “Trusova is doing quads now, but she won’t be able to do them in 2 years” or something like that.
Then there was a bit about how other girls receive reputation marks, I think she said something like, they have a reputation hence they get +4+5, and I get +2.

So, not talking bad about her competition per se, just kind of... there was a certain theme in her answers.

I agree with you she was speaking frankly about her situation not trying to hurt others. In no way with Nastya wish harm or injuries on any other competitor. But now she has to have her best season with a new coach and new surroundings. The pressure is on.

 

[lopsilceci]

Sheesh... This thread is starting to look like Gubanova's fanfest

 

[GS Forum Staff]

Hello!

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[theharleyquinn]

Sheesh... This thread is starting to look like Gubanova's fanfest

Unfortunately fanfests tend to not be places for any sort of good faith critical commentary.

 

[katymay]

She didn’t speak badly about them per se.

Like in one part she says something like: from when I was a kid I was always at the bottom of the table, I skate well, I jump well, but everyone forgets about my titles and remembers something bad. I feel bad/sad when I know I’m not any worse than anyone else but I look at my marks and understand that I’m standing lower (in the rankings).

About Trusova and Shcherbakova she said they are kids and pre pubescent and it’s easier for them to jump quads, but Nastya wants to learn them as well.
She didn’t say they are going to break their backs in this interview, but she said something about it a year ago, something like “Trusova is doing quads now, but she won’t be able to do them in 2 years” or something like that.
Then there was a bit about how other girls receive reputation marks, I think she said something like, they have a reputation hence they get +4+5, and I get +2.

So, not talking bad about her competition per se, just kind of... there was a certain theme in her answers.

And she isn't wrong about much of that. But that is skating-reputation leads to some inflation. It has been that way for 50 years at least. Last year at Russian Nationals I thought she was underscored, but so were a few others. It is difficult to be a rising star for a few years, and then, you are eclipsed by others. That also is the nature of the sport. If you are lucky, you peak at just the right time. Mao Asada and Wakaba were like Nastya, their 'peak' was just not at the right time, and Mao also had a crummy birthday. So much of it really is luck and timing. I hope and pray Alina and Sasha are saving their money, because in a few years the income pipelines might dry up.

 

[EVAMARIA]

Oh my. This Gubanova discussion makes me sad. I really feel for the girl. I hope she gets Challenger's and wins them, and maybe maybe if there are any WD's at GP she still might get a GP assignment? But I guess it's safe to say that this season is her most important yet, she really needs some great results.

Agree!

 

[Fluture]

Honestly, I'm more worried about Alena than Zhenya :/

Why? Because she was injured? I just want her to have a great senior debut and be healthy, she deserves it.. On the one hand I‘m glad she‘s keeping her SP because it‘s a great program and it will give her time to really perfect it. On the other hand, it shows me that the injury really cost her a lot of time since she said she normally doesn‘t like to repeat programs...

As for Zhenya, I‘m always worried about her. But I dare to be carefully optimistic. She seems to be doing just fine.

I think it would be interesting to discuss layouts. Will Zhenya attempt more difficult combos? 3Lz+3Lo maybe? She‘s been practicing it. 4S probably not so soon, possibly in the later half of the season/next season.

Will Sasha and Anna re-introduce the 3Lz+3Lo to their SP? They both removed it at the last official event of their last season, Junior Worlds. What‘s the state of their 3A? Will Aliona make (small) upgrades to her layout?

Will Kamila and Kanysheva include a quad in their FS?

 

[colormyworld240]

I don't think the problem with that interview was that she publicly said all other girls are accomplished because they're lucky. It's bad sportsmanship and comes off as bratty, but I don't think the other girls would care. And part of it is probably due to the interviewer.

I think the problem is that it's really her mentality. That's not the mentality of a champion. In order to improve you have to understand where your shortcomings are. In order to beat your competitors, you have to understand what they're doing better than you. You can't beat your competitors and become a champion if you think that you're a better skater than everyone but the world's wronged you. You won't see what you have to work on, and you won't have the immense motivation and drive that is required to be the best of the best. It's really disappointing that her coaches and parents haven't been able to help her understand that. This mentality isn't something that you develop suddenly; it happens over time and she is a child with a very malleable mind. Someone should have helped her at some point. I believe this is what needs to be changed most if she is to continue pursuing a competitive career in the sport.

 

[Fluture]

I don't think the problem with that interview was that she publicly said all other girls are accomplished because they're lucky. It's bad sportsmanship and comes off as bratty, but I don't think the other girls would care. And part of it is probably due to the interviewer.

I think the problem is that it's really her mentality. That's not the mentality of a champion. In order to improve you have to understand where your shortcomings are. In order to beat your competitors, you have to understand what they're doing better than you. You can't beat your competitors and become a champion if you think that you're a better skater than everyone but the world's wronged you. You won't see what you have to work on, and you won't have the immense motivation and drive that is required to be the best of the best. It's really disappointing that her coaches and parents haven't been able to help her understand that. This mentality isn't something that you develop suddenly; it happens over time and she is a child with a very malleable mind. Someone should have helped her at some point. I believe this is what needs to be changed most if she is to continue pursuing a competitive career in the sport.

I agree. I think everybody feels jealous in a while and everyone feels like the entire world wronged them at some point. It‘s human. But the important thing is to come back to reality again, realise that what‘s in the past is in the past and now the future is what counts. Nastya may have had some bad luck, bad judging against her. Undoubtedly. But she also made mistakes herself and only when she understands this and decides to move forward for herself, will anything she attempts truly be successful. Otherwise, with the wrong attitude, training won‘t be fruitful. On the contrary, it will only be frustrating. I hope her new coach and parents help her with that. She will need to see it and see it soon. Because, let‘s be honest, while Nastya is a skater with truly great qualities about her, she is skating for Russia. There are tons of girls out there who have the drive and the mentality and motivation to do everything they possibly can do to win. They all have that champion mindset, they’re waiting for a time to prove it. I wish Nastya good luck.

 

[Edwin]

I think the problem is that it's really her mentality. That's not the mentality of a champion.

Thanks for your posting. It summarises my thoughts on this situation very well.

Gubanova is 17, hardly a child, but perhaps an adolescent with a child’s mindset still, feeling ‘entitled’ and all that? Who put these thoughts into her head in the first place?

She is at a crossroads in her career, her life even and really must decide what to do with her skating now or she’d better quit and pursue something else.

All depends now on her parents, friends and perhaps councillors to straighten her out.

She cannot risk having a bad start at her new rink of old, and waste the entire season sulking. What terms of probation have been imposed on her? Will she ‘get’ assignments or will she need to earn them? How will she be accepted by the other skaters even, for this ‘interview’ and others surely must have spread all over Russian FS by now and tainted the perception of her character. How good and well staffed is that rink with trainers, choreographer and tech specialists?

I wish Anastasiya strength, wisdom and courage in choosing the right path to her future.

 

[Vandevska]

Why? Because she was injured? I just want her to have a great senior debut and be healthy, she deserves it.. On the one hand I‘m glad she‘s keeping her SP because it‘s a great program and it will give her time to really perfect it. On the other hand, it shows me that the injury really cost her a lot of time since she said she normally doesn‘t like to repeat programs...

As for Zhenya, I‘m always worried about her. But I dare to be carefully optimistic. She seems to be doing just fine.

I think it would be interesting to discuss layouts. Will Zhenya attempt more difficult combos? 3Lz+3Lo maybe? She‘s been practicing it. 4S probably not so soon, possibly in the later half of the season/next season.

Will Sasha and Anna re-introduce the 3Lz+3Lo to their SP? They both removed it at the last official event of their last season, Junior Worlds. What‘s the state of their 3A? Will Aliona make (small) upgrades to her layout?

Will Kamila and Kanysheva include a quad in their FS?

I don't know, i just have this feeling. Perhaps i worry because i really like her.
I think 3A will be focusing on consistency more this year because it's more important in seniors (as we've seen with Sofia).
I don't have any predictions about their technical contents.

As for Zhenya, considering that even last year when things looked dreary they were adding new content and trying new things, I'm almost certain we'll be seeing 4S if possible. I can't see her doing 3lz-3lo though.

As for Kamila and Kanysheva, I think we will indeed see them trying the quads, especially with the presence of Alisa Liu.

 

[madison]

Gubanova''s words are those of a person that felt the unjust treatment. And she is right, cause we many times noticed that she was underscored, or did not received any important competition. So I really wont blame her for this interview.

 

[Edwin]

Gubanova should have been wiser and get some council before accepting an invitation to be interviewed by this disputable person with a known history of raising controversy and out to create discord.

Gubanova should have known or at least be warned she would be grilled and lured into making certain statements.
And while being untrained in public relations, never be there alone, without a parent or such watching behind the scenes.

But probably her wounded pride and the urgent need to tell her part and views on the matter got the better of her. And once the words start flowing, it is difficult to stop. One cannot really blame her for this.

Best keep silent so you don’t put your foot into your mouth. Anything you say on social media where any plebe can be a star reporter can and will be used against you. And you always end up for the worse in the eyes of the ignorant mob.

I see a parallel with Tarakanova, but this Anastasiya has always been more bold and forwards in voicing her thoughts and opinions. Both girls should now put all their efforts in their skating and let those results speak for them.

And there are parallels to be found in Russian gymnastics as well with same age girls who thought that giving interviews and daily social media live streams are more important than training and competition results.

 

[ruga]

Why? Because she was injured? I just want her to have a great senior debut and be healthy, she deserves it.. On the one hand I‘m glad she‘s keeping her SP because it‘s a great program and it will give her time to really perfect it. On the other hand, it shows me that the injury really cost her a lot of time since she said she normally doesn‘t like to repeat programs...

As for Zhenya, I‘m always worried about her. But I dare to be carefully optimistic. She seems to be doing just fine.

I think it would be interesting to discuss layouts. Will Zhenya attempt more difficult combos? 3Lz+3Lo maybe? She‘s been practicing it. 4S probably not so soon, possibly in the later half of the season/next season.

Will Sasha and Anna re-introduce the 3Lz+3Lo to their SP? They both removed it at the last official event of their last season, Junior Worlds. What‘s the state of their 3A? Will Aliona make (small) upgrades to her layout?

Will Kamila and Kanysheva include a quad in their FS?

Layouts sure are a fun thing to discuss, especially during off season. I don't think 3Lz-3Lo combo is the one Zhenya will go for, unless she does it in the Short Program. But her Lutz got called when she tried to repeat it last season.

I too was a bit disappointed with Aliona repeating SP, even though it was my favourite program of all Russian ladies last year. But maybe she needed time to recover and have a program that works for her as her BV is bit lower compared to others.

Anna and Sasha will include loop combo only if it's stable enough to outdo the risk. After all, in SP it gives them only 0.7 points of advantage. Also, if they do combo in the second half, they will get a similar BV to Zagitova. But now I wonder if that'll be the case, as in junior program there was a required solo jump and they couldn't add a triple to it if they missed the combo in the first place.

Kamila's and Kanysheva's situation with quads is not clear, there haven't been any new videos. We will find out in a bit more than a week.

 

[Edwin]

Kamila's and Kanysheva's situation with quads is not clear, there haven't been any new videos. We will find out in a bit more than a week.

Yes! Test Skates have never been so anticipated and exciting to look forwards to with those Khrustalniy’s Amazing Aces (there is 5 of them ;-) and the best of other Russian figure skating showing their competition programs.

One would assume the basic romp of each skaters’ routine has been established, but many details and sequences can and still will be changed to make the routine more fitting, more comfortable or just plain more competitive.

Will there be domestic judging rules applied or full ISU GP competition rules?

Will it also be used to evaluate judges, for there should probably be some new judges too?

 

[ruga]

Yes! Test Skates have never been so anticipated and exciting to look forwards to with those Khrustalniy’s Amazing Aces (there is 5 of them ;-) and the best of other Russian figure skating showing their competition programs.

One would assume the basic romp of each skaters’ routine has been established, but many details and sequences can and still will be changed to make the routine more fitting, more comfortable or just plain more competitive.

Will there be domestic judging rules applied or full ISU GP competition rules?

Will it also be used to evaluate judges, for there should probably be some new judges too?

Test skates are usually not scored, at least it wasn't like that last year. It's organised simply to show federation (and public) new programs and situation with technical elements. Also, it will determine who goes to JGP stages. I assume the federation can tell skaters and coaches to make some changes or even change the program all together.