Mikhail Kolyada

[Danibellerika]

Misha won a medal at every competition this season except Finlandia and individual Olympics, so the medal count itself is not an issue. But once he developed problems with his SP starting from Euros simplifying it definitely made sense, he was losing too many points there. And I think it gave him a confidence boost. At least his 4T now seems better than it was at the last two competitions, fingers crossed.

I guess I was thinking more about his comments about how he would rather skate well and not medal than medal with bad skates (I think that was at last year's euros).

 

[plushyfan]

He was really amazing today!

 

[vorravorra]

He's the 3rd I believe, after Hanyu and Chan.

Yes you are right, I was looking at the wrong scores.

 

[vorravorra]

I guess I was thinking more about his comments about how he would rather skate well and not medal than medal with bad skates (I think that was at last year's euros).

Yes, I wish he could skate what he wants to skate, whatever it is, and not what he is told to skate. From behind-the-scenes talk it seems that he was flat out told by the Fed all the way back last season that he needs two quads in the SP if he is to go to the Olympics.

 

[coldblueeyes]

Yes, I wish he could skate what he wants to skate, whatever it is, and not what he is told to skate. From behind-the-scenes talk it seems that he was flat out told by the Fed all the way back last season that he needs two quads in the SP if he is to go to the Olympics.

People here in GS still don't believe that, but the way Misha didn't give up on the quads until there was really nothing else to be done shows me that there was indeed pressure from somewhere. Also, we just have to take into account what TAT has said. Even if she doesn't speak for the Fed, it's obvious to me she's not the only one thinking that. I do understand those kids like Nathan and Vincent putting out five, six quads is something hard to beat with three in the FS, but I really hope Misha can do it on Saturday, just to show that Russia doesn't need to send its skaters to an early grave because of them - or kick their skaters down the stands.

You just have to look at the results prior to Nats, how Dmitri wasn't even a factor internationally, and he still got placed over Sergei. Not to talk about Samarin, who did what he did at Euros. Misha for all problems he showed competing still has a lot of content backing him up, which people just seem to feign ignorance (and those are the worst). And let's be honest, Samarin was the light at the end of the tunnel until he choked, and then Dmitri after the SP in the Olympics, and then EVERYONE BACKTRACKED after the FS.

It's ridiculous to me that the Fed and the skating community in Russia is vicious and borderline dumb when it comes to quads.

 

[vorravorra]

People here in GS still don't believe that, but the way Misha didn't give up on the quads until there was really nothing else to be done shows me that there was indeed pressure from somewhere. Also, we just have to take into account what TAT has said. Even if she doesn't speak for the Fed, it's obvious to me she's not the only one thinking that. I do understand those kids like Nathan and Vincent putting out five, six quads is something hard to beat with three in the FS, but I really hope Misha can do it on Saturday, just to show that Russia doesn't need to send its skaters to an early grave because of them - or kick their skaters down the stands.

You just have to look at the results prior to Nats, how Dmitri wasn't even a factor internationally, and he still got placed over Sergei. Not to talk about Samarin, who did what he did at Euros. Misha for all problems he showed competing still has a lot of content backing him up, which people just seem to feign ignorance (and those are the worst). And let's be honest, Samarin was the light at the end of the tunnel until he choked, and then Dmitri after the SP in the Olympics, and then EVERYONE BACKTRACKED after the FS.

It's ridiculous to me that the Fed and the skating community in Russia is vicious and borderline dumb when it comes to quads.

Of course there is pressure on the Russian men, not only on Misha, what is there not to believe? Everyone who could went for the 4Lz for a reason. Even Kovtun tried (while being pushed by TAT among other factors), and his triple wasn't even that great. Now there is no Kovtun and no one is sure if he is coming back. Samarin got pushed too hard early in the season. Aliev was in a way lucky that he was saved from the pressure by his injury, but nobody is going to leave him alone to skate around looking beautiful instead of doing a bunch of quads. It's just not how it works.

I hope Misha gets his jumps and his head back together between the seasons and we see all he can do. Also, top-quality programs would be good and nice to look at, but in truth it's not programs that are letting him down. Judges are prepared to give him PCS already.

 

[coldblueeyes]

Of course there is pressure on the Russian men, not only on Misha, what is there not to believe? Everyone who could went for the 4Lz for a reason. Even Kovtun tried (while being pushed by TAT among other factors), and his triple wasn't even that great. Now there is no Kovtun and no one is sure if he is coming back. Samarin got pushed too hard early in the season. Aliev was in a way lucky that he was saved from the pressure by his injury, but nobody is going to leave him alone to skate around looking beautiful instead of doing a bunch of quads. It's just not how it works.

I hope Misha gets his jumps and his head back together between the seasons and we see all he can do. Also, top-quality programs would be good and nice to look at, but in truth it's not programs that are letting him down. Judges are prepared to give him PCS already.

I do think they are ready to give him both GOE and PCS, especially now without Patrick and Javi, after Hanyu and Shoma, Misha is the next in line in the PCS scale - which is not exactly how things should go, but it's not like we have much say in the matter. And well, italian commentators said he trained well this morning and was very sure of his jumps, and that 4lz in the video looked really good. In the end this is competition for him to get his bearings and regain confidence, also boost him to the next quad.

 

[voolfee]

He's the 3rd I believe, after Hanyu and Chan.

It is worth adding that they scored 100 points with one quad only once in their entire career. Hanyu scored 101.45 in Sochi and Chan scored 102.13 at WC-17.

 

[Flyflybutterfly]

Good night ladies and gentelman,

It's too late here, midnight and I'm dying to go to bed but first I want to say how much I enjoyed today with Misha performance. He did very well, beautiful job, secure and resolute. And those jumps were splendid.

I do wish he could be able to repeat it again tomorrow. I can't stand Tat comments, one day it's sunny and next it's tempestuous. I only wish that Misha can shut off ( is that all right?) the mouth to all who insult and offend him.

Anyway, good luck to Misha for his FS. It would be nice if he can do podium, but overall I want to see him smiling and happy with what he does.

Happy dreams!!!

 

[vorravorra]

Frankly, age and bad health are getting to TAT as she is having obvious memory problems. She can neither remember the current rules nor tolerate any corrections. Grishin gave up on trying to correct her a while ago. Not to mention gems like Javi marrying a Russian woman :whack: This is on top of her evident biases. Still, I think she genuinely appreciates Misha's talent, but that appreciation doesn't seem to lead her anywhere good.

 

[Heleng]

I think they need to let him start winning medals with easier content and good GOE (because he is a fantastic skater that can rack up those points deservedly). And then let him increase tech with time when he is comfortable and more confident competitively. Take the Ws where you can and however you can. And for him to get a medal here would undoubtedly be a W! It's a step in the right direction people, let him stop skipping those steps and tripping.

Wise thinking! (BTW, haven’t caught up w all your Oly posts yet, but glad you had a great time!!)

I was thrilled with Misha’s performance today. Absolutely gorgeous skating. I was so nervous for him I could hardly watch, lol. I’ll be just as nervous for his FS, given his inconsistency, but hoping for the best. Go Misha!

 

[Tutto]

Yes, I wish he could skate what he wants to skate, whatever it is, and not what he is told to skate. From behind-the-scenes talk it seems that he was flat out told by the Fed all the way back last season that he needs two quads in the SP if he is to go to the Olympics.

I remember distinctly that after his skate at NHK 2016 where he did 4lz for the first time (Ur -fall) and finished in 5th instead of expected podium, there was a very positive review on RusFed website praising him & Valentina on going for a harder quad. It was in the run-up to the Nationals and clearly signalled where their priorities were. I never questioned for a moment that the pressure from the Fed was very real and affected Mika training plans and all... Also remember how his SP 2016 was axed and the speculation was they wanted then 2 quad SP from him but the choreo wouldn't allow it.

Frankly, age and bad health are getting to TAT as she is having obvious memory problems. She can neither remember the current rules nor tolerate any corrections. Grishin gave up on trying to correct her a while ago. Not to mention gems like Javi marrying a Russian woman :whack: This is on top of her evident biases. Still, I think she genuinely appreciates Misha's talent, but that appreciation doesn't seem to lead her anywhere good.

TAT has turned into a sour old woman, what a shame, I used to have so much respect for her but not anymore. She can't forget Mika turned her offer down it is pure spite at this stage, But somehow I feel worse when she is praising him - it never ends well!

About yesterday, one word to be said about this skate - it was exquisite!!!
The judges I think clearly gave a green light to Mika replacing Patrick and also saying: we can't wait to give to you +5 GOE in a new scale! And who deserve it better than Mika (among the new generation - Shoma, Nathan, Boyang, Vincent)
Oh what a nerve wrecking day is in store tomorrow!

 

[coldblueeyes]

About yesterday, one word to be said about this skate - it was exquisite!!!
The judges I think clearly gave a green light to Mika replacing Patrick and also saying: we can't wait to give to you +5 GOE in a new scale!

This is exactly how I feel. They literally replaced Patrick with him on the GOE awarding scale, and that's a bit scary because it will attract even more attention to him. But at this point I think Misha is pretty prepared for that. He just needs to do his job, and hopefully the Fed will let him.

 

[Tutto]

This is exactly how I feel. They literally replaced Patrick with him on the GOE awarding scale, and that's a bit scary because it will attract even more attention to him. But at this point I think Misha is pretty prepared for that. He just needs to do his job, and hopefully the Fed will let him.

Mika seems to attract haters no matter what he does so what the heck - at least the judges love him! If he skates not clean people are screaming how he can get such PCS for a flawed skate; if he puts out a pristine clean skate - the outcry is his PCS are too high because of only one quad. I find the SP thread is hilarious at times because people blame judges for inconsistency but themselves twist the arguments the way it suits them and their faves at that particular moment only to make a 180 degree turn the next moment...
The pressure from the Fed will always be there but hopefully with the experience Mika's team learn how to resist it better and sometimes just to play tactical games

 

[Danibellerika]

Wise thinking! (BTW, haven’t caught up w all your Oly posts yet, but glad you had a great time!!)

I was thrilled with Misha’s performance today. Absolutely gorgeous skating. I was so nervous for him I could hardly watch, lol. I’ll be just as nervous for his FS, given his inconsistency, but hoping for the best. Go Misha!

LOL I only barely caught up Did you see my fancams? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZp0wUkStkQ&list=PLnKhwjlatQ6hvmD0hrVJuXjyk2PmasXIb

As for Misha. I hope he can push through it and deliver a strong skate. He has all the goods to be in the 300 club!

 

[vorravorra]

This is exactly how I feel. They literally replaced Patrick with him on the GOE awarding scale, and that's a bit scary because it will attract even more attention to him. But at this point I think Misha is pretty prepared for that. He just needs to do his job, and hopefully the Fed will let him.

Maybe now that he is a "new Patrick", he will finally get programs that should go with that status? I mean, who if not him deserves high-quality programs from top choreographers?

 

[Tutto]

Maybe now that he is a "new Patrick", he will finally get programs that should go with that status? I mean, who if not him deserves high-quality programs from top choreographers?

Oh yess but funnily not all Patrick's programs were that good e.g this season both SP & LP and last season LP I didn't feel did him justice at all, Chopin was another matter though... Patrick of course could always just skate around and still be fascinating to watch due to his SS.

I was thinking today if Mika=new Patrick then who is to be a new Javi and I can't see anyone amongst the quadsters who is worthy of the 'crown'. As a matter of fact Mika could be a blend of what was/is the best in both - Patrick's SS and a true performer as Javi?

 

[Tutto]

Any info from today's practice - nobody seems to be reporting where is our saviour Jackie Wong?!

 

[coldblueeyes]

Congrats for the medal!

But now can the russian man go back and analyze this need for the quad lutz at all in their programs? Or any other quad that's not working, because the guys are losing medals because of them. Both Dmitri and Misha could have been higher on the rankings, and of course, it's easier to analyze things after the competition, but you gotta think about these quads.

 

[flanker]

Well, Mikhail and Dmitry secured 3 entries for russian men for the next year? :thumbsup: