2024-25 Russian Nationals Men's Free Skate

[Mathematician]

I came across this video from Alina covering the Men's FS. Now, I may not have always been necessarily a fan of Alina as an interviewer in the past, but she surprised me here showing great humanity and empathy both for Dima and Mark, who were just coming right off from heartbreaking skates.

It was quite hard seeing Dima's dejection at himself, in an insightful but very painful awareness. And I was also touched by Mark, who, in probably a short time, came from lying virtually dead holding himself in the locker room, to pulling himself up as best as possible and still showing a dignified and fighting spirit, even though you could tell he was hurting.

All in all, it turned out to be a very emotional video, probably one of the most so that I've seen for this kind of coverages.

I think Alina is the best interviewer by far. I'd pretty much say its an objective fact. Maybe not for the mainstream professional side but this behind the scenes stuff 100%. She connects with every single athlete so well, and she is very open/natural/relatable. Shes definutely irreplaceable. Nobody else could pull off her vibe or connect with every athlete so well. Great personality on camera, even if she has some misses its to be expected with her uniqueness. Better miss a few times and be distinguished than just follow the same 100 year old "professional" interviewed template. Some dont like it but they can stick with the other 100 copycat interviewers then.

She needs a new stylist though ASAP.