Alena Kostornaia

[eppen]

I have been watching Alena since she appeared in the juniors and hoping she will be able to continue to develop and turn into a good senior skater. I saw her live in the Moscow Europeans gala and was impressed. Friday and today I had the chance to witness her senior debut live in Espoo and I am almost at a loss for words for what I saw. In the past 5 years or so, i have seen most of the current top women skate live (some many times), but I don't think I have ever seen anyone quite like Alena. Her speed and flow on the ice are just in a class of their own, the ease she does every element is just ridiculous, but what I loved most is her refined movement, the finish of everything she does.

The SP is good, but there was some weirdness in the last part - the steps looked small, slowish and convoluted in particular. Part of the armography felt also unrelated to what she was doing in general. I think I was also hoping for the 3A to appear in it, and was slightly underwhelmed.

But she did not fail me in the FS. I did not like the test skate version of the program very much at all - I could not read the story from the movement, there was very little difference between the human and vampire Bella esp. with the quite different styles of music. I still think they should really accentuate the moment of transformation to get it to be more understandable, but the second part had been made different in movement which pleased me. It probably develops further in time. I was also delighted to see a slightly different side of her as a performer. I would not want to see her be a one trick pony when it comes to performance.

Some people did understand to give a standing o at Finlandia - I was on my feet and so was Jimmy Ma who was sitting in the row behind me.

I think she said sth about not having had the time to put the 3A into the short yet. This is quite understandable if it is really true that she started to work on it after the test skates. Also, the entry into the 2A is very particular and they would have to change a lot to make space for the 3A. But I hope they will do it, because that could be her cushion against her peers esp. in the Russian nats. None of them can add anything technically into the short, but she can get slightly ahead with a clean 3A.

Her PCS were through the roof, but for once I agree with all the highest scores Medvedeva got 27+ PCS in her senior debut for SP (what a different world that was?!), Zagitova 31+. Both went on to raise their SP components score by close to 6 points during the season - if Alena gets the same treatment she would end up at 39-40 in the short.

Looking forward to the GPs!!

E

 

[Seruleane]

I hope that her team will revisit the composition of her FS before IdF. She obviously did spectacularly well, and I'm so pleased for her, but I feel like her program was much more nuanced at test skates. She hit so many wonderful moments on the music, and I miss them. Since she only started landing the 3A consistently two weeks ago, I'm sure they had to sort of cobble things together, but it would be nice to see some of those touches come back.

I agree with this, and I'm sure her team will work on getting the choreo+nuances perfect. Aliona also strikes me as someone with meticulous attention to detail. I think this time, with the excitement of the 2 triple axels, she lost some degree of control over the step sequence and some of the other movements. It wasn't bad at all, it was just less stellar than usual. I loved her energy at the end though, and the wink she gave to the audience. This girl has sass!

 

[sclloyd]

Agreed.
Even if she has been technically very strong, the interpretation of the piece needs some mileage. The first part of the program feels a bit underwhelming, considering her potential (understandably so, she has major technical content section).
I have honestly been impressed by her blade skills: even towards the end of the program her edges were incredibly precise!

The first portion of the program did seem somewhat plain, but I think this was more due to preparing for the 3A’s as you noted, as opposed to interpretation. We saw some fantastic interpretation and some more complexity at the test skates, so the task now is to slowly reincorporate that as she gets comfortable with the new jumps.

But, with an improvement in that regard, I think she has the capacity to beat Trusova, especially if she can get a 3A in the short, and the landings are better. (Assuming the talk of Trusova also training a 3A for world’s isn’t true)

 

[Edwin]

Alyona's official FFKKR interview from Finlandia Trophy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0-IqDQNFco

You can switch on the auto generated subtitles in the language of your choice. There was lots of background noise and I could barely hear the questions.

Almost a year ago, this biography of Alyona was posted: https://sport24.ru/news/other/2018-...v-final-serii-foto-video-instagram-biografiya

 

[Lunalovesskating]

Aliona has given up on her dream of becoming a doctor in order to focus on competing at a high level.
https://twitter.com/hanyuzverev/status/1183481131594846210?s=20

 

[Seruleane]

Aliona has given up on her dream of becoming a doctor in order to focus on competing at a high level.
https://twitter.com/hanyuzverev/status/1183481131594846210?s=20

It’s a shame if she really thinks this. While I get she needs to focus on skating now, she can still probably complete her studies, get into med school, and be a neurosurgeon (or whatever doctor she chooses to be) after her skating career is complete. If she is a bit older than her other classmates, that’s ok. Many US medical schools actually like non-traditional candidates, as the life experience they gain compared to someone who just completed 4 years of college and went straight into med school is invaluable. Maybe she can look to Nathan Chen for inspiration. Debbie Thomas also went on from being an Olympic medalist in figure skating to becoming an orthopedic surgeon. So, it is possible if she really wants it. Not an easy path, but I’m sure competitive figure skaters would have what it takes in terms of competitive mindset and grit.

 

[Good Vibes Only]

I just watched Alena's free program...wow. That first triple axel combo was so good. I loved seeing her smile a little bit after the second triple axel and then fully show her joy during that last music cut after she jumped the lutz. Alena has such a special talent with her musicality. Her score was so huge and if her PCS continue to grow throughout the season then she is going to be hard to catch. I was so happy when she had the unicorns in the kiss and cry. Good job Alena and team Tutberidize, that performance gave me chills

 

[largeman]

Amazing

 

[nussnacker]

https://youtu.be/yoek2K4A6wQ
Daniil watching Alyona skate. One can say whatever they want about that team, but watching them you can tell how worried he is up until she finished.
Even at the stsq, which is a pretty easy element for a skater like Aliona, Daniil was constantly nodding through every step, saying “good”, “good”. You can tell the level of attention to details in their team is top notch, and it’s so heart warming to see them so nervous for their girls.

 

[astaphta]

I must say I for one, despite not knowing anything of Twilight (maybe because of that, actually), love this program. I thought it she skated more cohesively at Russian test skates, but here with the 3As added in, she just reaches another level. Despite the rather uninspiring music, at least in the first half, and the meh dress, her fire, energy and passion really translate in a way I never saw in her junior programs. I love the last part as well, which shows off a different side of her personality she's fun and stylish. Her skating, as usual, was mesmeric. Overall I found it enchanting.
I can't wait to see the Trusova v Kostornaia duel that will surely unfold now for the big titles!

 

[skatergurl7]

Aside from the bent picking toe and slight wrap (hope her team can fix these), literal perfection! I know she said she was training 4S in the interview, but her 3T is super high in the combo.... could be a potential next jump?

 

[JazzUp]

Maybe she can look to Nathan Chen for inspiration.

You mean the same Nathan Chen that left public school after 9th grade and turned to online schooling in order to make everything work since he concentrated more on his skating? Should Alyona also leave her school then?

 

[Edwin]

https://youtu.be/yoek2K4A6wQ
Daniil watching Alyona skate. One can say whatever they want about that team, but watching them you can tell how worried he is up until she finished.
Even at the stsq, which is a pretty easy element for a skater like Aliona, Daniil was constantly nodding through every step, saying “good”, “good”. You can tell the level of attention to details in their team is top notch, and it’s so heart warming to see them so nervous for their girls.

He is the most emotional involved, for Alyona conveys all his artistry, ideas and emotions he put into the staging. Every detail will be talked over, not only with Alyona herself, for a lot of responsibility is delegated to the skaters themselves, but of course also with Eteri Georgiyevna. Perhaps there will be a TV feature on Alyona again, because I think to remember a lot of the small details and embellishments are left to Alyona to fill in herself.

So the skating will be adjusted to fit the flow of the elements over both parts of the program, the 'empty' sliding will be filled with transitions and dance once the entries to and exits from the triksels and combinations/cascades are secure and comfortable for Alyona, all the while maxing out scoring potential. Even within the limits of maximum TES a smart team will find the ideal distribution for Alyona, so we will see small and perhaps larger changes over the season. Come Nationals, everything should've been worked out.

In any case, she seems to have overcome the psychological barrier of skating full speed to the boards, only evading at the precise (and final) moment to turn away into these superb Axels, esp. the first one in combination which we were fortunate to have in full frame by ice right camera. Just imagine how it will look with those low camera's that are behind those notches in the corners? Cosmic probably ... ;-)

 

[Seruleane]

You mean the same Nathan Chen that left public school after 9th grade and turned to online schooling in order to make everything work since he concentrated more on his skating? Should Alyona also leave her school then?

Well, my point is that she can have her figure skating career (and plan for Worlds, Olympics) and still pursue higher education later. It’s not like it has to be either or, though of course right now, I get that she is focusing on one and not the other. She should still be thinking long term though. Life is long, and her figure skating career while important will only be one part of that. Also, Aliona seems very smart. Most likely, she will do many great things in her life, not just be a figure skater

 

[Edwin]

You mean the same Nathan Chen that left public school after 9th grade and turned to online schooling in order to make everything work since he concentrated more on his skating? Should Alyona also leave her school then?

Was that tweet genuine? If Alyona was asked a question like this, it would have been in one of her interviews from today?

 

[JazzUp]

Well, my point is that she can have her figure skating career (and plan for Worlds, Olympics) and still pursue higher education later. It’s not like it has to be either or, though of course right now, I get that she is focusing on one and not the other. She should still be thinking long term though. Life is long, and her figure skating career while important will only be one part of that.

Thing is that unlike Nathan that has taken maths, Roman art and anthropology, and is only thinking about a career connected with medicine (from an interview: "he’s just putting this out there into the universe — he could one day work in data analysis for the NBA."), Alyona wanted to be a neurosurgeon, and for that she'd have to concentrate on certain subjects early on (actually, she's already late - she's in 10th grade now) if she wanted to go to any reputed Russian med school. So that particular dream is over, most probably; of course, doesn't mean she can't and won't go for something else related to that dream.

 

[JazzUp]

Was that tweet genuine? If Alyona was asked a question like this, it would have been in one of her interviews from today?

It's from her interview posted on sports.ru

 

[rollerblade]

Aside from the bent picking toe and slight wrap (hope her team can fix these), literal perfection! I know she said she was training 4S in the interview, but her 3T is super high in the combo.... could be a potential next jump?

I have another nitpick - her hooked-hand (on jump takeoff) are back. Ahhh I thought it was gone as I didn't see it in the SP.
Don't murder me, guys. :scard8: It's just a nitpick that I first noticed almost 2 years ago in her Adios Nonino program. That darn sand-scooping right hand.

On the 3Axel.... that side-to-side swishing move she did before taking off into 3A-2T (sorry I don't know the terminology lol).... isn't that a more difficult entry than an Ina Bauer into 2A in the SP?

 

[elbkup]

I have another nitpick - her hooked-hand (on jump takeoff) are back. Ahhh I thought it was gone as I didn't see it in the SP.
Don't murder me, guys. :scard8: It's just a nitpick that I first noticed almost 2 years ago in her Adios Nonino program. That darn sand-scooping right hand.

On the 3Axel.... that side-to-side swishing move she did before taking off into 3A-2T (sorry I don't know the terminology lol).... isn't that a more difficult entry than an Ina Bauer into 2A in the SP?

I t h I n k it's a bracket and I love that entry ... Maybe someone can confirm?

 

[Decoder]

Well, my point is that she can have her figure skating career (and plan for Worlds, Olympics) and still pursue higher education later. It’s not like it has to be either or, though of course right now, I get that she is focusing on one and not the other. She should still be thinking long term though. Life is long, and her figure skating career while important will only be one part of that. Also, Aliona seems very smart. Most likely, she will do many great things in her life, not just be a figure skater

I don't know if people's mindsets about college education are the same in the two countries. Yes, in US life/working experiences are valued very much, particularly when you apply for graduate studies in some majors. Maybe in Russia kids complete high school + college education without interruption?