Deniss Vasiljevs | Page 26 | Golden Skate

Deniss Vasiljevs

Okay, here is the translation :)

Vasiljevs: “Lambiel is my Switzerland dad, supernanny”

“I started to live like a real professional – I give myself whole to figure skating,” says the 17-year old Latvian figure skater Deniss Vasiljevs who fights his way up to the highest peaks lead but famous Swiss Stephane Lambiel.

Accidental meeting

Once upon a time parents took Deniss to swimming because he was getting sick very often, but in swimming people weren`t very happy with him because he was too small. In figure skating on the other hand you don`t need extra height and it turned out that on the ice Deniss could express his creative nature. Since the last summer Deniss trains under two-time World champion and Turin Olympic Games silver medalist Stephane Lambiel.
Deniss comes from a simple family but figure skating is a very expensive sport. Last year he organized crowdfunding on the internet to collect some much needed money. He detailed all the expenses for a season; he needed 40 000 euros for a season and 216 backers donated 32 000 USD, helped even fans from Japan.

“Professional sport is very expensive that`s why it is very important for Deniss to receive material support from the [Latvian Skating] federation, national Olympic Committee, fans. My job is to find solutions in order to receive all the necessary funds so that Deniss is able to train at the highest level,” points out Deniss` manager Christopher Trevisan. He adds that at the moment main team of Deniss` consists of about ten people but there are more who help with specific aspects. He didn`t want to tell anything more about the finances.

Days ago in European Championship Deniss Vasiljevs placed 7th and got recognition from specialists and standing ovation from the crowd. We start the interview with European Championship. “I am very happy about European Championship because I performed two whole good programs. I am very happy because it was very hard, especially on the second day when I skated in the last group with all the best skaters. In free program I missed the triple Axel because I hastened and made a mistake. Then about half time through out the program I thought what to do – to risk and try to jump the Axel again or not to risk but in the end I decided not to risk because it is very hard to perform this jump in the second half of the program.”

TV commentators said that Stephane Lambiel has constructed from you a real figure skater. How satisfied are you with your cooperation?

I like working with him a lot. Now I train more, do things more precise. For each thing I do I understand why this thing is needed and what this thing will improve for me. I feel confident. I`m more motivated and more interested in figure skating than I was a year ago. And off the ice too I have grown a lot – how to behave myself, how to prepare myself. I very strictly look after what I eat, I know that I`m not allowed to sit at the computer too much and do many other things. Stephane is like my Switzerland dad, supernanny. I started to live like a real professional – I give myself whole to figure skating. I believe that our cooperation is productive and that we will succeed. If we will work more I believe that I can reach such peaks Lambiel reached and I could skate as perfectly as he does.

How did you get the coach of that caliber?

A year ago, we met at the Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer, where he held a presentation on his career, how to become a good athlete. Stephane asked us all who wants to participate in his show "Ice Legends" and I was the only one who raised my hand. We exchanged the contact information and a month later I was already skating on his show. We began to inquire whether he could create a free program for me. We liked working together and decided to create the short program too. I came over in July, but I had already being annoyed with a groin injury - no one really could understand what to do with it. Stephane retired from competitive skating because he had the same injury so he sent me to a special institute in Canada, where they helped both with this injury and with many more aspects. In late summer we started to work from the scratch, but very quickly I recovered my best form. Now we are working on a quad jumps.

Latvian Language

You're Lambiel`s best student?

He has a school where he trains many talented children and juniors, but on adult level, I'm the only one.

Where there any holidays after the European Championship?

No, professional athlete`s life is complicated, there is no time to relax. Now is the season and the most important competitions of the year. For a few days there are lighter workouts, but already from Tuesday begins preparations for the World Championship which will take place in late March in Helsinki. The most important task will be to qualify for the Olympic Games and I hope to provide for Latvia two spots. I want to skate clean and beautiful, so that the audience would be delighted.

Where do you live in Switzerland and what is your daily routine?

I live in Stephane`s house in Champery (near the French border), we cook together and do all the stuff needed for me to skate better. In parallel, each day I also go through my school materials, but the workout schedule is very complicated and leaves me very tired. I am studying at Daugavpils Russian High School - Lyceum at 11th form [translator`s note – this basically means that he is junior at high school]; teachers are strict, but they meet me half way and help me so I am able to write all my tests. I would like to spend more time at school, because I like to study and get new knowledge, I do not like the situation when I do not understand something.

Parents probably do not see on the daily bases how you grow up. Judging by the pictures - you have grown up a lot during the last year.

Parents see me less and less, before Switzerland I was nearly a year away skating in Sochi under the Russian coach. It is not pleasant [to see them so rarely], I would like them to always be present, but this is not possible. Very difficult to get everything - parents' attention, to attend school, train, sleep. This rhythm takes a lot of strength, not only physical, but also mental.

You have a pretty good Latvian language. How do you manage to not forget it, because in Latvia you are very rarely and probably you get to speak Latvian rarely too?

Many thanks to the teachers who did a lot for me so I could learn to speak and write in Latvian, because Latvian language is very interesting and I like it. But yes – I lack the practice to learn to speak freely and beautifully.

Do you have any hobbies?

I like to express myself in different ways, such as drawing, improvising on the ice, dancing. I like analyzing stuff, to think tactically and strategically, so I play those types of video games. I`m interested in history, philosophy and many other things.
 
Thank you so much for translation :luv17: He seems like such an interesting person, he's artist in heart. Stephane is too awesome to be real, I can't believe they live together. That's really cool how both of them are invested in his career and even how they met and everything worked out, it's almost like movie. I hope he will be able to get a quad for next season to get really competitive.
 
wow i didn't know that!! i mean, i hadn't thought about where deniss is living but didn't imagine he was squatting at lambiel's!! xDDD


Sent from my phone
 
He also lived with his previous coach in France. I don't think it is so unusual given that he is still a teenager, and it may be financially impossible for one of his parents to move abroad with him. It's good that he still has some kind of family environment, with someone who is taking care of him not just on the ice, but helping him thrive as a well-rounded person with studies and a social life. I have a feeling that part was lacking a little bit for him in Sochi.
 
:thank: albalonga for the translation! :bow: :clap:

Deniss'interviews provide interesting reads, he strikes me as an articulate, intelligent young man.
By the way, how many languages is he fluent in? Latvian, Russian, English and French, I suppose. Quite impressive!
 
Some pics from Art on Ice:

https://twitter.com/ann_kou/status/827648981962473473
https://twitter.com/ann_kou/status/827644733287780352 with Stephane
https://twitter.com/ann_kou/status/827645973883142145 with Daisuke! :love:

Here's a fancam of the show - the Four Seasons piece is right at the beginning. Deniss comes out around a minute & a half into it. It's not perfect, but it was just the first show and I'm sure there will be better performances. At first I thought the duet portion was really short, but keep watching, there's more:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hJYD8nnHe4&feature=youtu.be
 
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Awww. Thank you. Pics with Dai are gold. Just read an old interview from 2015 where Deniss gushed a bit about Dai.
 
lauravvv said:
Deniss also skated in Daisuke's show 'Christmas on Ice' in December.
Click to expand...

As the legend has it (no pun intended), Deniss told Daisuke that he would love to skate in his show in Japan when they starred in Ice Legends in April. Daisuke remembered his wish and obliged :luv17:
 
Deniss is so fortunate to be able to have all these great show experiences. What a twist of fate that he ended up being coached by Stephane now. Still so happy for him! :rock:
 
Arriba627 said:
Deniss is so fortunate to be able to have all these great show experiences. What a twist of fate that he ended up being coached by Stephane now. Still so happy for him! :rock:
Click to expand...

I can just picture his face when he raised his hand responding to Stephane's question "who would like to skate in my show?" at YOI. And I am not surprised if that enthusiastic, wide eyed grin of Deniss's captured Stephane's heart then and there :luv17:
 
It maybe a little off topic, but I would like to ask is there any problem on Deniss' flip jump?
I mean, I think that his 3F in SP of EC seems to be okay to me, but he received five -1 in judging penal. I believed that his flip jump is relatively unstable when compare with other jumps.
However, he usually received positive GOE in Lutz jump (6 judges gave him +1 and 2 judges gave him +2 in NHK; and he received five +2 out of 9 judges in EC)

I wish he is going to have a more stable flip jump in WC, and I am happy to see his process on quad:)
 
Here's a new interview with Deniss :hap10: It's a pretty long one. He says they work on 3 different quads, but will not put them into the program until they are absolutely ready. He also says that he is fluent in 4 languages, but doesn't have the chance to use Latvian regularly. And of course, he gushes over working with his "idol, friend, and coach in one person." :luv17:

http://sportacentrs.com/ziemas_spor...s_es_nevelos_but_atbalss_e?utm_source=dlvr.it
 
silverfoxes said:
Here's a new interview with Deniss :hap10: It's a pretty long one. He says they work on 3 different quads, but will not put them into the program until they are absolutely ready. He also says that he is fluent in 4 languages, but doesn't have the chance to use Latvian regularly. And of course, he gushes over working with his "idol, friend, and coach in one person." :luv17:

http://sportacentrs.com/ziemas_spor...s_es_nevelos_but_atbalss_e?utm_source=dlvr.it
Click to expand...

Deniss Vasiljevs: "I don`t want to be an echo, I want to be the sound"

17-year-old Deniss Vasiljevs in European Championship in Ostrava skated to seventh place, which is the second highest achievement in Latvian men's figure skating history of participation in European Championships. However, in late summer he was still getting treatment for the injury which has forced most skater with same injury to end their professional career. Deniss still breathes figure skating, it is still his life. But since the famous Swiss Stephane Lambiel became Vasiljevs` coach, young athlete has become a real professional, devoting attention to every smallest nuance, which could improve the performance in the ice arena.

Interviewer: I remember that when I interviewed you last time you answered alternately in three different languages. In how many languages do you communicate in your everyday life? Have you already forgotten Latvian language?

Deniss: In my everyday life I use four languages but the Latvian language is the last one on that list in the fourth place because in everyday life I lack practice [of using Latvian language]. Mostly I communicate with people in English or French language but with parents I talk in Russian. I use Latvian language when I give an interview or do some tasks for school. I am happy for every opportunity to speak Latvian, it is a beautiful language.

I: You gained seventh place in the European Championship in Ostrava. Were you happy with your performance?

D: I am very happy with my performance and how I was rated. I skated with great pleasure, I had the immense pleasure to represent my country in such competition. Let's say it like that - I believe that it was a pretty good preparation for the World Championship which will take place in late March and early April in Helsinki.

I: What were you feeling when after your performance the audience gave you standing ovation?

D: For me as an artist, it is the highest evaluation. I get the greatest pleasure when the audience really like my performance and they get the flowing energy from me. In fact, figure skating is a unique sport. Similarly, for example, as in ballet, for figure skating also you have to be present, to feel all the specifics of what is happening and the ongoing tension, the positive or the negative sea of energy. If people stood up it means they really liked my performance, they got the pleasure from watching my skating. For me, who is basically doing his job so that people would like it, it is the highest evaluation. So I managed to achieve what I wanted.

I: You started your free program with a mistake.

D: I just hastened. It was difficult to warm up along with the best figure skaters, it created quite a lot of pressure. Adrenaline may affect both positively and negatively. This time it led me to rush into the first jump, but I am glad that I was able to recover from this error and successfully execute all the other jumps.

I: Was it difficult to pull yourself together and accomplish all that you had planned?

D: Half though out the program I was thinking about whether to risk and try to accomplish in the second part of the program the jump that I failed or not to risk. In the end I decided not to take the risk and skate till the end in the way that would look beautiful. Yes, I could have skated more emotionally, with greater depth, more openly. But I am satisfied that I skated well and that people liked it.

I: I understood that you were already at the airport when you learned that you are invited to participate in the European Championship Exhibition Gala where only the medalists and some other particularly memorable competitors perform.

D: Not really. I learned about it in the morning, shortly before I had planned to go to the airport. I went for breakfast and found out that I have been invited to participate in Exhibition Gala. At the time of skating in Exhibition Gala I was already supposed to be on the plane.

I: Where you surprised by the invitation?

D: Yes, I was very surprised. At first I was completely confused. (Laughs.) I did not know what to do because we had already bought tickets for the return journey. However, this will only make this championship more memorable.

I: Last year you said good words about your then coach, 1994 Olympic champion Alexei Urmanov. What are the main differences between these two professionals?

D: Let's say it like that – lead by Stéphane I have become a real professional. Throughout the day I dedicate all my time to figure skating. I dedicate myself whole to figure skating by getting rid of a variety of entertainments and sweets. I keep a strict regime, I practice much more. I know my goals, and in practices I propel myself towards those goals. In training process both specialists differ radically. Both are brilliant. But now everything is happens for me with much more responsibility. Now I do all the things only for figure skating.

I: When did you started cooperation with Lambiel?

D: Collaboration started in summer, when I had the injury. He helped me to get healthy again. From August I gradually started training again, but only after a month I started to execute jumps.

I: Remind us what injury did you have?

D: I had a groin adductor injury - this is a very serious injury, which has led most athletes to be forced to end their careers. Both Lambiel and Urmanov directly following this injury ended their competitive carriers. And Stephane knew where to turn to heal such an injury. He sent me to Canada, to the place where I never would have gotten by myself, it was only possible with Lambiel`s contacts. He supported me a lot, because at that time it was even painful to walk. Step by step, I regained my fitness level and resumed training.

I: Did it at some point occurred to you that this might be it – the end of carrier at 17...

D: Honestly, it does not matter to me if it hurts or not. I want to do the figure skating, I adore it. It's my life. Even if it will hurt, I will still try to do something, I will push myself through the pain. I have given a lot to figure skating, I have trained for 14 years. Figure skating for me is like air.

I: You were supposed to perform with Lambiel on "Art on Ice" show. Has it happened already?

D: Yes. Yesterday (Thursday) was the first show. We tried to skate together for the first time. To go out on the ice with my idol, friend and coach in one person gave great pleasure to me. I am delighted that this idea was born and we were offered to perform together.

I: Although you have already highlighted Lambiel`s contribution, but I will ask again – what is that what you yourself would like to highlight what Lambiel has directly given you as a figure skater?

D: Major changes have taken place in my head, it is his merit. I am psychologically more willing to sacrifice and give up a lot. For example, the confectionery and dairy products. I have realized the importance of proper nutrition, how it affects my physical condition and training work. Now I am much more attentive. At present, I am ready for a lot just be able to continue to skate and to enjoy it. My life has changed, it has become much more disciplined. At the same time I understand why I do these things. I engage in figure skating, not just because I like it, but I have moved to the next level - doing it with a professional approach. Since I moved to Stéphane I have started to regard the entire subject more seriously. I believe that I have become better in all areas. I've become a professional athlete. More attention to the small details. Last season I rested between the jumps, but now I not only don`t rest between the jumps but work even more. Skating is the most interesting part of my sport. It makes the performance into art. But it is also the most difficult part, not everyone is able to do it. We all perform about the same jumps, for which some manage better, but some worse. Meanwhile - skating, each of us skate differently. Skating opens our inner state of mind. It's like freedom and flight.

I: But, however, when talking about the jumps, one can not help but ask about the quadruple jumps that are currently lacking in your arsenal.

D: We are working on three quadruple jumps, everything is in the process. But I will include them in performances only when I will be 100% sure of them. I work every day on them, progress has been made and it satisfies me. I have gone further with them than I had before the injury treatment.

I: Can we expect to see some of quadruple jumps in the world championships in Helsinki?

D: People who are waiting should understand - yes, you can execute quadruple jump, do something unique, but... After the quadruple jump there is still a whole program to skate. If I will fulfill a quadruple jump, but dump the other part of the program, then the result will be only worse. It is not about whether I will fulfill quadruple jump, it is about whether I can perform well the whole program, because everything together will bring the result, not one complicated element. When I will be sure of the successful execution of the whole program with a quadruple jump, only then I will include quadruple in my program. Only then you will see it, and hope you will like it because it really is a unique jump. Four spins in the air - it is a wonderful feeling and eruption of positive emotions.

I: Your coach became world champion when he was just 19 years old. You are being compared to Lambiel. Don`t you feel extra pressure because of that?

D: The world is changing and figure skating have entered countries that previously did not compete for the highest places. No matter how strange it may sound, however I and Lambiel – we are very different. Both the performance technique and skating style. Of course, we have a lot in common, but at the same time we are also very different. I do not want to be an echo, I want to be the sound. Each of us has its own personality. And we are trying to demonstrate it to the world.

I: What will be your goals at World Championship?

D: As with any competition, my goal is to do my job in the best possible way. In World Championship I would like to win a spot in the 2018 Winter Olympics for my country. To do this I must be in top twenty. I want to perform everything cleanly and beautifully for people to enjoy my performance. If this works out and I will win the place for Latvia in the Olympic Games, then I have high hopes that I will be given an opportunity to debut in the Olympic Games.

I: After the European Championship in a number of mass media the information was distributed that you invite to donate in order to continue to practice figure skating and fight for a place in the Olympic Games. But this message seems to be out-dated.

D: Professional sport is expensive, especially figure skating. I am very grateful for all the support I received. For example, the support from the crowd-funding campaign, which last year organized my former coach Ingrid [Snieškiene]. My team is doing everything so that I would have all the necessary things for training work in the best possible conditions.

I: You are barely at all in Daugavpils. How are you doing with your school work?

D: Unfortunately I do not have the opportunity to spend as much time at school as I would like to. Being together with classmates, attending classes. However, I am doing everything I can. I have very good grades because I test well. I would like to be in school more, to feel the atmosphere of the school because the school is very interesting part of life. I love to learn something new. I consider school to be a wonderful place, because the knowledge gained there is very valuable and important. But figure skating and school are things that are very difficult to reconcile. Many at some point waive one or the other. But I try to combine them.

I: Probably you would agree that the figure skating has stolen your childhood...

D: I don`t know... But I love figure skating, so I have no regrets.
 
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