2023-24 Russian Women's Figure Skating

[AlexBreeze]

Ultra-c from small competitions

Lidia Pleskacheva, 3A


Diana Milto, 4S

 

[alexocfp]

Kamila’s skating is like the color of her dress: red hot.

This isn’t the old Kamila, she won’t let the vultures distract her this time. She is older, wiser, more mature, tougher and stronger than ever!

 

[Jontor]

Two Stages for the women left, and there are still some skaters we haven't seen yet.

Kseniia Sinitsyna, Sofia Akateva, Veronika Zhilina, Ksenia Gushchina, Sofia Samodelkina, Anastasia Zinina.

Will they compete in the last two stages?

And what about Valeria Shulskaya and Maria Zakharova? I haven't seen them in a very long time...

 

[AlexBreeze]

Kseniia Sinitsyna

She broke her foot at test skates practice. She has returned to training and is trying to get in shape for the last stages.

Sofia Akateva

RIA says that she is planning to.

Veronika Zhilina

She WD from her stage at the last moment due to an injury. She has returned to training but her shape and plans are unknown.

Ksenia Gushchina

She had some kind of injury in the off-season. Don't know anything about her current shape.

Sofia Samodelkina

Trying to switch to Kazakhstan.

Anastasia Zinina.

She has periostitis so very unlikely.

 

[alexocfp]

We are in a period of transition.

Just like we went from the Zagitova-Medvedeva era to the Anna-Valieva era, we are now entering a new era.

We will see who will carry this era, time will tell.

It may take more time for the young guns to develop, this is a hard sport after all. I think we were spoiled by the smooth passing of the torch from Zagitova-Medvedeva, but let’s not forget that Anna and Valieva are 2 of the all time greats and we got lucky they both arrived at the same time. You aren’t going to get Anna’s and Kamila’s every time, so the new blood needs more time to figure it out and go through some growing pains.

It makes your appreciate how special and blessed we were to have Anna and Kamila together. But that’s the exception, not the rule.

And there is certainly a possibility it won’t happen again, or won’t for a long time.

The standard has been set so high the last few years that sometimes we lose perspective. The reigning European champion would be so far down the depth chart in Russia that I’m not even going to attempt to figure out how it high that number is.

Remember that. The European champion left her country because she knew she couldn’t compete with her countrywoman, and went where the competition was easier. That’s hardly what I consider a champion.

 

[Mathematician]

She broke her foot at test skates practice. She has returned to training and is trying to get in shape for the last stages.

Just to clarify im pretty sure it was a fracture not a full break. Makes a difference cause if it was a break shed be out for a year.

We are in a period of transition.

Just like we went from the Zagitova-Medvedeva era to the Anna-Valieva era, we are now entering a new era.

We will see who will carry this era, time will tell.

It may take more time for the young guns to develop, this is a hard sport after all. I think we were spoiled by the smooth passing of the torch from Zagitova-Medvedeva, but let’s not forget that Anna and Valieva are 2 of the all time greats and we got lucky they both arrived at the same time. You aren’t going to get Anna’s and Kamila’s every time, so the new blood needs more time to figure it out and go through some growing pains.

It makes your appreciate how special and blessed we were to have Anna and Kamila together. But that’s the exception, not the rule.

And there is certainly a possibility it won’t happen again, or won’t for a long time.

The standard has been set so high the last few years that sometimes we lose perspective. The reigning European champion would be so far down the depth chart in Russia that I’m not even going to attempt to figure out how it high that number is.

Remember that. The European champion left her country because she knew she couldn’t compete with her countrywoman, and went where the competition was easier. That’s hardly what I consider a champion.

Valieva is the best ever and shes still skating so I wouldnt act like her era is in the past or use her as a comparison for anybody. Shcherbakova is not intrinsically better than anybody right now. Her prime was better but that was peaking for Olympics so its not really a fair comparison. Her consistency was also amazing but I wouldnt put her on such a high pedestal. Theres plenty of girls now who are more talented and with the right practice could easily surpass her at peak.

 

[Jontor]

She broke her foot at test skates practice. She has returned to training and is trying to get in shape for the last stages.


RIA says that she is planning to.


She WD from her stage at the last moment due to an injury. She has returned to training but her shape and plans are unknown.


She had some kind of injury in the off-season. Don't know anything about her current shape.


Trying to switch to Kazakhstan.


She has periostitis so very unlikely.

Thanks a lot Alex!!

So, I guess, Shulskaya and M Zakharova have also "unknown status"?

 

[Mathematician]

She had some kind of injury in the off-season. Don't know anything about her current shape.

Oh right and about Guschina, Mariott said that shes back to practice and hoping to compete at the last 2 stages as well, but its not certain yet. @Jontor

 

[Jontor]

We are in a period of transition.

Just like we went from the Zagitova-Medvedeva era to the Anna-Valieva era, we are now entering a new era.

We will see who will carry this era, time will tell.

It may take more time for the young guns to develop, this is a hard sport after all. I think we were spoiled by the smooth passing of the torch from Zagitova-Medvedeva, but let’s not forget that Anna and Valieva are 2 of the all time greats and we got lucky they both arrived at the same time. You aren’t going to get Anna’s and Kamila’s every time, so the new blood needs more time to figure it out and go through some growing pains.

It makes your appreciate how special and blessed we were to have Anna and Kamila together. But that’s the exception, not the rule.

And there is certainly a possibility it won’t happen again, or won’t for a long time.

The standard has been set so high the last few years that sometimes we lose perspective. The reigning European champion would be so far down the depth chart in Russia that I’m not even going to attempt to figure out how it high that number is.

Remember that. The European champion left her country because she knew she couldn’t compete with her countrywoman, and went where the competition was easier. That’s hardly what I consider a champion.

We are in a time of transition indeed. And for Russian women it's the biggest transition ever, me thinks.

And its all about the new ISU junior/senior rules. Surely that means the whole Russian figure skating structure will change too, no?

 

[streams4dreams]

Shcherbakova is not intrinsically better than anybody right now. Her prime was better but that was peaking for Olympics so its not really a fair comparison. Her consistency was also amazing but I wouldnt put her on such a high pedestal. Theres plenty of girls now who are more talented and with the right practice could easily surpass her at peak.

Ah, but that's the whole point of Anna: it's not who you are underneath, it's what you *do* that defines you (source).

 

[alexocfp]

Valieva is the best ever and shes still skating so I wouldnt act like her era is in the past or use her as a comparison for anybody. Shcherbakova is not intrinsically better than anybody right now. Her prime was better but that was peaking for Olympics so its not really a fair comparison. Her consistency was also amazing but I wouldnt put her on such a high pedestal. Theres plenty of girls now who are more talented and with the right practice could easily surpass her at peak.

I am a Kamila fan too let’s not forget, part of what makes Anna so great is that Anna had Kamila as her rival. Not many people in and outside the forum have stuck with her like I have. When people abandoned ship and piled on because it was the cool mob thing to do, I’ve stayed on the bandwagon.

How can you not be a fan of Kamila’s. But facts are facts.

Anna is as good retired as far as I’m concerned. That‘s why I closed the book on her.

And Valieva won’t be the Valieva of a few years back me thinks. The one that was smoking her competition by insane margins.

She is still a player no doubt, she showed it today, but she is no longer a lock to win all her starts. Akateva got her at Nationals last year.

Of course I would put Anna on such a high pedestal. This is a results business after all and Anna has everything Kamila has results wise and more.

3 Nationals in a row, in the most competitive era ever, world championship gold and an Olympic medal. Can’t do more than that.

While I will concede without any fight that Kamila is the best technical skater of all time, Anna’s career and achievements on ice have surpassed Kamila’s.

In a few years, that may not be the case. Kamila‘s chapter is still being written.

And while it may be unfair, there is no debate until Kamila wins at least 3 more Nationals, a world championship and an individual Olympic gold medal. Then Kamila surpasses Anna.

Kamila needed the greatest skate ever to beat Anna, let’s not forget that. Only perfection could defeat Anna. Anna defeated Kamila heads up for her third title too.

For my money, Anna is GOAT right now. Didn't have the repertoire Kamila has, but always found a way to remain competitive and most always found a way to win. When the chips were down, nobody could match her will to win, fight, determination or mental strength.

Anna has been way too maligned for way too long. The results speak for themselves, the numbers don’t lie, even if someone doesn’t like the truth they reveal.

 

[brakes]

Valieva is the best ever and shes still skating so I wouldnt act like her era is in the past or use her as a comparison for anybody. Shcherbakova is not intrinsically better than anybody right now. Her prime was better but that was peaking for Olympics so its not really a fair comparison. Her consistency was also amazing but I wouldnt put her on such a high pedestal. Theres plenty of girls now who are more talented and with the right practice could easily surpass her at peak.

This is false on so many levels, I don't even know where to start.

1. Shcherbakova hears and reacts to music better than any lady in Russian fs EVER, including Valieva, who has had fantastic programs (Girl on a ball) designed to the slightest gestures to cover this deficiency (just like Lipnistkaya and Zagitova before - I think Medvedeva had actually a good 'ear' for music).
Watch Anna's 10,11,12yo programs: Tango, Scheherezade which were not as restricted choreographically as senior ones and you will see natural musical talent having fun expressing every single music note and tempo. Pure, innate artistry incomparable to any other Russian female skaters of her era.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

2. Shcherbakova landed 4Lz, 4F, 4T in competition and 4Lz3Lo in training, while Valieva had only easier quads.
Valieva's are probably higher and farther but special technical article in Russian internet few years ago dispelled the myth of Anna's 'tiny' quad jumps: they did precise measurements of all the skaters' jumps and most of her quads were top tier at Trusova's height, with only one 5cm lower (don't remember which one).
Not to mention she landed two 4F in Olympics (4F, 4Lz, 4F3T at Oly training) at almost 18yo, being several months older than Valieva now.

3. Achievements:

Olympics: Shcherbakova - gold , Valieva - none.
Worlds: Shcherbakova - gold, Valieva - none.
Euros: Valieva - gold, Shcherbakova - silver, silver.
GPFs: Shcherbakova - silver, Valieva - none.
Nationals: Shcherbakova - gold, gold, gold, bronze, Valieva - silver.

4. My personal notice: Shcherbakova had never needed fed help or pan-Russian support campaign with banners in cities squares, on the contrary, almost every single time she entered major competition she was an underdog. At Nats, Euros, Worlds and Olys first Zagitova, Medvedeva, then Kostornaia, Trusova and later Valieva were the ones talked about, winning in 'who will win' polls, etc..
Little Anyechka had always been considered as average "serednyachok", possible dark horse, but nothing more.

And whether she broke her arm before novice season, her leg in half before first JGP season, little toe before Olympic season, skating boots 5 days before Olympic SP skate, she gritted her teeth, delivered best performances possible and crushed anybody standing in her way.

 

[Mathematician]

This is false on so many levels, I don't even know where to start.

1. Shcherbakova hears and reacts to music better than any lady in Russian fs EVER, including Valieva, who has had fantastic programs (Girl on a ball) designed to the slightest gestures to cover this deficiency (just like Lipnistkaya and Zagitova before - I think Medvedeva had actually a good 'ear' for music).
Watch Anna's 10,11,12yo programs: Tango, Scheherezade which were not as restricted choreographically as senior ones and you will see natural musical talent having fun expressing every single music note and tempo. Pure, innate artistry incomparable to any other Russian female skaters of her era.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

2. Shcherbakova landed 4Lz, 4F, 4T in competition and 4Lz3Lo in training, while Valieva had only easier quads.
Valieva's are probably higher and farther but special technical article in Russian internet few years ago dispelled the myth of Anna's 'tiny' quad jumps: they did precise measurements of all the skaters' jumps and most of her quads were top tier at Trusova's height, with only one 5cm lower (don't remember which one).
Not to mention she landed two 4F in Olympics (4F, 4Lz, 4F3T at Oly training) at almost 18yo, being several months older than Valieva now.

3. Achievements:

Olympics: Shcherbakova - gold , Valieva - none.
Worlds: Shcherbakova - gold, Valieva - none.
Euros: Valieva - gold, Shcherbakova - silver, silver.
GPFs: Shcherbakova - silver, Valieva - none.
Nationals: Shcherbakova - gold, gold, gold, bronze, Valieva - silver.

4. My personal notice: Shcherbakova had never needed fed help or pan-Russian support campaign with banners in cities squares, on the contrary, almost every single time she entered major competition she was an underdog. At Nats, Euros, Worlds and Olys first Zagitova, Medvedeva, then Kostornaia, Trusova and later Valieva were the ones talked about, winning in 'who will win' polls, etc..
Little Anyechka had always been considered as average "serednyachok", possible dark horse, but nothing more.

And whether she broke her arm before novice season, her leg in half before first JGP season, little toe before Olympic season, skating boots 5 days before Olympic SP skate, she gritted her teeth, delivered best performances possible and crushed anybody standing in her way.

1. Nice opinion.

2. 4F and 4Lz - we all know she was good man but thats not really the essence of skating to me.

3. I never downplayed her accolades and that has little to do with intrinsic ability.

4. Yea popularity doesnt mean anything in this situation.

Listen if you said all of this a while ago I'd go crazy and write you essays on the ineffability of skating and why I think Valieva is the best and which current skaters I think match Shcherbakova's talent but it doesnt matter to me any more. Your only objective argument was Shcherbakova's ultra-c but to be blunt I just dont really care about that. And like I said thats a peaked Olympic athlete, its not really a fair comparison. And anyways as I was saying now I couldnt care less about these things. If you want to stay attached to Shcherbakova then trust me I get it. Its hard to break the spell athletes have on us sometimes, I am struggling with it too sometimes.

 

[brakes]

1. Nice opinion.

2. 4F and 4Lz - we all know she was good man but thats not really the essence of skating to me.

3. I never downplayed her accolades and that has little to do with intrinsic ability.

4. Yea popularity doesnt mean anything in this situation.

Listen if you said all of this a while ago I'd go crazy and write you essays on the ineffability of skating and why I think Valieva is the best and which current skaters I think match Shcherbakova's talent but it doesnt matter to me any more. Your only objective argument was Shcherbakova's ultra-c but to be blunt I just dont really care about that. And like I said thats a peaked Olympic athlete, its not really a fair comparison. And anyways as I was saying now I couldnt care less about these things. If you want to stay attached to Shcherbakova then trust me I get it. Its hard to break the spell athletes have on us sometimes, I am struggling with it too sometimes.

I'm attached to Shcherbakova, but it's not only that. I actually thought Akatieva will be the peak of Russian ladies skating for the foreseeable future. I genuinely felt the mix of phenomenal technical content with very good artistry she's going to deliver will be unmatched for years to come. Unfortunately it haven't happened.
Then, the other skaters, falling on their quads, axels, withdrawing, losing with nerves, etc..

The slump in RUS ladies category is sadly a fact, but I'm certainly looking for a skater to attach my interest as much as Anna did.

 

[Azikin]

Theres plenty of girls now who are more talented and with the right practice could easily surpass her at peak.

Sure, being 3 times Russian champion in a row and what she did at Olympics, it's very easily surpassable...

 

[Mathematician]

Sure, being 3 times Russian champion in a row and what she did at Olympics, it's very easily surpassable...

Why are you cherry picking excerpts from my statements you know dont present my original argument at all? Its actually bizarre. I never said anything about accolades. I said there are current skaters with the potential to match her raw overall capability on the ice and compare to her in intrinsic essence / talent.

Like I said to brakes, I get that you are attatched but this is why idolization has long been preached as extremely unhealthy. You tunnel vision on a single sentence which you interpreted as a personal attack because it suggested your favourite person is less than perfect. You literally just lost your autonomy dude. Its extremely dishonest the way you just acted, to pick out one piece to argue against some made up strawman nobody actually claimed. Please, just relax. Shcherbakova is great and we all like her skating.

 

[Mathematician]

Like I'm legit baffled with some people's tendencies idek any more I guess it is what it is.

 

[katymay]

We are in a period of transition.

Just like we went from the Zagitova-Medvedeva era to the Anna-Valieva era, we are now entering a new era.

We will see who will carry this era, time will tell.

It may take more time for the young guns to develop, this is a hard sport after all. I think we were spoiled by the smooth passing of the torch from Zagitova-Medvedeva, but let’s not forget that Anna and Valieva are 2 of the all time greats and we got lucky they both arrived at the same time. You aren’t going to get Anna’s and Kamila’s every time, so the new blood needs more time to figure it out and go through some growing pains.

It makes your appreciate how special and blessed we were to have Anna and Kamila together. But that’s the exception, not the rule.

And there is certainly a possibility it won’t happen again, or won’t for a long time.

The standard has been set so high the last few years that sometimes we lose perspective. The reigning European champion would be so far down the depth chart in Russia that I’m not even going to attempt to figure out how it high that number is.

Remember that. The European champion left her country because she knew she couldn’t compete with her countrywoman, and went where the competition was easier. That’s hardly what I consider a champion.

Last years' older age novice championships was the best top 10 I've ever seen for Novice level, and I expect them to lead the way into the next group of Russian super stars. Some won't make the transition due to injuries, puberty etc, but there is a vast reservoir of junior talent, led probably by Marguerita.

 

[Mathematician]

Last years' older age novice championships was the best top 10 I've ever seen for Novice level, and I expect them to lead the way into the next group of Russian super stars. Some won't make the transition due to injuries, puberty etc, but there is a vast reservoir of junior talent, led probably by Marguerita.

You mean Margarita Bazyluk? Thats an interesting way to spell her name there.

 

[lariko]

And what about Valeria Shulskaya and Maria Zakharova? I haven't seen them in a very long time...

I want to know about Shul'skaya's fate as well. Did she leave skating?