Since you made your post sound a certain way, too, I‘m sure that was a “choice“ as well then. As for the risk thing. That was mainly a joke but seeing the answers I‘ve been getting from you and flanker, I wonder if I should have been more serious lol. It‘s nothing new that any mention of a Tutberidze skater changing coaches/choreographers is met with a lot (passive) aggressive comments explaining why this is not going to happen. I‘m sure I made my post sound a certain way, though. Is it anything new that I believe one has to be very careful when leaving Eteri? No. I do not want to wish going into this but that‘s my opinion after what happened with the last few students. Everyone is perfectly free to think differently, of course! But, yes, stating an opinion in here like that is in a way, a risk, unless you‘re a person who enjoys discussing in a certain (not fruitful) way. Which I‘m not.
As for the second part. I think this is a bit naive to be perfectly honest. Of course, if Alina really wanted to change coaches, she could do it and I‘m sure she would manage. So, yes, I do agree that it wouldn’t be an insurmountable issue. But that it would come without difficulties? That‘s... well... I think you‘re seriously underestimating the changes in life you have when you move away from your country. Especially in the case of Alina who is still very young, doesn‘t seem to be quite comfortable in speaking English (even though I‘m sure she understands quite a lot of it by now) and has never even been to the US. That‘s quite a lot to handle. Not to mention being away from literally everybody who speaks your language and shares your traditions. Alina is brave but she’s only human.
I also think living abroad comes with other additional aspects. It‘s not just “pack your things and go“. One has to consider rooming, visa issues, food, expenses and other things I‘m probably not thinking of right now. It‘s a big change and imo, not exactly comparable to moving within your own country. (Before you‘re picking that part of the comment apart: I realise that moving to a big unknown city at 12 is very brave as well and should be applauded! I still do not think it‘s entirely the same)
Like I said, I think Alina could do it if she really wanted to but it would be very, very difficult and she would risk struggling like anyone else when adapting to such a situation. With the Olympics being only 2 years away, I’m not sure it would be worth it. But again, if she wanted to she should do it. I’d be the first one to cheer her on! But I support her staying with Eteri too, if that makes her happy. I might have some wishes regarding choreography and stuff like that but ultimately, I know that I’m just some random fan on the internet and my opinion is not the one that matters at all. My original post, however, was actually more of the idea why Alina would not want to change coaches anyway. That‘s all. Don‘t see where this is offensive in any way.