2019-20 Russian Ladies' Figure Skating

[Casual]

I think you meant Satoko, and not Sakamoto, right?

Whichever one was meant, they are both a standard of skating skills that Russian girls would do well to aspire to, because Japanese ladies have in abundance what Russian ladies lacked, in seasons past.

Sakamoto is very artistic with divine skating skills and gorgeous jumps. Satoko's focus on perfection and precision is legendary.

They (and others) looked like masters of the art, instead of pupils who just started to learn the craft. Precision and attention to artistic details is much more pleasant to watch than sloppiness, jerky movements and crooked forms.

 

[Tolstoj]

Maker Ignatov was added to the replacement pool by winning a Challenger event at the beginning of this season (Nebelhorn Trophy). It's in the rules. Of course Anastasia & Co. may also win a CS event and be taken into consideration for non-host-spots but they have to be assigned to it first.

I'm pretty sure he got the host spot before Nebelhorn and that probably was to get the second one at NHK (and to get a SB)

I'm just saying, it's not over yet, there are still chances for these skaters if they can get challengers nd make a case for GP spots next season or just the host spot.

There are a number of skaters who disappointed this season in the GP and most likely will lose their spots: Sotskova for sure, Sakhanovich and Konstantinova probably, Samodurova maybe will get another chance.

 

[Decoder]

Well, hate to break it to you but there will most likely come a time when one of the 3A will want to switch to another coach. It‘s insanely hard to have two direct rivals at the same rink, with the same coach and it works in very few instances (Hanyu and Fernandez being one but that was a truly unique case). Not to mention three girls, who, at one point will all be capable of winning the biggest prize. It works at the moment because stakes aren‘t so high and they are still very young but even now we‘ve seen hurt feelings and tears. I admittedly kind of like this whole 3A business, the thought of them being close friends and competitors at the same time and all that. But they won‘t be 3A forever, they will want to be Alexandra Trusova, Aliona Kostornaya and Anna Shcherbakova. And I don‘t know if keeping them at the same rink then, when they‘ve matured mentally, will work. Actually, I‘m pretty sure that it won‘t. Just saying.



They‘re 14, as far as I know. Sasha and Anna are 15, Aliona 16. You need to be 15 by a certain date before you‘re allowed to debut as a senior but I always forget which one. I believe Sinitsyna (and Kanysheva) will be old enough for senior next year, though. No idea about Frolova.

It's tough business, I agree. I would say, IMO, as long as parents are not too anxious to achieve quick success that might be promised by whoever, I don't believe anyone else should try to interfere. Eteri school is the best, and we should let them do their job.

 

[silverfoxes]

There are only 3 medals handed out, one of each color. They can't all win. Bronze is not a failure when you are still a good 20+ points ahead of the rest of the field. What on earth would be the point of switching coaches when everyone else who has switched has been even more unsuccessful?

Honestly, the histrionics and sweeping dramatic declarations about these skaters every time something goes wrong are so eye-rolling as to be ridiculous. Nobody is ever going to be perfect all of the time. If your strategy is to risk it all and go for broke, then obviously you have more chances to screw things up than someone who plays it safe. Sasha wanted to risk, and this is the result. Maybe she'll change her strategy or maybe she'll just learn how to avoid these mistakes with experience. But changing coaches would not help her one bit at this point.

 

[elysium]

Despite the grave results for Sasha for the last two majors the RusFed decided not to enforce the summary execution and give her another chance.
Doing good in EC may restart her career.
I'm happy and grateful to RusFed.

And I'm only afraid failing at Europeans will throw her deep down below.
Looks like a psychological problem to me. She knows she can do not only better, she literally can do anything best male skaters do at their best day.

I don’t think there was any doubt whatsoever at RusFed to send Sasha to EC. Her FS performance was bad for being her, but really better than everyone else apart from Anna and Alena. Being a new jump for her, it was kind of expected that 4F would not be that stable. She needs to believe in that she can be clean.

 

[Edwin]

They can totally do the same with Guliakova if RusFed wants to.

It can happen, especially now that she announced she may show the triple axel very soon.

And it will perhaps appease Sankt Peterburg and #TeamMishin somewhat. From what I've gathered from the e-media, some feel Samodurova was royally screwed over in judging, praise the heroics of Tuktamysheva, etc, but sort of denied the truth or ignored the reality of the competition I thought.

In the women, in general SPb with its older and more experienced athletes did poorly compared to Moscow with all their newcomers, while the SPb men and pairs stood steadfast. Must browse some SPb e-media, where there will perhaps be a little less PC view of the events given, compared to the mainstream media and general press agencies.

 

[DenissVFan]

I'm pretty sure he got the host spot before Nebelhorn and that probably was to get the second one at NHK (and to get a SB)

I'm just saying, it's not over yet, there are still chances for these skaters if they can get challengers nd make a case for GP spots next season or just the host spot.

There are a number of skaters who disappointed this season in the GP and most likely will lose their spots: Sotskova for sure, Sakhanovich and Konstantinova probably, Samodurova maybe will get another chance.

Ignatov first got only the host spot. Then he won a CS event, which, according to the rules, enabled him to be a replacement for NHK.

Of course Anastasia and others may be in a similar situation but winning an early CS event may be a tall order because of the presence of somebody like one of the 3A/Rika/Liza/Zhenya.

Anastasia Guliakova may be assigned to some Challengers, but I'm not so sure that for example Ksenia Tsibinova will. Coach Davydov wanted her to get one this season (which means they were willing to pay for it), but she got two events that didn't count for the SB while CS spots went unused.

Not to mention that Anastasia Gubanova – 9th at nationals and with a top 24 SB score – didn't get any Challenger either.

 

[Arbitrary]

Need to explain.

It's not Sasha risked to lose EC. It is the 3rd place under fire. It just happened to be this way.
Unfortunately even more the 3rd place twice in a row.

The RusFed is all to happy to give a chance to one of three Senior Seniors.
"Fortunately" one is on a temporary leave, another one has a boot and leg issue and the third one grabbed the forth place.

But talking about WC is completely different story...
Three rookeies and no seasoned hand?

 

[Edwin]

But talking about WC is completely different story...

Indeed, the CAS arbitrary case will be looming over many events first half of next year 2020 and who knows what the reaction of Russia's politics will be?

 

[nussnacker]

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6qJS63p7WP/
3A hugs during gala.

 

[Mishaminion]

Sasha was doing clean FS in practice, but she struggled in the competition. Pressure and skating last (which she doesn't like at the best of times) after Anna and Alyona are probably big reasons why she had a "meltdown"

She can do these quads and she does in practice run throughs, translating that to competition is very difficult mentally.

Sasha will be fine, she is not one to give up on anything, she's a fighter as she showed in her FS when she nailed two huge combos in the second half after everything that happened.

 

[Edwin]

Based on this rumor and the current layout that she's doing - I don't think Trusova's goals are to win gold at the events but to go down in the record books as the 'first woman to land xyz'. I'm not saying she doesn't want to win but that she prioritizes the other over gold. If my assumption is correct - I say go for it, but in terms of attempting to win gold I don't think that's going to happen utilizing her current strategy. And I don't think her coaches are trying too much to dissuade her from it because they have 2 other skaters that are consistent in what they do that guarantees gold for Sambo.

Forgot to mention this in my larger posting on this topic, but this is exactly what the SE panel discussed: Trusova is the trailblazer, the 'hare' in athletics who leads others to the finish but 'sacrifices' herself along the way so the others might make it.

She was the first doing quads, wants her name in the record books as the first in everything, but might never reap the rewards of her efforts, neither in Golds nor in actual recognition as being the 'innovator', but rather as the 'destroyer' of ladies figure skating. Time will tell how she will be remembered and appreciated when she has finished her career.

Thinking about this makes me sad, really sad esp. remembering her desperate tears yesterday which had me choking as well, so I will all the more cherish every past, present and future competition with Aleksandra, because the likes of her (and Anna, Alyona too) I will not see again in my lifetime.

 

[Tolstoj]

Ignatov first got only the host spot. Then he won a CS event, which, according to the rules, enabled him to be a replacement for NHK.

Of course Anastasia and others may be in a similar situation but winning an early CS event may be a tall order because of the presence of somebody like one of the 3A/Rika/Liza/Zhenya.

Anastasia Guliakova may be assigned to some Challengers, but I'm not so sure that for example Ksenia Tsibinova will. Coach Davydov wanted her to get one this season (which means they were willing to pay for it), but she got two events that didn't count for the SB while CS spots went unused.

Not to mention that Anastasia Gubanova – 9th at nationals and with a top 24 SB score – didn't get any Challenger either.

Aren't there ISU challenger events in the second half of the season? At the early events next season they could compete for silver and win something else.

Dragon Trophy? Egna Trophy? Seibt Memorial?

Cup of Nice also top skaters tend to snub.

Also i'm not ruling out Gubanova yet, she should absolutely be in the mix still for an assignment, Cup Final results may give some answers on that regard. (even though it doesn't depend on that entirely)

And it will perhaps appease Sankt Peterburg and #TeamMishin somewhat. From what I've gathered from the e-media, some feel Samodurova was royally screwed over in judging, praise the heroics of Tuktamysheva, etc, but sort of denied the truth. In the women, in general SPb with its older and more experienced athletes did poorly compared to Moscow with all their newcomers, while the SPb men and pairs stood steadfast. Must browse some SPb e-media, where there will perhaps be a little less PC view of the events given, compared to the mainstream media and general press agencies.

I watched pretty much all the Russian Cup, memorial competitions in SPB this season.

There were maybe some less consistent skate here and there, but it has to be said you see more mature skaters, vs juniors from Moscow.

Like i said in my recap post, Davydov skaters, while extremely solid with the jumps, they were all in "focus mode" just doing the job, and not trying to sell the program. Still a bit junior level. I miss Tarusina's personality.

Mishin skaters don't have the best skating skills, but they all have some performance quality at least.

Samodurova is a special case: i think last season she got higher scores only because it was her first year, and she was skating clean every time. The technique has always been the same, not particularly amazing, but this season scores were less favourable cause the early season performances weren't as consistent, so judges were less inclined to reward. Nationals made no difference.

If she wants to get back, she needs that consistency back from the very beginning of the season, a better preparation and perhaps the triple axel.

But between the two, Guliakova has always been a stronger skater: jumps and spins are better.

 

[renebaebae]

I really hope Sasha can land the 4 loop although I know how dangerous it is. I think when she lands it and reaches that climax she can then focus on other parts of her skating and her improving mental strength and consistency.

 

[Arbitrary]

I really hope Sasha can land the 4 loop although I know how dangerous it is. I think when she lands it and reaches that climax she can then focus on other parts of her skating and her improving mental strength and consistency.

She needs to do it only once. Little chances she or other girl will land quaxel next few years. So having 4Lo done (and may be a couple of heavy quads) is enough to be listed in the history forever.
Yes, the gold is only one and there are zero chances to win the Team Event ("WADA from Canada" will certainly do their best, like in 2018, to prevent). Sasha may just go home after 4Lo +GOE approved.

 

[Mishaminion]

I really hope Sasha can land the 4 loop although I know how dangerous it is. I think when she lands it and reaches that climax she can then focus on other parts of her skating and her improving mental strength and consistency.

Her SP is gorgeous, and showcases her softer more performance focused side.
The FS is her technical showcase.
Very few men can combine technical firepower with multiple quads and high performance quality aswell...Yuzu, Shoma and Nathan aside really.

 

[Azikin]

But talking about WC is completely different story...
Three rookeies and no seasoned hand?

What seasoned hand would you send? Konstantinova?

 

[silverfoxes]

Forgot to mention this in my larger posting on this topic, but this is exactly what the SE panel discussed: Trusova is the trailblazer, the 'hare' in athletics who leads others to the finish but 'sacrifices' herself along the way so the others might make it.

She was the first doing quads, wants her name in the record books as the first in everything, but might never reap the rewards of her efforts, neither in Golds nor in actual recognition as being the 'innovator', but rather as the 'destroyer' of ladies figure skating. Time will tell how she will be remembered and appreciated when she has finished her career.

Thinking about this makes me sad, really sad esp. remembering her desperate tears yesterday which had me choking as well, so I will all the more cherish every past, present and future competition with Aleksandra, because the likes of her (and Anna, Alyona too) I will not see again in my lifetime.

Maybe you ought to go outside and get some fresh air...just saying. Don't you think you are being a bit of a drama queen? They are only halfway through their first senior season. There is absolutely no way to know what the future holds. And I'm sure Eteri's conveyor belt is going to keep them coming.

 

[Edwin]

Maybe you ought to go outside and get some fresh air...just saying. Don't you think you are being a bit of a drama queen? They are only halfway through their first senior season. There is absolutely no way to know what the future holds. And I'm sure Eteri's conveyor belt is going to keep them coming.

I am OK, Aleksandra will be OK, from all accounts she has given in the interviews, she has put her misery behind her.

But the big question remains: will her trainers make the proper decisions regarding her real medal chances, or will they still allow her to play at Game of Thrones?

The whole phenomenon of girls (and some women) doing quads still is too young to find out which body type, which training style, which competition pattern is the most sustainable over the long run.

Kamila Valiyeva is in Bavaria now, preparing herself for the Oberstdorf Gala. Will she show quads there, just to prove she can?

 

[Decoder]

Forgot to mention this in my larger posting on this topic, but this is exactly what the SE panel discussed: Trusova is the trailblazer, the 'hare' in athletics who leads others to the finish but 'sacrifices' herself along the way so the others might make it.

She was the first doing quads, wants her name in the record books as the first in everything, but might never reap the rewards of her efforts, neither in Golds nor in actual recognition as being the 'innovator', but rather as the 'destroyer' of ladies figure skating. Time will tell how she will be remembered and appreciated when she has finished her career.

Thinking about this makes me sad, really sad esp. remembering her desperate tears yesterday which had me choking as well, so I will all the more cherish every past, present and future competition with Aleksandra, because the likes of her (and Anna, Alyona too) I will not see again in my lifetime.

I have been having this mix of fatalism and optimism for a while, and I am afraid to say it. Now you talked it out, and I feel a little relieved, because I am not the only one with this thought. Thank you so much, and Forgive me.

However, we are no Sasha. Watching Eteri/Danill/Dudakov all sitting together with Sasha in Kiss&Cry after the program, I believe they will take good care of her and produce wonderful results!