2020-21 Russian Ladies' Figure Skating

[Jontor]

What were some of the biggest surprises of the season for everyone? For me, Liza's improvement was a highlight. Also, Kamila gaining a triple axel and quad salchow. I wasn't historically on the Kamila hype train, but wow, she really won me over this year.

Highlights for me this season

RusNats Ladies - Trusova, Valieva, Shcherbakova back to back clean skates was the most fantastic thing I have ever seen.

Worlds - Tuktamysheva and Kagiyama's joy/tears when they realised they had won a medal

Maria Talalaikina - Her free program from RusNats, I watched it at least a 100 times

Мария Талалайкина. Произвольная программа. Женщины. Чемпионат России по фигурному катанию 2021

Смотрите все видео Первого канала на https://www.1tv.ruСмотрите также прямое вещание Первого канала в Интернете на http://stream.1tv.ru/liveОфициальные ка...

www.youtube.com

Nugumanova's joy/tears at Rostelecom and at RusNats when she got her scores.

Tuktamysheva having her best season since Worlds 2015

Bad surprise was Kostornaia changing coaches, I remember thinking this can't be good, and it wasn't.

Bad surprise was also that Sinitsyna was injured all season, I had sooo high hopes for her this season and thought she would break through, but no, it wasn't meant to be...

 

[Amei]

Saddest Surprises

• Plushenko’s whole disastrous coaching - I actually liked Tarakanova’s performances the year she was at his school very much and was hoping he could stabilize Trusova and Zhilina in a similar way. But Trusova still struggles to land more than 2 quads in a competition and Zhilina had a disastrous year overall. They are both such talents going to waste

I don't think this is a fair statement about Plushenko in regards to Trusova, Trusova hasn't done any worse than how she was doing with Eteri last year.

Saddest Surprises

• Kostornaia’s whole situation, she went from OGM favorite to low chances of making the team even, just because she didn’t have someone in her life who could get her to stay with Eteri even if she was having difficulty restoring 3A. I’m sure Shcherbakova for example also has ups and downs with her coaches but she never thought about leaving them

I believe it was said in regards to Kostornaia when it first came out that she was leaving Eteri that her mom was against it, but she was 16 (almost 17) when she made the switch at some point parents have to be willing to let teenagers (almost adults) make their own decisions, it's not like she was making a decision that would irreparably damage her life.

Happiest surprises:

• Maia landing two quads! She’s a top-tier contender now, I think there’s a great argument she even should have won the RCF outright

am I jerk for saying I want to see her land those quads more than once in competition before I agree with your statement that she's a top-tier contender?

 

[Jontor]

• My personal saddest surprise: Sinitsyna even with missing junior worlds medal last year I thought she had such momentum going into this year, even learned a 4T, but because of injury was never able to show it. I think she could have made worlds this year if healthy and medalled there but will be crowded out of the GP next year by the three new seniors + Medvedeva

That's my biggest fear for next season and Sinitsyna. That she will be crowded out of the GP by the young three and Medvedeva. I hope RusFed will be reasonable and give her a fair chance.

 

[chasingneverland]

That's my biggest fear for next season and Sinitsyna. That she will be crowded out of the GP by the young three and Medvedeva. I hope RusFed will be reasonable and give her a fair chance.

The biggest issue is the lack of GP spots. Anna, Liza and Sasha all get 2. That's 6. Then Aliona and Kamila will definitely get 2. That's 10. Then Daria will get 2. That's 12. Evgenia (if she wants them and is relatively competitive) will get 2. That's 14. There are only 16 assignments. And there is still Maiia and Sofia (who's world standing guarantees her 1 if Russia submits her name). And so many other girls...

I think some will end up with 1 and a wait and see for the host spot..

 

[Adjesusluvsu]

What were some of the biggest surprises of the season for everyone? For me, Liza's improvement was a highlight. Also, Kamila gaining a triple axel and quad salchow. I wasn't historically on the Kamila hype train, but wow, she really won me over this year.

Regarding Russian ladies...

Elizaveta's showings throughout the season: I did not expect someone "old" (in terms of Russian female singles skating) to accomplish so much! Rostelecom, qualifying for WC, silver at WC

Kamila Valieva's ultra-c's: I must confess I did not follow her closely until this season, but I think she has such great potential. She seems to have a great work ethic, good PCS potential, stable 4T and working on 3A and 4S. Besides her combination edge problems, it's hard to find things to criticize!

One thing I was not surprised about is that Anna won worlds. Although facing adversity in health issues, she fought through with such poise and talent!

 

[Vemvane]

What were some of the biggest surprises of the season for everyone? For me, Liza's improvement was a highlight. Also, Kamila gaining a triple axel and quad salchow. I wasn't historically on the Kamila hype train, but wow, she really won me over this year.

Liza winning Rostelecom! Liza getting silver at Worlds! Liza proving that you can continue to compete into your twenties in the incredibly deep Russian ladies field. She has gone from strength to strength this season, and has been a delight to watch.

Maria Talalaikina's Maleficent free skate was another very pleasant surprise - loved every performance she gave. She was committed to it, and really rocked it, evil laugh and all. So much fun to watch.

In juniors, Adeliya Petrosyan's Artsakh free skate is also up there; I'd not seen her before this season, and she is very dynamic, very energetic, and has a good deal of charisma and stage personality. She was sensational at Junior Nationals, so have fingers and toes crossed that she goes from strength to strength as she matures. And Elizaveta Osokina was such a surprise for me at the junior test skates. She had a rough season after that, and never quite got back to her test skates form (in my impressions at least), but I hope that she has JGP spots in this next season.

Maiia landing not one but two quads after a season of falling on them at the Russian Cup Final was another big surprise. I was starting to feel that it was impossible, that she was just going to hurt herself, and then she proved me so wrong. What a triumph for her!

And then Evgenia returning to Team Tutberidze was a very big surprise, as well as Aliona switching coaches at the start of the season, and then back again at the end of it. Did not see either of those coming.

 

[lurkerghost1]

I don't think this is a fair statement about Plushenko in regards to Trusova, Trusova hasn't done any worse than how she was doing with Eteri last year.

Trusova definitely did worse this season than with Eteri, the only skate that was better was nationals where she still only did two quads. If we think of the cup stages + Rostelecom as comparable to the GPs, then Trusova was worse at both stages than Skate Canada and Rostelecom last year, and of course Rostelecom this year was a disaster and the first time she scored below 200 points since 2017 GPF. Then at worlds she had her lowest international score ever as a senior too and frankly was extremely lucky to make the podium, she would not have medaled at the 2019 worlds nor if Kihira did not have her own disaster. The packaging and spring in the jumps were better this year but the consistency was worse even, and Plushenko did not help her figure out why she is struggling with nerves. even at Worlds Sasha said she doesn’t understand what went wrong with her mistakes, other skaters can always describe if they failed a jump due to technical or mental slip.

I believe it was said in regards to Kostornaia when it first came out that she was leaving Eteri that her mom was against it, but she was 16 (almost 17) when she made the switch at some point parents have to be willing to let teenagers (almost adults) make their own decisions, it's not like she was making a decision that would irreparably damage her life.

There are many times when parents have decided things for teenagers, it’s clear that Kostornaia does not have anyone helping her control her impulses. The way she trained with Rozanov basically deferring to whatever she wanted to do, and the way she returned to Tutberidze says that much. I’m not criticizing her because she is just a normal teenager as you said but I just wish she had that support system is all.

am I jerk for saying I want to see her land those quads more than once in competition before I agree with your statement that she's a top-tier contender?

I mean, I think anyone who showed they can score 230+ Domestically even just once is a top tier contender. Not a favorite necessarily but I wouldn’t be shocked at all if she made the Olympic team. Previously I wasn’t even sure she’d get 2 GPs.

The biggest issue is the lack of GP spots. Anna, Liza and Sasha all get 2. That's 6. Then Aliona and Kamila will definitely get 2. That's 10. Then Daria will get 2. That's 12. Evgenia (if she wants them and is relatively competitive) will get 2. That's 14. There are only 16 assignments. And there is still Maiia and Sofia (who's world standing guarantees her 1 if Russia submits her name). And so many other girls...
I think some will end up with 1 and a wait and see for the host spot..

It’s not quite as bleak for Ksenia because there are 18 spots and Sofia will drop out of top 24 WS after 18-19 is removed iirc. But yes if Maia gets two there are only spots 17 and 18, and I figure Frolova and Nugumanova are now ahead in line with their results this year.

 

[nussnacker]

And Elizaveta Osokina was such a surprise for me at the junior test skates. She had a rough season after that, and never quite got back to her test skates form (in my impressions at least), but I hope that she has JGP spots in this next season.

That was the strangest thing of the season for me: that she had her best shape so shortly after quarantine, but then it got worse and she was never able to get back to that level as time went on. One would expect the opposite, right? Perhaps she had some little injuries, which were causing this throughout the season.

 

[Jontor]

The biggest issue is the lack of GP spots. Anna, Liza and Sasha all get 2. That's 6. Then Aliona and Kamila will definitely get 2. That's 10. Then Daria will get 2. That's 12. Evgenia (if she wants them and is relatively competitive) will get 2. That's 14. There are only 16 assignments. And there is still Maiia and Sofia (who's world standing guarantees her 1 if Russia submits her name). And so many other girls...

I think some will end up with 1 and a wait and see for the host spot..

There are 18 spots, not 16. But as you said Maiia and Sofia will take the remaining places probably.

I love Sofia and she's a wonderful sweet girl, but frankly I don't think she has the potential anymore, not compared to Sinitsyna.

And even though I am not the biggest fan of Frolova, I feel sorry for her too. She won't stand a chance in getting any GPs.

And then there is Nugumanova, Guliakova, Gubanova, Talalaikina, Tsibinova. I would love to give them all GPs if I could. But unfortunately I can't..

 

[Jontor]

As much as I have loved this season I can't help but feeling a bit robbed. There were so many cancelled competitions.

Wouldn't it be great if the ISU would add all those cancelled competitions next season?

18 Challengers
12 GPs + 2 GPFs
2 Euros
2 4CCs
2 Worlds (because of the one we missed last season)

And while we're at it, let's have 2 Olympics too!!

What a dream season that would be!

 

[chasingneverland]

There are 18 spots, not 16. But as you said Maiia and Sofia will take the remaining places probably.

I love Sofia and she's a wonderful sweet girl, but frankly I don't think she has the potential anymore, not compared to Sinitsyna.

And even though I am not the biggest fan of Frolova, I feel sorry for her too. She won't stand a chance in getting any GPs.

And then there is Nugumanova, Guliakova, Gubanova, Talalaikina, Tsibinova. I would love to give them all GPs if I could. But unfortunately I can't..

Yup I miscounted. That still holds though. That one (or two) of Evgenia, Maiia, and probably Sofia will get 2, and the others will get 1 and a wait and see host spot that will go to one of them or one of Anna F, Anastasia G, Liza N etc..

I also LOVE Ksenia but she also hasn't landed her jumps in competition.

But yeah it comes down to spots and the fact that there are 6 girls who are locks for 2 spots and another 2 or 3 who will probably get 2 which doesn't help everyone else. But Russia will go with most likely to make GPF.

 

[Jontor]

Yup I miscounted. That still holds though. That one of Evgenia, Maiia, and probably Sofia will get 2, and the others will get 1 and a wait and see host spot that will go to one of them or one of Anna F, Anastasia G, Liza N etc..

And to make things more complicated, I don't think we can rule Zagitova out. She's a stubborn girl, and if she decides to have a go at another Olympics, she will. So that would make it even more crowded.

 

[chasingneverland]

And to make things more complicated, I think we can't rule Zagitova out. She's a stubborn girl, and if she decides to have a go at another Olympics, she will. So that would make it even more crowded.

If Alina wants to she'll get 1, at least. She can in not perfect form still outskate a lot of Russia's B girls and her PCS will help her far more then there's will help them.

Because even a not completely 2018 Alina still will outscore Liza N, Sofia S, etc..

 

[Minz]

But Russia will go with most likely to make GPF.

That's a whole other situation. With so many girls, they need to plan who will most likely win what very carefully. Then factor in other skaters from other countries. It's a mess. Russia has so many girls that they can't really control this.

 

[Minz]

Take a look at the content of some of Russia's top skaters:

Trusova: Multiple quads. (3-5 in an FS) Usually lands at least 2-3 of them. (Has done all quads except 4A in practice) Potential 3A.
Shcherbakova: 4Lz, 4F. 1-2 quads in an FS. Almost always perfectly clean.
Kostornaia: 3A? - Hopefully. Maybe quad? - Good, skating skills and high PCS from international judges.
Usacheva: Consistent. Is working on 3A/quad.
Khromykh: 4S, 4T
Valieva: Multiple quads, 3A in SP and FS
Tuktamysheva: 3A in SP. 2 3A's in FS. Potential 4T in FS. (Has landed in practice)

This is insane.

 

[Minz]

What were some of the biggest surprises of the season for everyone? For me, Liza's improvement was a highlight. Also, Kamila gaining a triple axel and quad salchow. I wasn't historically on the Kamila hype train, but wow, she really won me over this year.

Happy Stuff:
Kamilla 3A and 4S!
Anna becoming World Champion + Russian National Champion for the third year in a row.
Liza winning Rostelecom, getting to Worlds and winning the silver medal
Maiia landing 2 quads!

Not so happy stuff:
Kostornaia situation. Hopefully she can get back for next season - I think she can
Plushenko's coaching situation - I'm not really sure what's going on in that rink but they need to figure it out.

Among others

 

[TripleAxelQueens3]

I mean Kseniia has a competition very soon so I'm crossing my finger she'll do absolutely amazing there and put herself bam straight in the GP conversation. If Zhenya doesn't decide to return (I'm about 50/50 on whether or not she'll return), then I'd assume Maiia would definitely get two spots, and then Kseniia 2, Liza N 1 and Anna Frolova 1 would be my pick, but considering Sofia S has the world standing, I think she'd probably get one spot. But if Zhenya does return, that's a swift goodbye to Anna Frolova or Liza N's GP chances, which is super depressing because both deserve it, but then again, if Zhenya is in shape, she certainly deserves it too. GP assignments will already be such a heartbreaker! And it's only GP assignments!

EDIT: I checked and Kseniia is not on the list of entries for the SPB competition anymore. Now I'm very concerned about her GP chances.

 

[Amei]

I mean Kseniia has a competition very soon so I'm crossing my finger she'll do absolutely amazing there and put herself bam straight in the GP conversation. If Zhenya doesn't decide to return (I'm about 50/50 on whether or not she'll return), then I'd assume Maiia would definitely get two spots, and then Kseniia 2, Liza N 1 and Anna Frolova 1 would be my pick, but considering Sofia S has the world standing, I think she'd probably get one spot. But if Zhenya does return, that's a swift goodbye to Anna Frolova or Liza N's GP chances, which is super depressing because both deserve it, but then again, if Zhenya is in shape, she certainly deserves it too. GP assignments will already be such a heartbreaker! And it's only GP assignments!

EDIT: I checked and Kseniia is not on the list of entries for the SPB competition anymore. Now I'm very concerned about her GP chances.

What about Gulyakova - anybody think she has a prayer of getting a spot? She did place 3rd at GP Russia this year.

 

[catherine21]

Cant find any link to watch the ladies free at the wtt. Anyone can help? Thanks

 

[Novalis]

So we're doing this season review kind of thing now, huh? Okay, I'll have a go!

My top 5 (and I'm biased)

1. Russian Nationals Free Skate: Hands down the best FS competition I've ever seen. The final group in the free skate especially, starting with a convenient "The Final Countdown" by the DJ, carried delightfully further by Liza Nugumanova's performance and her reaction to the scores. Okay, then not so much by Liza T (her heroics lay elsewhere this season), but after that it was all fireworks: Sasha, Kamila and Anna producing an incredible trio of performances, which then got rounded up by a solid and classy Dasha Usacheva.

2. Kamila's development. The Junior World Champion changed a lot in her outward appearance this season, but that didn't slow down her development as a top class figure skater. On the contrary, she only added stuff to her repertoire: 3A, 4S. And that Rippon technique really stabilized some of her jumps, the 4T especially, which has now turned into one of the most gorgeous quads in the sport. The apex of the season was the Channel 1 Cup and I think her overall performance (SP+FP) should now be considered the unofficial World Record in ladies figure skating. And even with the mess of a FP in the Cup Final, it was nice to see her get a trophy of some kind, the only trophy that was possible for her this season.

Yes, yes, there was the Russian Nationals, but I believe Gary Lineker already said something about that back in 1990, when he commented about ladies figure skating. An exact quote: "Russian Nationals is a simple competition. 18 girls perform amazing programs with difficult jumps for several hours and in the end, Anna Shcherbakova always wins". (or was he talking about football(soccer) and the Germans , I might have gotten it mixed up here)

3. Which brings me nicely to Anna herself. My number three is her season as a whole, the favorite moment being the free skate at Nationals. She basically won everything she participated in, which includes Worlds, Nationals and the World Team Trophy. Constantly proving to us her competitive spirit and her ability perform when it truly matters. Also doing all that in an ever more polished fashion. And she hasn't lost her quads (that eternally recurring prediction), and I don't think she's going to. So, she is in a brilliant position to kick start the olympic season.

4. Liza Tuktamysheva proving to us that this isn't just a sport for teenagers. Her victory at Rostelecom Cup, bronze at Worlds and fine displays as the captain of the winning team in WTT, was very much what this sport and especially Russian ladies needed. And her happy reactions were a joy to watch

5. Channel 1 Russia. Thank you for providing us so much content in an otherwise depressing year, with so many of our joys taken away from us!