Elena Ilinykh & Ruslan Zhiganshin

[tulosai]

If she continues to make these silly mistakes people will begin to believe Katsalapov's case more and more. I think she lacks real discipline. You need that to be competitive in ID. If she doesn't have the heart for it she needs to walk away and allow Ruslan to find a more stable partner.

Don't get me wrong I love this girl. And it pains me to say this. But today's mistake was just too costly and just seemed too flippant. I think I would have empathized more if she cried or even looked disappointed the way Yuka does when she knows she's tried her hardest and failed. Ruslan has worked so hard this season, I think its only fair that she be a bit more focused and concentrated when she skates. Because what she does has consequences for him too.

I'm sorry but this has been the first mistake that was definitely her fault in her whole partnership with Ruslan, and in the partnership with Nikita his mistakes literally outnumbered hers about 6 to 1. Ruslan has made far more silly mistakes than her so far in the partnership. They BOTH do have to get it together, but to pretend she's the one consistently making mistakes bringing him down is really too much. Furthermore she's always been super supportive through all of Nikita's and Ruslan's stupid mistakes for like 10 years now. She should be cut a break for this one error.

 

[MK's Winter]

Wasn't the error at Worlds last year hers? I'm pretty sure she was the one who messed up the twizzles in the FD. I would say she and Ruslan are 50/50 in terms of errors.

I think we are all down. Let's regroup give our team all of our love and wish them the best for the free skate!

 

[tvuckic16]

I think we are all down. Let's regroup give our team all of our love and wish them the best for the free skate!

True...assuming everyone skates clean, let's just hope for a good FD and third place.

 

[MK's Winter]

True...assuming everyone skates clean, let's just hope for a good FD and third place.

I believe in them. And I believe in all my Ruslenaiacs!!! Our team needs positive vibes, let's put it out there

 

[tulosai]

True...assuming everyone skates clean, let's just hope for a good FD and third place.

This is my greatest hope right now too

 

[Alba]

No one is blaming SinKats for their choices what's done is done. Though the choice of Swan Lake was hurtful, Lena just had to deal with it. What I'm saying is Lena may not have completely rid herself of the aftermaths of so public a rejection/humiliation. And maybe she might need to talk it through with a professional.

If she continues to make these silly mistakes people will begin to believe Katsalapov's case more and more. I think she lacks real discipline. You need that to be competitive in ID. If she doesn't have the heart for it she needs to walk away and allow Ruslan to find a more stable partner.

Don't get me wrong I love this girl. And it pains me to say this. But today's mistake was just too costly and just seemed too flippant. I think I would have empathized more if she cried or even looked disappointed the way Yuka does when she knows she's tried her hardest and failed. Ruslan has worked so hard this season, I think its only fair that she be a bit more focused and concentrated when she skates. Because what she does has consequences for him too.

The same goes for her, when he does the mistakes also. I'm sorry bram but I really don't get where these words are coming from?
I'm really pissed off with today's mistake and I'm very very disappointed with them. I think it is worrying and something definitely isn't working but before pointing fingers of who's partner is to blame let's see the whole picture. If, as you said, she lacks real discipline who's responsible? What are the coaches doing? Did they do anything about the SD, if they had feedbacks the SD wasn't working with the judges? Where is the PR? What did they do about the costumes also? The same old black costume (Ruslans's costume looks so cheap by the way) coming fom a girl who used to change 5 dresses. I don't know what's going on in that group but IZ are not the only ones having issues. I see YM regressed a lot this season also, and I also see someone from inside that group writing mean things and spreading rumors agains IZ from quite a while now. How is that even possible and why is that? Why nobody is taking actions against this person? Are they afraid of something? Being left with zero skaters maybe? The main problem is the fact that even without the fall they wouldn't be first here. Do they have any clue why is that and are they doing anything about it? If yes, what exactly because I just don't see that! Lena saying that without a fall they would've got 2 point higher. Is that so? Who's telling her that? They're the first not to believe in themselves. They should OWN that fecking place and they are not doing it. That's the worrying part! Not SK skating to a mediocre Swan Lake and Lena being so said and humiliated about it. I'm sorry but that's a B rated movie you are watching. But even if that was the case, where is the psychological preparation? Who is in charge of that?

By the way, If she doesn't have the heart for it he needs to walk away and find a more "stable" partner. If I'm not happy in a partnership or any relationship I leave. I do not pretend that the other person does that for me.

 

[MK's Winter]

The same goes for her, when he does the mistakes also. I'm sorry bram but I really don't get where these words are coming from? I'm really pissed off with today's mistake and I'm very very disappointed with them. I think it is worrying and something definitely isn't working but before pointing fingers of who's partner is to blame let's see the whole picture. If, as you said, she lacks real discipline who's responsible? What are the coaches doing? Did they do anything about the SD, if they had feedbacks the SD wasn't working with the judges? What did they do about the costumes also? The same old black costume (Ruslans's costume looks so cheap by the way) coming fom a girl who used to change 5 dresses. I don't know what's going on in that group but IZ are not the only ones having issues. I see YM regressed a lot this season also, and I also see someone from inside that group writing mean things and spreading rumors agains IZ from quite a while now. How is that even possible and why is that? Why nobody is taking actions against this person? Are they afraid of something? Being left with zero skaters maybe? By the way, If she doesn't have the heart for it he needs to walk away and find a more "stable" partner. If I'm not happy in a partnership or any relationship I leave. I do not pretend that the other person do that for me.

Alba you are a truth pill girl.

 

[tvuckic16]

Alba you are a truth pill girl.

I think all of you, bramweld, Alba etc. have brought up some really good points. I am not sure we'll ever know what is truly happening behind the scenes. I do think that all the teams are under an immense amount of pressure and in addition to the skaters and coaches, I would also add the Fed's lack of team play and guidance of their teams in general as a serious factor for the way things are going in Russian ice dance this season.

 

[Alba]

I think all of you, bramweld, Alba etc. have brought up some really good points. I am not sure we'll ever know what is truly happening behind the scenes. I do think that all the teams are under an immense amount of pressure and in addition to the skaters and coaches, I would also add the Fed's lack of team play and guidance of their teams in general as a serious factor for the way things are going in Russian ice dance this season.

That is true. I do not think for a moment that others are having an easy life. Just look at BS. It must be so damn hard for them, more than for anybody else. However, the only group who appears to be totally clueless this year and completely inert is Kustarova's group.
I respect those women. I think they are very good technical coaches and I think they have been very good with Ruslan, obviously, and to Elena a lot. Nevertheless, the management of these two and not just these two (I repeat, I don't like what I'm seeing with YM either) has been bad!

 

[MK's Winter]

That is true. I do not think for a moment that others are having an easy life. Just look at BS. It must be so damn hard for them, more than for anybody else. However, the only group who appears to be totally clueless this year and completely inert is Kustarova's group. I respect those women. I think they are very good technical coaches and I think they have been very good with Ruslan, obviously, and to Elena a lot. Nevertheless, the management of these two and not just these two (I repeat, I don't like what I'm seeing with YM either) has been bad!

Agreed. Elena and Ruslan are their real first top team. This is where the federation could come in and show some guidance. I am sure Elena and Ruslan are putting pressure on themselves as well.

 

[Alba]

Agreed. Elena and Ruslan are their real first top team. This is where the federation could come in and show some guidance. I am sure Elena and Ruslan are putting pressure on themselves as well.

That is normal. All athletes do put pressure on themselves. In a way it helps them also but it's the coaches duty to channel that pressure in the right direction. Last season they went out there like they owned that place. Even with that crappy FD. This is season is like "we're trying to do our best but it isn't working", like chickens. That's crap! How did they get from that to this?! That's what I want to know!

 

[MK's Winter]

That is normal. All athletes do put pressure on themselves. In a way it helps them also but it's the coaches duty to channel that pressure in the right direction. Last season they went out there like they were owned that place. This is season is like "we're trying to do our best but it isn't working". That's crap! How did they get from that to this?!

The struggles of being number 1 when everyone thought they were the dumped and pathetic left overs. Technically and artistically they are Russia's superior team. Not afraid to perform challenging elements and to push themselves. They also didn't believe in the FD last year, which I think is why they stick with the SD- they believe in it and feel it but are perplexed that the judges don't and it's probably frustrating. And it's probably adding more pressure. They just have to find their artistic style and are experimenting.

 

[Alba]

The struggles of being number 1 when everyone thought they were the dumped and pathetic left overs. Technically and artistically they are Russia's superior team. Not afraid to perform challenging elements and to push themselves. They also didn't believe in the FD last year, which I think is why they stick with the SD- they believe in it and feel it but are perplexed that the judges don't and it's probably frustrating. And it's probably adding more pressure. They just have to find their artistic style and are experimenting.

You can't have both. Judges not liking it and good scores. Either they should've changed the program or stick with it, then, if you they like it and really do believe in what they'are doing. But show me that, please. Skate the hell out of it and forget about the scores. They are not giving them those scores anyway and with the mistakes they are making judges decision soooooooooo easy.

 

[MK's Winter]

You can't have both. Judges not liking it and good scores. Either they should've changed the program or stick with it, then, if you like it and believe in what you are doing. But show me that, please. Skate the hell out of it and forget about the scores. They are not giving them to you and with the mistakes they are making judges decision soooooooooo easy.

I agree. A toe pick error like that was either lack of focus it she was way too ahead of herself. I am going with focus. And that's what they will have to do tomorrow. Finish the season strong, no matter where it leads and hit the drawing board hard.

 

[Alba]

I agree. A toe pick error like that was either lack of focus it she was way too ahead of herself. I am going with focus. And that's what they will have to do tomorrow. Finish the season strong, no matter where it leads and hit the drawing board hard.

Right now, although I have bought the tickets for the dance event at Euros only for them, I'm starting to think it might be a blessing in disguise not be choosen for Euros either. Maybe they need to sink down in order to shake things up.

 

[MK's Winter]

Right now, although I have bought the tickets for the dance event at Euros only to see them, I'm starting to think it might be a blessing in disguise not be choosen for Euros either. Maybe they need to sink down in order to shake things up.

I hope they get to Euros. They deserve to be there. I'm not opposed to skipping Worlds though.

 

[Alba]

I hope they get to Euros. They deserve to be there. I'm not opposed to skipping Worlds though.

I suppose we'll see tomorrow if they deserve it. Talent and gift alone it's not enough. They have to skate like that place is theirs, and theirs alone, and they want it! Otherwise, no. They do not deserve it.

 

[MK's Winter]

I suppose we'll see tomorrow if they deserve it. Talent and gift alone it's not enough. They have to skate like that place is theirs, and theirs alone, and they want it! Otherwise, no. They do not deserve it.

Let me reiterate- I am still up Lol!!!

 

[tvuckic16]

That is normal. All athletes do put pressure on themselves. In a way it helps them also but it's the coaches duty to channel that pressure in the right direction. Last season they went out there like they owned that place. Even with that crappy FD. This is season is like "we're trying to do our best but it isn't working", like chickens. That's crap! How did they get from that to this?! That's what I want to know!

Well, honestly, in my view, field whatever it's worth, which is not much, I think their SD last year was superior to this year's. Their FD last year was "meh" but Frida has its down-sides. The music is not "catchy" and although beautifully choreographed, it might be just a touch over-choreographed making IZ at times get lost in the choreo....but...they are a great team, to be sure.

 

[bramweld]

Sorry to be harsh guys but something that has been hinted at bugs me. Elena said that without the fall they would have only gotten a couple of points more. How on earth do you go from the best SD dancers in the team to saying those sort of things? I think all the backdoor games by her federation has got to hurt. And this may be taking a toll. I just don't understand how shaky they looked today, Kustarova wasn't even too upset with the fall like at COR. It's like they've already been told by the fed the best you can hope for is third. That has got to have an impact and make the pressure even worse. So if you know your federation isn't supportive don't you have to give it 1000 % all the time every performance? From the moment they took the ice it was almost as if they knew they couldn't make it, that is what has been very disappointing. Maybe that's the real source of my anger and I shouldn't be laying it on so thick on Lena. But something isn't adding up and I can't put my finger on it. One day I hope this girl writes a book and clues us in.