December 09, 2017
Russian figure skater Maria Sotskova became the silver medalist at the final of the Grand Prix in Nagoya. After the competition the sportswoman answered the journalists' questions and assured that she would take home all the gifts of the Japanese fans.
- Masha, congratulations, how do you assess your performance?
- Of course, we did a lot of work, so the relevant results. At this start I got a good short and arbitrary program. I'm happy with the result. But at the national championship I want to show the level a little bit better.
- So the quantity became quality?
- With experience there is confidence, in the first place. Secondly, some qualities of my skating are improving. It all comes with time. I'm glad that I'm gradually progressing, I'm not standing still, and even more so, I'm not going down. Every start urges me to work even more. The main thing is that all the elements are stable, and when you make them stable, then I'm sure of them. Consequently, there is skating, lightness, more relaxed feel, you can show all the emotions.
- You so confidently rolled back the whole program, that there was a feeling that you were not worried at all?
- Actually worried and strong enough. For me this is the first time in the final. Usually I'm always very relaxed, get pleasure from riding, and here for some reason I was worried, because, probably, I already want to get on a pedestal and from this such excitement.
- Japan - for you a happy country? In 2013, you won the Fukuoka Junior Finals and now silver on the adult start.
"Japan always helps me, it's easy to ride here." On arrival, you get a bunch of positive emotions, because here all people are so friendly, everyone is smiling, and this is fueled by energy, and it helps. You come out on the ice in the stands in Russian flags, everyone supports. Of course, this always helps and adds confidence.
- If you compare that Grand Prix finale and this one, where was it harder? In Fukuoka, then, a strong company was also picked up.
- Then it was my first junior season. I discovered everything for myself, everything was new. When I arrived at the finals, I was in Japan for the first time. I did not know how it was. I always dreamed to get here.
Then, I think, it was easier, because I rode the penultimate or last number, and felt absolutely calm. I just wanted to perform, discover a great sport. And now I come to the competition for the result.
- Then after the final you said the phrase that the athletes - this is the face of the coach. Do you still think so?
- Yes, I still think so, because coaches put their souls in us. Every day they work, they try to teach us something not only in terms of figure skating, but also in life. They help us to reveal ourselves on the new side, try to teach something new, so that we become more experienced and skilled. Therefore, always when we go out on the ice, we represent our coach. If we play poorly, then the coach will be upset. So, the coach will be dissatisfied with his work. And if we act accordingly, then the coach is satisfied, you are satisfied and in principle the whole support group, everyone is happy and happy. Just need to go out on the ice and think not only that you're riding for yourself, but for your team.
- The second suitcase for toys fans?
"I came with a half-empty suitcase, specially for gifts, because I know that I will not leave this place empty-handed." I already have huge packages with toys in my room, which are all vital to me and everyone will go with me home.
- Thank you, Masha.
Olga YERMOLINA
, I want to see her on the podium of GPF 
