Alina Zagitova

[lesnar001]

Even if I'm still shocked after these news, I can not help but wonder how this change will affect Alina. From now on she remains the leader of Eteri's team, the example and role model for all the younger girls. She is a tough girl, and I think she will like this status, maybe even she'll gain confidence and energy from it. How you specified above, the coaching team will also be more focused on her training.

Anyway it would have been hard for them to train together, as the top two ladies in the figure skating field.

I was thinking about this also.

It almost seems like the natural progression of things.

I think Evgenia was really a great mentor to Alina, but nothing stays the same and Alina is in a different phase of her career.

Maybe she will be able to mentor one of the younger skaters one of these days.

So much has changed for her this past season, and even since the Worlds Championships.

Although they still seem really close, Alina & Evgenia weren't together constantly in Japan or Korea.

Alina was on Japanese TV by herself, and then filmed another show with Javier Fernandez & Katelyn Osmond.
I think that Evgenia was on a TV show with Wakaba Higuchi and another Japanese skater.

Sometimes to progress even further, things have to change. Change can be very scary - but Alina will have to next few months to get used to the new dynamic.

EDITED....
I just saw TARS post above and Polina Tsurskaya is actually older than Alina - so she won't be alone with all the "kids"

 

[SXTN]

I secretly hoped that Alina would be the one to move to TO to train with Orser. But she is young and still very attached to her family. Maybe one day. We'll happily welcome Evgenia just the same

I was thinking the exact same thing. But maybe Evgenia makes a path for Alina (and maybe some other Russian skaters) to train abroad.

While Evgenia has a very strong character and personality, Alina still seems very obedient and attached to Eteri. At that point, she would not dare to leave her, that's my impression. Plus Alina is very young, doesn't speak English and is not connected to other international skaters as much as Evgenia is.

 

[flanker]

Even if I'm still shocked after these news, I can not help but wonder how this change will affect Alina. From now on she remains the leader of Eteri's team, the example and role model for all the younger girls. She is a tough girl, and I think she will like this status, maybe even she'll gain confidence and energy from it. How you specified above, the coaching team will also be more focused on her training.

Anyway it would have been hard for them to train together, as the top two ladies in the figure skating field.

As much as i like her, I don't think she is seasoned enough for that role, neither Polina, although she is older. That was one of the reasons why I didn't believe Zhenya would leave them now.

 

[lesnar001]

In the coming months, as Alina learns her new programs and adjust to the post-Evgenia era ---- whenever she has a bad day ---- someone will be waiting to make things better :agree:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiTgp8ODC_R/?tagged=teamzagitova

 

[and]

In the coming months, as Alina learns her new programs and adjust to the post-Evgenia era ---- whenever she has a bad day ---- someone will be waiting to make things better :agree:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiTgp8ODC_R/?tagged=teamzagitova

that dog is just stupidly cute :luv17:

 

[EdRoz]

Negative moments - relations with Zhenja, it's hard to be on one rink with a defeated companion,
tension in the team , feel guilty

Positive moments-new program,Masaru's arrival soon , vacation , family ,new fans

I hope, in the end of the summer we will see a new Alinka

 

[lusk8]

Actually, Polina Tsurskaya is one year older, so theoretically...

I secretly hoped that Alina would be the one to move to TO to train with Orser. But she is young and still very attached to her family. Maybe one day. We'll happily welcome Evgenia just the same

Even if I'm still shocked after these news, I can not help but wonder how this change will affect Alina. From now on she remains the leader of Eteri's team, the example and role model for all the younger girls. She is a tough girl, and I think she will like this status, maybe even she'll gain confidence and energy from it. How you specified above, the coaching team will also be more focused on her training.

Anyway it would have been hard for them to train together, as the top two ladies in the figure skating field.

Thank for the correction on "seniority" on Eteri's pupils, Alina looked up to Polina a lot when they were younger and had many interactions with her.

Right now I think Alina is in a great training situation, she matured, is more focused than ever, and had a pretty awesome year, so in a great place to build on from all of that. She wouldn't be a fit to move to trainers outside of Russia yet, she is too young, has a great bond with her family and is still in school, moving would mean having to give up school (she couldn't easily adapt to a foreign school, too much stress and that alone would require a ton of effort).

Plus, another family move would equal to way less time spent together, and, on top of it all, she has a pretty top notch training situation right at home. I don't think you can right out top the first class training system she is in, you can find pretty awesome equals to it, and on the artistic side of things there are great people outside of Russia that could certainly add to her career, but she is in a world class system, with top people in all the right components needed for her training, this system isn't hindering her and is actually contributing to her development. She trained pretty great with the group and that social part was also important for her development.

I think training with other people that are really good, and in a group that is pushing the technical evolution of figure skating, is actually a great asset. Now she will be the top medalist in that group, I'm sure they will give her all the care she needs and deserves.

 

[agentscullyskates]

I was thinking the exact same thing. But maybe Evgenia makes a path for Alina (and maybe some other Russian skaters) to train abroad.

While Evgenia has a very strong character and personality, Alina still seems very obedient and attached to Eteri. At that point, she would not dare to leave her, that's my impression. Plus Alina is very young, doesn't speak English and is not connected to other international skaters as much as Evgenia is.

Yes, age and language barriers are huge with a move like this. Alina, practice your English over the next few years so you can move to Toronto! We'll get you a Leafs jersey and everything.

 

[lesnar001]

Negative moments - relations with Zhenja, it's hard to be on one rink with a defeated companion,
tension in the team , feel guilty

Positive moments-new program,Masaru's arrival soon , vacation , family ,new fans

I hope, in the end of the summer we will see a new Alinka

I think we will - she is a remarkable young lady.

AND - as my boss used to tell me everytime I stressed out about changes in the company..... "CHANGE IS GOOD!!!!"

 

[EdRoz]

Right now I think Alina is in a great training situation, she matured, is more focused than ever, and had a pretty awesome year, so in a great place to build on from all of that


I think training with other people that are really good, and in a group that is pushing the technical evolution of figure skating, is actually a great asset. Now she will be the top medalist in that group, I'm sure they will give her all the care she needs and deserves.

You're right for 1000% :thumbsup:

 

[lusk8]

This is an excellent video. I love that it is such a big story in Japan.:luv17:

Just think about how well Alina is interacting with the Japanese people through her interviews and press conferences.

I saw this on twitter too:



I don't think it is "weird" at all. It is a cultural exchange.
But it does say something about how little attention figure skating gets in the US:sad4:

I also adore how Alina is treated in Japan, she is really celebrated. Kudos to the Japanese for being so kind and for really liking figure skating and being able to appreciate skaters who excel on this sport (regardless of their nationality).

For her this is a great career development, she is a natural charismatic person, very endearing, speaks well and is very beautiful. With those qualities she can create the base to earn more money in the future, broaden her career options and gain longevity in the sport (when someone is an international idol their place at home is even more secured).

This is a total win-win. For us too as we get to see plenty of her and her cute pets. Can't imagine my fan life without knowing Iriska, Masaru and those too cuddly chinchillas.

 

[lusk8]

Yes, age and language barriers are huge with a move like this. Alina, practice your English over the next few years so you can move to Toronto! We'll get you a Leafs jersey and everything.

I'd be down for her to become American too (but I like your training facilities more so I'd be cool if she became Canadian).

All joking aside, if Alex Gamelin can become Korean all bets are off in her far future.

 

[TheBallerina]

As much as i like her, I don't think she is seasoned enough for that role,

In fact, that is a reasonable question mark regarding this situation, and I somehow agree on this. But the younger girls, as every athlete does, are in a development stage, and they always tend to follow/seek advice from athletes that are more experienced (especially international experienced). And when you have beside you the reigning olympic champion, you'll probably go to her. (I know Polina is older, but she doesn't have yet so much international senior experience as Alina does) That's what I've actually meant. And this is what concerns me..Will Alina flourish in this kind of environment? I surely hope so...anyway it will be a new experience for her, which will help her grow even more.:agree:

 

[EdRoz]

Yes, age and language barriers are huge with a move like this. Alina, practice your English over the next few years so you can move to Toronto! We'll get you a Leafs jersey and everything.

Leafs ?? No..No ..)))
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-r6MAafHDVU

 

[mau]

I wonder if Alina already knew it during the shows in Korea. It must had been awkward.

Well, it means that Zagi is now the priority in Eteri’s team and probably the RusFed’s priority. I’m sure she will handle the pressure and the expectations, she’s a hard worker and a tough girl.

 

[TheBallerina]

AND - as my boss used to tell me everytime I stressed out about changes in the company..... "CHANGE IS GOOD!!!!"

Yup I hear this all the time, too. Maybe we have the same boss?

 

[EdRoz]

I wonder if Alina already knew it during the shows in Korea. It must had been awkward.

Well, it means that Zagi is now the priority in Eteri’s team and probably the RusFed’s priority. I’m sure she will handle the pressure and the expectations, she’s a hard worker and a tough girl.

Yes, she is in priority until 2019 , Trusova and Kostornaia became a senior level

 

[lesnar001]

I also adore how Alina is treated in Japan, she is really celebrated. Kudos to the Japanese for being so kind and for really liking figure skating and being able to appreciate skaters who excel on this sport (regardless of their nationality).

For her this is a great career development, she is a natural charismatic person, very endearing, speaks well and is very beautiful. With those qualities she can create the base to earn more money in the future, broaden her career options and gain longevity in the sport (when some is an international idol their place at home is even more secured).

This is a total win-win. For us too as we get to see plenty of her and her cute pets. Can't imagine my fan life without knowing Iriska, Masaru and those too cuddly chinchillas.

These experiences are so great for her. She is an international goodwill ambassador just by being herself.

I love seeing her pets and her interactions with them. Japan has really "adopted" her as one of their own.

I am still eagerly awaiting the TV show with Alina, Katelyn, and Javier.

Regarding the chinchillas - whenever Progressive Insurance airs the commercial with the talking box and his chinchilla "Say 'WHAT UP' Rocco" - I think of Alina

And the fan stories we saw about how popular she was in South Korea! I remember one story saying it was big deal too that she was so popular because a lot of fans still harbor resentment from Yuna Kim's loss in Sochi.

 

[lesnar001]

This video is hilarious - from the press conference after the Junior Grand Prix Final
The speaker sounds very serious, talking away with the press corps watching him
Meanwhile.... the medalists are in their own little world trying to fix Kaori Sakomoto's medal
Alina? Alina? - someone's calling you

Boy oh Boy -no wonder Eteri sometimes has to yell at her

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiWG4rBjTVL/?tagged=teamzagitova

 

[lusk8]

These experiences are so great for her. She is an international goodwill ambassador just by being herself.

I love seeing her pets and her interactions with them. Japan has really "adopted" her as one of their own.

I am still eagerly awaiting the TV show with Alina, Katelyn, and Javier.

Regarding the chinchillas - whenever Progressive Insurance airs the commercial with the talking box and his chinchilla "Say 'WHAT UP' Rocco" - I think of Alina

And the fan stories we saw about how popular she was in South Korea! I remember one story saying it was big deal too that she was so popular because a lot of fans still harbor resentment from Yuna Kim's loss in Sochi.

That Progressive commercial is so funny.

I'm also waiting for that TV game show, this is their twitter by the way https://twitter.com/taiikukaitv/media - I watched the last one hoping that they would show something about their program or at least when it will air. I'm keeping an eye out for it, I'm sure someone will upload it to YouTube once it's out.

Alina really did great in South Korea, and I can only imagine how they felt about Yuna's situation, she truly melts everyone's hearts, I'm so happy she is able to do that.