I’m too worried about that and I’d wish they’d simple focus on stabilizing the 4S. But let’s hope for the best – maybe Artur simply pressured himself too much here and at Russian Cup Final and his 4S is better in practice than at the competitions we attended. From Buyanova’s interview we can at least take that she is aware of the fact that Artur is growing and that they carefully need to asses which workload his body may take if it comes to quads. I just hope TAT will stay away from Artur.
You are right, the edge issue is still there, though it looks a bit better than last season. But I still don’t agree with you. Yes, it takes time to rework technique. However, Artur and his team need to think in a long-term perspective. I wish we will see him later on skating seniors and fighting for major medals there. So let’s think 4-5 years ahead – that time you will probably need 3 or even 4 different quads to win. Now we both agree the quad loop is a jump which bears a high risk for injury, a 4T is also out of question due to Artur not liking it. So what’s left after 4S and 4L? The 4F. And there are examples of skaters successfully correcting technique right at Artur’s age (Dima Aliev for example had a lip before working with Rukavitsin).
I would be shocked if he does all those quads. Honestly. With his skill set (PCS), he will be fine learning 2 great quality quads (sal and lutz), repeating one and repeating his 3A. Three quality quads and 2 triple axel will get him far. Kolyada, for example, doesn't even need all those quads to be competitive, just consistency, which he lacks. He doesn't have a flip either and neither does Kovtun.
Now if he wants to improve his toe loop (regardless of whether he likes it or not) and add that as a quad, sure. Then that's four right there. No point in a 4F when there is a risk of getting an edge call (even Nathan gets a call occasionally) with negative GOE. No point in a 4R either, i don't know why he wants to learn this quad
hwell:
ETA: actually no Russian man that I know of even attempts 4+ quads. They have enough trouble with the material that they are attempting. Artur has enough trouble being consistent with 8 triples. I would hate to see what he skates like with 4+ quads and the weight of a nation on his shoulders. I already worry about the Fed breaking his and other boys psyche once they move up. Now to add 4+ quads that he probably wont land and the backlash in the media when he fails is scary.
Also that edge is the same as last year. I've been looking at it, repeatedly, for quite some time. I don't know what a bit better is when he is still taking off from an outside edge as he did last year.
Here's a replay from last year at his JGP (Zagreb)
https://youtu.be/NQfHhYE27Kk?t=333 and the 2nd flip
https://youtu.be/NQfHhYE27Kk?t=369 and the 3flip from the SP
https://youtu.be/v2T3oAX3n-4?t=230.
I would consider a bit better to at least be on a flat edge
But I am so tired of talking about his flip that everyone knows is flawed. We can just agree to disagree and move on from it.
Hopefully he drops it once he stabilizes his quad sal and can repeat it.
).
I’m happy Artur ended the season with a win and on a high note. Though I so much wanted him to land the quad here – this was the right competition to go for a risk and then he popped it. But he did a beautiful one in the warm-up. So it looks like his success rate is about 50:50. But it will sure improve and this time Artur himself didn’t seem to disappointed. Can’t wait to see him next season again.
