Alena Kostornaia

[Vemvane]

Aliona said that after coming back, she’ll start running 40 min on a treadmill to build stamina, Eteri said that this is the minimum Aliona needs. I like how Aliona just says things like they are sometimes, but it just sounded kinda funny how she didn’t go into more generic answer (“I’ll keep working and polishing“ etc) but was very specific exactly what she’s going to do.
Anyways, she sounded like she has a plan and that makes me feel more confident for her.

However, all things considered… she still didn’t fall! All these seasons and ups and downs, she’s still yet to fall.

I wonder whether her stamina issues are complicated by her bout of Covid last year? It does damage the heart and lungs, which can have impacts on both explosive power (jumping) and endurance (ability to be as strong at the end of the programme as at the start). Obviously, this is just speculation on my part, and Aliona is under no obligation to disclose anything about her health. At any rate, running on the treadmill is excellent cardiovascular exercise, and it will help for sure!

And yes! She stays on her feet! She consistently saves landings so she doesn't go down.

 

[Azikin]

we can talk about Liza as much as we like, but we all know that to make an Olympic spot Aliona must push out Anna, Sasha or Kamila.
Kamila's FS today was much better than Aliona's in any aspect.
I can't think of a single parameter in which I could consider Winter better than Bolero.
Bolero is a beat war horse bu Kamila really made it fresh because she is unconvenional in many aspect but never unsettling.

Frankly, Kamila is unreachable, everything plays to her advantage this season, including the programs, but you never know, of course. The Olympic spot is absolutely reachable but stable 3A is a must, of course. And don't forget Maya, she's absolutely in the mix, in my opinion.

 

[Vemvane]

Medal ceremony photos.




And some more pictures from the FP.

 

[nussnacker]

I wonder whether her stamina issues are complicated by her bout of Covid last year? It does damage the heart and lungs, which can have impacts on both explosive power (jumping) and endurance (ability to be as strong at the end of the programme as at the start). Obviously, this is just speculation on my part, and Aliona is under no obligation to disclose anything about her health. At any rate, running on the treadmill is excellent cardiovascular exercise, and it will help for sure!

And yes! She stays on her feet! She consistently saves landings so she doesn't go down.

Tbh, I don’t think she had a particularly bad case of Covid. I don’t know of course, but I think she was back to training relatively quick, so it makes me think she didn’t have a very bad case of it. Liza had Covid too at the same time and she was back on ice around the same time as Aliona.

In a way Eteri probably changed her approach with Aliona. I guess she wanted to make changes to treat more grown up skaters like adults, so that they’ll have less reasons to leave.
For example, in the post-Finland interview Aliona said she wanted to have a stsq during a certain slower part of the music and coaches satisfied her wish.
In the same regard, I think Eteri suggests Aliona runs 40 min on a threadmill, but she’s not going to make her do it anymore, like she used to, it’s up to Aliona to listen or not.

I see how this might benefit some skaters. This new approach however might not be the best thing for Aliona in particular. I see bits of myself in Aliona. Aliona needs someone, who’s going to push her. Not just the environment, but someone who sets her clear goals and demands she meets them.

When Eteri said “you have to land that 3A in 2 months”, she clearly lit fire under Aliona and Aliona did her best to reach that goal. Eteri needs to give Aliona another clear goal with a clear deadline, and I’m sure Aliona will do her best to deliver.

 

[Vemvane]

Tbh, I don’t think she had a particularly bad case of Covid. I don’t know of course, but I think she was back to training relatively quick, so it makes me think she didn’t have a very bad case of it. Liza had Covid too at the same time and she was back on ice around the same time as Aliona.

In a way Eteri probably changed her approach with Aliona. I guess she wanted to make changes to treat more grown up skaters like adults, so that they’ll have less reasons to leave.
For example, in the post-Finland interview Aliona said she wanted to have a stsq during a certain slower part of the music and coaches satisfied her wish.
In the same regard, I think Eteri suggests Aliona runs 40 min on a threadmill, but she’s not going to make her do it anymore, like she used to, it’s up to Aliona to listen or not.

I see how this might benefit some skaters. This new approach however might not be the best thing for Aliona in particular. I see bits of myself in Aliona. Aliona needs someone, who’s going to push her. Not just the environment, but someone who sets her clear goals and demands she meets them.

When Eteri said “you have to land that 3A in 2 months”, she clearly lit fire under Aliona and Aliona did her best to reach that goal. Eteri needs to give Aliona another clear goal with a clear deadline, and I’m sure Aliona will do her best to deliver.

That's a good point re the speed with which she went back to training, and now that you mention it, I think Aliona did say that she learned in her season at AoP that she needed to be pushed, otherwise her inclination is to take it "easy". If Eteri's approach is indeed more hands off now, it'll be good for Aliona in learning how to be self-motivated - which is an odd thing to say, given that she has shown often enough that she can take the initiative and make big changes! I suppose, though, that being a risk-taker and decision-maker in some areas of one's life doesn't mean that the same applies to other areas/aspects of one's life and habits!

Whatever her coaching situation is, I hope that Aliona is happy and is satisfied with her progress throughout the season. That said, winning competitions is nice, but your post has made me reflect on the ways that sport can be very valuable in helping people develop skills and habits of dedication, discipline and self-motivation that are applicable far beyond sport.

 

[flanker]

Interview from Finlandia:

Alena Kostornaia: “I’ll rush to the gym, work on the treadmill – I need to work on endurance. Eteri Tutberidze clearly said: 40 minutes, no less.”

Alena Kostornaia about her performance at the Finlandia Trophy, program to Vivaldi and triple axel.

fs-gossips.com

 

[patee]

Apparently, Aliona isn't going to Budapest? She hasn't officially withdrawn, but the various people on the internet are saying that she isn't going.

According to the entry list, she's not coming to Budapest... I'm devastated.

http://hunskate.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Budapest-Trophy_List_of_entries_1011.pdf

 

[flanker]

According to the entry list, she's not coming to Budapest... I'm devastated.

http://hunskate.hu/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Budapest-Trophy_List_of_entries_1011.pdf

It's but understandable. Rather use time to prepare for the important competitions.

 

[DizzyFrenchie]

Tbh, I don’t think she had a particularly bad case of Covid. I don’t know of course, but I think she was back to training relatively quick, so it makes me think she didn’t have a very bad case of it. Liza had Covid too at the same time and she was back on ice around the same time as Aliona.

In a way Eteri probably changed her approach with Aliona. I guess she wanted to make changes to treat more grown up skaters like adults, so that they’ll have less reasons to leave.
For example, in the post-Finland interview Aliona said she wanted to have a stsq during a certain slower part of the music and coaches satisfied her wish.
In the same regard, I think Eteri suggests Aliona runs 40 min on a threadmill, but she’s not going to make her do it anymore, like she used to, it’s up to Aliona to listen or not.

I see how this might benefit some skaters. This new approach however might not be the best thing for Aliona in particular. I see bits of myself in Aliona. Aliona needs someone, who’s going to push her. Not just the environment, but someone who sets her clear goals and demands she meets them.

When Eteri said “you have to land that 3A in 2 months”, she clearly lit fire under Aliona and Aliona did her best to reach that goal. Eteri needs to give Aliona another clear goal with a clear deadline, and I’m sure Aliona will do her best to deliver.

Yes BUT she's exhausted when at Khrystalny. People see her on photos as sad, I only see her as exhausted. I suspect she has a very tough daily planning and she's really too tired to move a toe when her training would need more. Comparatively she was so well rested yesterday. I guess she could sleep enough hours during the comp.

 

[elbkup]

That's a good point re the speed with which she went back to training, and now that you mention it, I think Aliona did say that she learned in her season at AoP that she needed to be pushed, otherwise her inclination is to take it "easy". If Eteri's approach is indeed more hands off now, it'll be good for Aliona in learning how to be self-motivated - which is an odd thing to say, given that she has shown often enough that she can take the initiative and make big changes! I suppose, though, that being a risk-taker and decision-maker in some areas of one's life doesn't mean that the same applies to other areas/aspects of one's life and habits!

Whatever her coaching situation is, I hope that Aliona is happy and is satisfied with her progress throughout the season. That said, winning competitions is nice, but your post has made me reflect on the ways that sport can be very valuable in helping people develop skills and habits of dedication, discipline and self-motivation that are applicable far beyond sport.

Aliona is 18, on the threshold of adulthood and psychological maturity so this approach for Aliona’s training on Eteri’s part is IMO appropriate though will take some getting used to for her. My guess is Eteri hopes competition with Aliona’s current teammates will provide Aliona with enough grit and determination and huge motivation for her going forward ..

 

[Artemisa]

Sorry ... but i still think the problem isn't stamina... she looked almost scary of the program since de beginning like she didn't want to skate .. or because she doesn't dominate yet the program ( and she doesn't because there are a lots of empty spaces ) or because mentally she isn't there yet ... but i think the problem is mental... I don't see Eteri send someone who isn't ready

 

[Hammer24]

Aliona’s bell is ringing. Now is the time for heavy training to build mental toughness. A champions heart will rise to the occasion.

 

[patee]

 

[irriya]

skate Canada will be so critical...she really need to qualify GPF...I'm not impressed by Winter, but feel a little better about sp (the music is still annoying but the performance is getting a little better). I still hope they can change the programs, but she needs to get the jumps first and hope come miracle for the programs

wish healthy and best performance. there is still time but also limited time and competitions now

 

[Azikin]

Yes BUT she's exhausted when at Khrystalny. People see her on photos as sad, I only see her as exhausted.

As she said herself, it's better to cry during the practice and smile on the podium.

 

[McBibus]

Frankly, Kamila is unreachable, everything plays to her advantage this season, including the programs, but you never know, of course. The Olympic spot is absolutely reachable but stable 3A is a must, of course. And don't forget Maya, she's absolutely in the mix, in my opinion.

Kamila really is the girl that has it all (waiting for Sofia that may be the same).
Of course you can find something each of the original "3A" does better but none of them is so complete.
She also has figure and flow of movement a little different for the typical top ice skater that make her presence on the ice interesting from the start.
Her only limit could be in the management of her own emotions.
If not for Aliona she would be my absolute favorite.

I'm not discarding Maya at all but she's in the same position of Aliona and Liza: they have to climb above one of the 3 favorites for the selection.

I don't know if RusFed can bring one more skater to the olimpyc just for the team event because that can open a way for a place in the SP for Aliona/Liza, but only if their scoring is constant and very strong. If not they will just use Kami (Anna miss the 3A and there is not reason to use Sasha if she cant' rocket quads)

So said, all the girls I named in this post I love to see them skating.
You may laugh at it but I could fill a bus with "favorite skaters" from all around the world.
Not my fault: Figure skating is just too beatiful to see.

 

[macy]

skate Canada will be so critical...she really need to qualify GPF...I'm not impressed by Winter, but feel a little better about sp (the music is still annoying but the performance is getting a little better). I still hope they can change the programs, but she needs to get the jumps first and hope come miracle for the programs

wish healthy and best performance. there is still time but also limited time and competitions now

her stamina will be the determining factor. when she's fit and in shape, the jumps, sparkle, speed, and interpretation come easy. i am very sure this was the problem last weekend.

 

[elbkup]

Aliona said that after coming back, she’ll start running 40 min on a treadmill to build stamina, Eteri said that this is the minimum Aliona needs. I like how Aliona just says things like they are sometimes, it just sounded kinda funny how she didn’t go into more generic answer (“I’ll keep working and polishing“ etc) but was very specific exactly what she’s going to do.
Anyways, she sounded like she has a plan and that makes me feel more confident for her.

However, all things considered… she still didn’t fall! All these seasons and ups and downs, she’s still yet to fall.

Well …. sprites always land on their feet

 

[flanker]

Result of the fan visit:

 

[Minz]

I don't know if RusFed can bring one more skater to the olimpyc just for the team event because that can open a way for a place in the SP for Aliona/Liza, but only if their scoring is constant and very strong. If not they will just use Kami (Anna miss the 3A and there is not reason to use Sasha if she cant' rocket quads)

They can’t. The skaters selected to the Olympic team are the skaters used for the individual event and the team event. In the case of Russia. 3 pairs, 3 Ice Dance teams, 3 men and 3 women. They have up to two substitutions for the SP/FS. So two different skaters can skate the SP and the FS, but only in up to two disciplines.