Masha doesn't seem to be so popular around here but may I remind all that aside from Evgenia and Alina, she was on the podium at the last Russian Nationals. And she also placed behind Evgenia at the Worlds.
I noticed that both Masha and Alina are going to TEB. They both seem to be two very big Francophiles, do you think this affected their decision to send them?
I don't think it has to do with being popular. Russian Nationals is Russian Nationals. Last season was Maria's debut season and it seemed to me that the Russian Fed wanted to promote her, put her out there, make her lose the competition nerves. That didn't work out, at least in the later season. She didn't win a GP. Was off-podium at the GPF. While she ended up second Russian at Worlds, she didn't exactly shine there. She also ended off-podium and prevented the russian sweep at Europeans. Every other country and they would take her - no question. But now the reigning Junior World Champ goes senior. If she delivers, she's in. And that last place is a fight between Anna, Elena and Maria. (perhaps others too) Outside of personal preference I could see both Anna and Elena winning a medal at the Olympics, even if there are two Russians on the podium already. Maria - I don't see it. Our commentators described her as pale, a bit boring, too juniorish. She's young okay, but in that field, in this year, it is hard to catch up. If you don't have it now, a even younger girl will come and take your place.
I agree with other posters, Russian Fed prevented Evgenia, Alina and Anna to meet on the GP. I guess that's the preferred team. They will see how they do. If another girl takes a win and/or makes the final, she's also a candidate. If Anna makes mistakes/doesn't make GPF/doesn't medal, she's out. She's got to be perfect next season, she will have it really hard. I love her, but she destroyed so much for herself at Worlds. One more competition like that, and I don't think she can make it. The risk would be too high, and they should leave her at home. The next in line - Elena - hasn't been to the Olympics, being too young at Sochi. I don't doubt she will fight like a lion for that spot and she is a really beloved skater in Russia.
It probably all depends on how Alina does in her debut. Will she be another Evgenia, or is Evgenia a once in a lifetime sensation? Let's see.
Is it too much too ask?
