Tarasova's official story | Golden Skate

Tarasova's official story

Bynx

On the Ice
Joined
Jul 29, 2003
From FSU:

Well, Tarasova is in Moscow.
Thursday evening she held a big fairwell party.
"Everybody" was there.
Tatiana was emotional. In regards to Sasha/Galina her attitude was "... and that's the gratitude I get for all I did..... in my days young girls had respect for teachers". Galina is giving people "the official story" - TAT's health. Maya Usova is in panic what to do now and how to make a living, she is left with nothing, TAT was the main front for dealing with all students. Galit/Serguie are considering moving to Russia. Platov does not show any opinions, he's busy telling jokes to a group of attractive ladies.

Rough translation:
FIGURE SKATING VIEW of Helen VAYTSEKHOVSKOY
NOT OUR SASHA
"Tarasova it parted Sasha Cohen. Hardly this information appeared on the official site of the American federation of figure skating, in all Internet- forums OF THE USA began svetoprestavleniye (speculating?). The general tone of commentaries was united: how sportswoman, who made under the Tarasova management in the incomplete two years this mad jump in the class, could leave trainer two weeks before USA National Championships? And to who does Cohen depart to? To the tutor of Sarah Hughes, whose nedokruchennye leaps on the Olympic Games in Salt Lake City became parable into yazytsekh?! Break, it would seem, nothing it betokened. Cohen is brilliant, another word you will not select, She won three stages in the Grand Prix Series, which gave to many to completely categorically forecast occasion (predict?): here is it, the eighth gold Olympic medal of Tarasova coach. And somehow to the second plan moved away the fact that to the games in Turin even longer two years and not one hundred occupations. It does not be worthwhile to deceive by cunning: Tarasova for sure it agreed to the collaboration with the American woman after the World Championships in Nagano revolvers Olympic 2002 - precisely because it looked after in sufficiently unstable devchushke the advances of Olympic material. The step by step liquidation of weak places began from that, from what must it was. Entire pre-seasonal part of the preparation they dedicated to "physics", for which into America they invited one of the best even in THE USSR specialists. Result proved to be presently. Even the largest skeptics could not but recognize: Cohen pre-2002 and Cohen present differ themselves from each other as sky from the earth. Not he was never specialist in Tarasova's leaps, but, in addition trainers themselves into one voice asserted: if in Cohen arise serious problems, its tutor will here find person, capable of removing the gaps of technical formation within the most compressed periods. Problem proved to be in other. Even in the beginning of the competing season, when nothing it betokened failure in the fixed victorious mechanism, Tarasova it mentioned, that it did not suspect, how heavily it will prove to be to work with the sportswoman with the mentality completely different from the Russian. The first the forerunner of contradictions arose before the secondary from the point of view of amateurish calendar tournament of series Pro- AM. On the eve of the competitions Cohen fell ill, but for the words of Tarasova, that one should forego the participation, followed by the sharp protest of the mom of the figure skater of Galina, out of ice who releases daughter not to the step. Specifically, it insisted on Sasha observing understanding with the American federation of figure skating. Result is known. Cohen, after leaving to ice in Detroit with the high temperature, simply it did not lose, but it fell through with the crack. During the Grand Prix Final in Colorado Springs it was noticeable that Tarasova's itself feeds no illusions apropos of possible result. Its under wardship so did not enter into the form. And it lost second time in the season. It is for some reason to me seemed that precisely at this moment the difference of mentalities entered into the clinch. Knowing, how rapidly the American media are capable of elevating their athletes into the rank of nebozhiteley, it is not difficult to represent, what balsam filled the parental soul of Galina’s. And the second defeat became what impact in a row. For sure it in its own way attempted to explain proceeding. It is very probable that in this state of the word many of those sympathizing about the fact that Tarasova - by no means god and already that is more not that specialist, who can learn Sasha not to fall, burn on beneficial soil. But Tarasova, that accustomed long years to sacrifice of central objective entire secondary and already vidyashchaya this purpose, most likely, were not understood: how it is possible to deliberately grobit' entire hard many-month work to anyone not by necessary appearance? Like by the interference in the professional process of very distant from the sport person. And indeed each in in own way own way of the rights: mentality... But further everything came out, as it was more than once. From infinite torments and hassle in Russian trainer deteriorated a status of the health, and a question, it does be worth continuing, was automatically obtained negative answer. The solution to part proved to be mutual. Therefore rapid. What here to add? It is it's a pity... "


Original article link is at FSU:
http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9823
 
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thisthingcalledlove

Final Flight
Joined
Sep 24, 2003
translation...

“Not Our Sasha”
By Elena Vyaitzehovskaya
Tarasova parted with Sasha Cohen. The very second this information hit the official USFSA site, all internet forums were filled with speculations. The general tone of comments was: how could an athlete, who made such quantum leap under the supervision of Tarasova in less than two years, leave her coach two weeks before the US Nationals? And she goes where? To the coach of Sarah Hughes, whos obvious under rotated jumps became the talk of SLC Olympics.
It seems like nothing indicated a remote possibility of a break up. Cohen truly shined, and no other word can describe it, during the three GP events, which led many to rightfully predict: here she is, the 8th Olympic Gold Medalist of Tatiana Tarasova the Trainer. Not many thought of Turin games in terms of being 2 years away and hundreds of practices apart.
To be perfectly honest, Tarasova most likely agreed to work with this American skater, after the Worlds 2002 in Nagano, exactly because she saw the potentials of the “Olympic medalist material” in her. (Once she got her) The process of elimination of Sasha’s “weak points” started immediately, from the beginning, where it should start. The whole pre-season practice was devoted to the “physical fitness” preparation, and for that purposes the best specialist, who is well known even back in USSR, was invited to come to America.
The results were obvious. Even the biggest skeptics could not deny: Cohen in 2002 and Cohen today are as different as “day and night”.
Tatiana was never a great specialist in jumping techniques, but all coaches around them uniformly agreed: if Sasha’s jumping problem becomes drastic, her coach will immediately seek a professional to fix them in the shortest period of time.
But the problem came up in a different area. Even as early as the beginning of the competition season, when nothing suggested a possibility of malfunction of such winning mechanism, Tarasova mentioned that she never expected how difficult it would be to work with a student whos way of thinking (mentality) would be so different from a Russian student.
First indication of a problem arose just before the Pro-Am event, a rather secondary even from the stand point of the ranks of amateur competitions. Prior to the event Cohen became ill. Tatiana’s recommendation to skip the competition was met with great opposition from Sasha’s mother Galina, who for one single moment off the ice does not let Sasha out of her site. It was Galina who insisted that Sasha keeps her commitment to USFSA’s event.
The results we all know. Cohen skated in Detroit with high temperature, and not just lost, she completely bombed.
During the Grand Prix Finals in Colorado, it was quite obvious that Tarasova is not holding any high hopes or faulty expectations about the possible results. Her pupil has not regained her form and lost for the second time during this season.
The opinion is, that it is exactly at this moment when the difference in mentality came head to head. We all know how quickly the American media can elevate a skater to high heavens, and it is not hard to imagine how high Galina felt the whole season. And what a blow it must have been for her to think about what will happen now when her daughter had two losses in a row.
Most likely, she (Galina), was searching for an explanation. Very probable, that exactly at that moment, the words of “well-wishers” kept hinting that “Tarasova is not God” who can teach Sasha not to fall, and fell on fruitful grounds.
Tarasova, who’s philosophy for many years was “all must be sacrificed for the greater goal, especially all secondary”, truly could not understand how could months and months of hard work be so advertently dumped into the grave by participating in a useless competition, and by such insistent involvement in the decision making process from a person who is very far from professional process of this sport (Sasha’s mom).
And each party is right in its own way: it all has to do with mentality.
And the rest went as it usually does. From constant struggles and nervousness Tatiana’s health deteriorated, and the answer to her own question “should I continue” was automatically negative.
It was a mutual (not hostile) decision. That’s why it happened quickly (and painlessly).
What can be said? Too bad………
 
Joined
Jun 21, 2003
Thanks so much for the heads up, Bynx. This pretty much tells the story, I think: TT just wasn't prepared to work with a student (and her familty) with a "mentality completely different from the Russian."

I was about halfway through the article, struggling with

" Sarah Hughes, whose nedokruchennye leaps on the Olympic Games in Salt Lake City became parable into yazytsekh?!"

"...precisely because it looked after in sufficiently unstable devchushke," and

"But Tarasova, that accustomed long years to sacrifice of central objective entire secondary and already vidyashchaya this purpose, most likely, were not understood: how it is possible to deliberately grobit' entire hard many-month work...?"

I could almost grobit that last bit, but then -- aha -- Thisthingcalledlove to the rescue. Is this your own translation, Thisthing? Thanks a million.

Wow. This really lays it out, warts and all, for everyone to see! I wonder if Sasha will cease to be such a favorite of the Eastern European judges now?

Mathman
 

LBC

On the Ice
Joined
Aug 3, 2003
Mathman said:
Thanks so much for the heads up, Bynx. This pretty much tells the story, I think: TT just wasn't prepared to work with a student (and her familty) with a "mentality completely different from the Russian."


Wow. This really lays it out, warts and all, for everyone to see! I wonder if Sasha will cease to be such a favorite of the Eastern European judges now?

Mathman

It seems to me that Galina is getting all the blame for it in that article. Didn't say anything about Sasha doing or saying anything other than going along with her mom. She actually doesn't come across that bad it was her mean old mom that screwed everything up. I don't know about the judges. They liked her before she went to TT. Her style isn't going to change.
Without any Russian women doing that great she still might be their choice. Who knows? It is still to soon to tell.
 
Joined
Jul 11, 2003
Hey Bynx = Thanks for that formidable literal translation. It reminded me of my early years in ballet class of hearing jumbled english words with meaningless russian words thrown in.:laugh:
I did follow it fairly well, and much of ThisThings work cleared a lot up.

It seemed to me that this was a homage to TT. OK, i'll buy that, but I would like to hear from Sasha or at least someone (other than mother) on her version.

MM's opinion? Well, I'll go along with LBC's views that the eastern european judges liked Sasha before TT and more than likely will continue to like her. She has that 19th century faux ballet style which Eastern Europeans are obsessed with.

Sasha's future, IMHO, will be pretty much what I've always thought before, during and after, TT. Sasha when she hits the routine will be a gold medal contender.

Joe
 

curious

Final Flight
Joined
Aug 15, 2003
she is going to receive good scores from european judges only if she skates well not by falling like she has lately.:D
 

Snowqueen

Spectator
Joined
Dec 28, 2003
It seemed to me that Cohen's marks under CoP were a bit too high compared to Arakawa and Suguri. Was this Tarasova's influence on the judges? Perhaps. She is very respected in Europe.

But in Dortmund they will use the old system which makes it difficult for an inconsitent skater to win, no matter how much the judges like you.
 

mzheng

Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 16, 2005
Snowqueen said:
It seemed to me that Cohen's marks under CoP were a bit too high compared to Arakawa and Suguri. Was this Tarasova's influence on the judges? Perhaps. She is very respected in Europe.

CoP or no CoP, TT definitely has influence. Case example:

The Rusian judge placed Cohen 6th place at 2002 worlds, the LOWEST in whole panel.

The Rusian judge placed Cohen 2nd place at ABC cheesfest, the HIGHEST in whole panuel.

The whole GPs this year, Sasha's SS component marks were inflated. Though she deserved her wins.
 

ladybug

On the Ice
Joined
Jul 27, 2003
TT just wasn't prepared to work with a student (and her familty) with a "mentality completely different from the Russian."


Strange that TT seemed to have her problem with the Russian Mom, not with the American Sasha.

Ladybug
 

windspirit

On the Ice
Joined
Jul 26, 2003
The first tidbit in Bynx's post in by no means "an official story." It's written by someone who claims to have insiders everywhere, that he/she can call up at any moment and ask for the rumors. They are not official stories, by any means.

Btw, the same person (Tinami Amori) translated the article that Thisthingcalledlove posted. I think it'd be nice to acknowledge the author. Translating is hard work and, I don't know about that person, but many people wouldn't like to have their work used somewhere without being asked first or even mentioned. I know I wouldn't.
 

lulu

Final Flight
Joined
Aug 4, 2003
ladybug said:
TT just wasn't prepared to work with a student (and her familty) with a "mentality completely different from the Russian."


Strange that TT seemed to have her problem with the Russian Mom, not with the American Sasha.

Ladybug


I have no personal knowledge of these sort of situations-not being a skater myself. But, it seems that in general there is a whole different school of thought b/t Russian and American system. In the Russian system, at least traditionally, and I assume today as well, the coach has all of the say. The parents don't interfere. In the American system, the parents have more say over what their child does and what the coach does.

So, it might have been just a clash of conflict b/t Sasha's mom and TT. It doesn't sound like TT has a problem w/ Sasha or vice versa and maybe another coach is just what Sasha needs. Although, she has made wonderful progress under TT.


Anyway, I wish everyone in this situation the best. :)
Although, this does add some excitement to the messageboards before nationals.:D
 

CassidyL

Rinkside
Joined
Nov 30, 2003
windspirit said:
The first tidbit in Bynx's post in by no means "an official story." It's written by someone who claims to have insiders everywhere, that he/she can call up at any moment and ask for the rumors. They are not official stories, by any means.

No, I agree they are not official. They almost seem to be word for word what has been translated from the Russian boards. This thing has reached such epic proportions that I am reading quotes from every message board posted on other boards as facts. I wasn't around when MK left her longtime coach, were the boards in such a frenzy?

Anyway, I think it will take a while, if ever, to find out the reason for this coaching change, which is really not that unusual except for the timing.

All I can say is good luck to Sasha, I hope all goes well for her.
 

RealtorGal

Record Breaker
Joined
Jul 27, 2003
lulu said:
I have no personal knowledge of these sort of situations-not being a skater myself. But, it seems that in general there is a whole different school of thought b/t Russian and American system. In the Russian system, at least traditionally, and I assume today as well, the coach has all of the say. The parents don't interfere. In the American system, the parents have more say over what their child does and what the coach does.

Could that have anything to do with the incredible amounts of money American parents fork over for ice skating lessons, travel, costumes, etc.?

CassidyL said:
I wasn't around when MK left her longtime coach, were the boards in such a frenzy?

YES--perhaps even more so.
 

lavender

Record Breaker
Joined
Jul 26, 2003
All doesn't seem well although this might have been best for TT's health. She seems a little annoyed with Sasha in regards to respect and the mother of course.
 

Ogre Mage

On the Ice
Joined
Jul 30, 2003
Kwan and Cohen

Snowqueen said:
Perhaps? :laugh: Not only the skating boards, also the media were all over it. Heck, it was the olympic season!

Yes, Michelle's change seemed even more drastic to me. Sasha had only been with TT for 19 months. Kwan had been with Carroll for 10 years and it was, like you said, the Olympic season to boot and she did not find another coach. She went coachless!! (Although one could argue that it is equally shocking that Sasha went to Robin).

But the circumstances do seem similar -- a star skater and star coach abruptly parting ways, shortly before a major event with the exact reasons for the split not clear to the public.
 
Joined
Jun 21, 2003
As I read it, the biggest problem, or at least the catalyst for the split, was the difference in emphasis that Ms. Tarasova and Sasha's family put on honoring their contract to participate in the International Skating Challenge. Tarasova seems to have the attitude that if a made-for-TV event like this one interfers with your main goal of training toward a major championship, then obviously you "call in sick."

I am sure that the USFSA put pressure on Sasha and her family not to go back on her word. True, the USFSA wants to win world championship medals, but they also underwrite many programs that benefit skating and skaters in the U.S. at ever level from beginners to adult and recreational skaters. According to Mark Lund in "Frozen Assets," ABC television not only has a multi-million dollar contract with the USFSA to supply skaters for events of this sort, but also they (ABC) have a separate contract with Michelle Kwan to guarantee her appearance. Maybe Sasha aspires to a similar status in the sport.

Mathman
 

lulu

Final Flight
Joined
Aug 4, 2003
RealtorGal said:
Could that have anything to do with the incredible amounts of money American parents fork over for ice skating lessons, travel, costumes, etc.?

Probably. I'm not saying one style is better than the other. Just that there, stereotypically, is a different coaching style and degree of parental involvement between American and Russian skating
 
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Piel

On Edge
Record Breaker
Joined
Jul 27, 2003
Anyone here care to explain in an objective way the differences in Russian and American coaching/skating?

Piel
 
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