Inside CSKA, they seriously talk about the absolute (!) Superiority of Samodelkina in their age group. The results here, as before in Moscow, should confirm this, so there is such a gap between her and others. The relative failure at JrNats is explained by them as an annoying mistake. I don’t understand what they are counting on. Next year in JGP she will meet with the Liu and the girls of Tutberidze, who are already there and have already been able to make themselves known. In the international judges, she will be just “another one Russian”. And in a year Akatieva and Zhilina will arrive. Yes, she is a great skater, but she will not be easy.
I’ll add from myself: looking at Berestovskaya 4T attempts hurts my eyes.
Given that Samodelkina is the only one besides the Valiyeva-Usachyova-Khromykh trio who currently has ultra-si in the junior age, #TeamDavydov must play their game with some amount of 'overconfidence' just to emphasise their presence a little more against the might and reputation of #TeamTutberidzeForProgress. But not too much or too aggressive, or it will quickly fall through, backfire even and hurt Samodelkina's chances.
Junior Russian Nationals and Ted's commentary put Samodelkina on the map and directed professional attention from all over the world to Sof'ya and her team. Sof'ya appears to be smart and realistic, but this was only first time I've heard her talk. Her parents, trainers and this sponsor need to be realistic too, and not fall for Plyushchenko kind of quick win solutions and other nonsense.
Of course next Season she and her team need to deliver the promised goods, first at Junior Open Test Skates, and when selected, in the JGP stages. But realistically, competing with 2nd year juniors like VUK and Liu (You perhaps too), will be very hard. Sof'ya skates much slower than the Tutberyats, even slower than Petrosyan, who is also in contention for next season's JPG, plus perhaps one of Osokina or Muravyova.
Sof'ya has the artistry at her core, but it needs to be developed further, deeper and brighter to be really competitive with the Tutberyats in this aspect. Most importantly, Sof'ya need to stay healthy and trim, she looks quite buff already and going through the first phases of puberty might change her shape and weight for the worse.
So I don't expect miracles and a finals placements from Sof'ya next season (neither from Adeliya). But who knows? Best hope for #TeamDadydov not to ruin their chance and this wonderful skater's.
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