Alina Zagitova | Page 268 | Golden Skate

Alina Zagitova

I‘ve wanted to reply to this thread for some time now and now it‘s finally about something I actually know so: Alina‘s being so gentle with her doggo because

A) she just got it
B) that‘s just her nature

But really, she just needs some training in a good dog obedience school and she‘ll handle it well. Being of a gentle and calm nature doesn‘t mean you can‘t have a dog that actually behaves. You don‘t have to become an Eteri to do so, you just need some basic rules and then it‘ll work. I‘ve got a dog, too and I‘d never consider handling him the way Eteri handles her student (not to say that she does it badly but just that it‘s not my way of working) and my dog‘s still well behaved. (most of the time. At least if there‘s no cat involved😂) Eteri‘s very, very strict which isn‘t necessarily a bad thing but rather the right attitude if you want to raise aspiring champions. But I can‘t see Alina becoming this way, that’s just not her nature and I also don‘t believe she wants Masaru to become the next Olympic Champion in dog obedience.😂

But I agree, Alina‘s got some serious workload on her tiny shoulders already, Masaru could prove to be a real challenge. School, exams, figure skating, training, being an OGM, interviews, TV appearances, commercials, the rivalry against her teammate, her other pets and now a puppy she needs to train, too. That‘s... a bit much for a 16 year old. Honestly, how does she even manage all this without crumbling? I already feel overworked with my schoolwork and I‘m not an Olympic Champion in figure skating who needs to train half the day😂

Please understand, when I said she needs to channel her inner Coach Eteri, I meant the good version of Coach Eteri. The one who inspires confidence and feelings of calm. The one who is clearly in charge of the situation and in control. Not the version of Eteri that makes me want to knock her upside the head with Alina's skate guards.

Nothing about Alina's personality needs to change. Her discipline and determination will serve her well in all aspects of her life.

It would be unfair to judge Alina based on her first day with Masaru. Especially since being filmed for Japanese and Russia tv would make anyone a little self conscious. Nor is there any reason for Masaru to undergo excessive training. Just learn some 'manners' and respectful behavior. Like you said, some beginning puppy obedience training. Dogs like learning.

My father in law has 2 Great Danes in the house. My comments came from what I learned from him and his experience. Even when they were adorable puppies he was careful of how he let them play with people especially children. He didn't let them jump on people (children or adults). It's precious when they are little, but in a very short time they are heavy enough to knock someone off balance. Especially a small child. Dogs don't necessarily realize when they aren't puppies anymore! Also, immediately teaching them that counters of any kind are off limits. In another month Masaru will be able to access those counters easily!



Like I said, I have 100% faith that Alina will be more than fine with Masaru.
 
That is a gorgeous place, I hope they get that same bathroom at least (I would love that bathroom). Great balconies too. The family will be very happy here, a great and generous gift for Alina and one that enabled her to fulfill her dream of providing for them.

I hope they get the bathroom and that view!!
 
Looking at the popularity of Alina in Russia and Japan, I was wondering how is it compared with Zhenya when she was in her prime time....I mean before she got defeated twice by Alina. In Canada, I don't see the media madness on our champion Katelyn or Patrick Chan. How popular is Alina, is it compatible to movie star?
 
She mentioned that she wants to teach Masaru, even teach her to protect her, and the Akita Inu Society is going to help her get settled with the dog. All this teaching will involve being firm with Masaru.

I assume this help from the Moscow Akita Office means they may provide her with tips and knowledge on how to behave with Masaru, even recommend a trainer if one is needed.

So far Alina has been a consummate owner, she is walking the dog and interacting with her constantly. And she is super happy with Masaru too as we can see from her many pictures.

She has a gentle nature, but Masaru has a gentle nature also, impressive for a young pup, she is a great ambassador for the Akita breed, seeing that gentle dog would make me want to have one.

Remember Alina critique of Sabina’s performance in Izhevsk during her masterclass event? Alina is super gentle and sweet but I have a feeling that if they are called upon her disciplinarian abilities would come to the forefront.

If Alina only works 10 percent as hard at training Masaru as she does with her skating - Masaru will still be very well trained!

All kidding aside - it is evident from her work ethic in skating, how she was with the little girls at the rink, and how she was analytical of Sabina's performance that Alina takes her responsibilities seriously.

I think Masaru will be the perfect balance for her - especially after tough days at the rink.
 
Looking at the popularity of Alina in Russia and Japan, I was wondering how is it compared with Zhenya when she was in her prime time....I mean before she got defeated twice by Alina. In Canada, I don't see the media madness on our champion Katelyn or Patrick Chan. How popular is Alina, is it compatible to movie star?

Well, Alina‘s the new Olympic Champion and she‘s young, beautiful, intelligent and talented. And her love for dogs paired with her generally sweet personality - I can see why people like that. I don‘t remember exactly from Zhenya but she was a bit of a small „movie star“, too. (And still is, I‘d say, even though Alina‘s gotten more attention recently) With her Sailor Moon programs and her love for anime, it was the same with Alina‘s love for Akita dogs: It was something people could relate to which made her popular. I‘d say both girls are some kind of movie stars in their respective countries and Japan, maybe not as famous as real movie stars but definitely unusually popular for figure skaters.
 
If Alina only works 10 percent as hard at training Masaru as she does with her skating - Masaru will still be very well trained!

All kidding aside - it is evident from her work ethic in skating, how she was with the little girls at the rink, and how she was analytical of Sabina's performance that Alina takes her responsibilities seriously.

I think Masaru will be the perfect balance for her - especially after tough days at the rink.

Agree. Also her former coach talked a bit about Alina's leadership so I think she will be able to train Masaru right and live a happy and respectful life together :biggrin:
 
I do know that Alina was in her old rink some days ago and did some kind of tutoring there but since I don‘t know Russian I obviously didn‘t get what was said. What happened with Sabina? What did Alina say to her?🤔
 
Well, Alina‘s the new Olympic Champion and she‘s young, beautiful, intelligent and talented. And her love for dogs paired with her generally sweet personality - I can see why people like that. I don‘t remember exactly from Zhenya but she was a bit of a small „movie star“, too. (And still is, I‘d say, even though Alina‘s gotten more attention recently) With her Sailor Moon programs and her love for anime, it was the same with Alina‘s love for Akita dogs: It was something people could relate to which made her popular. I‘d say both girls are some kind of movie stars in their respective countries and Japan, maybe not as famous as real movie stars but definitely unusually popular for figure skaters.

I am happy for Alina and Zhenya, but at the same time, feeling sad for Patrick. He once complainted his achievement is not proportional to the attention he received from the media and the public.
 
Looking at the popularity of Alina in Russia and Japan, I was wondering how is it compared with Zhenya when she was in her prime time....I mean before she got defeated twice by Alina. In Canada, I don't see the media madness on our champion Katelyn or Patrick Chan. How popular is Alina, is it compatible to movie star?

Zhenya is more popular in Russia, because of all her TV appearances. And she is definitely one of the most popular athletes in Russia. She can't challenge Sharapova, of course, but she's still a huge star, I would say. This month is a first time when the press started to pay attention to Alina.
 
I do know that Alina was in her old rink some days ago and did some kind of tutoring there but since I don‘t know Russian I obviously didn‘t get what was said. What happened with Sabina? What did Alina say to her?🤔

This is a small quote from an article in the newspaper www.udmpravda.ru about Alina's visit to Izhevsk, courtesy of Google translate -

In the end of the master class on the ice came the younger sister of Alina Zagitova, 10-year-old Sabina. She also is engaged in figure skating and trains with the first coach Alina Natalia Antipina. On this day she presented her program for the song of Victor Tsoi "Cuckoo". At the end of the rental Alina was professionally strict: - How many times I said, pull your leg , and keep your back straight. Under-trimming - up. So skating will look more expressive. And in general - well done.

Not quite sure what "under-trimming" is, clearly it is important to keep it 'up'!
 
I do know that Alina was in her old rink some days ago and did some kind of tutoring there but since I don‘t know Russian I obviously didn‘t get what was said. What happened with Sabina? What did Alina say to her?[emoji848]

Hi, our very own LKate (on site 007) attended the masterclass and kindly provided us with this info (quote from her post below):


After the practice ended Sabina came to the ice. She performed at the song “Cuckoo”. (I don’t know is it her competition program or EX?) Alina was asked to comment on her sister’s skating. She was very strict and critical: I told you so many times, Sabina, to stretch your legs, to hold your back straight. And look up. Aside from that it was fine.
 
There was one part in the park where it looked like Masaru was walking Alina though. :rofl:

The arrival of masaru has been spectacular. But i think Alina is in over her head with this dog. Its cute now but not in a year or 2 when masaru will need special care and special training. A dog like this is almost human and needs alot of care and attentiion and Alina barely has enough time for her career which she must focus on 100% or she will be passed by.
 
The arrival of masaru has been spectacular. But i think Alina is in over her head with this dog. Its cute now but not in a year or 2 when masaru will need special care and special training. A dog like this is almost human and needs alot of care and attentiion and Alina barely has enough time for her career which she must focus on 100% or she will be passed by.

She is not on her own in this. She has her grandmother and I'm sure the Akita society in Moscow can recommend any number of trainers and/or obedience classes that Alina and Masaru can attend on her day off. She already has 4 walks a day built in to her schedule.

Masaru will be getting a lot of attention and affection from the other students at Sambo-70 randomly throughout the day. Maybe even some playtime. The director of Sambo-70 posted another picture of himself, Alina and Masaru on his IG today. That, and the fact that they set up a kennel for Masaru in the school, tells me that he is invested in making this work out for Alina as much as he can be.

Alina will probably put the exact same amount of training time and energy into her career as she has the last few seasons. I think the only things that will change is she will probably take a longer route walking home with Masaru in the afternoons and evenings.

Let's be positive. As long as she gives her best effort in training everything else is beyond her control. She may or may not be passed by. But nothing can take what she has accomplished away from her. My hope is that she still continues to find the joy in what she does and striving to be the best.
 
She is not on her own in this. She has her grandmother and I'm sure the Akita society in Moscow can recommend any number of trainers and/or obedience classes that Alina and Masaru can attend on her day off. She already has 4 walks a day built in to her schedule.

Masaru will be getting a lot of attention and affection from the other students at Sambo-70 randomly throughout the day. Maybe even some playtime. The director of Sambo-70 posted another picture of himself, Alina and Masaru on his IG today. That, and the fact that they set up a kennel for Masaru in the school, tells me that he is invested in making this work out for Alina as much as he can be.

Alina will probably put the exact same amount of training time and energy into her career as she has the last few seasons. I think the only things that will change is she will probably take a longer route walking home with Masaru in the afternoons and evenings.

Let's be positive. As long as she gives her best effort in training everything else is beyond her control. She may or may not be passed by. But nothing can take what she has away from her. My hope is that she still continues to find the joy in what she does and striving to be the best.

Ive had a dog like an akita I had an alaskan malamute. These dogs are alot to handle. I hope she can handle it. Alina just had the best debut season ever. I want more as her fan. Her potential is massive.
 
Ive had a dog like an akita I had an alaskan malamute. These dogs are alot to handle. I hope she can handle it. Alina just had the best debut season ever. I want more as her fan. Her potential is massive.

They are a lot to handle. If she was on her own I'd be really worried, but she has her grandmother. Her grandmother can help with things like vet appointments and trips to the groomers that have to be done during the week while Alina is training. (The amount of brushing that dog is going to require is no small thing!)

But as long as Masaru gets enough exercise and playtime to drain her excess 'puppy' energy things will be fine. Being an Olympic athlete at the highest level of fitness will come in very handy for Alina when it comes to tiring Masaru out :)

Alina did have an amazing debut season. None of us know what next season holds. We all want more and we all want to see her grow and realize her full potential. She is literally just getting started.

The most important thing is for her to stay injury free and physically and emotionally healthy. I think Masaru can actually help with that. She was lonely in Moscow living away from her family. Now she has an unending source of unconditional love and joy to take care of and love. Whatever down side comes with dog ownership will be outweighed by all the happiness a million times over.
 
This is a small quote from an article in the newspaper www.udmpravda.ru about Alina's visit to Izhevsk, courtesy of Google translate -



Not quite sure what "under-trimming" is, clearly it is important to keep it 'up'!


Hi, our very own LKate (on site 007) attended the masterclass and kindly provided us with this info (quote from her post below):

Interesting to see another side of Alina. That‘s what she‘s gonna be once she‘s stopped skating: A coach! And I bet she‘ll be a great one! A bit softer than Eteri, I believe which isn‘t really a bad thing. Didn‘t she say somewhere that she wants to coach anyway, when her skating career is over?

I have never seen Sabina actually perform. How good is she? I‘m a bit worried for her, though. Having a bigger sister who‘s an OGM can‘t be easy, especially if you‘re in the same sports as she is. I mean, you‘ll always get compared to her, won‘t you? And people might expect great things and medals and stuff from Sabina because Alina got them and everything. I hope she continues to be happy with skating without additional pressure.
 
Back
Top