2018-19 Russian Ladies' figure skating

[Vandevska]

Warning: this is a humongous post! Approach at your own risk!

Red - important things
Green - less important things

Tuesday
I had two flights to Zagreb since there were no direct flights at the time. Got super excited from the moment I saw a girl with a hoodie from Belarus, and a skating fan with a keychain in the form of a skate. I fell in love with Mozart’s chocolate cream liquor (tastes like chocolate milk, but has 17% alcohol, and yes, I got a bit tipsy in Vienna’s airport ) Btw, I’m writing this while drinking some more of it


Wednesday
This was a very busy day for me. I went to a bunch of museums, and then Google Maps had me going in circles so I ended up being late to that day’s practice. However, I was beyond happy. I couldn’t believe my eyes, - the girls and coaches who I had seen a million times on videos were super close. It was reality, and yet felt like a dream. The seats were super close to the rink, a mere 1m away. After the practice session I went outside and I wanted to stay around to see whether I could take a picture with them. Very close after that Sergey and Daniil came outside, and I went there to ask them whether they’d be willing to take the gifts for Alena and Alina. They were super nice. I asked them if I can take a picture with the girls when they come out, and they said yes. Sasha came out first, and I wanted to wait for Anna too, but Sergey told her that I want to take a picture, so I took a selfie with Sasha. Sergey asked me if I wanted him to take a picture of us, and he did, and I could just die right there and then. I learnt how to say “Good luck” from him, wished Sasha good luck. Anna was gone for a bit, and then I started walking towards the rink entrance again to see whether she’s there, and she had just come out, and I asked for a picture and took a blurry selfie, but whatever!

Thursday
I was determined to give all the gifts to them that day instead of throwing them at the main rink. So, early in the morning I sat down to write a letter (or rather a note) for all of them. I apologized for not writing in Russian, and a bunch of other things that I don’t really remember right now. I also wrote a note for the coaches. I decided to go to a mall near the practice rink to buy a plushie for Kseniia too, but I couldn’t find anything so I got her a couple of other things. I also bought 3 different packages of chocolates for the coaches (you can see them in Anna’s story!) and went to the practice rink. Kseniia was outside, so I gave the gift to her. She’s very cute, and she always has this very cool demeanor about her (not in a bad way, she’s probably shy). Sergey and Daniil were outside with some boy, so I went to them and I was like “Hi! Okay, so, in this bag are the gifts for all of the girls, and this is for you!”. Sergey was standing while Daniil was sitting so I said “and this is for you” I was facing Sergey, and he was like “For mee??!!!” He was very cute! I said “Well, for both of you, and Eteri Georgievna too!”.
Sasha had a very productive practice session that day and it was very exciting. The one thing I will always remember from that day is being able to feel a breeze when the skaters would skate around. It made me kinda emotional, kinda like “this is really happening, I can literally feel it”.

Friday
Woke up early to go to the practice session. Got super worried because things were simply not working out for Sasha when it came to the 3Lz-3Lo.
I was beyond relieved that they had changed it to a 3Lz-3T. It assured her victory if you ask me.
I was walking around after dinner and I found cheaper flowers for all 3 girls (they were super expensive that day since it was 8th of March and everyone is buying flowers for the important women in their life). I stumbled upon a toy/plushie store, and got a flower plushie/pillow for Anna (you can see it in her insta story too! It’s violet!), and a dog plushie in which you could put a water bottle and cuddle while travelling for Sasha!

Saturday
Bought more flowers and small chocolates for other random skaters. Made my boyfriend throw them, and he failed the first time, everyone on our side laughed, and it was funny! I had a lot of fun throwing the plushies for Sasha and Anna! It was euphoria beyond belief! I was waiting outside to try to get a picture with both of them, but they didn’t come out right away because according to a girl that was a part of the organization they had taken them to do a doping control, which is crazy but hey, it is what it is. But I took a picture with Kseniia!

Sunday
Lovely gala, and I had a lot of fun watching it live.

High points:
1. That very first time when I saw them in the practice rink. I think I wanted to cry, and this happened a few more times too.
2. Writing the notes for them. Got emotional again. I also loved buying the chocolates for the coaches. They deserve gifts too!
3. Sergey being super cute when I was giving them the chocolates. He’s a soft big bear!
4. The euphoria I felt while watching the girls during their FS and throwing the plushies. I swear I wanna buy them the world, and I would if I had more money!
5. Got super emotional during the hymn at the victory ceremony. They had Sasha on the screen together with the colors of the flag, and she was crying a bit.
6. Anna’s gala piece. Stunning!
7. Sasha’s gala piece. I think she deserved to skate last that day but oh well. Got emotional again during the “I’m unstoppable” parts of the song.
8. I fell in love with the city! The positive vibes from the competition definitely had a big role in it! I think I wouldn’t mind living there.
9. I admire Sasha so much now! I think that I love them a lot more now, since I somehow feel like I bonded with them. They need to be protected from the cruel world!

Low points:
1. Often, they would show clips from skaters from previous competitions, and whenever they showed Alena it would make me sad.
2. Having to go home. It’s not where I wanna be, due to different reasons, and this past week has been so good that it made it extra hard to leave.



Thanks for making it to the end!


topic: This channel has fan videos from the competition. Much better filming quality than the cameramen if you ask me!
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheChiLeana

 

[Edwin]

Thanks for your report.

So in the practice rink you could approach to right behind the boarding and actually feel the wind?

The competition rink didn't seem to be ice cold, which is nice, as sitting in the cold for hours on end is no fun and you can only drink so much hot coffee or chocolate ...

I've never been to a FS competition, but am always amazed by the sounds of blades you can hear in good TV broadcasts, where you can sort of hear the power that is going into the jumps and the distinctive sounds between clean and rough landings.

And finally you are right, juniors should skate carefree, enjoy the competition without external stresses. Their excitement and sometimes disappointment always shows on their faces, the sparkle in their eyes, the shiver of anticipation when the score is about to be announced, and the occasional tear afterwards.

Watching live is so much different from watching TV, I remember from when me and my bunch of international friends were still following gymnastics closely, meeting up before and after competition, exploring the city, having food and drink together and all.

 

[Sam-Skwantch]

Vandevska: Thank you for sharing. You’ve captured a little bit of the spirit from the event and given some of it back for us here at GS to enjoy. My day is already better for it.

I think I’d have similar emotions to going and seeing it live. These kids are really something!

 

[Vandevska]

Thanks for your report.

So in the practice rink you could approach to right behind the boarding and actually feel the wind?

I've never been to a FS competition, but am always amazed by the sounds of blades you can hear in good TV broadcasts, where you can sort of hear the power that is going into the jumps and the distinctive sounds between clean and rough landings.

And finally you are right, juniors should skate carefree, enjoy the competition without external stresses. Their excitement and sometimes disappointment always shows on their faces, the sparkle in their eyes, the shiver of anticipation when the score is about to be announced, and the occasional tear afterwards.

Watching live is so much different from watching TV, I remember from when me and my bunch of international friends were still following gymnastics closely, meeting up before and after competition, exploring the city, having food and drink together and all.

Yes, I was surprised too, but the very few seats in the practice rink were essentially starting 1m away. I kinda wanted to stand near the rink, but I didn't wanna impose.
This was my first competition of my life. So much happened. I can't put all of it in words. But I know that I wanna do it again and again. I'm thinking of searching for volunteering opportunities for FS competitions.

Vandevska: Thank you for sharing. You’ve captured a little bit of the spirit from the event and given some of it back for us here at GS to enjoy. My day is already better for it.

I think I’d have similar emotions to going and seeing it live. These kids are really something!

Thank you! I'm glad you liked it ^_^

 

[Edwin]

Yes, I was surprised too, but the very few seats in the practice rink were essentially starting 1m away. I kinda wanted to stand near the rink, but I didn't wanna impose.
This was my first competition of my life. So much happened. I can't put all of it in words. But I know that I wanna do it again and again. I'm thinking of searching for volunteering opportunities for FS competitions.

It is good you've kept your distance, both inside and outside the venue. Athletes hate being mobbed and imposed upon, they need their sphere of confidence and privacy, and often security too.
Having a bunch of screaming young kids chasing after you is fine for a short while, but some adults can get really pushy when it comes to autographs or selfies etc.

Volunteering is nice, but often hard work with little in return and no real guarantee to have a private photo or presents moment with one of your idols. Often the OC shies away from recruiting fans that are too obviously idolate.
You could be standing at some doorway collecting tickets for hours on end, or have to attend to some administrative duty or any such boring job without any sight of the competition going on elsewhere.

But no competition can be run without lots of volunteers.

 

[Vandevska]

It is good you've kept your distance, both inside and outside the venue. Athletes hate being mobbed and imposed upon, they need their sphere of confidence and privacy, and often security too.
Having a bunch of screaming young kids chasing after you is fine for a short while, but some adults can get really pushy when it comes to autographs or selfies etc.

Volunteering is nice, but often hard work with little in return and no real guarantee to have a private photo or presents moment with one of your idols. Often the OC shies away from recruiting fans that are too obviously idolate.
You could be standing at some doorway collecting tickets for hours on end, or have to attend to some administrative duty or any such boring job without any sight of the competition going on elsewhere.

But no competition can be run without lots of volunteers.

Yeah even when I was taking pictures with them I did the Yuzuru Hanyu thing of not even really touching them lol
But good point about the volunteering. However, I think I might be fine with it. I love organizing, and I know that I most likely wouldn't get to plan or whatever, but I'd love to be a part of it.
I think I'd love learning Russian too. I already have a headstart, but I haven't continued with it.

 

[Edwin]

Security at high profile events like Senior Worlds is more strict. Often the athletes and spectators are kept completely separated, with hardly a chance of meeting face to face. Buses and cars arriving at an off limits guarded entrance, spectators being herded in and out of the premises right before and after rounds of competition, esp. when there are separate tickets or there is a security threat or just the need to clean the mess left by careless spectators. Habits differ between countries and LOC's having more or less experience. ISU probably have standard protocols on how to run a competition, so after a few events you know the drill.

Sometimes you can meet athletes at the concession stands after they have finished their qualification and still need to wait for team mates to finish theirs etc etc.

You can also imagine popular senior athletes generally shying away from meeting too many fans or any fans at all when they have done bad in competition.
For them, sport is work and after finishing their jobs for the day, they'd rather relax or cry with their friends and loved ones.
Plus they sometimes have to wait hours for doping control, which usually really p*sses them off (sic!)

 

[PiggytailProdigy]

Alena kanysheva switched to eteri!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Edwin]

Alena kanysheva switched to eteri!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Source and credentials to this information?

 

[Vlad Karigov]

Security at high profile events like Senior Worlds is more strict. Often the athletes and spectators are kept completely separated, with hardly a chance of meeting face to face. Buses and cars arriving at an off limits guarded entrance, spectators being herded in and out of the premises right before and after rounds of competition, esp. when there are separate tickets or there is a security threat or just the need to clean the mess left by careless spectators. Habits differ between countries and LOC's having more or less experience. ISU probably have standard protocols on how to run a competition, so after a few events you know the drill.

Sometimes you can meet athletes at the concession stands after they have finished their qualification and still need to wait for team mates to finish theirs etc etc.

You can also imagine popular senior athletes generally shying away from meeting too many fans or any fans at all when they have done bad in competition.
For them, sport is work and after finishing their jobs for the day, they'd rather relax or cry with their friends and loved ones.
Plus they sometimes have to wait hours for doping control, which usually really p*sses them off (sic!)

No safety in skating, nor that of the Olympics, is comparable to that of the stadiums in Russia, in Rostelecom there are even spetsnaz camouflageds among the public, not to mention those on the hidden roofs.

- - - Updated - - -

Alena kanysheva switched to eteri!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT!!!

 

[Maju]

Is Kamila Valieva going to juniors next season?

 

[Lunalovesskating]

Is Kamila Valieva going to juniors next season?

Yes

 

[PiggytailProdigy]

Source and credentials to this information?

100% sure she left panova. She and her mum unfollowed Panova on ig and vice versa. She didn't go to practice(snow leopards) today. She didn't participate in moscow elder age.(Last time Tarakanova left, she quitted a comp as well). She went to Eteri today and according to insiders, Eteri gave her the locker key herself.

 

[plushyfan]

100% sure she left panova. She and her mum unfollowed Panova on ig and vice versa. She didn't go to practice(snow leopards) today. She didn't participate in moscow elder age.(Last time Tarakanova left, she quitted a comp as well). She went to Eteri today and according to insiders, Eteri gave her the locker key herself.

Is this possible during the season?

 

[Azikin]

100% sure she left panova. She and her mum unfollowed Panova on ig and vice versa. She didn't go to practice(snow leopards) today. She didn't participate in moscow elder age.(Last time Tarakanova left, she quitted a comp as well). She went to Eteri today and according to insiders, Eteri gave her the locker key herself.

:eeking:

 

[Vlad Karigov]

"Eteri gave her the locker key herself"

hahahaha...

 

[macy]

Yeah even when I was taking pictures with them I did the Yuzuru Hanyu thing of not even really touching them lol
But good point about the volunteering. However, I think I might be fine with it. I love organizing, and I know that I most likely wouldn't get to plan or whatever, but I'd love to be a part of it.
I think I'd love learning Russian too. I already have a headstart, but I haven't continued with it.

if you have the chance to volunteer, do it. it's so worth it.

 

[PiggytailProdigy]

Is this possible during the season?

well unless it's with big coaches like mishin or Tat, i don't think they really care much. Didn't Yulia switch in the middle of the season as well?

 

[Tolstoj]

Alena kanysheva switched to eteri!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Poor Panova.

But potentially great move for Alena.

Interesting question.

How is the relationship between #TeamTutberidze and TAT? IMO TAT is a relic from the past, merely maintained in her position at Perviy Kanal because she is so 'patriotic'. I wish they'd do away with her and bring in some new and more unbiased commentators.

TAT's other roles behind the screens? Never give that old biddy influence on the parents of those young skaters is my advice.
FFKKR and MosKomSport are probably hornet's nests and snake pits of conflicting interests, not so much with the juniors, because these have little 'commercial' value, but in using senior skaters as pawns in shadowy games of power, influence and money.

The exciting smiles in the K&C by almost all skaters that met their own expectations in the JWC is a thing we won't likely witness in the seniors, when so much more than 'personal best' is at stake.

The relationship is basically she hates Eteri because she made Sambo70 more successful and the new big club in Russia, outshadowing CSKA, the club where TAT has been working for 53 years. In order to keep her role as commentator though she has to cheer for the russians, especially those who win medals but as others pointed she is not really good at hiding the shade. lol

Actually TAT still has a lot of power if you think that working as commentator she can control the message, as national team adviser (at some competition like the last Russian Cup she was basically judging) she can choose which skaters go to Worlds and she has obviously many friends in the Federation, and she still coaches.

Personally i don't think Russia should get rid of her given what she achieved as coach and choreographer, but at the same time, she has too much power considering the huge conflict of interest.

I think Radianova could replace TAT someday.

As coach i can see that, as commentator i think it's too soon.

 

[Vandevska]

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