Alina Zagitova

[zenskate]

I hate to be part of the quad/3A speculation...so I won't

As everyone else keeps repeating, Alina is the only ladies skater who is untouchable this season coming off her fantastic senior debut and Olympic victory. She doesn't need better tech this season to win, and we know winning is very important for both Eteri and Alina. If there ever comes a time when winning without a quad/3A is impossible, they will fix the deficit. If you look at the past quad, Eteri has pretty much swept juniors and seniors in ladies through one or the other of her students. Say what you want about gaming the system, but she is a lady who knows how to win, and right now I'm seeing an incredible commitment from her and Alina to the sport and to each other.

Alina will be fine. In Eteri we trust.

 

[flanker]

I would say no. I think that all triple axel ladies (with Mao Asada being the exception) have had EXPLOSIVE double axels with a lot of height.

I could be wrong, but I don't think she will ever attempt it. Even if she had the capability, I think the jump is still too risky.
If you fall, you get -5 GOE and -1 for the fall. If it is UR - you don't even get credit for the 3A.
But the main thing is the long setup for the jump. And inferring from what the judges did to Liza T's perfect 3A just last week, that can certainly hurt the GOE.

We will certainly get better idea of the risk/reward of the 3A with Liza T's next GP, and Rika Kihira's 2 GP's coming up.

On the other hand, I would be surprised if Alina would not try something new in the next season. From the statements of the coaches and Alina herself I udrestood that this season they are focused to confirm Alina's position, so they don't risk to try new difficult elements. Alina don't need them, after all. But in the subsequent we will see. I don't say we will definitely see 3A or quad, but I think that at least some attempts in training can be expected.

Edit: Well, I see zenskate's thoughts travel through the very similar paths

 

[Fluture]

Someone else mentioned the posture here but I’m on the app and can’t easily find the post to quote too.

Thread is moving fast, you guys are great!

Anyway back to posture. I’ve never been bothered by it, truly, but it is a persistent criticism from lots of people (with Alina and a few other skaters) I’ve never even considered this an issue before, someone leaning forward as they skate, maybe as a side effect of my lack of actual figure skating expertise, I tend to look (on first watch for sure) at things as a whole and if I like the whole then I enjoy it.

I like Alina so much that apart from glaring stuff (like a fall) I’m dazed into deep enjoyment whenever I see her.

Since this seems to be an issue that’s worth addressing my hope is that as she matures even more as a skater and gets more seasons under her belt she will gradually fix this. When she was a little kid (thanks to FreeSkate’s video channel) you can see that she didn’t have that issue. She didn’t have all these difficult jumps and transitions either so maybe that was a trade off she made for some reason, maybe it makes her feel more secure on execution skating this way. It’s probably the same thing with speed, she can be super fast but when she is focused on getting it right she is noticeably slower.

Hope the judges always see her virtues which are plenty and reward her for that.

I didn‘t want this to sound negative, just something I noticed and thought she could work on. She‘s a very focused girl and knows her weaknesses. She worked hard on improving on the PCS side of skating and now we can see that she‘s having more mature programs and really trying to interpret the characters. She‘s playing with her expression, too, which I like. Carmengitova is fierce, playful even a bit sexy. POTO Alina is more vulnerable and lyrical. These music choices might be “overdone“ and I know I‘ve criticized her too for choosing them but now I can understand this decision. She‘s learning how to really interpret a story, to perform a certain image and lose herself to the music. And Carmen and Christine are good characters for that purpose, they are “clear“. She is only 16 and she has lots to learn and she‘s doing it step by step.

This is something I love about her. She might not be perfect - and honestly, who would expect her to be at such a young age - but she is steadily improving. I think that‘s a good thing, there‘s always something to learn, always something you can do better. I know her posture is being excessively criticized and especially by people who seem to dislike Alina. That‘s why I usually don‘t bring it up. But I considered it something for her to work on, maybe in the off-season. It’s not too much of an issue (for me at least) but it can sometimes distract a bit. It wasn‘t meant in a bad way, though, I like Alina and I think everyone in here knows that.

About her speed: I think a big role in this is her program in general. If you have so many difficult transitions in and out of every jump you‘re bound to slow down a bit, it‘s just natural. I don‘t think she‘s particularly slow, especially not if we‘re considering all the crazily difficult things she has to do in her programs.

About the judges: I‘m sure they‘ll see her virtues and reward her with a shining new world record tomorrow and with a gold medal to match in a few days.

 

[paji15]

On the other hand, I would be surprised if Alina would not try something new in the next season. From the statements of the coaches and Alina herself I udrestood that this season they are focused to confirm Alina's position, so they don't risk to try new difficult elements, she don't need it, after all. But in the subsequent we will see. I don't say we will definitely see 3A or quad, but I think that at least some attempts in training can be expected.

Edit: Well, I see zenskate's thoughts travel through the very similar paths

I gree with you that we will se something new. If it will be neceserry for her to increase her difficulty level, she will do it or at least try. Even if Eteri (and I dont say whe will do it to be clear!) will want just replace her with some junior girl who will be her winner, Alina is not the girl who give up easily.

 

[madison]

I gree with you that we will se something new. If it will be neceserry for her to increase her difficulty level, she will do it or at least try. Even if Eteri (and I dont say whe will do it to be clear!) will want just replace her with some junior girl who will be her winner, Alina is not the girl who give up easily.

It's not like it's so easy to add a quad or a 3axel and it means huge risks for the skater. And Eteri said that it is better for the skaters to learn the jumps before the puberty and then to work hard to keep what they have.

 

[paji15]

It's not like it's so easy to add a quad or a 3axel and it means huge risks for the skater. And Eteri said that it is better for the skaters to learn the jumps before the puberty and then to work hard to keep what they have.

I know, she also said there was something they could work on it when they stop with it before .. But I don't wanna say she will do it for sure. She maybe try it maybe not .. maybe she just improve her triples and to make them even more huge and will do more difficult transitions so she will be reward for that .. I don't wanna speculate if she is able to do it after some high huge jumps like a lot of people do right now. I read that even Pluschenko hope she will try it because he don't wanna see her go away.. But I'm sure she and her team choose what is best for her in her situation.

 

[Finley]

"but her posture!" has become the new "ewww, backloading!"

The girl grew 7 cm in 8 months. She's dealing with an entirely new body, a changed center of gravity, and every other change brought on by puberty. All while breaking in new boots and dealing with the mental and emotional pressure of being an Olympic champion at 16. Careers have ended over less.

Somehow she kept her jumps and they look bigger, higher and cover more ice. She improved her spins. She has come out looking fantastic, breaking records. I'm guessing the posture is part of adjusting to her new height.

And the judges don't seem to be bothered.

I'm sure eventually they will get around to making a rule about the precise angle required for correct back position during crossovers but until then :dev2:

 

[Shayuki]

"but her posture!" has become the new "ewww, backloading!"

I don't think it's accurate criticism... you can have good posture despite skating bent down. Actually, you're supposed to have your knees bent for optimal power transfer. Posture's about the back, neck etc. and I've not seen an issue with Alina with that.

 

[RoseNightingale]

Thanks for all the vids and pics! Alina's looking great!

 

[Finley]

I don't think it's accurate criticism... you can have good posture despite skating bent down. Actually, you're supposed to have your knees bent for optimal power transfer. Posture's about the back, neck etc. and I've not seen an issue with Alina with that.

Thank you so much for this! Let us go forth and spread this gospel throughout Haterland

 

[Fluture]

I‘m saying this again: I like Alina and I‘m definitely not someone who just goes around and copies everything some randomn people who dislike her say. It‘s just something I have personally noticed while seeing her skate. It‘s also not about her knees or anything, just that her upper body is really bent while doing cross overs more than with most skaters I‘ve seen. It doesn‘t bother me too much but sometimes it‘s distracting. For me at least, doesn‘t mean that others have to necessarily feel this way.

I‘ve pointed out many things Alina has shown improvement in, mainly spins, flexibility and the height on some of her jumps (3Lz-3Lo). Whether the posture thing is “accurate criticism“ or not is everyone‘s own decision. Just like with the PCS thing: some think her performance ability is already perfect, some think she still has things to improve on. I personally really can‘t see why it would be a bad thing to point out things she could do better. Alina is 16, obviously you can‘t be perfect at that age. There‘s always things to learn, no matter your age, no matter how good you are already. I frankly don‘t think there‘s anything bad or spiteful in uttering a bit of criticism as long as it isn‘t too much.

 

[lesnar001]

"but her posture!" has become the new "ewww, backloading!"

The girl grew 7 cm in 8 months. She's dealing with an entirely new body, a changed center of gravity, and every other change brought on by puberty. All while breaking in new boots and dealing with the mental and emotional pressure of being an Olympic champion at 16. Careers have ended over less.

Somehow she kept her jumps and they look bigger, higher and cover more ice. She improved her spins. She has come out looking fantastic, breaking records. I'm guessing the posture is part of adjusting to her new height.

And the judges don't seem to be bothered.

I'm sure eventually they will get around to making a rule about the precise angle required for correct back position during crossovers but until then :dev2:

I love the first line!!!!

An occasional comment (or even criticism) on posture is OK, but inflating it into gigantic proportions seems to be the "Cassus Bellli" for some this season.

BTW I agree with Shayuki because I always thought of "bad posture" in skating as being the head, neck, and shoulders "hunched" over.
Or in the case of crossovers, I remember some skaters whose backs would pump up and down excessively.
Neither of these things do I see with Alina.

 

[TheBallerina]

I don't think it's accurate criticism... you can have good posture despite skating bent down. Actually, you're supposed to have your knees bent for optimal power transfer. Posture's about the back, neck etc. and I've not seen an issue with Alina with that.

+10000 :thumbsup: to this

 

[lusk8]

Fluture, I can understand what you are saying and I know you come from a place of loving Alina and really liking her as athlete, that's why I addressed your concern on my post from before throwing in my two cents. A fanfest is a place of love and pointing something to improve with respect and a positive attitude is a form of love.

I think that Alina is such a talented skater, a beautiful performer and the best part is, she has a lot of potential, we will see her progress in the coming years and will be even more amazed. If she is this great at 15, then 16, imagine how she'll be over 20. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. What she already possesses is something very rare to see, that's why watching her is such an awesome experience for me, I like all that I see and I like all that I imagine I'll see in the near future.

 

[lusk8]

I linked to the news before, from NBC, now here it is at Olympic Channel (more Hanyu focused at the start because they interviewed Orser), first time in 26 years that both individual figure skating Gold Medal Winners are competing alongside each other.

Let me spell it out here: Twenty Six Years!!!

Alina is a full on sport legend, at the tender age of 16, already going above and beyond recent Olympic history. Hanyu, it goes without saying, is a marvel of his own.

I'll proudly watch Alina tomorrow keep on writing history as it is her destiny to do. Go on amazing magical Girl!!!

https://www.olympicchannel.com/en/stories/news/detail/hanyu-fever-hits-helsinki/

 

[flanker]

Posture thing. Only one, the softest of things that are coming to my mind: "Zhenya's miming is so distracting." Remember that? Well, I hope you understand.

 

[Fluture]

Fluture, I can understand what you are saying and I know you come from a place of loving Alina and really liking her as athlete, that's why I addressed your concern on my post from before throwing in my two cents. A fanfest is a place of love and pointing something to improve with respect and a positive attitude is a form of love.

I think that Alina is such a talented skater, a beautiful performer and the best part is, she has a lot of potential, we will see her progress in the coming years and will be even more amazed. If she is this great at 15, then 16, imagine how she'll be over 20. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. What she already possesses is something very rare to see, that's why watching her is such an awesome experience for me, I like all that I see and I like all that I imagine I'll see in the near future.

Thank you, that was exactly what I meant. I love Alina and admire her for a lot of things and especially her work ethic which makes her always want to go forward and to improve. That‘s why I didn‘t see it as something bad to mention this posture thing once. I think she takes criticism really seriously and tries to improve on every part of her skating. She’s just that kind of person. I‘m not planning on throwing this criticisim into every conversation or discussion because it really is not necessary at all. It‘s just something I noticed while watching her skate. With the backloading, I never did. She did difficult spins and steps before the jumps began, she was never “saving energy“ like some dared to suggest. But here I looked at her Carmen today and thought: ”Yep, this time I can see where they‘re coming from.“ That doesn‘t mean I would mention it all the time.

I’ve already said it but the thing about Alina I admire the most is that despite winning the big prize at a young age, she keeps improving and working. Some would have just taken that Olympic Gold Medal and run, doing shows, earning money, taking the easier route. Not her. She‘s going into this season at 100%, with full determination and energy. Few people could do that. It‘s amazing how she keeps her motivation, especially if you consider how hard it must be to do so after already having that one gold medal you always dreamed of. And we can already see more maturity, more confidence now and it‘s not even been a year since her Olympic victory. Alina might never land a quad or a triple axel (even though we certainly don‘t know that yet... with Eteri it might actually be possible. ) but she‘ll continue to work on further improving her jumps, spins and performance ability. And I‘m personally really looking forward to see it and excited for her future. Because I strongly believe that this amazing Olympic Gold she won was truly just the beginning for her.

 

[Fluture]

Posture thing. Only one, the softest of things that are coming to my mind: "Zhenya's miming is so distracting." Remember that? Well, I hope you understand.

That was a subjective matter, just like this one. I never had a problem with people uttering criticism of Zhenya‘s programs/miming but I certainly did when they brought it up EVERY SINGLE TIME. For me, that‘s what is really defining hate. Not if you say once that something bothers you or you think could/should be changed - that’s just a mere opinion - but if you repeat it without any reason every time a certain skater/person is discussed.

And I think we should leave this aside now because it really doesn‘t add anything new. Let‘s just focus on what lusk8 just posted about this amazing competition we‘re going to witness the next few days. What an incredible experience it must be for the audience to see both current and reigning Olympic Champions live! Wow! :luv17:

 

[lusk8]

Ok ISU fess up you are cooking the books

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpo803lHiEt/

I just did the math and realized that Alina will start skating at 12pm my time, I'll be mobile again...meaning on my phone...last time YouTube lives saved my day because they work great on my phone (streams on websites not so much). Wish me luck guys!!! Saturday will be a similar issue it seems, not work this time but my Mother-in-Law for lunch at her place, I'd rather wish it was work.

I really want to watch all of this live. That's it, I have to move to Europe now to get into a more "me at home doing nothing" friendly figure skating time zone.

 

[Fluture]

Ok ISU fess up you are cooking the books

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpo803lHiEt/

I just did the math and realized that Alina will start skating at 12pm my time, I'll be mobile again...meaning on my phone...last time YouTube lives saved my day because they work great on my phone (streams on websites not so much). Wish me luck guys!!! Saturday will be a similar issue it seems, not work this time but my Mother-in-Law for lunch at her place, I'd rather wish it was work.

I really want to watch all of this live. That's it, I have to move to Europe now to get into a more "me at home doing nothing" friendly figure skating time zone.

This ”me at home doing nothing“ time zone can turn to “me at home bed trying desperately not to fall asleep“, though, if some of the (Canadian, American etc.) competitions start at 3 am for you then.