Deniss Vasiljevs
- Thread starter silverfoxes
- Start date
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2017
I accidentally found in the magazine "Sports Newspaper" an article about Deniss, more specifically his short diary on all 12 days. He was asked to write it before the Olympics. There are also photos and Deniss' drawings. It's interesting. I chose 2 days and put into English. Maybe somebody will enjoy.
This is amazing, thank you so much
I like the way he writes. He is honest and cheerful and so earnest :luv17: It's refreshing. He has such a good attitude to life.I think his problem with the 3A is not the height, of which there is plenty, but the entry. Sometimes he comes in on such a deep edge, that when he takes off he goes up tilted leaning inside the circle, and then the edge just slides out from under him on landing.
I always wanted to see his drawings! Could you describe them? I will have to track down this magazine.
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2018
I accidentally found in the magazine "Sports Newspaper" an article about Deniss, more specifically his short diary on all 12 days. He was asked to write it before the Olympics. There are also photos and Deniss' drawings. It's interesting. I chose 2 days and put into English. Maybe somebody will enjoy.
Thank you so much!!!
I really enjoed it!
Actually, it would be really greate to read about other days too... And maybe to see photos... I am greedy, I know)))
Sorry, but I can’t post the pictures and drawings, but they are cool.
Up to now I have seen his drawings in “brick technique”- he builds up objects in rectangles-actually I don’t know how to explain it properly, but these are different. In all three there is the talisman- White Tiger Soohrang. In one he has drawn Gangneung Olympic village, in the other he has drawn Monaco Prince Alber II (?) in a bit funny way. In the third poor Tiger is in trouble- evidently the Olympic flame has caught the tassel of its tail and he is reaching for the bucket of water. 
But maybe the artist himself has a different point of view.What concerns jumps, I'm a bit worried. It's his Achilles heel. It's clear that he can do them but he lacks stability. In Milan it's so important to prove that he can manage.
I'll post the rest of the diary. It goes quickly and i enjoy doing it.
The next entries from the diary in magazine ''Sporta Avīze"
February 7th
Today is a great day - I'm going to the Olympics! I'm really excited and, frankly, quite nervous. The last training in Champery and we are heading to Geneva airport together with my trainer Stephane Lambiel and my teammate Diāna Ņikitina. We all have too much luggage, so we are at the check-in desk, rearranging our bags. Our connection to Frankfurt has been delayed for almost 6 hours. It reminds me of my first World Championships in Boston ... But you must maintain a positive attitude and be patient.:agree:
February 8th
I have never been able to sleep during a long flight, and this case was no exception.:yawn: The time difference between Korea and Switzerland is 8 hours. When landing in Seoul, it is already dark outdoors but in my head it’s only morning. On the bus that takes us to the ice sport accommodation in Kannina, I and my trainer try to find new ideas for cooking which is one of our favorite pastimes. After almost 30 hours of travel, we finally arrive at the Olympic village. I receive my accreditation (most of the athletes got it at the airport) and I go to the apartments. I will share my room with Roberts Zvejnieks. Here are rooms for the rest of the team- my coach, Robert’s coach and the team physiotherapist.
February 9th
Due to acclimatization I can’t fall asleep, so I walk around the Olympic village and explore the new environment in the dark. I'm thinking of the long way that brought me here. I am grateful to all those who have helped me to fulfill this dream. Today I have the first training and I can say that I'm exhausted. However, the most important event of the day is the opening ceremony. I've always been watching them on TV and trying to imagine how it would be to participate in this event. And that is a wonderful feeling. It is a great pleasure and honor to walk next to my compatriots. I enjoy meeting other athletes and I start collecting badges. I would like to stay until the end of the ceremony, but I have a workout early in the morning tomorrow.:sad4:
February 11th
Today my training is at 11.00. A few more figure skaters have arrived. The sense of competition is gradually developing. I'm satisfied with the practice, finally all my feelings have come back. After lunch, the car is already waiting for me and my manager Christopher Trevisan to go to Pyongchang, where I have to give an interview for the Olympic TV channel. I'm introduced to Monaco Prince Albert II who has come here for the same reason. I learn he has participated in the 5 Olympic Games as a bobsledder. Impressive!:clapper:
February 13th
I am very excited because today is my first training on the competition rink. I step on the ice with a wide smile!
I am almost able to imagine a full of people arena who support skaters and the audience just supportive for me.
The training is great. I am getting positive energy. Then I spend some time drawing and writing my daily notes. I'm developing a new idea for a story that will take place in the Star Wars galaxy. In the afternoon I have the off-ice practice. Immediately after that, I have to support my teammates who take part in the 1000-meter men's qualification at the short track ice speed skating. They both qualify for quarterfinals.
I feel that my heartbeat increases - my turn to perform is approaching.
February 7th
Today is a great day - I'm going to the Olympics! I'm really excited and, frankly, quite nervous. The last training in Champery and we are heading to Geneva airport together with my trainer Stephane Lambiel and my teammate Diāna Ņikitina. We all have too much luggage, so we are at the check-in desk, rearranging our bags. Our connection to Frankfurt has been delayed for almost 6 hours. It reminds me of my first World Championships in Boston ... But you must maintain a positive attitude and be patient.:agree:
February 8th
I have never been able to sleep during a long flight, and this case was no exception.:yawn: The time difference between Korea and Switzerland is 8 hours. When landing in Seoul, it is already dark outdoors but in my head it’s only morning. On the bus that takes us to the ice sport accommodation in Kannina, I and my trainer try to find new ideas for cooking which is one of our favorite pastimes. After almost 30 hours of travel, we finally arrive at the Olympic village. I receive my accreditation (most of the athletes got it at the airport) and I go to the apartments. I will share my room with Roberts Zvejnieks. Here are rooms for the rest of the team- my coach, Robert’s coach and the team physiotherapist.
February 9th
Due to acclimatization I can’t fall asleep, so I walk around the Olympic village and explore the new environment in the dark. I'm thinking of the long way that brought me here. I am grateful to all those who have helped me to fulfill this dream.
Today I have the first training and I can say that I'm exhausted. However, the most important event of the day is the opening ceremony. I've always been watching them on TV and trying to imagine how it would be to participate in this event. And that is a wonderful feeling. It is a great pleasure and honor to walk next to my compatriots. I enjoy meeting other athletes and I start collecting badges. I would like to stay until the end of the ceremony, but I have a workout early in the morning tomorrow.:sad4:February 11th
Today my training is at 11.00. A few more figure skaters have arrived. The sense of competition is gradually developing. I'm satisfied with the practice, finally all my feelings have come back. After lunch, the car is already waiting for me and my manager Christopher Trevisan to go to Pyongchang, where I have to give an interview for the Olympic TV channel. I'm introduced to Monaco Prince Albert II who has come here for the same reason. I learn he has participated in the 5 Olympic Games as a bobsledder. Impressive!:clapper:
February 13th
I am very excited because today is my first training on the competition rink. I step on the ice with a wide smile!
I am almost able to imagine a full of people arena who support skaters and the audience just supportive for me. The training is great. I am getting positive energy. Then I spend some time drawing and writing my daily notes. I'm developing a new idea for a story that will take place in the Star Wars galaxy. In the afternoon I have the off-ice practice. Immediately after that, I have to support my teammates who take part in the 1000-meter men's qualification at the short track ice speed skating. They both qualify for quarterfinals. I feel that my heartbeat increases - my turn to perform is approaching.
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2014
Thank you Agnes R. These are such wonderful little glimpses into his personality...Today I bought a gift for him to throw on the ice -- a pair of socks that have Chicago landmarks on them. They're weird, but maybe he will like them?! 
I also have an assortment of stuffed animals to take with, but that will depend on what all I can fit in my suitcase. No room for clothes, just gifts and fun stuff!
I also have an assortment of stuffed animals to take with, but that will depend on what all I can fit in my suitcase. No room for clothes, just gifts and fun stuff!- Joined
- Mar 3, 2017
The next entries from the diary in magazine ''Sporta Avīze"
February 7th
Today is a great day - I'm going to the Olympics! I'm really excited and, frankly, quite nervous. The last training in Champery and we are heading to Geneva airport together with my trainer Stephane Lambiel and my teammate Diāna Ņikitina. We all have too much luggage, so we are at the check-in desk, rearranging our bags. Our connection to Frankfurt has been delayed for almost 6 hours. It reminds me of my first World Championships in Boston ... But you must maintain a positive attitude and be patient.:agree:
February 8th
I have never been able to sleep during a long flight, and this case was no exception.:yawn: The time difference between Korea and Switzerland is 8 hours. When landing in Seoul, it is already dark outdoors but in my head it’s only morning. On the bus that takes us to the ice sport accommodation in Kannina, I and my trainer try to find new ideas for cooking which is one of our favorite pastimes. After almost 30 hours of travel, we finally arrive at the Olympic village. I receive my accreditation (most of the athletes got it at the airport) and I go to the apartments. I will share my room with Roberts Zvejnieks. Here are rooms for the rest of the team- my coach, Robert’s coach and the team physiotherapist.
February 9th
Due to acclimatization I can’t fall asleep, so I walk around the Olympic village and explore the new environment in the dark. I'm thinking of the long way that brought me here. I am grateful to all those who have helped me to fulfill this dream.
February 11th
Today my training is at 11.00. A few more figure skaters have arrived. The sense of competition is gradually developing. I'm satisfied with the practice, finally all my feelings have come back. After lunch, the car is already waiting for me and my manager Christopher Trevisan to go to Pyongchang, where I have to give an interview for the Olympic TV channel. I'm introduced to Monaco Prince Albert II who has come here for the same reason. I learn he has participated in the 5 Olympic Games as a bobsledder. Impressive!:clapper:
February 13th
I am very excited because today is my first training on the competition rink. I step on the ice with a wide smile!
Thank you Agnes! These are so fun to read. Did that Olympic Channel video ever come out?
I didn’t know that Deniss is a writer too! And that he writes Star Wars fanfic, that’s really funny!
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2018
Thank you so so so much! It's very interesting!
That's it. This is the last post from Deniss' diary from "Sports Newspaper". Sorry, it is in a mixed order. It was my pleasure. :luv17:
February 14th
The day starts with a little stress-when we were going to the bus to get to the ice arena, I realized that I had forgotten my accreditation card. My trainer ran to fetch it, but it was too late and we missed the bus.:shocked: Instead, we had to take a taxi and we arrived in time to warm up. The training went well. I was pleased with how I could control my emotions. After the workout, I have several interviews and a photo session at the Olympic Park. The wind is so strong that there are constant warnings and even a call to evacuate. :scard7: It reminds me of the time spent in Sochi when there was a flood and I nearly floated between the apartments and the ice rink. When I am going back to the apartment, the wind raises a board in the air and it hits me on the leg. I fall down and roll over a couple of meters ... Luckily, everything is fine with me, but it seems that there will be a bruise. I guess this day could be better, but I liked it!
February 15th
At last I got a good night sleep.
As I thought there is a bruise on my leg, but I feel well and ready to perform. This is the last day before the short program competition, so the schedule is very accurate. Before a healthy breakfast, I have an off-ice practice. The first ice training is on the training rink. I'm doing well, and I even have time to work on my quads. After lunch, I have a nap and do some drawing. The second training starts late, only at 20.10 p.m. but it is in the main arena, where every training option is very valuable. There are also some viewers, so I want to show my best performance, but I keep calm and concentrated. I try each of my jumps, run through my short program and leave ice after about 30 minutes. I feel ready for IT.
February 17th
The first group is not the one you want to be in, but I'm grateful that I qualified for the FP because it was a really difficult competition. It also means that the training starts at 6.15. It goes well and I have enough time for a short nap and shower before returning to the arena for the competition. Despite a couple of mistakes, I really enjoyed my free program. In truth, it was great. I know what I need to improve for the next competition and I can not wait to do it. I am so motivated! I watch the rest of the competition from the stands. And what a competition it was!! The last part was hot! 
These were my first Olympic games, so I will always remember them with love.:luv17: In the evening, we are celebrating (Stefane and Chris) in a Korean barbecue restaurant. 
I definitely enjoy meals in this country. It’s worth returning here!
February 18th
A day off! Once I took the liberty to go to bed late in the evening, and I have an easy morning. The experienced excitement during the competition has left its traces. I feel tired- physically and emotionally. I have a long regenerative massage at the team physiotherapist, and I almost fall asleep. In the evening we go to Pyeongchang. The atmosphere there is great. It seems like it's a festival.
Stefan took me to the Swiss House to taste the traditional Swiss fondue. It reminds me of Champery and I really want to go back. My first Olympic Games are over. Tomorrow will start training for the world championship. I am ready to work! :yay:
February 14th
The day starts with a little stress-when we were going to the bus to get to the ice arena, I realized that I had forgotten my accreditation card. My trainer ran to fetch it, but it was too late and we missed the bus.:shocked: Instead, we had to take a taxi and we arrived in time to warm up. The training went well. I was pleased with how I could control my emotions. After the workout, I have several interviews and a photo session at the Olympic Park. The wind is so strong that there are constant warnings and even a call to evacuate. :scard7: It reminds me of the time spent in Sochi when there was a flood and I nearly floated between the apartments and the ice rink. When I am going back to the apartment, the wind raises a board in the air and it hits me on the leg. I fall down and roll over a couple of meters ... Luckily, everything is fine with me, but it seems that there will be a bruise. I guess this day could be better, but I liked it!
February 15th
At last I got a good night sleep.
As I thought there is a bruise on my leg, but I feel well and ready to perform. This is the last day before the short program competition, so the schedule is very accurate. Before a healthy breakfast, I have an off-ice practice. The first ice training is on the training rink. I'm doing well, and I even have time to work on my quads. After lunch, I have a nap and do some drawing. The second training starts late, only at 20.10 p.m. but it is in the main arena, where every training option is very valuable. There are also some viewers, so I want to show my best performance, but I keep calm and concentrated. I try each of my jumps, run through my short program and leave ice after about 30 minutes. I feel ready for IT. February 17th
The first group is not the one you want to be in, but I'm grateful that I qualified for the FP because it was a really difficult competition. It also means that the training starts at 6.15. It goes well and I have enough time for a short nap and shower before returning to the arena for the competition. Despite a couple of mistakes, I really enjoyed my free program. In truth, it was great. I know what I need to improve for the next competition and I can not wait to do it. I am so motivated! I watch the rest of the competition from the stands. And what a competition it was!!
The last part was hot! These were my first Olympic games, so I will always remember them with love.:luv17: In the evening, we are celebrating (Stefane and Chris) in a Korean barbecue restaurant. I definitely enjoy meals in this country. It’s worth returning here!February 18th
A day off! Once I took the liberty to go to bed late in the evening, and I have an easy morning. The experienced excitement during the competition has left its traces. I feel tired- physically and emotionally. I have a long regenerative massage at the team physiotherapist, and I almost fall asleep. In the evening we go to Pyeongchang. The atmosphere there is great. It seems like it's a festival.
Stefan took me to the Swiss House to taste the traditional Swiss fondue. It reminds me of Champery and I really want to go back. My first Olympic Games are over. Tomorrow will start training for the world championship. I am ready to work! :yay:
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2018
Thank you again))))
Such a plesure to read all this diary!
Would you mind if I translate it in russian?
P.S. Suddenly noticed: there wasn't 10 february?
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2014
February 18th
A day off! Once I took the liberty to go to bed late in the evening, and I have an easy morning. The experienced excitement during the competition has left its traces. I feel tired- physically and emotionally. I have a long regenerative massage at the team physiotherapist, and I almost fall asleep. In the evening we go to Pyeongchang. The atmosphere there is great. It seems like it's a festival.
He always makes the best food posts!
But it always makes me happy that he enjoys so many different experiences outside of skating. Great first Olympics for him. Thx again 
AgnesR.- Joined
- Apr 18, 2017
Thank you very much for sharing AgnesR.
I totally sympathise with Deniss not being able to sleep at all on long hour flights because ME TOO. And it's tiring((
I actually purchased the magazine lol. Interesting photos inside. His drawings have improved in terms of perspective. There was a photo where he put the peace sign behind Stephane's head, creating bunny ears for the coach :v Another one that was...creative, was when he posed in front of a giant ball (?), so it looks like he carries the whole world on his back...
There were also some photos of training, eating, travelling on the bus, his badges (he collected A LOT!) and a few more from instagram/twitter.
Overall, despite that mistakes during the performances, it seems like he enjoyed his first Olympics. That's great news to hear and I'm looking forwards to seeing his performances at Worlds.
I totally sympathise with Deniss not being able to sleep at all on long hour flights because ME TOO. And it's tiring
(( I actually purchased the magazine lol. Interesting photos inside. His drawings have improved in terms of perspective. There was a photo where he put the peace sign behind Stephane's head, creating bunny ears for the coach :v Another one that was...creative, was when he posed in front of a giant ball (?), so it looks like he carries the whole world on his back...
There were also some photos of training, eating, travelling on the bus, his badges (he collected A LOT!) and a few more from instagram/twitter. Overall, despite that mistakes during the performances, it seems like he enjoyed his first Olympics. That's great news to hear and I'm looking forwards to seeing his performances at Worlds.
Sure, i don't mind. But, please, refer to the source- magazine ''Sporta Avīze" because it is a literal translation, not a synopsis.
Sorry for February 10th- I was in a hurry and it was short and regular- meals, practice and some interviews.
Thanks for translating Deniss' journal entries. Very nice read.
Just found this pic on Pinterest, posting link here just in case it hasn't already been posted in the last 100 pages of this fan thread and the over 500 pages over at Shoma's thread
https://pin.it/lwlsz2rizlz7nt
Just found this pic on Pinterest, posting link here just in case it hasn't already been posted in the last 100 pages of this fan thread and the over 500 pages over at Shoma's thread
https://pin.it/lwlsz2rizlz7nt
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2018
Thank you! Of course I will refer the source )
AgnesR, you are great!
It's wonderful he had time for cheering his teammates as well as visiting and tasting Korean cuisine. However, going from Switzerland to Korea to try some Swiss dishes seems awkward But I understand that Stephane was curious how they deal with Swiss cuisine in Korea 
I'm impressed by Deniss' creativity and variety of talents. These is really an advantage in figure skating.
I'm not sure if I understand these words:
It's wonderful he had time for cheering his teammates as well as visiting and tasting Korean cuisine. However, going from Switzerland to Korea to try some Swiss dishes seems awkward
But I understand that Stephane was curious how they deal with Swiss cuisine in Korea I'm impressed by Deniss' creativity and variety of talents. These is really an advantage in figure skating.
I'm not sure if I understand these words:
Does he refer to the planned quad? Or the difficult entrance to the 3A? Because his SP worked quite well during the season.
At least he didn't forget his skates like Dima
What is compelling, knowing that they decide to not enter them into the performance.
His enthusiasm is energeting :thumbsup: I hated seeing him cheerless after SP. Thankfully he has so sunny nature and can shake off fast, taking obstacles as a challenge. Really, three major competitions (including olympics!) and final exams from high school - it's a huge load. I admire his commitment.
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2017
I wonder if he actually meant taking out the quad, because the reason for doing that was to skate clean and therefore get a higher score. But when he fell he realised there was no way he could make up the points in the free. Not that a fully rotated quad (or landed) was likely but it was possible. Also I think by taking out the quad, he put a lot of pressure on himself to skate 2 clean programs, which going by the current state of the men, is much more difficult than previously thought.
I hope Deniss takes that to heart and gives it everything he has at Worlds, because I think that approach works better for him. Just go out there all guns blazing, attack everything and don't hold anything back. I will cheer for him no matter what happens anyway.
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2017
Deniss' instagram/twitter update
I thought he was going to take his English exam later!! :shocked: Imagine, final exams one week and Worlds the next, I'd be toast
I hope this doesn't affect him too much going into Worlds. On a much happier note he tagged Sony in the post - that could mean he has a sponsorship agreement with them now
Awesome!
The other day I found this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xb2R7rhVgcE from when Deniss was 11. Watching it, I realised that now Deniss is all grown up (mostly? will he ever stop growing lol) he looks a lot like his mother, not just in the smile, he has her eyes too
I thought he was going to take his English exam later!! :shocked: Imagine, final exams one week and Worlds the next, I'd be toast
I hope this doesn't affect him too much going into Worlds. On a much happier note he tagged Sony in the post - that could mean he has a sponsorship agreement with them now
Awesome!The other day I found this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xb2R7rhVgcE from when Deniss was 11. Watching it, I realised that now Deniss is all grown up (mostly? will he ever stop growing lol) he looks a lot like his mother, not just in the smile, he has her eyes too
I didn't believe my eyes!! He is surprising! It was him who said that he won't be together with his classmates at the English exam (in the documentary). Evidently, he feels ready for the champs. I suppose he is doing it because he wants to apply to university or college, so not to waste time.... It's something I'm solid sure about -he is going to study.
The exam is on 13th (written part and he can have the oral part at the same day or the next day). Good luck, Deniss!
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2017
Deniss was presented with a plaque after being voted most popular athlete from Daugavpils this year
He said after he finishes his career as a figure skater he plans to open a figure skating school in Daugavpils and become a coach! I imagine it won't happen for some time, but it sounds wonderful. My goodness he must be so busy, he had the exam today and then this presentation also today and then the speaking exam and then Worlds next week and more exams after that, I feel tired just thinking about it
He said after he finishes his career as a figure skater he plans to open a figure skating school in Daugavpils and become a coach! I imagine it won't happen for some time, but it sounds wonderful. My goodness he must be so busy, he had the exam today and then this presentation also today and then the speaking exam and then Worlds next week and more exams after that, I feel tired just thinking about it
