Alina Zagitova

[Edwin]

Happiness

https://pp.userapi.com/c850620/v850620384/e111f/7GWvp0Si4Uk.jpg
https://pp.userapi.com/c847019/v847019141/1c9234/lFqG5ydrsb4.jpg

Yes! This is what struck me the most in Alina's SP performance today.

Alina seemed tense at the beginning, but while her routine progresses she grew more confident. She blossomed and got a blush on her face even
The relief on her face when she'd finished was almost palpable on screen.

And Eteri Georgyevna's long and motherly hug felt really heartfelt. I thought both of them were careful not to talk while the camera's were close.

I liked the small gesture of appreciation that Alina made when she saw her score, she probably studied this from the Japanese girls.

Now the immense pressure is lifted from Alina's shoulders (and from her trainers no doubt) she must consolidate her powers, determination and emotions to perform likewise in the free skate.
So I imagine she will cocoon herself in quietude and concentration again to be fully prepared for her biggest challenge since 2018 Olympic Games. Alina is made from The Right Stuff, she cannot crack, she must not crack, she will not crack. But that of course, is easy for us to say.

PS: Will all the Izhevsk and Khrustalniy' young skaters watch their brightest star skating live? Will they scream and cheer for Alina just as loud as the audience in Saitamo, where the house was packed? The kids need to rise very early though ...

 

[zenskate]

Alina leading in all the PCS
https://twitter.com/SkatingScores/status/1108363349555859456
and in Combo Jump & Step, leads on the Spins.
https://twitter.com/SkatingScores/status/1108360823716618246

 

[flanker]

Happiness

https://pp.userapi.com/c850620/v850620384/e111f/7GWvp0Si4Uk.jpg
https://pp.userapi.com/c847019/v847019141/1c9234/lFqG5ydrsb4.jpg

Thank you

 

[Elana]

All I can say is she finally hit that crescendo just perfectly coming out of the flip like she did the very first time we saw her skate this program back in the summer. I've been waiting for it all season, she's always been just a second behind it, not that it matters, but that was just the icing on the cake for me today A beautiful skate, exactly what I was expecting, very proud of her!

 

[Finley]

Besti is ready to join Team Zagitova! -

Natalya Bestemyanova commented on the Russian figure skaters:

- Zagitova was like a goddess. She skated fantastically and no one stands close in today's performances. Alina was definitely the best. A delightful program, it literally sparkled. Skated very vital, so everyone was worried about her. Wonderful skating.

https://www.sport-express.ru/figure-ska ... a-1525335 /

Meanwhile, Alina thanks her coaches for 'tolerating' her in the press conference. :dev3:

This has been a good day!

 

[flanker]

Besti is ready to join Team Zagitova! -

Natalya Bestemyanova commented on the Russian figure skaters:

- Zagitova was like a goddess. She skated fantastically and no one stands close in today's performances. Alina was definitely the best. A delightful program, it literally sparkled. Skated very vital, so everyone was worried about her. Wonderful skating.

https://www.sport-express.ru/figure-ska ... a-1525335 /

Meanwhile, Alina thanks her coaches for 'tolerating' her in the press conference. :dev3:

This has been a good day!

Too little too late, Bestemyanova!

 

[leilaraj]

LOL Bestemyanova jumping the bandwagon.. please be quite B, no one cares what you have to say
(even though everything she said was right)
I am sooooo happy for Alina, my feelings were all over the place watching her magical skating!

 

[paji15]

And then...smiles, happiness, content, and a warm hug with a friend. Because the relationship between Alina and Eteri grew so much over the entire season..

Right? Their relationship change A LOT throw the year. Eteri seemed to be close to Evgenia before, because she train her since a very little girl. I was a bit woried at the begining that Alina only move to her spot. But with Alina, the relationship now has totally different dynamic. Also, Alina is the only one who Eteri folow on instagram, she takes her with them to her birthday dinner. It's definitelly not because she is the only Russian senior lady in her group as some people try to claim. That hug today was more then just a relief in coach's arm. She also talk very close to her after kiss & cry (that's what Alina say about it's secret). They seems to share some a special bond. Nice bond. It look like she is not "just" coach but also a bit like her very respected friend and family which she is missing or something.

 

[Sam L]

Group hug guys. Our girl is so mentally strong. Prayer circle for the Free Skate.

 

[sx98423]

i was so happy about her sp i almost cried lmao

still praying that the fs goes well for her

 

[IndiaP12]

Alina was so confident, and there was a different manner about her. I didn't think there was a chance she would miss her 3Lz-3Lo combo while she was setting up for it, and I think everyone could see it in the practices too. Wonderful!

Did you notice she has a new setup too? She always used to do this leg swing opening thingy with her right leg. Now she ditched it her 3Lz+3Lo is looking much better.

 

[TheBallerina]

Group hug guys. Our girl is so mentally strong. Prayer circle for the Free Skate.

Sam

 

[Fluture]

Well done, Alina! She was on fire today.

 

[IndiaP12]

It was 12-1am when I was watching and I was silently going “yasss” and fist pumping in bed [emoji23] I hope Alina can stay focused and strong for the FS [emoji1374][emoji1374][emoji1374][emoji1374]

 

[Finley]

Too little too late, Bestemyanova!

Irina Slutskaya is apparently trying to go for the full on jinx by declaring that Alina will bring home gold.
I am very confused But not concerned because I have counteracted the power of the jinx with this -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7wKcJgsC4A

 

[Seruleane]

Alina was magnificent, and it was wonderful seeing her reaction coming off the ice and in the K&C. So thrilled for her!! :hap93:

ETA: Alina's SP- I believe with Elena Radionova commentating. Would love if our Russian speakers could help translate!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NS2JXEDymo

 

[Lechat]

Irina Slutskaya is apparently trying to go for the full on jinx by declaring that Alina will bring home gold.
I am very confused But not concerned because I have counteracted the power of the jinx with this -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7wKcJgsC4A

No matter the medal she is and will always be first in our heart and once a queen always a queen. Cross fingers for Friday when I think about it, it’s maybe the last time she will perform her Carmen program and the same for the phantom of opera. This competition must be special for Alina and I’m happy that she is feeling comfortable in Japan.

 

[patee]

Everything has been said by you guys, I just wanna say God save the Queen of Ice and fly her to the top of the Worlds on Friday!

Interview after the SP. She's just adorable :luv17:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muxM8xAoFec

 

[zenskate]

Alina's new bear

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvPDw1kHU-M/

Or should I say Masaru's new chew toy?

 

[Noreg16]

Alina was magnificent, and it was wonderful seeing her reaction coming off the ice and in the K&C. So thrilled for her!! :hap93:

ETA: Alina's SP- I believe with Elena Radionova commentating. Would love if our Russian speakers could help translate!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NS2JXEDymo

I skipped the guy coz im on my phone too much to type.
Lena said: Simply amazing, chic! You could see in Alina’s eyes she was ready for this program, how focused she was. Tbh from one look at Alina in starting position it was obvious today is HER day (lucky day). I think it’s gonna be a world record. Her combination 3lz3lo was so ideal, perfect, done with confidence, everything today had sharpness and confidence in it. I think Alina was 110% sure of her abilities today. Her team has done a very good job during past 2 months, ofc it’s too early to say but at least today Alina did 100%. Every girl on worlds did a good job, they fight, they don’t wanna give up. Honestly Alina was perfect today (in reply to a guy saying Alina got highest tcs and pcs)