Bruno Massot's interview

[Erin9]

I cried again...especially having seen their perfect SP, and then another mesmerising Long. Wow!

I’m so happy for them. Can’t wait to watch both performances. I think this is my favorite pair after G & G.

On another note- the point spread between1-2-3 was huge. No one was remotely close to each other.

 

[ladyjane]

I've watched the top 3 programmes a few times, and the point spread was correct. B/M made no mistakes (even if one landing wasn't perfect, it was pulled through on one foot), and were even better in the PCS than at the Olympics (I suppose that's where the WR scores came from), T/M skated better than at the Olympics but still made a few errors (a doubling of a Salchow was one of them I think), not too big but it would have cost them if M/C had skated perfectly. They didn't, there was a nasty fall - although Vanessa picked herself up immediately - and something went wrong with the death spiral too. But, in the end the placements were right. And that's what counts of course. But there was a lot of difference between them, and judged rightly (well, in my view).

 

[anonymoose_au]

The fact that Didier was not banned for life is utterly absurd, let alone that he continues to be in charge of French figure skating.

Yeah what's up with that?! I mean didn't they find evidence he was behind the whole Salt Lake City scandal? He shouldn't be allowed into a rink let alone run a figure skating fed in any capacity!

 

[ladyjane]

I can't help it, I love these two so much. Dimissing Bruno? Never. It's a major achievement to get to that level in just a few years time. They were pretty close in 2017 but managed to evolve even further, particularly because not just Aljona (whom must be one of the GOATs) but Bruno just as much got into it. I think that the coaches (and that his own coach was part of that team must have helped) had a big role to play in making the unison with a pair that learned different techniques, had a different outlook on things and last but not least made them value each other. And themselves. Both really invested in the partnership, and it came out. While - and that's not to bash anyone - Aljona seemed so much happier, more free and relaxed, than I've ever seen her before. Isn't that also something made possible by Bruno? Doesn't it help in making a landing when your partner does his very best to make the throw landable (that's also the reason why Meagan could land the quadruple throw on Olympic ICE)? On another note, doesn't their emotional involvement - both partners - count for something? No, I will never dismiss Bruno. Much as I loved Aljona with Robin in the past, I truly think it's thanks to Bruno that Aljona now has had a perfect season (and I think she'll be the first to acknowledge it). What a pair!

 

[ladyjane]

Yeah what's up with that?! I mean didn't they find evidence he was behind the who Salt Lake City scandal? He shouldn't be allowed into a rink let alone run a figure skating fed in any capacity!

I think Didier was also behind that scheme of asking a lot of money from the German federation while letting the skater starve in the meantime. Sickening. He actually tried to become president of the ISU too (how it is even possible for someone who was suspended for two years to become a candidate is a mystery to me). Strangely enough, he did help M/C in becoming coached by John Zimmerman and his team. I'm very glad for them, but it is odd compared to how Bruno was treated.

 

[anonymoose_au]

Yeah Bruno is awesome! If anyone ever doubted him, it should have been erased after the FS at the Olympics. That was amazing! The pressure on him was enormous and he came through! And Aliona always believed in him, even after the double salchow in their SP there, so obviously he's a special guy.

So a big congratulations to them, Olympic Gold Medalists and World Champions.

 

[vavavoom]

Yeah Bruno is awesome! If anyone ever doubted him, it should have been erased after the FS at the Olympics. That was amazing! The pressure on him was enormous and he came through! And Aliona always believed in him, even after the double salchow in their SP there, so obviously he's a special guy.

So a big congratulations to them, Olympic Gold Medalists and World Champions.

Many people have given him hard time... and it was unjustified.

Let's face it, in Pairs and in Dance, there is always one partner that is slightly weaker... yet they still have to have exceptional skills to succeed.

I did not see that much criticism about Robin Szolkowy... or Scott Moir or Gabriella Papadakis or other skaters perceived as weaker in their pair...

Bruno is fabulous and deserves all the credit some are unwilling to give him.

 

[RedDress]

Now that was an interview.

 

[blue_idealist]

Many people have given him hard time... and it was unjustified.

Let's face it, in Pairs and in Dance, there is always one partner that is slightly weaker... yet they still have to have exceptional skills to succeed.

I did not see that much criticism about Robin Szolkowy... or Scott Moir or Gabriella Papadakis or other skaters perceived as weaker in their pair...

Bruno is fabulous and deserves all the credit some are unwilling to give him.

People consider Scott Moir weaker than Tessa?

 

[vavavoom]

People consider Scott Moir weaker than Tessa?

Duh, haven't you read this forum over the years?

 

[blue_idealist]

Duh, haven't you read this forum over the years?

I've read that a few times, but I didn't think it was a widespread general belief. I don't think there's much difference in skill between the two of them - both are great.

 

[MACGoldSeal]

I can't help it, I love these two so much. Dimissing Bruno? Never. It's a major achievement to get to that level in just a few years time. They were pretty close in 2017 but managed to evolve even further, particularly because not just Aljona (whom must be one of the GOATs) but Bruno just as much got into it. I think that the coaches (and that his own coach was part of that team must have helped) had a big role to play in making the unison with a pair that learned different techniques, had a different outlook on things and last but not least made them value each other. And themselves. Both really invested in the partnership, and it came out. While - and that's not to bash anyone - Aljona seemed so much happier, more free and relaxed, than I've ever seen her before. Isn't that also something made possible by Bruno? Doesn't it help in making a landing when your partner does his very best to make the throw landable (that's also the reason why Meagan could land the quadruple throw on Olympic ICE)? On another note, doesn't their emotional involvement - both partners - count for something? No, I will never dismiss Bruno. Much as I loved Aljona with Robin in the past, I truly think it's thanks to Bruno that Aljona now has had a perfect season (and I think she'll be the first to acknowledge it). What a pair!

Thank you so much for saying this, I am in complete agreement. Aliona with Robin skated programs that always seemed gimmicky to me. Their music, costumes were on the verge of being garish. With Bruno, there is a different vibe. Their music and costumes are more sophisticated, Chris Dean gave them a canvas of beautiful movement and Bruno presents her as a jewel. Aljona has Liam and Bruno has Sophie for love and support. Without Bruno, there are no Gold medals.
The French Federation is a farce and has been for decades. Didier should be ashamed and go off to an obscure retirement.

 

[TerpsichoreFS]

I've read that a few times, but I didn't think it was a widespread general belief. I don't think there's much difference in skill between the two of them - both are great.

Blade skill wise they are close but he is a much stiffer dancer that's for sure.

Bruno is in the best possible position to make these comments. He has first hand experience, is an Olympic champion, close to retirement and skates for another country. I had hoped Gabriella and Guillaume would take down Didier after what he did to them but they would have needed Olympic gold for that... I hope Bruno doesn't just focus on his own situation but drives home the point that the fed is terrible at supporting and helping people to the top and that officials are completely either corrupt or out of the loop.