Alina Zagitova | Page 1264 | Golden Skate

Alina Zagitova

Alina's interview to RBC

Alina Zagitova - RBC: "Thinking about flying into space"
Olympic champion in figure skating Alina Zagitova in an interview with RBC announced her desire to resume competitive activities. She also talked about her studies, plans for the future and reactions to criticism.

Alina Zagitova is the 2018 Olympic champion in the individual tournament and the silver medalist in the team tournament. The first Russian figure skater in history to win all major international tournaments at an adult level, including the World, European and Grand Prix finals.

The last time the skater competed was in December 2019. Then, in the final of the Grand Prix in Turin, she became sixth, after which she announced a break in her career. During the competitive downtime, Alina participated in various ice shows and commercial projects, and in the fall of 2020 she became the host of the Ice Age tv show.

- Before the final press conference at the First Channel Cup, you said that you have never been so happy. Where does so much emotion come from? After all, the tournament was conceived mostly as a show.

- I can say that it was purely due to the fact that it was a team event that we had such emotions. That is, when we had the team tournament during the Olympics, I did not even have time to get into these feelings, because then I had to compete in singles event later. Plus, the pandemic played a big role. Due to the long break in tournaments, the emotions of all tournament participants were many times higher. Everyone was happy to get together on the ice. Therefore, in the recent team cup, I really enjoyed it.

- Were you in the mood only for a singles tournament (at the Olympics)?

- The mood was for the Olympics in general. The personal tournament is, of course, special. In the Olympic team event, I skated only one program. Plus, at the Olympics, everyone is focused on performances and training, the responsibility to the country is great, so you can't fully enjoy communicating with your teammates - everyone is focused on the result.

- That is, the team spirit was not felt?

- I felt it, of course, but in a different way. Every athlete is proud to perform for the national team at the Olympics - this is the pinnacle of sports. It is for this that you work and train almost all of your time, almost all of your life. And in the 1TV Cup it was just fun, friendly, lit. Everyone got a lot of adrenaline.

- Returning to the team cup of the First Channel. As far as I know, you generally took it very seriously. From early in the morning you were at Megasport, controlled which uniform would go to whom, laid out blankets ...

- Yes, of course, I took my task very seriously. You saw that in the morning I was on the ice and prepared, thought over everything to the smallest detail ...

- But still, what is the reason for such an involvement? Are you just a perfectionist or do you miss a competitive environment?

- I'm probably such a person - a perfectionist in everything. Basically, I did all this for the team. To make them calmer, more confident, so that there would be less stress. I initially said that my team will have just such an atmosphere - pleasant, cheerful, benevolent. I think I've managed to do that.

- I remember you said that you would set everyone up and everything would be great.

- And so it happened - it was super. Rather, my task was to create a warm and at the same time energetic atmosphere around our team. Still, it's the coaches that set up athletes for the skates. Figure skating fans cheered for all the athletes, the audience watched on TV. Again, after a long competitive break, all athletes took these starts seriously. As Eteri Georgievna said, it was a rehearsal for the team tournament before the Olympic season.

- Can you formulate what you saw as your role as a captain?

- My task was for us to become one team. So that everyone can feel the atmosphere of the team tournament. To some extent, turn it all into a feast.

- It turns out that you were such a core, a leader. How do you like this role?

- I liked it (smiles). I was honoured to be the team captain, our team was great. The opposing team was also great. I think together we gave a big figure skating feast to all the fans.

Being a leader is a pleasure when the team appreciates you. But I can say that I did not command anyone! We all had such initiatives: someone would throw an idea - and I was like: "Oh, cool!" Then another one and another ... I listened to everyone, we did it all together. Honestly, it was very cool.


- You didn't command anyone except the guys. I heard you told some people to calm down.

- I just approached all the athletes and asked how it was more convenient for them. I know that some people, for example, are better off when the audience is not clapping. And someone, on the contrary, needs to be supported more strongly, for the fans to shout out something even so that they get themselves together.

For example, Dasha and Denis (Pavlyuchenko and Khodykin are a sports couple from Alina's team. - RBC ), when I approached them, they said that we better not clap. But the boys did not hear this, they were all in the mood, so they clapped, shouted to support D&D, so I told them: "Quiet!" But only in this case.


- For most skaters, this season has turned out to be crumpled. And you have studies, Ice Age, shows, and advertising shootings ...

- I still finished school. Got my DL, do not forget about it. Indeed, there were a lot of things.

- Do you single out any specific event for yourself?

- I can't even choose one ... By the way, I've also turned 18 years old! Also important. All events were different, but very significant for me.

- What about studying? I remember whether you or Eteri Georgievna posted a picture about how you were preparing for the exam session, falling asleep on the table ...

- It was Eteri Georgievna. We laughed with her, and she was like: "Let me post it to my account." Well, of course I agreed. But in fact, I did not sleep there - I just lay down and looked down, and everyone already thought that I was falling asleep. In general, I never sleep while studying! They give a lot of assignments, but I force myself to stay awake, to learn the material. It can be hard, I study until nightfall.

- Just a real student now.

- Probably, yes, but I still sleep normally, because I need to recover before training. I can't go against the regimen too much.

- By the way, we have not seen the report on your exam session.

- Well, everything is fine.

- Did you pass everything with "excellent" marks?

- Not really (smiles), but I passed the exam successfully. It was hard, but I've passed it all. Just today was the last exam - English. Difficult, but I did it.

- What is more difficult - going to an exam or for a free skate at the Olympics?

- At the Olympics, definitely. But in general, these are completely different feelings and, as I said, a different level of responsibility. And also in the level of training. In sports, I am a professional, with my coaches everything was worked out to such an extent to the point of automatism that it seemed as if everything was done by itself.

- How did the teachers treat you?

- You know, everything is different ...

- What about indulgences from the teachers?

- No indulgences. This I can tell right away. To be honest, I thought that I might be treated differently, let's put it this way. On the other hand, I like that I am just as common a person for them as everyone else.

There were such moments even in life. I go somewhere in a mask - there is one attitude towards me. I take it off and everything is different. I personally don't like it. It seems to me that all people should be treated equally well.


- But you are an Olympic champion, a world champion, a European champion ... Who, if not you, deserves special treatment?

- Well, I have such a character. Maybe someone likes it. I don't.

- An important clarification - are you talking about your own popularity or about the same attitude?

- About the same attitude towards all people. I think it should be this way.

- By the way, how do you feel about this very popularity?

- You know, calmly. Sometimes people even recognize me with my mask on, by my eyes. This is very surprising to me.

- In your case, it is not difficult at all.

- Really? (Laughs) It seems to me that you have to look so hard to notice me. I am always surprised by this every time.

- How did you come up with the idea of going to study journalism? You seemed to be biased towards journalists.

- Actually, no, I generally treated journalists well. Just, let's say, there are different journalists (smiles). Why did I choose journalism ... Honestly, I want to develop. And it seems to me that I have broken this stereotype that an athlete goes to study at the Russian State University of Physical Culture by default. Isn't it so?

- To a certain extent, yes.

- Here you go. Everyone had such a reaction: "What?" I will always have time to enrol in the Russian State University of Physical Culture, but I wanted to develop myself in another area. And I still manage to do it. I don’t know yet where this path will lead me, but it will definitely be useful for me in life.

- But the choice was deliberate? That is, you pursued some goals, entering the journalism faculty?

- First of all, I wanted to develop myself in the media environment. So that I can speak well - I think I'm already doing better. And producing ... If I'll want to, I can be my own producer. Well, if I do it well, of course (laughs). In general, it seems to me that development is the most important thing for a person.

- I’ll probably ask you all the same. You've probably seen what was happening around the "Ice Age". In particular, how much criticism poured out on you. Did it hurt a lot?

- Honestly, I'm used to it. Figure skating is generally very widely and massively discussed now. People have a huge interest. Someone admires, someone criticizes - this is normal. For myself, I am always looking for ways for self-development and I know what I need to work on.

- It's clear with journalism, but what about producing?

- For me, this is something new. I can be producer both myself and for others. You never know what will happen in life and what will eventually come in handy. For example, I don’t know, I can only say that life definitely does not end with training. But I can try myself as a coach in the future, why not? Or as a journalist.

- About the coaching. Earlier you actively considered this option. Now what do you think about this?

- I do not like to think about the distant future. Maybe I'll want to fly into space. By the way, there really is such a thought in my mind.

- Well, there were already plans for a parachute jump.

- Probably, at first, a parachute jump, then maybe ... Well, let's see (laughs). In principle, my vestibular apparatus works well.

- You have been working with Puma for a long time. How is your partnership going?

- Great! I have been working with the brand for several years now and I am very glad to be the international ambassador for Puma. It seems to me important when you can inspire the audience for new achievements and help develop in sports, even if starting with the smallest steps in this direction.

- It seems that a pause in the competition and a change in occupation helped you become a little freer and more relaxed. Is it true?

- This is probably a consequence of a large number of factors. I got older, my social circle expanded, I met new people, I go out a lot. For example, the same “Ice Age” helped me to open up in a new way, and I felt it.

There I began to communicate with the stars of show business, who, you know, do not search for words and are quick on the draw. And I am the kind of person who is always afraid of offending someone, but I had to ask quite provocative questions. This was demanded of me, and whether you want it or not, you have to do the job.


- Probably at that moment yo began to better understand us - journalists?

- Well, after all, I did it in my, let's say, interpretation. Slightly softer.

- By the way, did you come up with the questions yourself?

- At first I was advised what to say. Then when I got more involved, we all realized that it would be easier for me to come up with the questions myself. Because it will come from me. That is, I consider and ask about what interests me. It seems to me that this helped me to start talking better towards the end of the Ice Age.

In principle, there was a lot of work with this. I did a lot of training with a tutor, a lot! We talked about different things. For example, a black hole in the wall - had to describe it. Well, it's black ... well, it's a hole ... What else can you say about it? It's really hard.


- Do you speak so freely on this topic? I mean your vocabulary.

- Well, we are dealing with reality. I am critical of myself, I always demand from myself "better, higher, stronger" - this is the only way to achieve something. I can't even say that I skate perfectly, although many say this.

- You just amazed me right now. Seriously.

- It seems to me that it is good that I am saying all this. Because it's sincere.

- Let’s then be as sincere as possible - about the main thing. Are you watching the competitions right now?

- In fragments - yes. If I have time.

- With what emotions?

- With the usual, probably.

- That is, there is no such thoughts: would be great to be there?

- Of course I have those. I sometimes put myself in the shoes of a person who comes out to skate. I remember my feelings. Oh, it's very difficult (laughs). You need to wrestle down yourself.

- Have you ever had a desire to return during this season?

- Yes. (said without hesitation)

- How many times?

- (Sighs and pauses before answering) Many.

- What is stopping you?

- There are some factors. But there are also those that inspire, and there are a lot of them. So let's wait and see.
 
Last edited:
Alina's interview to RBC

- Have you ever had a desire to return during this season?

- Yes.

- How many times?

- Many.

- What is stopping you?

- There are some factors. But there are also those that inspire, and there are a lot of them. So let's wait and see.
I cannot express my feelings precisely. To be honest, I dreamed about her return many times. I hoped she can challenge herself again even though it seems to be an impossible task due to her age, injuries and many other factors. Sometimes, I doubt the fact that she kept training so hard as before. If she doesn't return, there's no need to train a lot.
However, when she said she had a desire to return. My first response is "DON'T DO THAT BABY":cry: FS is so crucial and she has already suffered a lot. She would sacrifice a lot if she wanted to return. And she will receive much more reproaches than any other athletes as before:palmf:What's more important is that she definitely need time to study for the future. When she sees and tries more, she will find that the world is so big, full of uncertainties, happiness and surprises. She will live a brighter life than most of Russian fs athletes.
Maybe I love her both as an athlete and a sweet young girl. I hope she can make history in FS, but I also hope she stay away from people who are short-sighted and full of negative emotions. :shrug:
Anyway, it's all up to her. Inside, she is still that kind girl, but she has become smarter and more confident. Good Luck to our dear Alina no matter what decision she will make. Time will give us the answer.:coffee:
 
Last edited:
another photo for the "Alina's shadows" collection :ROFLMAO:
sE8ad9b.jpg
 
from Vlad, the interviewer:

"I hate writing lead-ins for interviews. I feel like a politician of an average degree of crappy - you have to promise people what, most likely, you will not fulfil, if only you were elected (i.e., so that your article is read). Now I hammer on the keyboard and get high, as I have not gotten high for a very, very long time. Thanks for this to my interlocutor - she made this interview. And I just helped her a little.

It is sincerely a pity that the reader does not fully, perhaps, feel her transformation. You would certainly have felt it, but ... alas. In the lead-in for the publication (it did not fit the format, so do not look for the link) I tried to recreate the atmosphere, but it didn’t fit into this post in terms of volume.

In the meantime, get acquainted - Alina Zagitova. Sincere and real. You haven't met her before."
 
I cannot express my feelings precisely. To be honest, I dreamed about her return many times. I hoped she can challenge herself again even though it seems to be an impossible task due to her age, injuries and many other factors. Sometimes, I doubt the fact that she kept training so hard as before. If she doesn't return, there's no need to train a lot.
However, when she said she had a desire to return. My first response is "DON'T DO THAT BABY":cry: FS is so crucial and she has already suffered a lot. She would sacrifice a lot if she wanted to return. And she will receive much more reproaches than any other athletes as before:palmf:What's more important is that she definitely need time to study for the future. When she sees and tries more, she will find that the world is so big, full of uncertainties, happiness and surprises. She will live a brighter life than most of Russian fs athletes.
Maybe I love her both as an athlete and a sweet young girl. I hope she can make history in FS, but I also hope she stay away from people who are short-sighted and full of negative emotions. :shrug:
Anyway, it's all up to her. Inside, she is still that kind girl, but she has become smarter and more confident. Good Luck to our dear Alina no matter what decision she will make. Time will give us the answer.:coffee:

Keep in mind the mentality of highly competitive athlete. The what ifs are always coming back. Even if Alina won everything still there are more to win. And watching a competition you will always put yourself there.

But for e real return it's more complicated.
 
"момент" in Russian is used as "factor" a lot; plus, to be precise, a 'moment' can't stop you from doing anything, but a 'factor' can
Your Russian is better than mine so probably you are right, there word used was "момент" though as you mentioned.

Moment: GPF Turin, I don't want to leave it again.

Factor: I don't have a quad, it's stopping me to return.
 
That was a great interview! I love the chance to get to know more about Alina and her life.

It looks like baskets of 1000 roses have replaced giant stuffed animals these days. (Shout out to Owlina! You will never be replaced in our hearts.)





Knopa is beyond precious. As are all these lovely little angels taking pictures with the roses. What a day brightener!
 
Last edited:
Back
Top