- Joined
- Oct 22, 2022
Interesting to see several names so famous later showing up as juniors
Archive of newspaper articles
- Thread starter Walt FSHunter
- Start date
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2016
1983
All-Union Youth Individual and Team Figure Skating Competitions
All-Union Youth Individual and Team Figure Skating Competitions
NEW TRENDS: A COURSE ON COMPLEXITY
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 1, 1983)
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 1, 1983)
The All-Union Youth Individual and Team Figure Skating Competitions concluded in Tallinn. Their results generated great interest among coaches, choreographers, and sports organizers, as they eloquently demonstrated the potential of our figure skating.
Based on the results of this tournament, the coaches selected the USSR team that would compete in the Friendship Cup in April 1983, which will feature figure skaters from socialist countries. Candidates for the 1988 Olympic team emerged in several events.
A comprehensive review of the reserve team was held at the end of the season, when the young athletes had achieved good athletic form. Spectators saw the strongest juniors from 12 Soviet republics, as well as the cities of Moscow and Leningrad.
Both figure skaters who have long been taken note of by the national team's coaches, and athletes who had only recently entered the All-Union arena demonstrated highly versatile technique. For example, Muscovites E. Gordeeva and S. Grinkov (coach N. Shevalovskaya) excelled in pairs skating, while Kyiv's N. Gorbenko (coach L. Maslyukova) excelled in singles skating, Tbilisi's A. Torosyan (coach I. Japaridze), and Odessa's Viktor and Vladimir Petrenko (coach G. Zmeevskaya). Coaches A. Artyshchenko (Dnipropetrovsk), V. Tyukov (Tashkent), S. Moser (Kyiv), and V. Kaprov (Odessa) made significant contributions to the juniors' preparation.
Yes, there are many talented athletes, but now it's especially important to maintain the dynamic pace of skill development into the future. Much will depend on the talent of coaches and the attention of local sports leaders to the urgent needs of Olympic reserve schools. Currently, the schools need to strengthen their facilities, providing children's equipment and ice resurfacing machines.
Speaking about the challenges of skill, Alexandr VEDENIN, senior singles skating coach for the USSR Sports Committee, noted:
"In Tallinn, a large group of young people demonstrated a high level of technical sophistication. The composition of their routines meets modern standards, and in some cases, rivals the programs we saw from the USSR national figure skaters."
After this tournament, we're counting on the effective operation of the new figure skating center established in Tallinn. Estonia has experienced organizers and coaches, and the national federation is proactive.
It's also important to remember that the new trends that are characteristic of the senior echelon of masters immediately spread to junior training. Therefore, new criteria for extreme difficulty must be actively implemented in junior training, ensuring rapid mastery of all types of triple jumps. Unfortunately, the Leningrad school, operating on the ice at the Yubileiny Sports Palace, currently produces few interesting, promising singles skaters. Coaches from Odessa and Tbilisi could make a much greater contribution to the development of young masters.
The specialized groups created several years earlier proved successful in the 1983 season. They nominated a number of talented figure skaters for the USSR national team thanks to the energetic support of the central councils of sports societies. It seems that the success of the junior echelon will largely depend on the creative efforts of the coaches working with the children, as well as on more active support from the leaders of specialized groups.
Based on the results of this tournament, the coaches selected the USSR team that would compete in the Friendship Cup in April 1983, which will feature figure skaters from socialist countries. Candidates for the 1988 Olympic team emerged in several events.
A comprehensive review of the reserve team was held at the end of the season, when the young athletes had achieved good athletic form. Spectators saw the strongest juniors from 12 Soviet republics, as well as the cities of Moscow and Leningrad.
Both figure skaters who have long been taken note of by the national team's coaches, and athletes who had only recently entered the All-Union arena demonstrated highly versatile technique. For example, Muscovites E. Gordeeva and S. Grinkov (coach N. Shevalovskaya) excelled in pairs skating, while Kyiv's N. Gorbenko (coach L. Maslyukova) excelled in singles skating, Tbilisi's A. Torosyan (coach I. Japaridze), and Odessa's Viktor and Vladimir Petrenko (coach G. Zmeevskaya). Coaches A. Artyshchenko (Dnipropetrovsk), V. Tyukov (Tashkent), S. Moser (Kyiv), and V. Kaprov (Odessa) made significant contributions to the juniors' preparation.
Yes, there are many talented athletes, but now it's especially important to maintain the dynamic pace of skill development into the future. Much will depend on the talent of coaches and the attention of local sports leaders to the urgent needs of Olympic reserve schools. Currently, the schools need to strengthen their facilities, providing children's equipment and ice resurfacing machines.
Speaking about the challenges of skill, Alexandr VEDENIN, senior singles skating coach for the USSR Sports Committee, noted:
"In Tallinn, a large group of young people demonstrated a high level of technical sophistication. The composition of their routines meets modern standards, and in some cases, rivals the programs we saw from the USSR national figure skaters."
After this tournament, we're counting on the effective operation of the new figure skating center established in Tallinn. Estonia has experienced organizers and coaches, and the national federation is proactive.
It's also important to remember that the new trends that are characteristic of the senior echelon of masters immediately spread to junior training. Therefore, new criteria for extreme difficulty must be actively implemented in junior training, ensuring rapid mastery of all types of triple jumps. Unfortunately, the Leningrad school, operating on the ice at the Yubileiny Sports Palace, currently produces few interesting, promising singles skaters. Coaches from Odessa and Tbilisi could make a much greater contribution to the development of young masters.
The specialized groups created several years earlier proved successful in the 1983 season. They nominated a number of talented figure skaters for the USSR national team thanks to the energetic support of the central councils of sports societies. It seems that the success of the junior echelon will largely depend on the creative efforts of the coaches working with the children, as well as on more active support from the leaders of specialized groups.
Y. NOSKOV.
(Our Correspondent).
TALLINN.
(Our Correspondent).
TALLINN.
TECHNICAL RESULTS
All-Union Youth Individual and Team Figure Skating Competition. Tallinn. V.I. Lenin Palace of Culture and Sports. March 25-28.
Single skating. Junior women. 1. N. Gorbenko (Avangard, Ukraine); 2. T. Andreeva (trade unions, Leningrad); 3. E. Ryzhikova (CSKA). Junior men. 1. Viktor Petrenko (Avangard, Ukraine); 2. A. Torosyan (Gantiadi, Georgia); 3. Vladimir Petrenko (Avangard, Ukraine). Pair skating. 1. E. Gordeeva - S. Grinkov (CSKA); 2. I. Mironenko - D. Shkidchenko (trade unions, Ukraine); 3. E. Kvitchenko - D. Korneichenko ("Trud", Leningrad). Ice Dancing. 1. E. Krykanova - E. Platov ("Avangard", Ukraine); 2. I. Lace - A. Kisulenko ("Daugava", Latvia); 3. Ya. Ivanova - D. Smirnov (VS, RSFSR).
Team results, Group 1. 1. Ukraine - 121 points; 2. Moscow - 89; 3. Leningrad - 87; 4. RSFSR-1 - 74; 5. RSFSR-2 - 47.
Single skating. Junior women. 1. N. Gorbenko (Avangard, Ukraine); 2. T. Andreeva (trade unions, Leningrad); 3. E. Ryzhikova (CSKA). Junior men. 1. Viktor Petrenko (Avangard, Ukraine); 2. A. Torosyan (Gantiadi, Georgia); 3. Vladimir Petrenko (Avangard, Ukraine). Pair skating. 1. E. Gordeeva - S. Grinkov (CSKA); 2. I. Mironenko - D. Shkidchenko (trade unions, Ukraine); 3. E. Kvitchenko - D. Korneichenko ("Trud", Leningrad). Ice Dancing. 1. E. Krykanova - E. Platov ("Avangard", Ukraine); 2. I. Lace - A. Kisulenko ("Daugava", Latvia); 3. Ya. Ivanova - D. Smirnov (VS, RSFSR).
Team results, Group 1. 1. Ukraine - 121 points; 2. Moscow - 89; 3. Leningrad - 87; 4. RSFSR-1 - 74; 5. RSFSR-2 - 47.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2016
1983
USSR CUP
USSR CUP
FIGURE SKATING
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 7, 1983)
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 7, 1983)
KRASNOYARSK. An unusual silence reigns at the Yenisei Sports Palace. Figure skaters painstakingly trace geometric shapes on the shiny ice surface. Fifteen men, participants in the USSR Figure Skating Cup, began their competition with a "school" routine.
The coaches' faces are filled with concern as they watch their students. I wonder what they're thinking about? Let's listen, for example, to Honored Coach of the USSR Viktor Kudryavtsev:
"Two of my students are competing here—sixteen-year-old Alexander Vaskovsky and Viktor Oralnov. This is Alexander's first appearance at the National Cup, but he strives to demonstrate his full skill, regardless of authority. A strong-willed guy, he immediately managed to break into the top six. Oralnov, perhaps, overreacted; he was too reserved. In my opinion, he didn't fully realize his potential. This is a classic example of underestimating psychological preparation..."
After the first day, the leaders were Leonid Kaznakov (Leningrad), Gurgen Vardanyan (Moscow), and Tbilisi's Badri Kurashvili.
Quick commentary from All-Union category judge Lyudmila Kubashevskaya:
The competition conditions in Krasnoyarsk are very good. Among the leading skaters, the results are strong. However, unfortunately, the overall performance level of the "school" is not high enough, even among the top athletes. In all-around competition, the role of "school" still has a noticeable impact on results. I note that the competition in the National Cup will be fierce, given that several athletes have prepared very impressive short and free programs...
The coaches' faces are filled with concern as they watch their students. I wonder what they're thinking about? Let's listen, for example, to Honored Coach of the USSR Viktor Kudryavtsev:
"Two of my students are competing here—sixteen-year-old Alexander Vaskovsky and Viktor Oralnov. This is Alexander's first appearance at the National Cup, but he strives to demonstrate his full skill, regardless of authority. A strong-willed guy, he immediately managed to break into the top six. Oralnov, perhaps, overreacted; he was too reserved. In my opinion, he didn't fully realize his potential. This is a classic example of underestimating psychological preparation..."
After the first day, the leaders were Leonid Kaznakov (Leningrad), Gurgen Vardanyan (Moscow), and Tbilisi's Badri Kurashvili.
Quick commentary from All-Union category judge Lyudmila Kubashevskaya:
The competition conditions in Krasnoyarsk are very good. Among the leading skaters, the results are strong. However, unfortunately, the overall performance level of the "school" is not high enough, even among the top athletes. In all-around competition, the role of "school" still has a noticeable impact on results. I note that the competition in the National Cup will be fierce, given that several athletes have prepared very impressive short and free programs...
A. KASATKIN
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2022
Some about-to-be famous names, and some never heard of again. Interesting!
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2016
1983
USSR CUP
USSR CUP
LENINGRADERS SET THE TONE
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 8, 1983)
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 8, 1983)
The USSR Cup figure skating competition continues at the Yenisei Sports Palace in Krasnoyarsk. Eleven pairs are competing for the prestigious prize. The Palace hall was filled to capacity during the short program. And it must be said that the competition between the young duets (and this time the leaders of our team are absent) turned out to be exciting and quite intense.
Debutants E. Prozorovskaya and B. Khristenko from Kyiv deserve special praise. They performed their piece with passion and speed. The young pair's performance was warmly received by both the audience and the judges. The Kyiv team's scores—from 5.0 to 5.3—must be considered an achievement in such a prestigious tournament.
This season, Leningraders T. Khotsko and O. Efimov made a successful debut. And this time, they left a pleasant impression on the Krasnoyarsk ice. The composition of coach A. Vlasov's students is distinguished by excellent taste. It should be noted that the compositions created by the coach reflect the erudition and broad outlook of a young specialist who continues his fruitful studies at the A. V. Lunacharsky State Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS) in the department of ballet coaches.
This was especially evident in the program of his current students, International Masters of Sports N. Chervotkina and V. Teslia. Their performance was distinguished by its high choreographic culture. Both the consistent technique of the required elements and the vibrant execution of the musical composition ensured their success. These athletes led the pack.
That evening, Sverdlovsk coaches Yulia and Ardo Rennik received congratulations. Their students, A. Malgina and S. Korovin, understand each other perfectly. Coordination, drive, smooth gliding, and consistent technique are the strengths of their program. Ultimately, Malgina and Korovin took second place in the tournament standings. Third place went to coach T. Moskvina's students, Leningrad masters E. Bechke and V. Kornienko. They confidently performed their program to the tune of Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody.
After the competition, I asked Vladimir Kaprov, the All-Union category judge, to share his impressions. Here's what he said:
"The competition was fierce. All participants mastered the elements of the short program. This fact convincingly demonstrates the progress being made in the training of young figure skaters. In pairs skating, our centers are represented across a wide range of locations: Moscow, Leningrad, Sverdlovsk, Kyiv, Tashkent, and Nevinnomyssk. Therefore, coaches are currently actively searching for talented young people. It's clear they're working hard to improve the quality of their training. The tournament is off to an optimistic start."
Debutants E. Prozorovskaya and B. Khristenko from Kyiv deserve special praise. They performed their piece with passion and speed. The young pair's performance was warmly received by both the audience and the judges. The Kyiv team's scores—from 5.0 to 5.3—must be considered an achievement in such a prestigious tournament.
This season, Leningraders T. Khotsko and O. Efimov made a successful debut. And this time, they left a pleasant impression on the Krasnoyarsk ice. The composition of coach A. Vlasov's students is distinguished by excellent taste. It should be noted that the compositions created by the coach reflect the erudition and broad outlook of a young specialist who continues his fruitful studies at the A. V. Lunacharsky State Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS) in the department of ballet coaches.
This was especially evident in the program of his current students, International Masters of Sports N. Chervotkina and V. Teslia. Their performance was distinguished by its high choreographic culture. Both the consistent technique of the required elements and the vibrant execution of the musical composition ensured their success. These athletes led the pack.
That evening, Sverdlovsk coaches Yulia and Ardo Rennik received congratulations. Their students, A. Malgina and S. Korovin, understand each other perfectly. Coordination, drive, smooth gliding, and consistent technique are the strengths of their program. Ultimately, Malgina and Korovin took second place in the tournament standings. Third place went to coach T. Moskvina's students, Leningrad masters E. Bechke and V. Kornienko. They confidently performed their program to the tune of Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody.
After the competition, I asked Vladimir Kaprov, the All-Union category judge, to share his impressions. Here's what he said:
"The competition was fierce. All participants mastered the elements of the short program. This fact convincingly demonstrates the progress being made in the training of young figure skaters. In pairs skating, our centers are represented across a wide range of locations: Moscow, Leningrad, Sverdlovsk, Kyiv, Tashkent, and Nevinnomyssk. Therefore, coaches are currently actively searching for talented young people. It's clear they're working hard to improve the quality of their training. The tournament is off to an optimistic start."
A. KASATKIN.
(Our correspondent).
KRASNOYARSK.(Our correspondent).
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2016
1983
USSR CUP
USSR CUP
YOUNG COACHES' HOPES
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 9, 1983)
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 9, 1983)
The second day of the USSR Figure Skating Cup clarified the standings in both the women's and men's events.
In the women's compulsory events, Dynamo skater K. Ivanova from the Moscow Region led the pack. She was followed by M. Serova, A. Antonova, S. Frantsuzova (all from Leningrad), and L. Yashchuk from Kyіv.
In ice dancing, L. Pakhomova's students, Muscovites N. Annenko and G. Sretensky, demonstrated high technique. They performed all three compulsory dances confidently and beautifully, taking the overall lead.
"This duo has been training in my group since July of last year," Pakhomova explained. "Their first serious competition was in November at an international tournament in Canada, where they took third place. They then competed in international tournaments in Yugoslavia, Switzerland, and Bulgaria. They won all three competitions. I'd like to point out that the current Cup competition is very interesting, as it thoroughly tests the strength of our reserve team..."
The men's short program competition, as experts predicted, was intense. A. Zakaryan (Leningrad), A. Vakhmintsev (Krasnoyarsk), G. Vardanyan and A. Lavrov (Moscow), S. Mkhitaryan (Yerevan), A. Efremov (Karaganda), and B. Kurashvili (Tbilisi) pleased the judges. But there was still one more performance to go: by the draw, competition leader L. Kaznakov would close the figure skating show. Will he be able to retain the leadership?
Before the short program, I spoke with Kaznakov's coach, the renowned former figure skater Yuri Ovchinnikov.
"Leonid has been training with me for three years," Yuri said. "He's a serious guy who always strives to achieve the best possible results. I don't really dictate my will to him. Let him try to create on his own. That's my principle. I'm more attracted to people who are independent. But when it comes to putting ideas into practice, that's when a coach's help is needed. Although Leonid is on the national team, don't be fooled by that. There are guys stronger than him. And to catch up, Leonid still has a lot of work to do..."Kaznakov delivered an unconventional program, executed with exceptional artistry, and found himself a step above his competitors.
Kaznakov leads the skating competition in the compulsories and short program, with G. Vardanyan in second place and B. Kurashvili in third.
In the women's compulsory events, Dynamo skater K. Ivanova from the Moscow Region led the pack. She was followed by M. Serova, A. Antonova, S. Frantsuzova (all from Leningrad), and L. Yashchuk from Kyіv.
In ice dancing, L. Pakhomova's students, Muscovites N. Annenko and G. Sretensky, demonstrated high technique. They performed all three compulsory dances confidently and beautifully, taking the overall lead.
"This duo has been training in my group since July of last year," Pakhomova explained. "Their first serious competition was in November at an international tournament in Canada, where they took third place. They then competed in international tournaments in Yugoslavia, Switzerland, and Bulgaria. They won all three competitions. I'd like to point out that the current Cup competition is very interesting, as it thoroughly tests the strength of our reserve team..."
The men's short program competition, as experts predicted, was intense. A. Zakaryan (Leningrad), A. Vakhmintsev (Krasnoyarsk), G. Vardanyan and A. Lavrov (Moscow), S. Mkhitaryan (Yerevan), A. Efremov (Karaganda), and B. Kurashvili (Tbilisi) pleased the judges. But there was still one more performance to go: by the draw, competition leader L. Kaznakov would close the figure skating show. Will he be able to retain the leadership?
Before the short program, I spoke with Kaznakov's coach, the renowned former figure skater Yuri Ovchinnikov.
"Leonid has been training with me for three years," Yuri said. "He's a serious guy who always strives to achieve the best possible results. I don't really dictate my will to him. Let him try to create on his own. That's my principle. I'm more attracted to people who are independent. But when it comes to putting ideas into practice, that's when a coach's help is needed. Although Leonid is on the national team, don't be fooled by that. There are guys stronger than him. And to catch up, Leonid still has a lot of work to do..."Kaznakov delivered an unconventional program, executed with exceptional artistry, and found himself a step above his competitors.
Kaznakov leads the skating competition in the compulsories and short program, with G. Vardanyan in second place and B. Kurashvili in third.
A. KASATKIN.
(Our Correspondent).
KRASNOYARSK.(Our Correspondent).
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2016
1983
USSR CUP
USSR CUP
LESSONS ON THE ICE AND BEHIND THE SCENES
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 10, 1983)
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 10, 1983)
The third day of the USSR Figure Skating Cup was just as intense as the previous ones. The morning program featured dance couples performing an original routine.
…After the results were announced, I happened to observe a curious scene in the foyer. Lyudmila Pakhomova, having thrown off her coat, was dancing with one of the skaters. Smiling and very kindly, she was showing her partner the elements he hadn't quite mastered that morning. The guy was all ears, trying not to miss a single move. It was understandable. After all, you don't get such lessons every day, and they're obviously memorable.
That day, Lyudmila Pakhomova was not let down by her students, Muscovites Natalia Annenko (VS) and Genrikh Sretensky (VS, "Trud"). They performed an original dance with flying colors and cemented their lead. Second place in the standings goes to Dynamo Moscow skaters Tatyana Kuzmina and Igor Chinyaev. Third place goes to Moscow skaters Maya Usova and Aleksandr Zhulin (Spartak).
But while the morning started on a positive note, the same couldn't be said for the figure skaters' performance that afternoon. The women's short program proved to be a rare weak point. Only Kira Ivanova from the Moscow Region (Dynamo) mastered all the elements of the program and took the win. I asked international judge Igor Kuzmin to comment on this competition:
"As we know, the short program is a very demanding event. Only two athletes—Kira Ivanova and Anna Antonova (SC Bolshevik, Leningrad)—showed a high level of skating. Unfortunately, Antonova made a disappointing mistake in her cascade and was unable to place higher. As for the other skaters, they were unable to compete with the leading athletes. Although many had well-composed programs, technical flaws let them down. Suffice it to say that of the 15 athletes, only Ivanova avoided a breakdown. Nine girls failed to land the double axel."
The pairs skating competition concluded late in the evening with the free program. The following athletes received high marks from the judges: N. Chervotkina and V. Teslya (SC Bolshevik, Leningrad), E. Bechke and V. Kornienko (Spartak, Leningrad), A. Malgina and S. Korovin (Burevestnik, Sverdlovsk), Yu. Bystrova (VS) and A. Tarasov (Burevestnik, both from Sverdlovsk). They finished in this order in the all-around total.
I asked Vladimir Kaprov, a judge for the All-Union category, to share his impressions:
"The evening was simply wonderful. Most of the participants successfully completed all the elements. It's encouraging that the programs presented included side-by-side jumps of 2.5 and 3 rotations, as well as throws of 2.5 rotations. The programs were no less challenging than those we see at the World Championships. The challenge now is to achieve consistency and purity in speed skating. I'd like to encourage our young skaters to master complex elements quickly and persistently strive for originality."
The competition taking place in Krasnoyarsk is a team competition between voluntary sports societies and government agencies. I asked Valery Rogov, head coach of the Dynamo Central Council, to comment on his team's performance:
Seventeen Dynamo alumni are defending their honor. I think the guys are performing well. Kira Ivanova was a pleasant surprise. Among the top five are G. Vardanyan (Moscow), B. Kurashvili (Tbilisi), and V. Oralnov (Moscow) among the men. Among the women, O. Chudinova (Moscow Region) and Zh. Chubenko (Tallinn) are among the top five.
Our junior pair from Kyiv, E. Prozorovskaya and B. Khristenko, competed at such a major competition for the first time. They demonstrated exceptional focus in pairs skating and took fifth place. In ice dancing, T. Kuzmina and I. Chinyaev (Moscow) placed second. So, it can be concluded that a whole group of searching coaches has emerged in our society, working creatively with young people. Among them are V. Retivykh (Tbilisi), T. Valgemäe (Tallinn), S. Moser (Kyiv), and A. Belyaeva (Moscow). Considering the geographical breadth of the centers, the overall picture is quite favorable. However, demands are growing every year, and complacency is absolutely unacceptable. Bright, original talents are needed.
…After the results were announced, I happened to observe a curious scene in the foyer. Lyudmila Pakhomova, having thrown off her coat, was dancing with one of the skaters. Smiling and very kindly, she was showing her partner the elements he hadn't quite mastered that morning. The guy was all ears, trying not to miss a single move. It was understandable. After all, you don't get such lessons every day, and they're obviously memorable.
That day, Lyudmila Pakhomova was not let down by her students, Muscovites Natalia Annenko (VS) and Genrikh Sretensky (VS, "Trud"). They performed an original dance with flying colors and cemented their lead. Second place in the standings goes to Dynamo Moscow skaters Tatyana Kuzmina and Igor Chinyaev. Third place goes to Moscow skaters Maya Usova and Aleksandr Zhulin (Spartak).
But while the morning started on a positive note, the same couldn't be said for the figure skaters' performance that afternoon. The women's short program proved to be a rare weak point. Only Kira Ivanova from the Moscow Region (Dynamo) mastered all the elements of the program and took the win. I asked international judge Igor Kuzmin to comment on this competition:
"As we know, the short program is a very demanding event. Only two athletes—Kira Ivanova and Anna Antonova (SC Bolshevik, Leningrad)—showed a high level of skating. Unfortunately, Antonova made a disappointing mistake in her cascade and was unable to place higher. As for the other skaters, they were unable to compete with the leading athletes. Although many had well-composed programs, technical flaws let them down. Suffice it to say that of the 15 athletes, only Ivanova avoided a breakdown. Nine girls failed to land the double axel."
The pairs skating competition concluded late in the evening with the free program. The following athletes received high marks from the judges: N. Chervotkina and V. Teslya (SC Bolshevik, Leningrad), E. Bechke and V. Kornienko (Spartak, Leningrad), A. Malgina and S. Korovin (Burevestnik, Sverdlovsk), Yu. Bystrova (VS) and A. Tarasov (Burevestnik, both from Sverdlovsk). They finished in this order in the all-around total.
I asked Vladimir Kaprov, a judge for the All-Union category, to share his impressions:
"The evening was simply wonderful. Most of the participants successfully completed all the elements. It's encouraging that the programs presented included side-by-side jumps of 2.5 and 3 rotations, as well as throws of 2.5 rotations. The programs were no less challenging than those we see at the World Championships. The challenge now is to achieve consistency and purity in speed skating. I'd like to encourage our young skaters to master complex elements quickly and persistently strive for originality."
The competition taking place in Krasnoyarsk is a team competition between voluntary sports societies and government agencies. I asked Valery Rogov, head coach of the Dynamo Central Council, to comment on his team's performance:
Seventeen Dynamo alumni are defending their honor. I think the guys are performing well. Kira Ivanova was a pleasant surprise. Among the top five are G. Vardanyan (Moscow), B. Kurashvili (Tbilisi), and V. Oralnov (Moscow) among the men. Among the women, O. Chudinova (Moscow Region) and Zh. Chubenko (Tallinn) are among the top five.
Our junior pair from Kyiv, E. Prozorovskaya and B. Khristenko, competed at such a major competition for the first time. They demonstrated exceptional focus in pairs skating and took fifth place. In ice dancing, T. Kuzmina and I. Chinyaev (Moscow) placed second. So, it can be concluded that a whole group of searching coaches has emerged in our society, working creatively with young people. Among them are V. Retivykh (Tbilisi), T. Valgemäe (Tallinn), S. Moser (Kyiv), and A. Belyaeva (Moscow). Considering the geographical breadth of the centers, the overall picture is quite favorable. However, demands are growing every year, and complacency is absolutely unacceptable. Bright, original talents are needed.
A. KASATKIN.
(Our Correspondent).
KRASNOYARSK.
(Our Correspondent).
KRASNOYARSK.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2016
1983
USSR CUP
USSR CUP
Dynamo Team's Fighting Spirit
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 12, 1983)
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 12, 1983)
The USSR Figure Skating Cup competition concluded in Krasnoyarsk. The Dynamo team won the prestigious prize.
The men's singles final came as a surprise. The day before, almost no one doubted L. Kaznakov (Leningrad), who was leading after two all-around events, would win. Kaznakov began his free skate confidently. But that clarity was suddenly lost – one mistake, then another... And the ease and casualness of his movements immediately disappeared.
This situation was exploited to great effect by his opponents, G. Vardanyan (Moscow), B. Kurashvili (Tbilisi), and S. Mkhitaryan (Yerevan). Their performances were vibrant and engaging. And it became clear to everyone: Kaznakov had lost.
Vardanyan, a student of Honored Coach of the USSR E. Tchaikovskaya, received high scores of 5.4 to 5.7 points for his program. He took first place not only in the free skate but also in the all-around. Kaznakov, who had placed fifth in the free skate, ultimately finished fourth. A disappointing and instructive defeat.
Former World Champion in Single Skating Vladimir Kovalev has this to say:
"I'm pleased to note that the young skaters fought with great determination in the absence of the team's leaders. G. Vardanyan, B. Kurashvili, and S. Mkhitaryan all demonstrated a fighting spirit. But they need thorough psychological preparation, so our reserve team needs to be tested more often at international tournaments.
Unfortunately, we have few representative all-Union tournaments, so young masters rarely meet each other. And high-level competitions are the best school for mastery."
In the women's competition, K. Ivanova (Moscow Region) confidently executed her program. However, the performances of the other skaters, A. Antonova and M. Serova (both from Leningrad), were also distinguished by their compositional completeness and great complexity. They sought to merge technical mastery with the art of choreography.
Antonova managed to beat Ivanova in the free skate and took first place. However, K. Ivanova won the all-around.
In ice dancing, there were no changes in the leading group. Muscovites N. Annenko and G. Sretensky danced excellently. The result – first place.
Olympic champion Lyudmila Pakhomova's comment:
This has been a very challenging season for Annenko and Sretensky, who had to fight for both a podium finish and their standing with the judges at every major tournament. The dancers demonstrated resilience and withstood all the challenges. In the new season, we will be challenging this duo to the greatest possible challenges.
It's gratifying to note that a new prize—for athletic progress—was awarded to Krasnoyarsk skater A. Vakhmintsev, who became the first Master of Sport in figure skating in the Krasnoyarsk Territory.
An all-Union meeting of figure skating coaches and specialists was held in Krasnoyarsk. New goals for improving the technical skills of our skaters were identified, and issues related to the all-Union competition calendar were discussed.
The men's singles final came as a surprise. The day before, almost no one doubted L. Kaznakov (Leningrad), who was leading after two all-around events, would win. Kaznakov began his free skate confidently. But that clarity was suddenly lost – one mistake, then another... And the ease and casualness of his movements immediately disappeared.
This situation was exploited to great effect by his opponents, G. Vardanyan (Moscow), B. Kurashvili (Tbilisi), and S. Mkhitaryan (Yerevan). Their performances were vibrant and engaging. And it became clear to everyone: Kaznakov had lost.
Vardanyan, a student of Honored Coach of the USSR E. Tchaikovskaya, received high scores of 5.4 to 5.7 points for his program. He took first place not only in the free skate but also in the all-around. Kaznakov, who had placed fifth in the free skate, ultimately finished fourth. A disappointing and instructive defeat.
Former World Champion in Single Skating Vladimir Kovalev has this to say:
"I'm pleased to note that the young skaters fought with great determination in the absence of the team's leaders. G. Vardanyan, B. Kurashvili, and S. Mkhitaryan all demonstrated a fighting spirit. But they need thorough psychological preparation, so our reserve team needs to be tested more often at international tournaments.
Unfortunately, we have few representative all-Union tournaments, so young masters rarely meet each other. And high-level competitions are the best school for mastery."
In the women's competition, K. Ivanova (Moscow Region) confidently executed her program. However, the performances of the other skaters, A. Antonova and M. Serova (both from Leningrad), were also distinguished by their compositional completeness and great complexity. They sought to merge technical mastery with the art of choreography.
Antonova managed to beat Ivanova in the free skate and took first place. However, K. Ivanova won the all-around.
In ice dancing, there were no changes in the leading group. Muscovites N. Annenko and G. Sretensky danced excellently. The result – first place.
Olympic champion Lyudmila Pakhomova's comment:
This has been a very challenging season for Annenko and Sretensky, who had to fight for both a podium finish and their standing with the judges at every major tournament. The dancers demonstrated resilience and withstood all the challenges. In the new season, we will be challenging this duo to the greatest possible challenges.
It's gratifying to note that a new prize—for athletic progress—was awarded to Krasnoyarsk skater A. Vakhmintsev, who became the first Master of Sport in figure skating in the Krasnoyarsk Territory.
An all-Union meeting of figure skating coaches and specialists was held in Krasnoyarsk. New goals for improving the technical skills of our skaters were identified, and issues related to the all-Union competition calendar were discussed.
A. KASATKIN.
(Our Correspondent).
KRASNOYARSK.(Our Correspondent).
TECHNICAL RESULTS
USSR Figure Skating Cup. Krasnoyarsk. Yenisei Sports Palace, April 6-10.
Singles. Women. 1. K. Ivanova (Dynamo, Moscow Region); 2. A. Antonova (SC Bolshevik, Leningrad); 3. M. Serova (Spartak, Leningrad). Men. 1. G. Vardanyan (“Dynamo”, Moscow); 2. B. Kurashvili (Dynamo, Tbilisi); 3. S. Mkhitaryan (“Petrel”, Yerevan). Ice Dancing. 1. N. Annenko - G. Sretensky (“Trud”, VS, Moscow); 2. N. Kuzmina - I. Chinyaev (Dynamo, Moscow); 3. M. Usova - A. Zhulin (Spartak, Moscow).
Team results. First group: 1. Dynamo - 132 points, 2. Zenit - 67; 3. Trud-1 - 49. Second group: 1. Spartak - 86; 2. Trud-2 - 54; 3. Burevestnik - 49.
Singles. Women. 1. K. Ivanova (Dynamo, Moscow Region); 2. A. Antonova (SC Bolshevik, Leningrad); 3. M. Serova (Spartak, Leningrad). Men. 1. G. Vardanyan (“Dynamo”, Moscow); 2. B. Kurashvili (Dynamo, Tbilisi); 3. S. Mkhitaryan (“Petrel”, Yerevan). Ice Dancing. 1. N. Annenko - G. Sretensky (“Trud”, VS, Moscow); 2. N. Kuzmina - I. Chinyaev (Dynamo, Moscow); 3. M. Usova - A. Zhulin (Spartak, Moscow).
Team results. First group: 1. Dynamo - 132 points, 2. Zenit - 67; 3. Trud-1 - 49. Second group: 1. Spartak - 86; 2. Trud-2 - 54; 3. Burevestnik - 49.
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2022
Always sad to read about Kira Ivanova's successes, knowing about her eventual murder which I believe was never solved.
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2016
1983
ECHO OF THE SEASON
ECHO OF THE SEASON
"Ice artists" chart the course for the future
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 13, 1983)
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 13, 1983)
The pre-Olympic season is rightly called the key season in the four-year cycle, as it reveals both the decisive balance of power and the main trends for the future. And for figure skaters, it was exceptionally important and crucial, which is why we saw so many difficult yet almost flawless programs and so many new features at the major competitions. The 1983 season was also rich in surprises, presented by debutants on the national teams.
Here are a few interesting details. At the World Championships in Helsinki, serious setbacks were experienced by 1982 World Champion E. Zayak (USA), who dropped out of the competition after the "school" stage, and 1983 European Champion K. Witt (GDR), who only finished eighth in the "school" stage. At the same time, new names appeared in the table of ranks: B. Orser (Canada) in the men's tournament, K. Leistner (FRG) in the women's competition, B. Underhill and P. Martini (Canada) in pair skating.
Figure skating is on the verge of a new qualitative leap forward. Many new technical advances have been achieved. Now, not just one, but four or five skaters are attacking a 3,5-rotation jump. Pairs are executing triple jumps and triple twists without much effort.
The singles skaters' programs became somewhat akin to dance, full of fire and passion. In this regard, true exemplary performances were provided by masters such as A. Fadeev (USSR) in his short program, European champion N. Schramm (FRG), world champion S. Hamilton (USA), and our figure skaters V. Kotin and A. Kondrashova in their free skates.
Another unique feature: today, the world's leading figure skaters have learned to perform complex routines virtually without a single error! And this is happening while actively mastering ultra-c elements in singles and pairs skating. For example, the new USSR men's champion, A. Fadeev, demonstrated flawless triple jump technique in five variations. Furthermore, on the ice in Dortmund, he flawlessly executed a triple axel, and on the ice in Helsinki, a quadruple jump (albeit with an error). In this regard, only two skaters could compete with Fadeev: B. Orser (Canada) and J. Sabovcik (Czechoslovakia).
Our team emerged from the trials of the pre-Olympic year with flying colors. We remember its highs, when the team won three gold medals. But we also haven't forgotten last year's season, when our skaters didn't win a single gold medal. They have now won one gold, three silver, and one bronze medal at the European Championships, and one gold, silver, and bronze at the World Championships. New World Champions E. Valova and O. Vasiliev, and new European Champions N. Bestemianova and A. Bukin, have continued our school's tradition with their victories. The flawless programs of E. Vodorezova, A. Fadeev, O. Volozhinskaya, and A. Svinin clearly strengthened the team's power.
Yes, the rate of skill growth is encouraging. But it's too early to optimistically conclude that the generational change problem has already been solved.
In the 1983 season, one-third of the USSR national team's roster was renewed. Our debutants, Valova and Vasiliev, won the world championship on their first attempt, Muscovite A. Kondrashova took fifth place at the European and World Championships, and two young ice dancing couples, M. Klimova and S. Ponomarenko, E. Batanova and A. Soloviev left the most encouraging impression, finishing fourth at the European Championships and eighth at the World Championships, respectively. Another debutant pair, M. Avstriyskaya and Yu. Kvashnin, took fifth place at the European Championships in Dortmund.
So, nine figure skaters tested their skills at the highest level, and quite successfully.
From 1979 to 1981, E. Vodorezova was absent from the national team due to illness. But now she's returned to the ice rink, and what she accomplished can rightfully be called a sporting feat. Lena displayed the best qualities of an all-around skater—composure, virtuoso technique, and a will to win. She achieved top results in the "school" (first place in Dortmund, third in Helsinki) and in the short program (third places in Dortmund and Helsinki).
It seems the flawless execution of their programs was one of the main reasons for the remarkable success of the new world pairs champions, Valova and Vasiliev. A curious situation developed on the Helsinki ice: the performance of the East German team's leaders, S. Baess and T. Thierbach, was almost technically perfect. Our masters were equally confident in their triple jumps, triple twists, and flawless spins. But the balance was tipped in their favor by a more harmonious program, which exuded emotion, expressiveness, and a uniquely joyful spirit.
It's important to note that both Valova and Vasiliev came to pairs skating as experienced figure skaters, masters of singles skating. Valova was accepted into the group of Honored Coach of the USSR Tatyana Moskvina at age 15, and Vasiliev at 19. Today, they can no longer be considered mere executors of their coach's plans. Moskvina herself emphasized that during the '83 season, her students demonstrated their creative potential, capable of actively creating new things. It's telling that after the competitions in Dortmund, Valova and Vasiliev, on their coach's advice, changed the composition of their short program within days, making it more expressive and spectacular.
The gold medal in pairs skating confirms that our duos' overall training program is on track. The 1983 season highlighted the strengths of the reserve team. In the autumn, the young duos of the USSR national team won five international tournaments (in the USA, Holland, England, France, and West Germany).
Meanwhile, M. Pestova and S. Leonovich didn't perform particularly well at the World Championships, and V. Pershina and M. Akbarov didn't perform well at the European Championships. While they retained their places in the world's top six, these experienced athletes failed to make any significant progress.
Clearly, methodologically, pairs training needs to be conducted in various areas, not limited to early specialization. The most effective approach is to develop figure skaters in comprehensive schools that simultaneously train both singles and pairs (incidentally, this has been clearly demonstrated by the experience of leading schools in Moscow, Leningrad, and Sverdlovsk.) A number of experts are proposing the experimental introduction of three programs to stimulate the search for original technical elements. This is a constructive idea with great potential.
In ice dancing, England's J. Torvill and Ch. Dean won three consecutive world championships, but each season they tackled the challenge of creative growth differently. In the 1981 season, their primary weapons were their highly technical skating and precise execution of their compulsory dances. At the same time, the duo was inferior to the Soviet masters in terms of artistry and emotion. Therefore, the 1982 tournaments saw a shift in emphasis: the English team focused all their efforts on the expressiveness of their free skate.
In the 1983 season, the British ice dancers completely embraced the idea of originality in their free program, as well as the dances that preceded it. The inclusion of elements borrowed from acrobatics and circus acts in the program marked another direction in the development of ice dance. It's possible that some of these new elements will be incorporated into the ice dancers' repertoire. The question is, what will be the ISU Ice Dance Sport Committee's attitude toward all programs with an acrobatic focus? Will such a trend undermine the danceability and musicality of future compositions?
So far, the judges in Helsinki have been unanimous, giving the world champions a 6.0. Perhaps they wanted to avoid heated debate in the first round. But I think the debate will flare up again at the next European Championships in Budapest in 1984.
I'd like to emphasize that Torvill and Dean are not pioneers in the creation of eccentric dance. A number of unique techniques and elements had already been performed in their early programs by current European champions Bestemianova and Bukin. And to some extent, the Englishmen adopted their opponents' techniques. In fact, there is a constant mutual enrichment of programs with ideas and plastic means.
Bestemianova and Bukin put forth great effort in the 1983 season to achieve the highest level of performance in both the compulsory dances and the free dance. At the same time, they emerged as a daring and eccentric duo, with a love of the grotesque in their dance. This is a testament to the steadfast direction chosen by coach T. Tarasova.
And yet, even our all-around leaders still have untapped potential.
What can we say about those following them? E. Batanova and A. Solovyov's free skate captivated with its impeccable taste and musicality. M. Klimova and S. Ponomarenko delighted with their purity of line and coherence. But much remains to be done to reveal the originality of these duets’ styles, so that their technique can shine in all its facets in all three sections of the competition.
Two versions of compulsory dances are currently being introduced at the World Championships, European Championships, and the Olympics. Three days before the start, a draw will determine the competition version. This means that only top-notch technique will provide the key to performing the six compulsory dances, taking into account the individuality of the partners. Innovations in ice dance will require coaches to have a deeper understanding of modern techniques and the laws of musical art.
In a letter to the editor, readers S. Akulov and L. Akulova (Novosibirsk Oblast) pose a very pressing question: "Where are you, the proud Russian Kalinka that rings out across the world?" The question is not only about the specific Kalinka, but also about the choice of strategic direction, the bold development of our traditions, and musical exploration.
In their letters, figure skating fans rightly point out that the field of musical exploration is being unjustifiably narrowed. Many striking melodies were created in Soviet musical art, but so few of these works have been adopted by our figure skaters. For some reason, coaches are less willing than before to turn to the rich heritage of folk music, in particular to Russian folk melodies, full of energy and cheerfulness.
Perhaps it would make sense to establish special prizes at our internal tournaments for compositions that successfully utilize melodies from both folklore heritage and works by contemporary Soviet composers?
The season's results once again confirmed: success comes when honed skill is combined with inspiration, generous emotion, artistry, and a high level of choreographic culture.
Here are a few interesting details. At the World Championships in Helsinki, serious setbacks were experienced by 1982 World Champion E. Zayak (USA), who dropped out of the competition after the "school" stage, and 1983 European Champion K. Witt (GDR), who only finished eighth in the "school" stage. At the same time, new names appeared in the table of ranks: B. Orser (Canada) in the men's tournament, K. Leistner (FRG) in the women's competition, B. Underhill and P. Martini (Canada) in pair skating.
Figure skating is on the verge of a new qualitative leap forward. Many new technical advances have been achieved. Now, not just one, but four or five skaters are attacking a 3,5-rotation jump. Pairs are executing triple jumps and triple twists without much effort.
The singles skaters' programs became somewhat akin to dance, full of fire and passion. In this regard, true exemplary performances were provided by masters such as A. Fadeev (USSR) in his short program, European champion N. Schramm (FRG), world champion S. Hamilton (USA), and our figure skaters V. Kotin and A. Kondrashova in their free skates.
Another unique feature: today, the world's leading figure skaters have learned to perform complex routines virtually without a single error! And this is happening while actively mastering ultra-c elements in singles and pairs skating. For example, the new USSR men's champion, A. Fadeev, demonstrated flawless triple jump technique in five variations. Furthermore, on the ice in Dortmund, he flawlessly executed a triple axel, and on the ice in Helsinki, a quadruple jump (albeit with an error). In this regard, only two skaters could compete with Fadeev: B. Orser (Canada) and J. Sabovcik (Czechoslovakia).
Our team emerged from the trials of the pre-Olympic year with flying colors. We remember its highs, when the team won three gold medals. But we also haven't forgotten last year's season, when our skaters didn't win a single gold medal. They have now won one gold, three silver, and one bronze medal at the European Championships, and one gold, silver, and bronze at the World Championships. New World Champions E. Valova and O. Vasiliev, and new European Champions N. Bestemianova and A. Bukin, have continued our school's tradition with their victories. The flawless programs of E. Vodorezova, A. Fadeev, O. Volozhinskaya, and A. Svinin clearly strengthened the team's power.
Yes, the rate of skill growth is encouraging. But it's too early to optimistically conclude that the generational change problem has already been solved.
In the 1983 season, one-third of the USSR national team's roster was renewed. Our debutants, Valova and Vasiliev, won the world championship on their first attempt, Muscovite A. Kondrashova took fifth place at the European and World Championships, and two young ice dancing couples, M. Klimova and S. Ponomarenko, E. Batanova and A. Soloviev left the most encouraging impression, finishing fourth at the European Championships and eighth at the World Championships, respectively. Another debutant pair, M. Avstriyskaya and Yu. Kvashnin, took fifth place at the European Championships in Dortmund.
So, nine figure skaters tested their skills at the highest level, and quite successfully.
From 1979 to 1981, E. Vodorezova was absent from the national team due to illness. But now she's returned to the ice rink, and what she accomplished can rightfully be called a sporting feat. Lena displayed the best qualities of an all-around skater—composure, virtuoso technique, and a will to win. She achieved top results in the "school" (first place in Dortmund, third in Helsinki) and in the short program (third places in Dortmund and Helsinki).
It seems the flawless execution of their programs was one of the main reasons for the remarkable success of the new world pairs champions, Valova and Vasiliev. A curious situation developed on the Helsinki ice: the performance of the East German team's leaders, S. Baess and T. Thierbach, was almost technically perfect. Our masters were equally confident in their triple jumps, triple twists, and flawless spins. But the balance was tipped in their favor by a more harmonious program, which exuded emotion, expressiveness, and a uniquely joyful spirit.
It's important to note that both Valova and Vasiliev came to pairs skating as experienced figure skaters, masters of singles skating. Valova was accepted into the group of Honored Coach of the USSR Tatyana Moskvina at age 15, and Vasiliev at 19. Today, they can no longer be considered mere executors of their coach's plans. Moskvina herself emphasized that during the '83 season, her students demonstrated their creative potential, capable of actively creating new things. It's telling that after the competitions in Dortmund, Valova and Vasiliev, on their coach's advice, changed the composition of their short program within days, making it more expressive and spectacular.
The gold medal in pairs skating confirms that our duos' overall training program is on track. The 1983 season highlighted the strengths of the reserve team. In the autumn, the young duos of the USSR national team won five international tournaments (in the USA, Holland, England, France, and West Germany).
Meanwhile, M. Pestova and S. Leonovich didn't perform particularly well at the World Championships, and V. Pershina and M. Akbarov didn't perform well at the European Championships. While they retained their places in the world's top six, these experienced athletes failed to make any significant progress.
Clearly, methodologically, pairs training needs to be conducted in various areas, not limited to early specialization. The most effective approach is to develop figure skaters in comprehensive schools that simultaneously train both singles and pairs (incidentally, this has been clearly demonstrated by the experience of leading schools in Moscow, Leningrad, and Sverdlovsk.) A number of experts are proposing the experimental introduction of three programs to stimulate the search for original technical elements. This is a constructive idea with great potential.
In ice dancing, England's J. Torvill and Ch. Dean won three consecutive world championships, but each season they tackled the challenge of creative growth differently. In the 1981 season, their primary weapons were their highly technical skating and precise execution of their compulsory dances. At the same time, the duo was inferior to the Soviet masters in terms of artistry and emotion. Therefore, the 1982 tournaments saw a shift in emphasis: the English team focused all their efforts on the expressiveness of their free skate.
In the 1983 season, the British ice dancers completely embraced the idea of originality in their free program, as well as the dances that preceded it. The inclusion of elements borrowed from acrobatics and circus acts in the program marked another direction in the development of ice dance. It's possible that some of these new elements will be incorporated into the ice dancers' repertoire. The question is, what will be the ISU Ice Dance Sport Committee's attitude toward all programs with an acrobatic focus? Will such a trend undermine the danceability and musicality of future compositions?
So far, the judges in Helsinki have been unanimous, giving the world champions a 6.0. Perhaps they wanted to avoid heated debate in the first round. But I think the debate will flare up again at the next European Championships in Budapest in 1984.
I'd like to emphasize that Torvill and Dean are not pioneers in the creation of eccentric dance. A number of unique techniques and elements had already been performed in their early programs by current European champions Bestemianova and Bukin. And to some extent, the Englishmen adopted their opponents' techniques. In fact, there is a constant mutual enrichment of programs with ideas and plastic means.
Bestemianova and Bukin put forth great effort in the 1983 season to achieve the highest level of performance in both the compulsory dances and the free dance. At the same time, they emerged as a daring and eccentric duo, with a love of the grotesque in their dance. This is a testament to the steadfast direction chosen by coach T. Tarasova.
And yet, even our all-around leaders still have untapped potential.
What can we say about those following them? E. Batanova and A. Solovyov's free skate captivated with its impeccable taste and musicality. M. Klimova and S. Ponomarenko delighted with their purity of line and coherence. But much remains to be done to reveal the originality of these duets’ styles, so that their technique can shine in all its facets in all three sections of the competition.
Two versions of compulsory dances are currently being introduced at the World Championships, European Championships, and the Olympics. Three days before the start, a draw will determine the competition version. This means that only top-notch technique will provide the key to performing the six compulsory dances, taking into account the individuality of the partners. Innovations in ice dance will require coaches to have a deeper understanding of modern techniques and the laws of musical art.
In a letter to the editor, readers S. Akulov and L. Akulova (Novosibirsk Oblast) pose a very pressing question: "Where are you, the proud Russian Kalinka that rings out across the world?" The question is not only about the specific Kalinka, but also about the choice of strategic direction, the bold development of our traditions, and musical exploration.
In their letters, figure skating fans rightly point out that the field of musical exploration is being unjustifiably narrowed. Many striking melodies were created in Soviet musical art, but so few of these works have been adopted by our figure skaters. For some reason, coaches are less willing than before to turn to the rich heritage of folk music, in particular to Russian folk melodies, full of energy and cheerfulness.
Perhaps it would make sense to establish special prizes at our internal tournaments for compositions that successfully utilize melodies from both folklore heritage and works by contemporary Soviet composers?
The season's results once again confirmed: success comes when honed skill is combined with inspiration, generous emotion, artistry, and a high level of choreographic culture.
A. SHELUKHIN.
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2016
1983
ASKED – ANSWERED
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 13, 1983)
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 13, 1983)
"Dear Editors! I'm interested in the history of the World Figure Skating Championships. Please tell me the year since Soviet figure skaters began participating in the World Championships..." (M. Siletsky, Polkovnichye village, Kyiv Oblast).
The first World Championships were held in St. Petersburg in 1896. Its program included only singles skating competitions. In 1906, separate medal events began to be awarded for men and women in singles skating. In 1908, pairs skaters first competed in the World Championships. Ice Dance duos entered the world arena in 1951.
Soviet figure skating masters debuted at the World Championships in 1956. The first to reach the top six were pairs skaters Nina Zhuk and Stanislav Zhuk. In singles skating, Sergei Chetverukhin was the first to achieve success, finishing sixth in 1970. Soviet ice dancers debuted in 1966, and took a step forward in 1968, when two duets—Irina Grishkova and Viktor Ryzhkin, and Lyudmila Pakhomova and Alexander Gorshkov—took 5th and 6th place.
Here is the list of Soviet figure skaters who have won world championships since 1969:
Pair skating. Irina Rodnina and Alexey Ulanov (from 1969 to 1972). Irina Rodnina and Alexander Zaitsev (from 1973 to 1978). Marina Cherkasova and Sergei Shakhrai (1980). Irina Vorobyova and Igor Lisovsky (1981). Elena Valova and Oleg Vasiliev (1983).
Ice dancing. Lyudmila Pakhomova and Alexander Gorshkov (1970 to 1974). Irina Moiseeva and Andrei Minenkov (1975). Lyudmila Pakhomova and Alexander Gorshkov (1976). Irina Moiseeva and Andrei Minenkov (1977). Natalia Linichuk and Gennady Karponosov (1978 and 1979).
Singles skating. Sergei Volkov (1975). Vladimir Kovalev (1977 and 1979).
So far, the highest achievement of Soviet female figure skaters is Elena Vodorezova's bronze medal at the 1983 World Championships.
The first World Championships were held in St. Petersburg in 1896. Its program included only singles skating competitions. In 1906, separate medal events began to be awarded for men and women in singles skating. In 1908, pairs skaters first competed in the World Championships. Ice Dance duos entered the world arena in 1951.
Soviet figure skating masters debuted at the World Championships in 1956. The first to reach the top six were pairs skaters Nina Zhuk and Stanislav Zhuk. In singles skating, Sergei Chetverukhin was the first to achieve success, finishing sixth in 1970. Soviet ice dancers debuted in 1966, and took a step forward in 1968, when two duets—Irina Grishkova and Viktor Ryzhkin, and Lyudmila Pakhomova and Alexander Gorshkov—took 5th and 6th place.
Here is the list of Soviet figure skaters who have won world championships since 1969:
Pair skating. Irina Rodnina and Alexey Ulanov (from 1969 to 1972). Irina Rodnina and Alexander Zaitsev (from 1973 to 1978). Marina Cherkasova and Sergei Shakhrai (1980). Irina Vorobyova and Igor Lisovsky (1981). Elena Valova and Oleg Vasiliev (1983).
Ice dancing. Lyudmila Pakhomova and Alexander Gorshkov (1970 to 1974). Irina Moiseeva and Andrei Minenkov (1975). Lyudmila Pakhomova and Alexander Gorshkov (1976). Irina Moiseeva and Andrei Minenkov (1977). Natalia Linichuk and Gennady Karponosov (1978 and 1979).
Singles skating. Sergei Volkov (1975). Vladimir Kovalev (1977 and 1979).
So far, the highest achievement of Soviet female figure skaters is Elena Vodorezova's bronze medal at the 1983 World Championships.
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2016
1983
EXTENSIVE RECONNAISSANCE – IN BOTH TECHNIQUE AND CHOREOGRAPHY
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 14, 1983)
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 14, 1983)
The USSR Figure Skating Cup competition concluded in Krasnoyarsk. Although the leading figures from the national team were not participating, the tournament provided a broad overview of the training of the country's top figure skaters.
The past season was quite challenging for our coaches, as it presented significant challenges in developing Olympians. Positive shifts in the work of our schools are obvious: everyone remembers the success of Leningraders E. Valova and O. Vasiliev, debutants of the USSR national team, in pairs skating at the World Championships in Helsinks. Muscovites E. Vodorezova and A. Fadeev in singles skating.
Analyzing the origins of the USSR team's high results, I want to emphasize that progress was already evident in the final competitions of the 1982 Winter Spartakiad of the Peoples of the USSR. It was during these competitions that we saw a new surge of skill among our youth team. The bids made at the Spartakiad were subsequently confirmed in difficult trials. For example, the Spartakiad winner, Muscovite A. Kondrashova, took a high fifth place at the World Championships, and the silver medalist, Leningrad's A. Antonova, placed seventh at the 1983 European Championships.
Returning to the National Cup competition, I'd like to point out that a new, crucial stage of preparation for the Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, has already begun. All the coaches in Krasnoyarsk carefully studied the athletes' programs, took notes, and tried to incorporate all the best practices, demonstrated at competitions.
While in previous years, figure skaters primarily focused solely on mastering complex multi-rotational jumps, many are now reaching a new level of excellence. In particular, we saw well-balanced programs on the ice in Krasnoyarsk. These compositions are rich in spins, steps, spirals, and various types of jumps. They utilize the rich arsenal of elements accumulated by figure skating more boldly. For example, L. Kaznakov's (coach Yu. Ovchinnikov) performance in the short program was memorable.
I believe a certain restructuring of the training process is underway on the ice and in the gym. This involves a more active use of general and specialized training exercises, and especially a wealth of choreographic experience. Leading coaches are achieving success in this area. This was clearly evident in the compositions of A. Fadeev, V. Kotin, and A. Kondrashova.
Interesting research was also underway at young figure skating centers. In particular, Krasnoyarsk coach B. Baran created an interesting composition for Master of Sports A. Vakhmintsev. The Leningrad pair of N. Chervotkina and V. Tesli (coach A. Vlasov) had many merits in their routines. We saw their triple jump and original transitions between elements.
One general comment. We consider the USSR Cup the final chord of the winter season. But does it fully fulfill its purpose? Perhaps, in future, the USSR Cup should be used to test the new features proposed by lottery for the following season. For example, in single skating, hold competitions for the short program of the 1984 model, and in ice dancing, competitions for compulsory dances and original dance, which were approved for the 1984 season.
Our skaters need more extensive exploration in both technique and composition, taking into account all the rule changes adopted by the International Skating Union (ISU).
Current trends indicate that the complexity of elements continues to increase: programs require triple and quadruple jumps. But this problem cannot be solved in a single season. And in order for us to act as trendsetters in this regard, we must prepare the entire youth echelon today to master elements of the highest difficulty. To achieve this, we must significantly revise the educational and training process, taking into account many psychological nuances.
The past season was quite challenging for our coaches, as it presented significant challenges in developing Olympians. Positive shifts in the work of our schools are obvious: everyone remembers the success of Leningraders E. Valova and O. Vasiliev, debutants of the USSR national team, in pairs skating at the World Championships in Helsinks. Muscovites E. Vodorezova and A. Fadeev in singles skating.
Analyzing the origins of the USSR team's high results, I want to emphasize that progress was already evident in the final competitions of the 1982 Winter Spartakiad of the Peoples of the USSR. It was during these competitions that we saw a new surge of skill among our youth team. The bids made at the Spartakiad were subsequently confirmed in difficult trials. For example, the Spartakiad winner, Muscovite A. Kondrashova, took a high fifth place at the World Championships, and the silver medalist, Leningrad's A. Antonova, placed seventh at the 1983 European Championships.
Returning to the National Cup competition, I'd like to point out that a new, crucial stage of preparation for the Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, has already begun. All the coaches in Krasnoyarsk carefully studied the athletes' programs, took notes, and tried to incorporate all the best practices, demonstrated at competitions.
While in previous years, figure skaters primarily focused solely on mastering complex multi-rotational jumps, many are now reaching a new level of excellence. In particular, we saw well-balanced programs on the ice in Krasnoyarsk. These compositions are rich in spins, steps, spirals, and various types of jumps. They utilize the rich arsenal of elements accumulated by figure skating more boldly. For example, L. Kaznakov's (coach Yu. Ovchinnikov) performance in the short program was memorable.
I believe a certain restructuring of the training process is underway on the ice and in the gym. This involves a more active use of general and specialized training exercises, and especially a wealth of choreographic experience. Leading coaches are achieving success in this area. This was clearly evident in the compositions of A. Fadeev, V. Kotin, and A. Kondrashova.
Interesting research was also underway at young figure skating centers. In particular, Krasnoyarsk coach B. Baran created an interesting composition for Master of Sports A. Vakhmintsev. The Leningrad pair of N. Chervotkina and V. Tesli (coach A. Vlasov) had many merits in their routines. We saw their triple jump and original transitions between elements.
One general comment. We consider the USSR Cup the final chord of the winter season. But does it fully fulfill its purpose? Perhaps, in future, the USSR Cup should be used to test the new features proposed by lottery for the following season. For example, in single skating, hold competitions for the short program of the 1984 model, and in ice dancing, competitions for compulsory dances and original dance, which were approved for the 1984 season.
Our skaters need more extensive exploration in both technique and composition, taking into account all the rule changes adopted by the International Skating Union (ISU).
Current trends indicate that the complexity of elements continues to increase: programs require triple and quadruple jumps. But this problem cannot be solved in a single season. And in order for us to act as trendsetters in this regard, we must prepare the entire youth echelon today to master elements of the highest difficulty. To achieve this, we must significantly revise the educational and training process, taking into account many psychological nuances.
A. MISHIN,
Honored Master of Sports, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences.
Honored Master of Sports, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences.
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2016
1983
ALL-UNION FIGURE SKATING COMPETITIONS "KYIV KASHTAN (CHESTNUT)"
ALL-UNION FIGURE SKATING COMPETITIONS "KYIV KASHTAN (CHESTNUT)"
FIGURE SKATING
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 26, 1983)
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 26, 1983)
Kyiv. The traditional all-Union figure skating tournament "Kyiv Chestnut" has concluded.
This time, representatives from eleven cities competed for medals on the ice of the Sports Palace – mostly young figure skaters who came to the capital of Ukraine to gain necessary tournament experience and take stock of their accomplishments over the past winter season.
Ukrainian athletes achieved success in all four events. The men's singles title went to Kyiv's A. Lunin, while the women's singles title went to Odesa's S. Pyrlya. In the pairs competition, Ukrainian SSR champions L. Zaporozhets and V. Panfilov from the Dnipropetrovsk sports club "Meteor" demonstrated their mastery. Among the dance duos, the ice's masters, S. Yaromova and L. Ryzhenko, were unrivaled, presenting a complex and precisely executed original composition to the audience and judges.
This time, representatives from eleven cities competed for medals on the ice of the Sports Palace – mostly young figure skaters who came to the capital of Ukraine to gain necessary tournament experience and take stock of their accomplishments over the past winter season.
Ukrainian athletes achieved success in all four events. The men's singles title went to Kyiv's A. Lunin, while the women's singles title went to Odesa's S. Pyrlya. In the pairs competition, Ukrainian SSR champions L. Zaporozhets and V. Panfilov from the Dnipropetrovsk sports club "Meteor" demonstrated their mastery. Among the dance duos, the ice's masters, S. Yaromova and L. Ryzhenko, were unrivaled, presenting a complex and precisely executed original composition to the audience and judges.
V. CHAYKA.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2016
1983
SILHOUETTE-83
"BLACK TULIP," SMILE, AND SKATES
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 27, 1983)
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 27, 1983)
VIEW CARD. Anna Kondrashova. Moscow, "Trud". Born in 1965. Has been figure skating since age 6. Champion of the Winter Spartakiad of the Peoples of the USSR, prize-winner of the Prague Skates and Blue Swords international tournaments. 5th place at the 1983 World Championships. Coach: Eduard Pliner.
During the winter season of 1983, Anya Kondrashova often performed in a formal black suit. With voluminous curls of black hair, dark eyes, and a slight rosy glow on her cheeks, she was unforgettable even by her appearance. But this girl, beyond all that, possessed a special inner charm, a charisma that couldn't be artificially cultivated with memorized gestures. When Anya succeeded in a difficult triple jump, her face would blossom with a smile.
All that was best in her, so persistently and purposefully developed first at the CSKA school (coach Nina Zhuk) and then at the Trud school (coach Eduard Pliner), suddenly seemed to spill out in this year's honed compositions. The "black tulip," as some skaters jokingly call Anya, has reached its prime.
The figure skater's father, Anatoly Georgievich, was a former RSFSR track and field champion, competing in the demanding middle-distance events. From the very beginning, he instilled in Anya a sense of responsibility for completing any task. He personally attended her gym classes and monitored her every move. Anya quickly rose to prominence among the school's newcomers. At nine years old, she possessed remarkable flexibility.
May 1980 was a memorable year for Anya. She was invited to a new school—the Young Pioneers Stadium on Leningradsky Prospekt. Eduard Georgievich Pliner, a gray-haired coach with a bushy Cossack mustache, greeted Anya and said:
"Well, let's start a conversation about the future. About the European Championships. What do you think can inspire a figure skater to work so hard on the ice?"During the winter season of 1983, Anya Kondrashova often performed in a formal black suit. With voluminous curls of black hair, dark eyes, and a slight rosy glow on her cheeks, she was unforgettable even by her appearance. But this girl, beyond all that, possessed a special inner charm, a charisma that couldn't be artificially cultivated with memorized gestures. When Anya succeeded in a difficult triple jump, her face would blossom with a smile.
All that was best in her, so persistently and purposefully developed first at the CSKA school (coach Nina Zhuk) and then at the Trud school (coach Eduard Pliner), suddenly seemed to spill out in this year's honed compositions. The "black tulip," as some skaters jokingly call Anya, has reached its prime.
The figure skater's father, Anatoly Georgievich, was a former RSFSR track and field champion, competing in the demanding middle-distance events. From the very beginning, he instilled in Anya a sense of responsibility for completing any task. He personally attended her gym classes and monitored her every move. Anya quickly rose to prominence among the school's newcomers. At nine years old, she possessed remarkable flexibility.
May 1980 was a memorable year for Anya. She was invited to a new school—the Young Pioneers Stadium on Leningradsky Prospekt. Eduard Georgievich Pliner, a gray-haired coach with a bushy Cossack mustache, greeted Anya and said:
Anya was silent. She greeted everything new with caution, even apprehension. She'd grown accustomed to the idea that if you're the strongest in your school, everything must be alright. Meanwhile, the new coach spoke enthusiastically about the synthesis of sport and art, about plans for the upcoming season, about the dispute with Elena Vodorezova...
Now, recalling their first meeting, Eduard Pliner chuckles:
"We didn't have a dialogue back then. It was a monologue about the highest level of mastery." We continued our acquaintance on the ice, and I soon realized I'd found a very serious and demanding student.
I can't forget how she daringly tackled the difficult triple jumps at the 1981 tournament in Odessa. This despite the fact that a careful performance would have guaranteed her a medal. She suffered an injury and spent a long time in bed. But soon I was forced to take Anya back onto the ice. She was so eager to get back into the fight...
Anya's mother, Marina Sergeevna, has taught at a music school for many years. The artistic atmosphere influenced the young skater's tastes. When her coach asked her to choose a piece of music, she brought a record of a symphony by Sergei Prokofiev. This spoke volumes. That's why renowned choreographer Elena Matveeva, who was a sort of co-author of Irina Monseeva and Andrei Minenkov's dances, was happy to help Anna Kondrashova. The new program proved a creative success for the choreographer, coach, and athlete.
At the World Championships in Helsinki, Kondrashova's program earned a respectable 5.5. And in the final standings, Anna placed next to European Champion Katarina Witt of East Germany. You should have seen Anna's smile that evening!
Now, recalling their first meeting, Eduard Pliner chuckles:
"We didn't have a dialogue back then. It was a monologue about the highest level of mastery." We continued our acquaintance on the ice, and I soon realized I'd found a very serious and demanding student.
I can't forget how she daringly tackled the difficult triple jumps at the 1981 tournament in Odessa. This despite the fact that a careful performance would have guaranteed her a medal. She suffered an injury and spent a long time in bed. But soon I was forced to take Anya back onto the ice. She was so eager to get back into the fight...
Anya's mother, Marina Sergeevna, has taught at a music school for many years. The artistic atmosphere influenced the young skater's tastes. When her coach asked her to choose a piece of music, she brought a record of a symphony by Sergei Prokofiev. This spoke volumes. That's why renowned choreographer Elena Matveeva, who was a sort of co-author of Irina Monseeva and Andrei Minenkov's dances, was happy to help Anna Kondrashova. The new program proved a creative success for the choreographer, coach, and athlete.
At the World Championships in Helsinki, Kondrashova's program earned a respectable 5.5. And in the final standings, Anna placed next to European Champion Katarina Witt of East Germany. You should have seen Anna's smile that evening!
A. SHELUKHIN
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2016
1983
STARS AND THORNS WILL FIND YOU EVERYWHERE
A letter to figure skater Igor Bobrin, who is bidding farewell to professional sport today at Luzhniki Stadium
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 28, 1983)
A letter to figure skater Igor Bobrin, who is bidding farewell to professional sport today at Luzhniki Stadium
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on April 28, 1983)
I could have tried to write in a way that would have attracted the signatures of any of your numerous admirers, Igor. But I decided otherwise. There's something I'd like to say on my own behalf. Both by right of long-standing friendship, and because you yourself are a writer by nature, by worldview, by the work to which, I'm convinced, you will one day devote yourself - you have always been my very attentive and impartial reader and critic, and therefore I am in your debt.
"... A pale, thin, nervous face. Lips pressed into a line. Reserved, even youthful primness... "Yes, we haven't skated like that yet, but - is that very immodest? -someone has to be first, right?..." I asked. "You're in tenth grade; doesn't sport interfere with your studies?" He said: "It's compatible." Behind the aptly used modern term stood a young intellectual, a serious bookworm...
Published over twelve years ago. And I noticed then that you were offended. "For what, Igor?" "You wrote 'intelligent,' but I heard 'intelligent-TIC.' You imagined a reflective weakling, a character from intelligentsia folklore. In your youth, you wanted to seem like a full-metal superman."
You know, I'm not giving up on the definition. For I see in your art (I'll return to its characteristics below) both intellect, as a drive for creativity, and reflection, as a drive for self-awareness—even to the point of introspection. Hence, my friend, all your few visible victories and all your many seeming misfortunes, which ultimately turned out to be victories.
You don't have many championship medals: four All-Union medals, only one European medal. Which skater of your mental type, even with such talent, has achieved more? Not Ovchinnikov. Not Cranston. Perhaps Curry -but he faded so quickly. I'm naming a few names, but there are also few "black sheep." And I'm not making excuses for anyone - I'm trying to understand.
One outstanding athlete once said that while you're climbing the podium, you're allowed to search, but once you've reached the top, it's time to find, otherwise it's easy to fall. This is a respectable point of view. In terms of sporting achievement, it's quite significant. But there are people who, no matter how hard they try to convince themselves that this is the only way, are driven by nature, by their very nature, to throw themselves into a new quest, at the expense of their stability. You are one of them, and I, you know, would be wary of giving you credit for your unwavering loyalty to yourself - the culprit of all your troubles. You were on the ice, as you were bound to be. Is this an example? Perhaps, but not a universal one. It's an example only in the sense that a figure skater should strive for the psychological equivalence of skill and art as an ideal. However, in you, there was no equivalence. There was no balance. You were striving for the impossible. That's why we love you.
You reached the pinnacle of your athletic career relatively late. I know you thought it was youthful recklessness, the ability—in your golden years—to write poetry until dawn, sing to the guitar, and argue, depending on the mood. It's because you only half-heeded the sensible calls for self-restraint coming from your mentor, Igor Borisovich Moskvin, a man of action and duty. I know that when Yuri Ovchinninov took over your training, you, kindred spirits, sometimes spent much ore time than the plan allowed on heated clarifications of creative positions, than rational necessity dictated. But flaws are a continuation of strengths, and you are unique in both. It turns out, thank you for both.
Thank you for being: - someone who doesn't give sincerity to everyone in life and is generally vulnerable - and being able to be so sincere on the ice. Reflecting on your art, I come to a conclusion that seems paradoxical to me. The images of your sports programs and the characters in your exhibition numbers seem, at first glance, multifaceted. Some reveal high romance, heroic drama, "through hardships to the stars." In others, there's a comic element, a keen parody. But isn't that why I sympathize so much with the "Bobrin masks" in all cases—because they're not masks, but faces? That their suffering is yours, and their smile is your smile at something within you? A sweet, clumsy cowboy—after all, his sister is sorrow. That's precisely why you could draw laughter and tears from our hearts with your skates.
I don't know in what capacity I'll see you now. Although I'm certain you'll never change, and that both stars and thorns will find you everywhere. But since we're saying goodbye at this point in our journey, I'd like to end this letter with this.
Some names are quickly forgotten in figure skating reference books. Others will live forever. Yours hasn't appeared very often on these pages. But the restless yet selfless spirit of exploration with which you bestowed this amazing sport will remain, and someone will be found to inherit it.
"... A pale, thin, nervous face. Lips pressed into a line. Reserved, even youthful primness... "Yes, we haven't skated like that yet, but - is that very immodest? -someone has to be first, right?..." I asked. "You're in tenth grade; doesn't sport interfere with your studies?" He said: "It's compatible." Behind the aptly used modern term stood a young intellectual, a serious bookworm...
Published over twelve years ago. And I noticed then that you were offended. "For what, Igor?" "You wrote 'intelligent,' but I heard 'intelligent-TIC.' You imagined a reflective weakling, a character from intelligentsia folklore. In your youth, you wanted to seem like a full-metal superman."
You know, I'm not giving up on the definition. For I see in your art (I'll return to its characteristics below) both intellect, as a drive for creativity, and reflection, as a drive for self-awareness—even to the point of introspection. Hence, my friend, all your few visible victories and all your many seeming misfortunes, which ultimately turned out to be victories.
You don't have many championship medals: four All-Union medals, only one European medal. Which skater of your mental type, even with such talent, has achieved more? Not Ovchinnikov. Not Cranston. Perhaps Curry -but he faded so quickly. I'm naming a few names, but there are also few "black sheep." And I'm not making excuses for anyone - I'm trying to understand.
One outstanding athlete once said that while you're climbing the podium, you're allowed to search, but once you've reached the top, it's time to find, otherwise it's easy to fall. This is a respectable point of view. In terms of sporting achievement, it's quite significant. But there are people who, no matter how hard they try to convince themselves that this is the only way, are driven by nature, by their very nature, to throw themselves into a new quest, at the expense of their stability. You are one of them, and I, you know, would be wary of giving you credit for your unwavering loyalty to yourself - the culprit of all your troubles. You were on the ice, as you were bound to be. Is this an example? Perhaps, but not a universal one. It's an example only in the sense that a figure skater should strive for the psychological equivalence of skill and art as an ideal. However, in you, there was no equivalence. There was no balance. You were striving for the impossible. That's why we love you.
You reached the pinnacle of your athletic career relatively late. I know you thought it was youthful recklessness, the ability—in your golden years—to write poetry until dawn, sing to the guitar, and argue, depending on the mood. It's because you only half-heeded the sensible calls for self-restraint coming from your mentor, Igor Borisovich Moskvin, a man of action and duty. I know that when Yuri Ovchinninov took over your training, you, kindred spirits, sometimes spent much ore time than the plan allowed on heated clarifications of creative positions, than rational necessity dictated. But flaws are a continuation of strengths, and you are unique in both. It turns out, thank you for both.
Thank you for being: - someone who doesn't give sincerity to everyone in life and is generally vulnerable - and being able to be so sincere on the ice. Reflecting on your art, I come to a conclusion that seems paradoxical to me. The images of your sports programs and the characters in your exhibition numbers seem, at first glance, multifaceted. Some reveal high romance, heroic drama, "through hardships to the stars." In others, there's a comic element, a keen parody. But isn't that why I sympathize so much with the "Bobrin masks" in all cases—because they're not masks, but faces? That their suffering is yours, and their smile is your smile at something within you? A sweet, clumsy cowboy—after all, his sister is sorrow. That's precisely why you could draw laughter and tears from our hearts with your skates.
I don't know in what capacity I'll see you now. Although I'm certain you'll never change, and that both stars and thorns will find you everywhere. But since we're saying goodbye at this point in our journey, I'd like to end this letter with this.
Some names are quickly forgotten in figure skating reference books. Others will live forever. Yours hasn't appeared very often on these pages. But the restless yet selfless spirit of exploration with which you bestowed this amazing sport will remain, and someone will be found to inherit it.
S. TOKAREV
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2016
1983
BONN. Irina Rodnina has been named the best figure skater of all time in a survey conducted by Sport-Illustrierte magazine (West Germany). Second place in this competition went to Sonja Henie, a renowned figure skater of the 1920s and 1930s from Norway.
All-Time Figure Skater
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on May 11, 1983)
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on May 11, 1983)
BONN. Irina Rodnina has been named the best figure skater of all time in a survey conducted by Sport-Illustrierte magazine (West Germany). Second place in this competition went to Sonja Henie, a renowned figure skater of the 1920s and 1930s from Norway.
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2016
1983
FIGURE SKATING
1. G. Zmievska
2. O. Artyshchenko
3. B. Rublev
4. L. Maslyukova
5. S. Moser
6. T. Loginova
7. S. Loginov
8. V. Kaprov
9. V. Tataurov
10. O. Morozov
BETTER AND BETTER
(the article published in Ukrainian 'Sportyvna Hazeta' on May 31, 1983)
(the article published in Ukrainian 'Sportyvna Hazeta' on May 31, 1983)
The representatives of figure skating are performing, said the senior coach of this sport A. A. Korytek, and this is the result of fruitful work in the fields. The "geography" of the sport has expanded, many talented young people have appeared. Today, the USSR national teams include 18 representatives of our republic.
Due to the fact that Dnipropetrovsk's N. Karamysheva and P. Sinitsyn left the big sport, the team lost leaders in ice dancing. Educating new ones is an important task that concerns every coaching team. Our specialists have learned to work with juniors. But who will be able to bring the first representative of the Ukrainian SSR onto the Olympic ice? This question, unfortunately, remains open.
And lastly. Analysis of work with skaters shows that Odessans are ahead (1708.5 points), followed by Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk. But is it right for the capital's coaches to lag behind? Of course, the Kyivans' base leaves much to be desired, and it is used at half strength.
LISTS OF THE BEST COACHES IN WINTER SPORTSDue to the fact that Dnipropetrovsk's N. Karamysheva and P. Sinitsyn left the big sport, the team lost leaders in ice dancing. Educating new ones is an important task that concerns every coaching team. Our specialists have learned to work with juniors. But who will be able to bring the first representative of the Ukrainian SSR onto the Olympic ice? This question, unfortunately, remains open.
And lastly. Analysis of work with skaters shows that Odessans are ahead (1708.5 points), followed by Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk. But is it right for the capital's coaches to lag behind? Of course, the Kyivans' base leaves much to be desired, and it is used at half strength.
FIGURE SKATING
1. G. Zmievska
2. O. Artyshchenko
3. B. Rublev
4. L. Maslyukova
5. S. Moser
6. T. Loginova
7. S. Loginov
8. V. Kaprov
9. V. Tataurov
10. O. Morozov
Last edited:
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2016
1983
OLYMPIC PROSPECTS
POSITIONS ARE GIVING...
(the article published in Ukrainian 'Sportyvna Hazeta' on July 14, 1983)
(the article published in Ukrainian 'Sportyvna Hazeta' on July 14, 1983)
VIENNA. Many figure skating enthusiasts and professionals in Austria are sounding the alarm. The popular sport is now in a situation that the local press is calling "catastrophic." The Alpine republic, which has long held leading positions in figure skating, is now experiencing an acute shortage of athletes, who could compete with foreign rivals. This fact became especially clear after the retirement of 1982 European champion Claudia Kristofics-Binder from the sport.
The President of the Austrian Figure Skating Federation, Oskar Mall, openly admits that in the next few seasons, Austrian figure skaters are unlikely to be able to break into the group of leaders again, let alone repeat the achievements shown in previous years by the "stars" of Austrian figure skating.
Now, Mall notes, even the participation of the country's skaters in the 1984 Olympic Games in Sarajevo is under threat. And this could happen for the first time in the history of the Winter Olympics. The reason: none of the athletes last season exceeded the "Olympic limit" set by the federation (at least 8th place at the European Championship and 14th at the World Championship). The closest to this milestone was Sonia Stanek, who showed a tenth result at the last European Championship. Therefore, she was given another chance to achieve a "ticket" to Sarajevo.
Now she is training hard under the guidance of local coaches and specialists from Czechoslovakia. In the fall, she will compete in a number of international tournaments, including the popular Blue Swords in the GDR, and only a medal at one of them will open the way for the figure skater to the 1984 Olympics. But to do this, some experts believe, she will have to "perform a miracle" ...
The President of the Austrian Figure Skating Federation, Oskar Mall, openly admits that in the next few seasons, Austrian figure skaters are unlikely to be able to break into the group of leaders again, let alone repeat the achievements shown in previous years by the "stars" of Austrian figure skating.
Now, Mall notes, even the participation of the country's skaters in the 1984 Olympic Games in Sarajevo is under threat. And this could happen for the first time in the history of the Winter Olympics. The reason: none of the athletes last season exceeded the "Olympic limit" set by the federation (at least 8th place at the European Championship and 14th at the World Championship). The closest to this milestone was Sonia Stanek, who showed a tenth result at the last European Championship. Therefore, she was given another chance to achieve a "ticket" to Sarajevo.
Now she is training hard under the guidance of local coaches and specialists from Czechoslovakia. In the fall, she will compete in a number of international tournaments, including the popular Blue Swords in the GDR, and only a medal at one of them will open the way for the figure skater to the 1984 Olympics. But to do this, some experts believe, she will have to "perform a miracle" ...
(TASS).
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2022
- Joined
- Nov 30, 2016
1983
ALPINE CUP
ALPINE CUP
FIRST TEST OF STRENGTH
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on August 24, 1983)
(the article published in russian 'Sovetskiy Sport' on August 24, 1983)
PARIS. The first test of strength on the international arena of the new season for Soviet figure skaters was the traditional Alpine Cup competition, held in two stages at rinks in France and West Germany.
Our athletes successfully competed in the first tournament in Saint-Gervais, France. Moscow's Marina Klimova and Sergey Ponomarenko won the ice dance competition, while Inna Bekker and Sergey Likhansky from Dnipropetrovsk were the strongest in the pairs competition. Muscovite Gurgen Vardanyan took second place in the singles competition behind French figure skater Philippe Pollet.
Our athletes successfully competed in the first tournament in Saint-Gervais, France. Moscow's Marina Klimova and Sergey Ponomarenko won the ice dance competition, while Inna Bekker and Sergey Likhansky from Dnipropetrovsk were the strongest in the pairs competition. Muscovite Gurgen Vardanyan took second place in the singles competition behind French figure skater Philippe Pollet.
(TASS).
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