Mikhail Kolyada

[coldblueeyes]

2) his flip - I respectfully disagree, I think it is a bad idea. One of the reasons the judges love Mika is his pure technique, their eyes wary of endless UR, cheated take-offs and hooked landings rest on Mika's jumps. They prove again and again they are more than willing to reward him when he lands them. Sadly , URs are not alien to Mika anymore, now a (f)lip, next he might be losing his reputation with the judges.
His loop is a beautiful jump when successful, it is not like he is not capable, it seems like a mental issue mostly and running away from it won't solve anything- strictly IMHO

At this point though, why would he keep falling/doubling the loop when he can try competing the flip? It's one thing that has been haunting him all season, no need to have another thing to worry about. Also, his URs are not technique related in the least, when he underrotates his jumps is because he's going to fall on them, it's not chronic.
Another thing, I don't get this fear that he's going to lose his reputation with the judges, he rarely gets reputation points, at least I'd hate to think he's getting them. Misha scores what he scores because he worked hard to achieve the results. The judges won't suddenly bury him under the other guys. That's just not going to happen. His basics are too food for that.

 

[Tutto]

At this point though, why would he keep falling/doubling the loop when he can try competing the flip? It's one thing that has been haunting him all season, no need to have another thing to worry about. Also, his URs are not technique related in the least, when he underrotates his jumps is because he's going to fall on them, it's not chronic.
Another thing, I don't get this fear that he's going to lose his reputation with the judges, he rarely gets reputation points, at least I'd hate to think he's getting them. Misha scores what he scores because he worked hard to achieve the results. The judges won't suddenly bury him under the other guys. That's just not going to happen. His basics are too food for that.

I am not saying he gets his marks on reputation. But there are GOEs which depend a lot on a good will of the judges, also if they know a skater is not prone to UR they'd give him a benefit of doubt more likely or not. He is in their good books why to jeopardise it with a jump which is equally unstable as a loop and a wrong edge I just don't think it is a good strategy but who I am to know?

 

[coldblueeyes]

The thing is, Misha benefits a lot for being a complete package(disregarding consistency) and coming from Europe now that Javi is out. This is probably why his GOE's surged so quickly at Worlds last year and this season. I'm not saying he wouldn't get there eventually, but it helped, and certainly not just the goodwill from the judges. Even in this season that was a complete disaster, let's be honest, his GOEs didn't falter in the least, and I don't see why they will, seeing that his technique is sound. The season is almost over, if he wants to try to flip, why not do it now? I'm sure one single jump with a wrong edge won't destroy him. In the end we don't know how much time he dedicated to the loop, but if he ultimately decided to change it for a jump he hasn't been doing in years, there must be a very good reason.

 

[Tutto]

The thing is, Misha benefits a lot for being a complete package(disregarding consistency) and coming from Europe now that Javi is out. This is probably why his GOE's surged so quickly at Worlds last year and this season. I'm not saying he wouldn't get there eventually, but it helped, and certainly not just the goodwill from the judges. Even in this season that was a complete disaster, let's be honest, his GOEs didn't falter in the least, and I don't see why they will, seeing that his technique is sound. The season is almost over, if he wants to try to flip, why not do it now? I'm sure one single jump with a wrong edge won't destroy him. In the end we don't know how much time he dedicated to the loop, but if he ultimately decided to change it for a jump he hasn't been doing in years, there must be a very good reason.

If it works for him I will be the first one to admit I was wrong. I am losing faith in that there is a good reason, there have been far too many changes this season, and unfortunately it feels like a panic to me. I pray some common sense approach will win with finalising the layout for Saitama is it too much to hope for?

 

[rachno2]

Tatjana, thank you for keeping us updated, and thank you for always supporting Misha.

Well, we all know I would have rather he wasn’t selected for Worlds. The good news is that the Fed didn’t drag out the decision-making process any longer, so Misha has time to prepare. I just hope against hope that he doesn’t have another disaster and find his confidence blown for good. I wonder if he is still doing Mishin’s show on the 10th, and, if so, if we will see his new EX or if he will use this opportunity to skate one of his competitive programs.

Regarding the flip, I don’t see a wrong edge impacting GOEs on his other, textbook jumps. There are so many skaters who flutz or lip, and you don’t see that negatively affecting their reputation, other than among fans. Chronic URs are far more dangerous for the purpose of scoring, but Misha isn’t at that stage yet.

Urmanov: Being a successful athlete and being a successful coach are two different things. I’m not convinced by him (and I can’t forget the decision to let Yulia skate the free at Rostelecom). That said, I do like Urmanov’s location for Misha, as it is far away from the politics of Moscow and Petersburg, but still within the country. Moreover, Misha wouldn't have to compete for attention with Urmanov. After nearly 20 years with Valentina, I imagine he is used to being a big fish in a small pond, and a tense, competitive environment with Raf, Orser, or even Rukavicin or Sokolovskaya might cause him even more stress. I am curious to see if he goes to Raf or somebody else again this summer, given he has been making some money on the side.

It's encouraging to know that he seemed willing to make a change last season. As much as a I respect Valentina, I think she is overwhelmed right now between Misha and Stasia, and at a loss as to what to do to help them. Things might very well get worse if Misha changes coaches, but I think the risk is worth it. It's up to him, and I will support him no matter what until the end

 

[Tutto]

Well, we all know I would have rather he wasn’t selected for Worlds. The good news is that the Fed didn’t drag out the decision making any longer, so Misha has time to prepare. I just hope against hope that he doesn’t have another disaster and find his confidence blown for good. I wonder if he is still doing Mishin’s show on the 10th, and, if so, if we will see his new EX or if he will use this opportunity to skate one of his competitive programs.

Regarding the flip, I don’t see a wrong edge impacting GOEs on his other, textbook jumps. There are so many skaters who flutz and lip and you don’t see that negatively affecting their reputation, other than among fans. Chronic URs are far more dangerous, but Misha isn’t at that stage yet.

Urmanov: Being a successful athlete and being a successful coach are two different things. I’m not convinced by him (and I can’t forget the decision to let Yulia skate the free at Rostelecom). That said, I do like Urmanov’s location for Misha, as it is far away from the politics of Moscow and Petersburg, but still within the country. After nearly 20 years with Valentina, I imagine he is used to being a big fish in a small pond, and a tense, competitive environment might cause him even more stress.

As much as a I respect Valentina, I think she is overwhelmed right now between Misha and Stasia, and at a loss as to what to do to help them. Things might very well get worse if Misha changes coaches, but I think the risk is worth it. It's all his decision, of course.

Losing his Worlds spot, the spot he earned risking his health would be an equally serious blow to his confidence. I am glad he is going, 3 weeks is not much time but enough to re-group and salvage something out of this cursed season. But they need to be realistic about LP layout.

I wonder if it would be a good idea to skate a watered down Carmen at Mishin's show, from what Tatjana said it seems he might have developed a mental block after Euros, it might help to try and skate it one more time before Saitama. Unless we are to see Elvis there - nothing will surprise me anymore tbh!
Can't help thinking of Gracie leading after short in Boston and failing in LP and what it did to her. Have to remind myself that Mika is stronger than we think. I actually think sometimes that he is better at dealing with adversity than success


Re: Urmanov - he is still a good option in absence of others. And as Tatjana pointed out his jump technique is of Mishin's school same as MIka's so no major overhaul on that account

 

[Tatjana]

Misha seemed comfortable with the flip. So it's better I think to do the flip instead of the disliked loop. He often made mistakes on the loop. Doing the flip might be one thing less to worry about for him. And I don't think even if he gets an edge once in a while it's going to ruin his reputation.

I know he has been working with a psychologist for many years, but I'm not sure if it is always the same one or if they didn't change not so long ago to Gennadi Gorbunov. I haven't asked about that. The psychologist also might try different approaches.

I actually think that Misha is a strong person and he knows what he is capable of. Each work is leading to a result - hopefully sooner than later.

Almost three weeks is still a good amount of time to finalize the content and work on run-throughs with it.
Why shouldn't he do the show on March 10? It is a good opportunity to perform in front of an audience. It's probably better to do his new Charlie Chaplin exhibition program and just to have some fun, enjoy performing than using the show as an extra practice for a competitive program. Misha was disappointed that he couldn't skate the exhibition program at Europeans. The ISU would have invited him to the Gala, but because of the injury they didn't.

 

[Tutto]

Misha seemed comfortable with the flip. So it's better I think to do the flip instead of the disliked loop. He often made mistakes on the loop. Doing the flip might be one thing less to worry about for him. And I don't think even if he gets an edge once in a while it's going to ruin his reputation.

I know he has been working with a psychologist for many years, but I'm not sure if it is always the same one or if they didn't change not so long ago to Gennadi Gorbunov. I haven't asked about that. The psychologist also might try different approaches.

I actually think that Misha is a strong person and he knows what he is capable of. Each work is leading to a result - hopefully sooner than later.

Almost three weeks is still a good amount of time to finalize the content and work on run-throughs with it.
Why shouldn't he do the show on March 10? It is a good opportunity to perform in front of an audience. It's probably better to do his new Charlie Chaplin exhibition program and just to have some fun, enjoy performing than using the show as an extra practice for a competitive program. Misha was disappointed that he couldn't skate the exhibition program at Europeans. The ISU would have invited him to the Gala, but because of the injury they didn't.

It remains to be seen how his flip will be scored in Saitama if he gets only lets say 3 points for it he might as well jump 2A and be comfortable. One thing I agree on that a 'lip' is not disruptive on the program as a popped loop or fall. But I'd rather see judges in Tallinn marked it accordingly not giving him a false hope as it will be different in Saitama no question (unless he is very lucky but then luck and this season these are not running together)
I was wondering about Gorbunov too ever since Stanislava mentioned in her interview that she works with him. He is very good isnt he?

With all the upset about his LP in Tallinn I've never realised that they moved 4T to be a first jump granted that 3S was supposed to 4S that was the first time, at least that is something.

The question I would like to ask him if it were possible how many full run-throughs of LP they do every week and what percentage of successful ones they expect is enough for the program to be competition ready. Because though I always tend to think that his problems are 99% mental preparation I am beginning to think that there must be something wrong with a training process too. Lets be honest his last clean LP was in Boston that is a bit worrying to say the least

 

[rachno2]

https://m.vk.com/wall-24618099_44795

Misha received the rest of his birthday presents today from his fan group. He said his health (back, wrist, sinuses) is fine. He’s jumping 4Lz in practice, but “no promises yet” (?? I hope the group asked him about this and he didn’t bring it up himself), and that he will probably do his new exhibition number at the Mishin show.

 

[Tutto]

Well if anything the SP at Universiade proved once again that the curse of being Russia No1 is real
What amazes me though is how sympathetic everyone's reaction to Samarin's skate is ''he is trying the hardest content, he is a fighter, he will come back fighting in LP'' and such... I don't remember anything like that when Mika was doing a 2 quad SP, a fall on 4Lz was a failure, he was not a fighter etc etc

Now all my attention is on how Stanislava will skate her SP as we all know it is a clear sign what Mika's SP will be in Saitama

 

[coldblueeyes]

Samarin may get it together by Worlds, who knows. Interesting to me that Kovtun took one of his quads out of the SP. But even in Russia, their scores are still far and away from what Misha can achieve even with a one quad SP. At this point, it really is in his own hands.

 

[Tutto]

Samarin may get it together by Worlds, who knows. Interesting to me that Kovtun took one of his quads out of the SP. But even in Russia, their scores are still far and away from what Misha can achieve even with a one quad SP. At this point, it really is in his own hands.

It truly is, and at this point if he had 2 clean(ish) skates in Saitama it would probably mean more to him than being on the podium

 

[rachno2]

I hope all three boys do well and put up a good fight to keep three spots (or at least two)

So excited to see videos of Misha skating in a non-competitive setting this weekend. I admit I’m tired of Chaplin programs, but he can sell me anything.

 

[rachno2]

Sigh, well.....I hope they can keep two spots. This is a strong team, if only they could consistently land their jumps. The PCS is with them, though I imagine it won’t be as big a push in Saitama. What worries me is that Misha will face the most backlash if they go down to one spot, since he had more time to prepare. Sasha and Max should not have been competing right before worlds imo.

 

[coldblueeyes]

Sigh, well.....I hope they can keep two spots. This is a strong team, if only they could consistently land their jumps. The PCS is with them, though I imagine it won’t be as big a push in Saitama. What worries me is that Misha will face the most backlash if they go down to one spot, since he had more time to prepare. Sasha and Max should not have been competing right before worlds imo.

I also hope it doesn't impact too much on their preparation.

 

[vorravorra]

TAT/CSKA/the Fed never learn, do they? Danielian has not landed a single clean rotated quad sal in a competition yet, TAT just announced he'll have two quads in the program next season. Why, oh why? He is 15. Hopefully they'll manage to pace Gumennik better, it's harder for TAT to get her hands on him. His 4S was actually competition-ready when he put it in a program and they are not boasting 2, 3... 10 quads in programs next season. But Petya is a bit of the Fed's ugly ducking. Once the Fed decides he is worth closer attention I am afraid that pacing will go down the drain.

 

[coldblueeyes]

TAT/CSKA/the Fed never learn, do they? Danielian has not landed a single clean rotated quad sal in a competition yet, TAT just announced he'll have two quads in the program next season. Why, oh why? He is 15. Hopefully they'll manage to pace Gumennik better, it's harder for TAT to get her hands on him. His 4S was actually competition-ready when he put it in a program and they are not boasting 2, 3... 10 quads in programs next season. But Petya is a bit of the Fed's ugly ducking. Once the Fed decides he is worth closer attention I am afraid that pacing will go down the drain.

Yeah. At this point it's my fear with all the young kids. I don't see it changing anytime soon either, tho.

 

[Tutto]

Chaplin's EX - at last!
https://vk.com/video-24618099_456239977

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rauH_ioCxgM

I love it! I admit I was not overjoyed when I first heard as Chaplin has been done to death but it suits him so well - I can't stop smiling all day! A well thought out & superbly made costume, his designer really deserves a lot of praise this year.
Mika thanks you so much - you made my day! :luv17::gclap:

 

[Heleng]

I love the Chaplin ex too! (Too bad there's not a better video of it, the HD version doesn't have very good camera angles.) It's hilarious, Misha pulls off comedic charm so well (juggling, golfing, baton twirling LOL), and I agree that his costume is perfect.

 

[Tutto]

I love the Chaplin ex too! (Too bad there's not a better video of it, the HD version doesn't have very good camera angles.) It's hilarious, Misha pulls off comedic charm so well (juggling, golfing, baton twirling LOL), and I agree that his costume is perfect.

We just have to hope that he will get a chance to skate Chaplin in Saitama
He is a born comedian and got such a mobile face, in fact both Mika & Stanislava could consider acting as a profession. I imagine Stanislava could be a perfect Anna Karenina (in about 10 years when she closer to Anna's age)

But unfortunately that expressiveness is the reason of their inconsistency according to the psychologist who works with both (that is now confirmed), Gennady Gorbunov:
https://www.sovsport.ru/figure/articles/2:891827

In short, the more artistic the skater the more inconsistent he/she is. Well I guess we kinda figured that out by now but he does say some interesting things. He mentioned that he actually went to Milan with them last year ( he rarely does it now due to his age) - it worked for Mika but not for Stanislava.
He also talks about that vicious cycle - bad SP - good LP and vice versa and it seems that it is very difficult to break
So all in all I don't think there is much hope for a better consistency in future

He mentions that he also works with the coaches (makes sense I suppose), pity he does not offer any advice to the fans - I for one is dreading next week, the only way I've decided to get through it is by convincing myself that everything going to be very very bad then any deviation from the total disaster will be a welcome development!
It is fanny (or sad whichever to look at it) but I enjoy competitions where Mika (and other favourites of mine) is not competing much more , like last week I thoroughly enjoyed watching Men's event at Universiade