Mikhail Kolyada

[siberia82]

CBC commentary for his Rostelecom Cup LP is at 12:03, plus his warm-up clip is at 2:46 (the password is men): https://vimeo.com/299710776

His kiss & cry is at the beginning (the password is men): https://vimeo.com/299710892

His SP wasn't broadcast on Canadian television.

 

[rachno2]

What if it is as radical as "take him away from the constant cold environment (at least for a while)", i.e. no ice training. Or even no physical exertion. They may be taking measures but they are proving only palliative.

Do you think it’s really that serious though? I mean, he looked pretty good in practice and the first quarter of that FS was so solid. He even got it together toward the end with the step sequence, spins, and 3Z. I feel like he just doesn’t have the oxygen to do a program from start to finish at full strength. They need to somehow build up to that.

But if taking him off the ice is what they need to do, then that’s what they need to do. I would hate to see him push through RusNats/Euros and then crash afterwards, or, worse, develop more serious, lingering problems. In that case, sitting out the season is preferable.

 

[vorravorra]

Do you think it’s really that serious though? I mean, he looked pretty good in practice and the first quarter of that FS was so solid. He even got it together toward the end with the step sequence, spins, and 3Z. I feel like he just doesn’t have the oxygen to do a program from start to finish at full strength. They need to somehow build up to that.

But if taking him off the ice is what they need to do, then that’s what they need to do. I would hate to see him push through RusNats/Euros and then crash afterwards, or, worse, develop more serious, lingering problems. In that case, sitting out the season is preferable.

What I mean is taking him off the ice may be necessary to get rid of it once and for all, or as close as possible to once and for all. At the moment it's a slow burner that keeps sapping his strength.

They can't build up the amount of oxygen he needs to do a program from start to finish if he can't breathe normally, that is the part that needs to be addressed.

 

[rachno2]

I just wish Valentina would confirm what’s going on. But I understand her silence, especially given all the scrutiny she must be under at the moment. And maybe Misha himself would rather keep things under wraps.

It’s only been a day, I can’t imagine how much we’re going to be speculating after a few weeks. Hopefully there will be some clarification.

He seemed confident about having a plan going forward, or at least some semblance of a plan. That’s promising.

 

[vorravorra]

I just wish Valentina would confirm what’s going on. But I understand her silence, especially given all the scrutiny she must be under at the moment. And maybe Misha himself would rather keep things under wraps.

It’s only been a day, I can’t imagine how much we’re going to be speculating after a few weeks. Hopefully there will be some clarification.

Misha did mention something. It's just that it seems to be their MO, they say something is wrong but it's nothing, really, no big deal, will be right as rain in no time. And then later or at the end of the season we find out how serious it in fact was.

 

[vorravorra]

Also, Misha got sick with sinusitis after he came back from California at the beginning of August. And to treat his sinusitis properly he would have needed something like three weeks of bedrest and staying off-ice, which no way he would have got because the season was starting. This most likely means lingering sinusitis. Which is a really bad thing if it becomes chronic.

 

[Danibellerika]

Yesterday, I was heartbroken for Misha. Today, I was proud of him — yes, this despite all the pops on his triples. The fact that he not only landed both the quad sal and quad toe-triple toe for the first time ever (to my knowledge), but did so beautifully, followed by a decent triple axel, showed grit and determination after his disastrous sp. I think these accomplishments were important to prove to himself (most importantly), as well as to the judges, the Russian fed, and everyone else that he does indeed possess the athletic talent, potential, and competitive spirit to achieve marvelous things in competition. His smiling afterwards and in his interview (thanks very much for posting/translating, I so wish I understood Russian!) were a big relief, as it hinted for me his mindset/optimism for the rest of the season. A huge revelation for me from his interview was how much he’s dependent on listening/skating to the music for the timing on each of his elements — so much so that he’s been given advice not to skate to the music so faithfully, lol. For me, it’s a significant part of the puzzle for his misses in competition, along with the other aspects. He’s such a mature, intelligent and self-aware young man (e.g., I was so impressed by his observation that while we can’t change what we were born with we can work on making improvements), I’ve no doubt he understands what needs to be worked on that’s within his control. I hope Misha reaps the benefits of all his hard work and gets healthy/stays injury-free for the upcoming part of this season!

Yuzuru also has an issue where his jumps need to be timed perfectly to the music. His music gets slightly tweaked dozens of times to get it just right. He even changed his CoR SP music ever so slightly from what he did at Helsinki (which was already a change from ACI). And he and Misha are the two best jumpers in the field in terms of overall quality IMO so I'm starting to feel like that can't be a coincidence.

Well I'm glad there was at least some positive takeaway here in terms of this competition for him. Definitely something to build on. But between Misha not qualifying for GPF and Yuzuru more likely than not withdrawing, my enthusiasm for the mens event (that I'll be attending) just isn't what it was.

 

[rachno2]

https://rg.ru/2018/11/18/na-etape-s...kataniiu-rossiiane-vyigrali-v-treh-vidah.html

Rafael, what about our Russians?

Arutyunyan: In spite of everything, I like Kolyada. Nice guy, great skater. He has full contact with his trainer Chebotaryova, who has been training Misha since kindergarten. But he is very often pressured by your fellow journalists. What did you all write about him after his unsuccessful SP, where he took 8th place? You didn't need to do that. What's it for: "oh, he fell, he didn't jump a quad"? Well, let the man master all that is in his power to master. It takes time. Mikhail has a lot ahead of him.

But, after all, Misha really falls often.

Arutyunyan: And such is the nature of our sport. In figure skating, the important thing is something else, which Kolyada does with success: after he falls, he rises. In the FS he pulled himself together; he fought and jumped to 4th place.


:luv17:

 

[Heleng]

Yuzuru also has an issue where his jumps need to be timed perfectly to the music. His music gets slightly tweaked dozens of times to get it just right. He even changed his CoR SP music ever so slightly from what he did at Helsinki (which was already a change from ACI). And he and Misha are the two best jumpers in the field in terms of overall quality IMO so I'm starting to feel like that can't be a coincidence.

Well I'm glad there was at least some positive takeaway here in terms of this competition for him. Definitely something to build on. But between Misha not qualifying for GPF and Yuzuru more likely than not withdrawing, my enthusiasm for the mens event (that I'll be attending) just isn't what it was.

Thank you so much for the information about Yuzuru and your thoughts! I honestly had no idea just how significant the music was to the timing of the elements for either Misha or Yuzuru. I guess that trait could be viewed as both a blessing (mostly) and a curse?!?!

I’m so sorry about Yuzuru’s injury and his possible withdrawal from GPF , and I wish him a speedy recovery. I hope you have a great time at GPF even if he does withdraw. There’s Shoma too , who totally wove his magic on me live at SC. But I do understand your disappointment. I decided not to attend GPF since Misha didn’t qualify and given Yuzuru’s status (and also since I’ve already had the privilege of seeing Shoma and Piper/Paul at SC), even though I could probably get decent tickets now.

 

[Danibellerika]

Thank you so much for your information and thoughts! I honestly had no idea just how significant the music was to the timing of the elements for either Misha or Yuzuru. I guess that trait could be viewed as both a blessing (mostly) and and a curse?!?!

I’m so sorry about Yuzuru’s injury and his possible withdrawal from GPF , and wish him a speedy recovery. I hope you have a great time at GPF even if he does withdraw. There’s Shoma too , who totally wove his magic on me live at SC. But I do understand your disappointment. I decided not to attend GPF since Misha would have been the main draw for me (and since I’ve already had the privilege of seeing Shoma and Piper/Paul at SC), even though I could probably get decent tickets now.

I agree it's a blessing for us when they can hit, but if they are off it's just frustrating.

Thanks! I've been a Shoma fan since I first laid eyes on him so I'm still looking forward to him (and Cha is growing on me), but anticipating what could have been is what I'm bummed about. I'm almost in the acceptance phase though. The ladies (both junior and senior) is at least more interesting for me than it's been in a long time and I can do more sightseeing than I usually do as well.

 

[Imov]

Misha there is still in this season to shake of those negative vibes.
keep on fighting.

 

[khtmyzr]

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqWK578B_rD/

Rafael, what about our Russians?

Arutyunyan: I like Kolyada more than others. Nice guy, great skater. He has full contact with the trainer Chebotaryova, who has been training Misha since kindergarten. But he is very often pressed by your fellow journalists. That is not necessary. What’s it for: oh, he fell. Did not execute the quad. Well, let the man master all that he has the power to master. It takes time. Mikhail has a lot ahead of him.

Dear Rafael, but after all, Misha really falls often.

Arutyunyan: And this is our sport. In figure skating, the main thing is different, which Kolyada successfully does: after he falls, he rises.

:luv17:

Nicely said, Raf!

—————

A little late response but Kolyada’s expression after the SP was heart breaking. I’m glad the free was better and that he could smile after.
It might not be this time but I believe he’ll be able to rise. So best of luck, Kolyada!

 

[coldblueeyes]

Raf is taking no prisoners, that's for sure. It's the second time just this season he's taken to hit the russian media regarding Misha, and I'm here for it.

 

[Tutto]

Hi All, I must say I will remember last Friday for a long time to come, combined efforts of Mika & Gracie nearly finished me off. The only positive from the whole CoR is Mika's 4sal - you are the hero
But even that brings no joy as he is clearly so sick he shouldn't have competed at all, a running nose is one thing but he looked like he had a high fever too. It IS so dangerous to ignore sinusitis, I am not even talking about a very distinct possibility of him never skating again if indeed his inner ear and hence the balance are affected, the infection if untreated can go to the brain, Mika & Valentina what the hell are you doing? The best chance to beat it was when it occurred first - he mentioned taking antibiotics but probably didn't finish the course or was prescribed a general antibiotic instead of a specific one per a test result (as should) and it didn't do the job properly. Well whatever happened then is no point in discussing, it happened, now it is a chronic condition and 100 times harder to get rid of. I've myself been trying for 6 years now in vain. 2 things are in particular against him- a cold and damp environment of the ice rink and equally cold and damp climate of St Petersburg, not to mention other factors - intensive physical exertion, dieting etc, I have no idea how he can train/compete/function at all. It is not just a running nose, it is a constant fever, fatique, headache, inability to sleep properly. He should not be scolded for his mistakes at his comps this season but praised for his bravery (or stupidity)-jumping quads in that state?

No GPF is a blessing in disguise but I don't think that even if he is off training for a couple weeks that would make any difference now, he needs more like 2 months? He needs a good doctor who would not just address his sinusitis and whatever else he's got but why his immune system is so down. There are lots of ways to boost one's immunity - herbs, nutrition etc one needs determination and patience (the latter I am afraid young people are short of ) but it can be done and most of all he needs a proper rest allowing his body to heal itself.
One thing I am hoping is that his unsteadiness which we all noticed is not due to an inner ear trouble but just a result of him being so unwell. Because alas once the inner ear is affected it is irreversible and doctors can do nothing, the mechanism of it being so intricate. I heard that there is a surgery but the success rate is so low it is done only in most desperate cases. God save him from that at least please! Again speaking from a personal experience, as a result of allergic rhinitis followed by chronic sinusitis I developed a condition called Meniere disease it affects inner ear/balance/hearing - no cure and bleak prospects. Someone has to give Mika a fright to shake him proper

 

[rachno2]

I don't think his unsteadiness was as bad here as it was at Helsinki, but maybe that's just me blinded by wishful thinking

I don't understand how Valentina, knowing him for so long and having such a motherly attitude toward him, would let him compete in this state. Is he just that stubborn? Did the effortless look of his jumps in practice convince everybody that he was okay? But if people in the audience noticed, then surely his team would?

Obviously I would rather he sit out the season than aggravate the sinusitis, and I would rather he retire than develop life-threatening issues.

 

[Tutto]

I don't think his unsteadiness was as bad here as it was at Helsinki, but maybe that's just me blinded by wishful thinking

Lets hope so but he is playing with fire

 

[vorravorra]

Aliev and Rukavicin last season got away with more or less ignoring Dima's foot problem and waiting for it to "get better somehow", maybe Misha hoped for the same? Although it doesn't sound like Valentina. More likely they didn't realise what the possible complications would be and now his form is getting worse instead of better. And performing while unwell and getting bad results can't be good for him psychologically either. It can snowball.

Btw, my impression of the EX from the rink was that they simplified it (could be wrong, didn't do an step-by-step comparison but footwork seemed to be less intricate) and Misha still couldn't perform it to his usual standard.

 

[Tutto]

Aliev and Rukavicin last season got away with more or less ignoring Dima's foot problem and waiting for it to "get better somehow", maybe Misha hoped for the same? Although it doesn't sound like Valentina. More likely they didn't realise what the possible complications would be and now his form is getting worse instead of better. And performing while unwell and getting bad results can't be good for him psychologically either. It can snowball.

Btw, my impression of the EX from the rink was that they simplified it (could be wrong, didn't do an step-by-step comparison but footwork seemed to be less intricate) and Misha still couldn't perform it to his usual standard.

I can't understand why he could not withdraw from CoR it served no purpose he could not really hoped to qualify. If it is all about the funding it'd better to concentrate on preparation for Rus Nats? God how things could go so wrong so fast - just a few weeks back TSL guys were hailing him a future World Champion, on upward trajectory etc etc (they jinxed him!!!). In hindsight he should have withdrawn from Finlandia Trophy when there was still time to recover in time for the season

 

[rachno2]

I can't understand why he could not withdraw from CoR it served no purpose he could not really hoped to qualify. If it is all about the funding it'd better to concentrate on preparation for Rus Nats? God how things could go so wrong so fast - just a few weeks back TSL guys were hailing him a future World Champion, on upward trajectory etc etc (they jinxed him!!!). In hindsight he should have withdrawn from Finlandia Trophy when there was still time to recover in time for the season

They're still doing it, too

We all thought this was going to be the season, and nobody thought so more than Mikhail himself, I'm sure. I can't imagine how heartbreaking it must be for things beyond your control to stop you in your tracks (although some things were in his control, I guess, like not doing 2 challengers when you are recovering from illness). He seemed so excited and optimistic over the summer.

Thank God I'm leaving for vacation today so I can distract myself from all these negative thoughts and hypotheticals

 

[Tutto]

They're still doing it, too

We all thought this was going to be the season, and nobody thought so more than Mikhail himself, I'm sure.

Oh please tell me what are they saying about Mika wel the gist of it - I won't get a chance to listen for a while - thanks!