2025 Russian Senior Test Skates

[Mathematician]

Russian women's skating has really gone backwards. That is my overriding feeling from this test skates.

A lot of vocal people in the Russian skating community have talked about international women's skating being at 2005 levels. I think Russian women's skating is at 2007 levels now apart from Alisa. I don't know the exact date, but the overall content has regressed by at least decade in the space of a couple of years.

2007 is clearly provocative you don't believe that, but I can tell you're being sincere in essence so its worth engaging.

I mean if you're looking at the senior class holistically, it should technically be at its peak right now just based on the sheer concentration of names we have.

"Back then" Russian nationals was just 3 Eteri skaters fighting for podium order. The other class of skaters was not nearly as good as they should be now. On paper Russian nationals should be a true 18-name battle royale which was never the case. The 3rd, 2nd and 1st class are all exciting, or should be. The 1st class is not the same as it was before, in pure content. However, if you look at Dasha, she moves way better than Anna or Sasha by a serious margin, has huge scoring potential, but there is another problem with her which I will touch on shortly. Alisa also easily has potential to be better than those 2, artistically, and she has the same aforementioned problem we will look at. Not to mention Adeliia. This is a very conservative look at things.

I see 3 problems with Russian senior ladies right now. By the way, junior and novice especially are peaking super hard. If you want to have a mood lifter I suggest keeping up with Korchazhnikova. She is the most completely impressive skater in history for her age.

Anyways the 3 problem are:

1. A Russian trio getting sent internationally to dominate built an enormous storyline and history which exploded the aura of the events. We lost this. It also provided significantly more motivation. What the hell are any of these girls even fighting for at this point? Why would they try? Before they were at least fighting for the Olympic spot in theory. That is completely gone now and what we are getting is a separation between the true artists and the competitors. Those who skate for catharsis and those who skate just to win whatever they can. If there are no international titles they will not train for the level required. Hence exactly why I predicted Anna/Mura to hard carry this season and I am correct so far. I would throw Dasha in with them but I know teamtut is sort of incompetent currently. They arent thinking straight at all. They are panicking. Its sort of pathetic. Dasha is clearly skating for fun but not for anything transcendental and the team wouldn't allow it anyways in their current state.

2. The entire scene is in enormous aura-debt without Kamila.

3. Now this is what I'm talking about with Dasha and Alisa, and also basically everyone else. Right now the amount of skaters you can list who should be blowing us out of the water with their performance, even without ultra-c, is at its absolute peak theoretically. It was never even close to what we have now. Not. Even. Close. There is one problem though, lets just look at just a few examples:

Sadkova (way higher artistic potential than Anna/Sasha, moves way better, great 4T, amazing technique, charismatic) (trash programs)
Alisa (probably higher artistic potential than Anna/Sasha, great 4T/4Lz, amazing technique, zero drawbacks, charismatic) (trash programs)
Gushchina (probably cleanest triple jumper in Russian history, moves incredibly, charismatic) (trash programs)
Yamteova (huge energy, unique character, fast, athletic, exciting) (trash programs)
Gorbacheva (biggest quad in history barring Kamila, unbelievable movement and dance skill, as fast if not faster than prime Akateva) (trash programs)
Sinitsyna (should've been literally 2nd to none artistically, unbelievably unique, great character, great technique in her prime) (trash programs)
Petrosian (highest senior career average in ladies' history, 260+ scores, peak artist, most versatile interpreter in history) (trash programs)

Do you see the problem?

The artistic zeitgeist of skating has fallen.

I don't know if there's much to say about your comments on Adeliia. You literally made a whole thread a few days ago in the main section that seemingly got deleted for glazing her too hard. She gets thrown into the most boring and inconsequential test skates in history, pops and now its over. Whatever. At the end of 23/24 you said the growth spurt would end her career and she would never jump a 3A or even quads again then she dropped 260.

Akatieva problems have not resolved I think this will be her final season,

The "final season" rhetoric with you tells me again you're sort of trolling with this post, but, this is the only sentiment I can't really push back on in essence. Akateva is not what she is supposed to be at al.

Mura is almost unrecognisable from 18 months ago (I don't think she will go on much onger either she didn't look happy). I cannot believe they got someone from France to put that free skate together Plushenko had much better programs. Skating has passed them by, it happens in all sports to athletes.

Just wrong and delusional. She looks better at test skates than she did last season. Even in 23/24 her test skates performance was frankly a complete disaster she could barely land anything straight. The programs are objectively good and she looks more confident than last season. Mura has not once had a bad competitive program which puts her only next to Kamila in that regard. Also clearly trolling bringing up Plushenko who completely abandoned her and borderline tormented her the entire season. What the hell did anyone expect? It must have been the worst coaching debacle for any skater in a long time. It was a whole psychological operation against her and she still did as good as she did. I don't know what you mean about her not looking happy, she looked fine to me.

Gushchina and Frolova skated well and delivered their usual consistency I really admire them for maximising their abilities, I hope Gushchina gets a long deserved medal at the Russian championships this is who I will be supporting.

I wouldn't really put those 2 in the same category. Frolova is the most beautiful skater in the world right now. Gushchina's programs seem like her coaches are trolling as usual. They just aren't good. She could get a medal with some other programs, I hope those don't take anything. Its indignant how she wastes the potential on this sort of foolery.

The rest wouldn't beat Gubanova. Gubanova suddenly the 4th best skater who trains in Russia based on this weekend.

You sound really proud of Gubanova for her competitive standard almost making podium at the worst test skates in history.

Gubanova already lost to Adeliia, and she would lose to Frolova or Alisa also. She is better than Gushchina just based on programs. Dasha would starch her realistically she looked absolutely perfect in the SP and landed a quad, I am not really worried about a poor combo or whatever. If it wasn't for that she would've basically dropped a nats-podium total at test skates.

It should be a big wake up for the Russian figure skating federation.

FED is just looking at juniors and probably gave up on seniors already. I would. The juniors and novice are peaking. Seniors aren't trying and neither are their coaches. Its a disaster. FED is ready to bribe Kamila 1 million dollars to return and save Rus Nats. It would 5x the appeal of the event even if she just jumps 3T-3T combos. She has never had a single bad program in her entire career including exhibitions. I think its the only skater in history who can boast this. I can't judge your edgy complaining too hard here because, recently I have also caught myself just throwing in the towel and thinking "everything but Kamila is trash.".

there won't be any sudden transformations where Akatieva is suddenly stable,

Unfortunately its reasonable to see things this way.

Mura regains that previous speed and stable jumps

I don't know if she ever had amazing speed. She had good glide. Which she never had at test skates. Her loop for example was the best I've seen which is saying a lot of Mura at test skates. I see zero objective reason to doom over her. I thought it was a very hopeful showing. Probably the most hopeful she could've realistically had with everything happening now. The trajectory for her is clearly upwards. No more deranged AOP antics and total athlete negligence to deal with. I bet Mishin treats her well. She will be great this season, watch.

Adelia has multiple quads.

You have a poor track record with predicting about her though. I will stay positive.

There will be new skaters to look forward to Dzepka can't come to seniors soon enough.

Yea, the average level of Russian skating is still peaked, even in seniors, if we look at the level of random stage skaters and non-team skaters. The season will still be highly enjoyable for anyone who is a real aficionado of the sport.

 

[Remilia]

Thoughts

Frolova - I looove both her programs, especially her free. Honestly, I would have rather had her at the Olympics over Adeliia or Alina, but oh well.

Yametova - Her sp was in my top 3 here, along with Anna and Mura. That sort of intense "warrior" image suits her well. Her fp is also good and has a lot of nice moments.

Gushchina - I don't like her sp dress, and I am not at all sold on the music cuts and smooth criminal cover...but the program is fun and you can tell she enjoys is. I basically feel the same way about her fp.

Alisa - She might have looked like a senior compared to the younger girls she was competing against last season, but here, she very much looked like a junior. Her sp had some nice moments, but overall it's a waste of such a good song. The music cuts in her fp are bad, but I like the gimme gimme section Also, she looks taller compared to last season. Will be interesting to see what happens with her jumps as she continues to grow and fill out.

Akatieva - I think I've only liked a single program of hers (that one with the moon prop) since...well, since her ice age kids ones, which were done by Kostomarov. Why are the so obsessed with French songs lately? Anyway, it's obvious TT has no idea what to do with her now that she has the body of a young woman rather than a child. Akatieva herself has also clearly lost a lot of confidence since her injury (heck, since the 22/23 season where she was kind of pushed to the side for Kami)

Mura - Looove the sp costume. The program already looks good and she's selling the heck out of it, so I can't wait to see what it looks like by the end of the season. The fp dress is not giving, and the program itself is kind of boring until the last minute, but it has some nice moments so I think it'll grow on me as it develops.

Alina - Maybe I'm wrong, but she looks taller and more mature compared to last season. Curious to see if she'll have much success with the quads. Her programs from last season were definitely better, but these aren't bad. Alina has really come into her own these past two seasons. Her coach may be a weirdo, but she's done a good job with developing Alina...

Sadkova - sp costume is hideous. The program itself is fun, but Dasha isn't giving it the energy it needs rn. If she loosens up and really sells it, I think it'll be really good. Her fp, though, is completely forgettable for me.

 

[Paulipau]

Sadkova (way higher artistic potential than Anna/Sasha, moves way better, great 4T, amazing technique, charismatic) (trash programs)

I think we are watching a different skater or maybe you have some skating skills magnifying glasses?
No way Sadkova could compete with Anya or Sasha, even only PCS wise.
Sasha had much more speed, power and charisma and Anya is just so musically talented.
So far Dashas skating is just empty, juniorish. She is just doing the moves and doesn't seem to interpret anything.
Her only power is in the 4T that she can land about 30% of the time. The rest of her skills are kinda a mess.

Frolova is doing great for few seasons now.

Mura is obviously lacking motivation, she is one of not many who have competed internationally so she knows the thrill.
I really think that if there was no ban Mura would carry internationally and be like next Kostornaia.

 

[AlexBreeze]

Mura is obviously lacking motivation, she is one of not many who have competed internationally so she knows the thrill.

I don't think someone lacking motivation would change coaches. And I don't think it results in being very upset after bad performances.

Lacking motivation looks like Liza T during 22/23 season IMO.

 

[Mathematician]

I think we are watching a different skater or maybe you have some skating skills magnifying glasses?
No way Sadkova could compete with Anya or Sasha, even only PCS wise.
Sasha had much more speed, power and charisma and Anya is just so musically talented.
So far Dashas skating is just empty, juniorish. She is just doing the moves and doesn't seem to interpret anything.
Her only power is in the 4T that she can land about 30% of the time. The rest of her skills are kinda a mess.

Frolova is doing great for few seasons now.

Mura is obviously lacking motivation, she is one of not many who have competed internationally so she knows the thrill.
I really think that if there was no ban Mura would carry internationally and be like next Kostornaia.

0/8 maybe 1/8

 

[lariko]

Thing is, every skater we had just seen in these test skates is basically guaranteed a very long season in the predetermined number of competitions where they will match up with each other. That's not exactly exciting competitive environment and they have to conserve energy to show well in two competitions that RusFed roughly uses for Nat Team comp, Nats and RGPF. Where top 6 is the main goal, no longer top 2. So we see what we see: reasonable efforts. It was a good showing with quite a few interesting programs I am looking forward watching grow over the year. Nice teaser for the upcoming Russian Season.

 

[Artemisa]

Well... after reading the comments, I'm almost starting to think that the ladies have gone from being the best to the worst of all. But they’re still great — the problem is simple. Russia already has its Olympic competitor, so we’re not seeing the usual "bloodbath" like we normally would. The only competition that really matters now is Russian Nationals (and even that this year almost doesn't matter).
And in that competition, some of them already know that they probably won’t get another Olympic cycle, because in Russia there’s always a new junior coming up. So of course, when the new olympic cycle begin, we’ll see fierce competition again — because the new ones will likely have their chance to compete... and russia have a good juniors ladies.
And the worries about Adeliia... I think she’s only now starting to train seriously. She had an injury, and her next competition is only in four months, so there's plenty of time for her to get back to her previous form. She’s more like Anna than Kostornaia, so Eteri will train her to perfection.

 

[lariko]

I simply don't care how Petrosian places in Olympics, because any outcome can be positive or negative.

 

[Kittosuni]

I might get flak for this but I really think it's time to move on from Stepanova/Bukin.

K/N and P/C are just way better than them now. Me thinks that that if these 3 skate and started competing outside of Russia, they would have closed or even beat them in PCS by now.

 

[AlexBreeze]

I might get flak for this but I really think it's time to move on from Stepanova/Bukin.

K/N and P/C are just way better than them now. Me thinks that that if these 3 skate and started competing outside of Russia, they would have closed or even beat them in PCS by now.

I think only Kh/N could do that. But Devid is injured and it's unclear what's next.

 

[Skating91]

Or the new age limit.

Trusova was 17.

Also, the rest of the world is jumping more ultra-c than ever before since the age limit was increased.

 

[meadow]

I've only just managed to catch up on the Russian test skates (I must admit that since the 2021 Olympics, my interest has been a bit sporadic, but this year seems to have reignited my passion).

As for the ladies, I honestly miss the 3A era a little, but considering that it was clearly a fortuitous period and taking into account the fact that Russian athletes are still excluded from international competitions (apart from the Olympics) and that there is less pressure this season, it still seems like a good showing to me.

I generally liked the short programs much more than the free programs, perhaps because there is less room for error.
In general, I particularly liked:

• Both of Anna Frolova's programs. Year after year, I find her getting better and better. I'm never tired of watching her, and I'm sorry that in a field like the russian's one, she doesn't have the chance to really shine as she clearly deserves.
• Alisa's short program, while more “juniorish” than some of the other contenders, I still like it. I found her very engaging (perhaps because I like the song). As for the free skate, I found the music cuts atrocious, with the exception of the last part, which I liked by default since I love ABBA.
• Having followed figure skating very little over the past year, I knew almost nothing about the story of Plushenko and Muravieva, but I found her interesting and engaging as always. I prefer the short program to the free, but she still seems to be in good shape and I still have a soft spot for her. I hope she thrives even more with Mishin.
• I always look forward to seeing Victoria Yametova and once again she didn't disappoint me. I find both the short and free programs interesting from a musical and choreographic point of view, and I really like her. I find her different from many of the other Russian girls (I follow the Eteri girls with interest, I'd be hypocritical to deny it, but it's refreshing to see something different).
• Overall, I liked Daria Sadkova, even though I find her a bit juniorish as well (like Alisa) and I think she definitely needs to mature a little more. On a frivolous note, I find the color of her SP dress awful; it makes her look gray on the ice, which is a shame.
• The last time I really followed Sofia Akatieva, she was still in her prime or it was shortly after, so seeing her again in these test skates was a (not so good) surprise. You can see that she still needs to get used to her body after growing up and she seems to have less conviction than before. I hope she can resolve this and improve. She has never been one of the skaters who I was most fond of (she never really moved me), but I wish her all the best.
• Adeliia is another skater who has never particularly moved me and, with the exception of Voilà, I have never particularly liked her programs. This season is no exception, but I am curious to see what she will do at the Olympics and I am happy for her that she has this opportunity.
• Overall, Alina's programs didn't particularly impress me, either positively or negatively, but I still find her an interesting skater and I'm curious to see how she does this season.
• I had never followed or seen Ksenia Gushchina before. To be honest, I wasn't thrilled by her programs, but I still think she has a good presence on the ice.

As for the pairs, I only follow M/G and B/K.

• I read in one of the previous comments that M/G have found a formula that works for them and continue to use it, and I agree. I always like them, but the programs seem somehow familiar, especially the short program, which gave me a feeling of déjà vu. Good for them if they've found a winning formula that they're obviously comfortable with, but I'd like to see them try something different.
• In comparison, B/K give me much more of a feeling that their programs are fresh and new. I really liked the short program (it reminded me of Sasha Trusova's short with the same music, how nostalgic). On a frivolous note, Alexandra really does have a killer look on the ice :')

 

[bramweld]

Dance.

I only really follow this discipline, but this seasons offerings were unsatisfying. Maybe because they're not going?

I found M/U, the only redeeming dance team. Everything else was rather odd, overly cluttered or difficult and lacking rythm. Will they ever stop imitating P/C? Its downright irritating. Why so much focus an Vasilisa? Maxim just looks like a bystander. Whoever thought that Meditation by Thais would work for Pa/Ci should be fired. I don't really think they match each other.

 

[flanker]

Finally I have some time to watch free skates.

So my take on the ladies:

Ksenia Gushchina - clean skate, maybe some small stumble here and there but nothing serious, she isconsistent as most of time. My only objection is absolutely terrible cover of Come Together.

Anna Frolova - literal skating goddess not just because of the laurel. Dress is amazing too. Maybe some of the gestures are too "eccentric" for me, but that's just me who prefers more introvert attitude, this program I think would be very praised internationally.

Alisik - real future leader of Russian women skating. Who cares about one unsuccessful 4Lz with all the rest. Not a fan of Money, Money, Money cover but everything else is great.

Yametik - I said she might be tired after the previous competition the very same week and it was there, even if she was able to overcome it in the SP. But that means nothing, expecting four perfect routines in just one week is unrealistic. With normal load this will be fine. Program is a return to where she is strong and I like it.

Mura - some mistakes probably out of nerves but she was never consistent at test skates. Program itself is great and dress is good, although I would not put there those empty places on the sides (I suppose it has a term that I don't know ).

Dasha - OK, she had troubles precisely with Lutzes which is not the first time but she added sequence at the end which is a prove she can work with herself. She obviously will always be a type with some nerve issues during the skate but we also know that she already is able to overcome it. Apart from this her skate was great.

Alina Gorbacheva - like Adelia she is recovering from the injury, which is why she did not do quads and run out of steam till the end but again that's natural. The point is not to exhaust oneself at this type of competition, which is basically rehearsal with audience.

Sonik - IMO she did very well, what was there, one doubled jump I thinkm and it seemed intentional, which is normal in this moment, there is no need to go full blood. Hes skating seemed light, even lighther than in the SP. If she keeps confidence there should be no problem.

Adelka - that's what I am talking about. She is after just two weeks of training and mentally very demanding competition. That she maede two doubles? So what? She delivered when it was necessary and here this is like some lighter training. If her injury is fully healed she will deliver again when it will be necessary.

So overaly don't see any "degradation", these were normal test skates, if really evaluated technically then IMO it was better than a year ago.

 

[flanker]

Boikova/Kozlovsky - they were great even if they did not do a combo. Quad throw was absolutely excellent. WHat also impressed me was the jump when they did not skate SBS but in opposite directions.

Well that's all for now, I will add some later or tomorrow.

 

[jenaj]

Trusova was 17.

Also, the rest of the world is jumping more ultra-c than ever before since the age limit was increased.

Nope. Triple axels have been around for years and no one at the senior level is successfully jumping quads--and only one is even trying as far as I can recall.

 

[AlexBreeze]

I found M/U, the only redeeming dance team.

They progressed so fast, aren't they? Aleshin became a great coach.

 

[Skating91]

Nope. Triple axels have been around for years and no one at the senior level is successfully jumping quads--and only one is even trying as far as I can recall.

The quads are everywhere in ISU juniors, and especially the 3A. Consider too that some of these girls jumping the 3A and quads many would be senior eligible under the old age limit.

Glenn is in her mid-20's and jumps a 3A like it is nothing after being unstable with it for much of her career. Just goes to show a 3A or ultra-c was never an impossibility for a female skater of 25 let alone one who is 15 or 17 (everyone got a little worked up about all these big jumps we were seeing from the innovative teams, possibly some decisions were made in haste but that's another conversation).

 

[jenaj]

The quads are everywhere in ISU juniors, and especially the 3A. Consider too that some of these girls jumping the 3A and quads many would be senior eligible under the old age limit.

Glenn is in her mid-20's and jumps a 3A like it is nothing after being unstable with it for much of her career. Just goes to show a 3A or ultra-c was never an impossibility for a female skater of 25 let alone one who is 15 or 17 (everyone got a little worked up about all these big jumps we were seeing from the innovative teams, possibly some decisions were made in haste but that's another conversation).

Juniors--my point, exactly. Midori Ito was doing triple axels in 1989.

 

[lariko]

I think only Kh/N could do that. But Devid is injured and it's unclear what's next.

Agreed. Glide is not K/N's friend and they don't have enough cohesion. P/C is more of a 'when there's no fish, a crawfish is a fish' partnership imo.

I also unexpectedly found myself interested in what M/U are offering this season.