“She went out and did what she can”: Yagudin about Trusova’s debut, new record and chances for a new quadruple jump
Aleksandra Trusova, who performed three quadruple jumps for the first time in the history of women's figure skating, can strengthen her program with another element of similar complexity. This opinion was expressed by Olympic champion Alexey Yagudin in an interview with RT . He said that he wasn't surprised by the confident start of the 15-year-old athlete in senior competitions, he noted that in some components she still loses to the more experienced Zagitova and Medvyedeva.
Q: Aleksander Trusova has been performing quadruple jumps already for a while. She already pleased the audience with their confident execution in the Open Test Skates, but now they brought her two world records in her first senior tournament. Did you doubt that this would be her debut?
A: Of course. There is no surprise. All the prerequisites were in place for the fact that Sasha would begin her senior career this way. To talk about sensation would only be possible if we didn't know that Trusova can jump quads with ease, and everything is very natural. We saw how ready she was for the season, even during the Test Skates, so at the competitions she just went out and did what she is capable of and can do. I applaud Sasha!
Q: The big event would be just one jump, but Trusova performed three quadruples in her debut free program. With what achievement from the world of sports can this be compared?
A: Well, this is a record. For the first time in the history of female figure skating, such a set of jumps was performed. But I would not compare her achievements with others. I do not see the logic and meaning in this. A billion years ago, Panin-Kolomenkin jumped one jump, and that was a sensation. Now athletes spin four turns, and everyone looks at it with understanding. Each era has its own heroes.
Q: So, we have witnessed the emergence of a new stage in world figure skating?
A: Time will tell. But I can not help focusing on the other talented children that work under Eteri Tutberidze. Apart from Trusova, there are also Alyona Kostornaya, Alina Zagitova and many others. All these girls, as well as Sasha, will enjoy us with their skating. And do not be surprised at their successes: they approach to this systematically.
Q: Let's get back to Trusova's debut and record. How appropriate is it to start the season with such a breakthrough? Indeed, there are many significant competitions still ahead, and now she is undergoing this tremendous physical exertion, doing those jumps.
A: Wether this is on point or not, we will find out by the end of the season. But all athletes are different. For example, Tatyana Anatolyevna Tarasova told me how she prepared Ilya Kulika. He needed to be given a minimal load and be specifically lead to his competitions. I'm different. I liked to compete. I always asked Tarasova to give me the maximum number of starts and put me up for all competitions.
Q: Do you think by athlete's mentality, Trusova is close to your type of character?
A: I know for sure that the Tutberidze group has the same requirements for all their pupils. They always fulfill their maximum. Regardless of shape and fatigue. The positive results of this hard work we see in tournaments. This distinguishes her pupils from others. For those who are purposefully preparing for competitions, such a skating run as Sasha’s is no achievement out of the ordinary ... For herself, in fact, it was simply an ordinary event because she performs this whole set of jumps in training.
Q: Is such a philosophy close to you?
A: Undoubtedly. And let someone find me too cruel and demanding. Yes, it is a factory, but it produces skaters who will become the pride of the nation. I really want the boys from the Eteri group to catch up with the girls.
“Sasha can grow further”
Q: What else can Trusova add, or should she stop, try to maintain her current level and integrity of her programs?
A: She has a tremendously high jump, and her age and condition allow her to learn at least one more quadruple. At the moment, she has one of the most difficult to perform elements under her command. This is the Lutz. A jump from a reverse entry, in which there is no way to save power on the push off, so the athlete twists with maximum strength. Sasha is already capable of this, so she can grow further. However, socan Kostornaya and Shcherbakova.
Q: Regardless of the quadruple jumps, how do you evaluate the skating of Trusova and her program? For components, she gets a little more than eight points. Is it deserved, or is she still judged as yesterday's junior?
A: Yes, because they are judging with caution,t his always has been. Judges must get used to her, to look closely, to get imbued with her work. But be that as it may, it is difficult to put the emotional state of adult girls and very young girls on the same level. Juniors, perhaps, are inferior in senior skating to the said Alina Zagitova, Zhenya Medvyedeva and Lisa Tuktamysheva. But one season will pass, and this difference will be levelled.
Q: Anna Shcherbakova, Trusova, Elisabet Tursynbayeva all have quad jumps in their arsenal. Is it time to allow their execution in the short program?
A: Everything depends on the fact even more girls will start jumping quads, so it is possible that such a question will be raised at governance level. I think that over time, the quadruples will be added to the short program rules.
Q: Have you heard that Trusova plans to complicate her short program with a triple Axel? How promising is this to you?
A: I really do not like the word "promising". So I can go to the Olympics, but perhaps my ceiling will be a collection of flowers fans will throw to their favourite skaters. This is reality. You can assume anything. It’s not in my powers to judge an athlete’s readyness based on skating runs and preseason competitions. The main factor is the result in major competitions. Let's be patient, we won't have to wait for long.
Q: And yet, what awaits Trusova this season? Can she, like Alina Zagitova and Yevgeniya Medvyedeva, win everything in her debut season?
A: She has the makings for this. But her main competitors have the same chances. In figure skating an important role is played by trifles. Any blot can cost you the title. In addition, the ice is slippery: slip once - and the season can already be considered unsuccessful.
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From:
https://russian.rt.com/sport/article/670452-yagudin-debyut-trusova
