Alena Kostornaia
- Thread starter vesperalvioletta
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2019
Guess should pay her! I'm serious now!
Always tought so.
Who's the idiot now wearing a mask staying close to her
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2019
There must be a reason for it, but with the 3Lz I would like to see the 2019-20 technique again. The parts of the FS she skated were better than the other performance so I'm hopeful.
Congrats to Aliona on winning another silver medal! 
I know she looked disappointed in the K&C, but I wasn't too surprised with the result. There were definitely some jumps (the first 3Lz) that looked underrotated, the 3T on the 3F+3T was tight, the step sequence is still a level 2, and she lost speed in her I-spin. She still has a lot to work on.
The program did look a little more full this time, however (or maybe I'm just getting used to it?) and Aliona looked confident skating it.
In a way, I actually think this result is good for Aliona. Because I think it will really motivate her, and she has said that it has been hard to find motivation to train since it's unclear if there even will be major competitions this season. Last year she had a sense of "wounded pride" after the test skates, and that motivated her to get the 3A back. Now I think she'll feel a bit of that same wounded pride, and will be very motivated.
I know she looked disappointed in the K&C, but I wasn't too surprised with the result. There were definitely some jumps (the first 3Lz) that looked underrotated, the 3T on the 3F+3T was tight, the step sequence is still a level 2, and she lost speed in her I-spin. She still has a lot to work on.
The program did look a little more full this time, however (or maybe I'm just getting used to it?) and Aliona looked confident skating it.
In a way, I actually think this result is good for Aliona. Because I think it will really motivate her, and she has said that it has been hard to find motivation to train since it's unclear if there even will be major competitions this season. Last year she had a sense of "wounded pride" after the test skates, and that motivated her to get the 3A back. Now I think she'll feel a bit of that same wounded pride, and will be very motivated.
No matter what she showed nerves of steel, as she did last year. such a spirit she has! along with Anna, she's the most fierce competitor out there. it amazes me that she pushed till the very end in order to grab what she wanted with such pose and elegance!
Look out because she'll come back at Nationals ready to eat everyone out
Look out because she'll come back at Nationals ready to eat everyone out
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2015
Aliona likely did not expect to place above second against Sasha; the surprise is placing second above Liza!
I like that the truly seasoned competitor won this time... proof that no outcome is certain, age is “just a number”, and ice is slippery. Given that this is just the second outing for her FS, Aliona is exactly where she should be in terms of work to be done and motivation. I like how she handles the ups and downs this season... she is carving out her rightful place with hard work and I trust she will maximize her talents going forward..
I like that the truly seasoned competitor won this time... proof that no outcome is certain, age is “just a number”, and ice is slippery. Given that this is just the second outing for her FS, Aliona is exactly where she should be in terms of work to be done and motivation. I like how she handles the ups and downs this season... she is carving out her rightful place with hard work and I trust she will maximize her talents going forward..
- Joined
- Apr 26, 2018
I don't know what to say. I'm actually pretty devastated, which I didn't think I would be. I'd resigned myself to her not coming close to Gold but now that she did and still didn't make it... that hurts lol.
I just feel like this would have likely been the best and only chance at a Gold for her this season and it would have been a nice confidence booster. Because let's be realistic, she just isn't anywhere close to the kind of shape she needs to contend for the top of the podium. It's a looong way back. She'll get there, maybe just not this season. That's why it would have been nice to grab a gold here.
First things first, though:
Well done on keeping her cool and not falling after seeing Sasha's and Liza's skates. Must have been a lot of pressure, knowing she had a chance to win. I'm proud of how she handled that. Her program also looked fuller and she more confident, so good on that.
Now, onto more negative issues:
Her jumps. At this point, they're really starting to worry me. She's always had this kind of delayed rotation but it's never caused her to UR. But this year, she doesn't get the height AND has lost some of her rotational speed, so almost every jump (other than the 2A) looks tight. I don't think it's about stamina at this point but pure and simple technique. She really has to change this, otherwise I feel like she'll get into more trouble once she grows further.
Her step sequence was still a level 2 and I have no idea why. Sure, it's possible to lose a level here or there but this sequence doesn't even LOOK like it's choreographed to be anywhere close to level 4. Way too much two footed skated. Idk what's up with Shae-Lynn but they need to fix this asap.
Spins... there were improvements for sure from the last stage to this one but there's still lots of work to be done. But this one's the area she can fix the soonest, I think. She needs a little more stamina for those two spins at the end and they'll be fine.
I'm sure she'll improve and she's doing remarkably well for the kind of off-season she's had. It's just that leg-wrap that's worrisome...
Anyway. Sorry for my rambling. Brain cells stopped working after that ladies FS.
I just feel like this would have likely been the best and only chance at a Gold for her this season and it would have been a nice confidence booster. Because let's be realistic, she just isn't anywhere close to the kind of shape she needs to contend for the top of the podium. It's a looong way back. She'll get there, maybe just not this season. That's why it would have been nice to grab a gold here.
First things first, though:
Well done on keeping her cool and not falling after seeing Sasha's and Liza's skates. Must have been a lot of pressure, knowing she had a chance to win. I'm proud of how she handled that. Her program also looked fuller and she more confident, so good on that.
Now, onto more negative issues:
Her jumps. At this point, they're really starting to worry me. She's always had this kind of delayed rotation but it's never caused her to UR. But this year, she doesn't get the height AND has lost some of her rotational speed, so almost every jump (other than the 2A) looks tight. I don't think it's about stamina at this point but pure and simple technique. She really has to change this, otherwise I feel like she'll get into more trouble once she grows further.
Her step sequence was still a level 2 and I have no idea why. Sure, it's possible to lose a level here or there but this sequence doesn't even LOOK like it's choreographed to be anywhere close to level 4. Way too much two footed skated. Idk what's up with Shae-Lynn but they need to fix this asap.
Spins... there were improvements for sure from the last stage to this one but there's still lots of work to be done. But this one's the area she can fix the soonest, I think. She needs a little more stamina for those two spins at the end and they'll be fine.
I'm sure she'll improve and she's doing remarkably well for the kind of off-season she's had. It's just that leg-wrap that's worrisome...
Anyway. Sorry for my rambling. Brain cells stopped working after that ladies FS.
- Joined
- Nov 11, 2019
Her smiles and anxiety in the Kiss and Cry today:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CH3Ui3JpRZo/
Looks like she has strapped her one arm - there seem to be more sticking plasters than just the one on the inside of her forearm this time, or did I just miss them last time?
https://www.instagram.com/p/CH3Tt7nJa8G/
Dress definitely looks like it has been taken in at the waist. Not the best angle for the hairdo - it looks very elegant from some angles, but less so from others.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CH3RJ9hJtFj/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CH3Ui3JpRZo/
Looks like she has strapped her one arm - there seem to be more sticking plasters than just the one on the inside of her forearm this time, or did I just miss them last time?
https://www.instagram.com/p/CH3Tt7nJa8G/
Dress definitely looks like it has been taken in at the waist. Not the best angle for the hairdo - it looks very elegant from some angles, but less so from others.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CH3RJ9hJtFj/
- Joined
- Nov 11, 2019
Two things about this photo jump out for me - the colours, and the fact that her forearm has indeed been strapped. I wonder why.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CH3k8bZJqW_/
Editing to add more pictures:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CH3cdICJEcw/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CH3Wqq2JPgy/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CH3g-3Mp40Z/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CH3k8bZJqW_/
Editing to add more pictures:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CH3cdICJEcw/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CH3Wqq2JPgy/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CH3g-3Mp40Z/
Last edited:
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2019
The spins seem like an easy fix, but attention needs to be paid, because Aliona is still an excellent spinner, the positions themselves are pretty, she still has it, but those are silly mistakes which end up costing too much. It’s a shame, because the inherent ability it still there.
The StSq definitely needs more attention, because she’s 100% capable of executing all the turns.
I think the jumps she’ll fix, I’m not too worried, the spins too, StSq she’ll get as well. Personally, I feel like there‘s something else missing in her skating this year, the programs aren’t good enough to show what perfection she’s capable of delivering.
I think she should go with Averbukh next season, I think he’ll be able to deliver. This season isn’t that important and it isn’t a big problem I’d say, but programs and most importantly packaging needs to be significantly improved when the important season rolls out.
Funny thing is expectations vs reality: I wasn’t expecting too much out of Vampire program, but ended up loving it, partially because I had lower expectations for it. This year it’s a reverse situation with SLB: I was expecting too much maybe and the program really didn’t rise to my expectations.
The StSq definitely needs more attention, because she’s 100% capable of executing all the turns.
I think the jumps she’ll fix, I’m not too worried, the spins too, StSq she’ll get as well. Personally, I feel like there‘s something else missing in her skating this year, the programs aren’t good enough to show what perfection she’s capable of delivering.
I think she should go with Averbukh next season, I think he’ll be able to deliver. This season isn’t that important and it isn’t a big problem I’d say, but programs and most importantly packaging needs to be significantly improved when the important season rolls out.
Funny thing is expectations vs reality: I wasn’t expecting too much out of Vampire program, but ended up loving it, partially because I had lower expectations for it. This year it’s a reverse situation with SLB: I was expecting too much maybe and the program really didn’t rise to my expectations.
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2019
Ayy, come on now, it’s not all that bad. She still has 2 competitions to go, let’s not get into pessimism way too early.
- Joined
- Apr 26, 2018
Isn‘t there usually a final to the Russian Cup as well? It‘s going to be a repeat of RusNats, basically, but I think it‘s still relevant as another competition this season.
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2010
The jumps look fine rotation wise in practice and on warmup, I think she doesn’t have enough confidence and stamina to do them properly in the program yet. I’m not as worried about her rotation issues because we see they are fine in training (check out angels of plushenko video of her 3F3S combo from training before the LP). It seems like she tenses up and doesn’t really “go for it” with her full strength, which is what’s causing her rotation issues. Hopefully as she builds up her confidence - and with more runthrus - she will execute them again like she does in practice. She also seems to get behind the music which I think is causing her to try to catch up and trip in her Stsq. Maybe they should adjust the pattern of the choreo sequence instead, because at both events this is where she fell behind vs training videos.
- Joined
- Oct 18, 2020
That would be something worth striving for. I think it’s much more preferable for the choreographer to work with the skater in person
i think that SLB was significantly limited by working remotely with Aliona, through nobody’s fault but due to situation of a pandemic and closed borders. I’m convinced it would have made a difference if SLB had been able to work with her in person, where should get a much better feel for Aliona’s capabilities, her movement and her personality.
She's looking really good in training, and the SP was pretty darn good. I think she's in better form than it appears, but her confidence isn't there yet. You can tell she's still afraid of the Lutz... Let's hope she gets the 3A back soon so she can go back to only having to do one Lutz! Heheh. I don't really agree with the underrotation calls (I think edge calls would have made more sense considering how flat the Lutz edge is), I think the ones that got dinged were on the quarter or not even that
- Joined
- Nov 11, 2019
I am awake and alert again, and now that I have had time to reflect on the excitement of the free skate yesterday, I am still sticking with the feeling I had of tranquility watching her skate. Some of her jumps might have been underrotated, the step sequence may have had an obvious fumble, the spin levels may not have been what they could be, but throughout it all, I was never anxious that she would fall. Even when she's not at her best, she is (for me, at least) a very special skater.
I'm also revising my somewhat critical opinion of her hairstyle. She's experimenting, she's finding out which looks work, and which don't, and that's just fine. My guess is that she wanted a classic-looking updo, something reminiscent of the first half of the 20th century, and at certain angles, it did indeed have that effect. At other angles, it didn't work as well, which I think is attributable less to the hair-do, and more to the way her hair has been coloured - the bouffant effect was fine, the blonde highlights may have been what gave the "politician's wife" look.
At any rate, it's not what I think that matters, but how Aliona feels. If she likes the way her hair has been styled, then what do I have to complain about? If she doesn't like it, she'll change it - she's very clear on what she wants and likes! Besides, it looks just fine on the ice, which is what the judges see. They don't get the zoomed-in views from the cameras, nor the still frames from photos, not until after the competition. It's about how it appears in real time, in person, during the performance.
Ahem. That was a lot on hairstyle.
Anyway, I enjoyed Aliona's performance at Rostelecom. There are areas she will no doubt work to improve, and she may come out of this motivated to put the 3A back in, or she may continue to take things a little slower this season, adjusting to all the changes from the long and confusing off-season. She's retained her consistency, she has her lovely carriage, that open, strong back as she jumps, and the marvellous height and distance on her flip and axel and salchow. And props to her for her graciousness and good face in the Kiss and Cry.
I'm also revising my somewhat critical opinion of her hairstyle. She's experimenting, she's finding out which looks work, and which don't, and that's just fine. My guess is that she wanted a classic-looking updo, something reminiscent of the first half of the 20th century, and at certain angles, it did indeed have that effect. At other angles, it didn't work as well, which I think is attributable less to the hair-do, and more to the way her hair has been coloured - the bouffant effect was fine, the blonde highlights may have been what gave the "politician's wife" look.
At any rate, it's not what I think that matters, but how Aliona feels. If she likes the way her hair has been styled, then what do I have to complain about? If she doesn't like it, she'll change it - she's very clear on what she wants and likes! Besides, it looks just fine on the ice, which is what the judges see. They don't get the zoomed-in views from the cameras, nor the still frames from photos, not until after the competition. It's about how it appears in real time, in person, during the performance.
Ahem. That was a lot on hairstyle.
Anyway, I enjoyed Aliona's performance at Rostelecom. There are areas she will no doubt work to improve, and she may come out of this motivated to put the 3A back in, or she may continue to take things a little slower this season, adjusting to all the changes from the long and confusing off-season. She's retained her consistency, she has her lovely carriage, that open, strong back as she jumps, and the marvellous height and distance on her flip and axel and salchow. And props to her for her graciousness and good face in the Kiss and Cry.
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