Mikhail Kolyada

[coldblueeyes]

According to Twitter, Misha went back to his old layout without the Salchow. I think they’re trying to play it safer and hold onto his current standing.

 

[coldblueeyes]

I think Misha did well today. He was a bit tired in the second half, and it was clear his axel wasn't going to be good, but only two falls this entire season. I'll take what I can get. He showed a lot of improvement this time, and the only way to go is up. I'm sure it's not what he'd have liked, but I think we can take a lot of good from this season. And he helped to earn three spots back for Russia.

 

[Fanou]

When Mishin talked about a 2-year plan he knew very well what he was talking about. A top 5 finish at world is really really great. Of course so many things remain to be improved/added, but that's the plan.
I have seen a few comments on twitter about people that didn't like the new outfit. I'm surprised... I liked the blue one but this one is great also, IMO. Just a little bit surprised to see a new outfit appearing right at the end of the season...
I would like to be in August already... Is he going to keep the lp ? What type of program/music for the sp ? So many questions...

 

[QueenOfTheRoad]

He should keep it and use the time to add another quad at least. He needs to invest his time in getting a brilliant short to match it.

I am not disappointed with the 5th place, i expected it as realistic for where he is now because of his quads....but with his PCS. After all these years being in top 7 of the world, after all these years being the best russian skater he still get this low PCS? WTF??? I think he will never get the recognition his skating deserves, if even with this masterpiece of program he got 6 points lower than Chen. A sloppy skating in ladies gets more points than his beautiful skating. So, no words to express how deeply disappointed i am with the skating world right now. I don‘t think that i will watch skating after Mika will leave the competitions for many years from now like i abandoned to watch gymnastics 10 years ago and never looked back.

I know that he was not the only one getting such low PCS, but man it hurts! He invested time and time to refine every movement. For nothing!

I bet he will not be invited to the gala because too many Russian skaters got medals.
So, i am mad right now and i cannot be even happy for the 3 places they get for oly, knowing that the federation will drop him as soon as they have someone to do more quads.

 

[coldblueeyes]

I think the PCS problem started with Jason. After him, all the others were callibrated lower. The same that happened with the skaters after Misha in the SP. I feel like for all the drama of people complaining about the PCS, the judging didn't want outliers in the scoring, so they dumped a lot of skaters in the same range. They didn't want anyone winning based on PCS this time, and you could see that in Pairs and ladies, to an extent.

It was also a message: get your TES sorted out. Realistically, I feel like Misha could have reached a better standing in the SP had he skated in the last group, and then a much better score in the FS had he not fallen on the axel and then had those other problems with his jumping passes. It's simple math and his equation didn't add up for a better placement.

Alas, not peaking with this program has to mean he's going to keep it. Going into the Olympics with this kind of material is amazing. Also, what about reviving his Carmen for the SP? I feel like it could be the perfect set of programs to make history.

 

[Tutto]

I think the PCS problem started with Jason. After him, all the others were callibrated lower. The same that happened with the skaters after Misha in the SP. I feel like for all the drama of people complaining about the PCS, the judging didn't want outliers in the scoring, so they dumped a lot of skaters in the same range. They didn't want anyone winning based on PCS this time, and you could see that in Pairs and ladies, to an extent.

It was also a message: get your TES sorted out. Realistically, I feel like Misha could have reached a better standing in the SP had he skated in the last group, and then a much better score in the FS had he not fallen on the axel and then had those other problems with his jumping passes. It's simple math and his equation didn't add up for a better placement.

Alas, not peaking with this program has to mean he's going to keep it. Going into the Olympics with this kind of material is amazing. Also, what about reviving his Carmen for the SP? I feel like it could be the perfect set of programs to make history.

I agree with your thoughts on the way PCS were given at this event (not that there is any fairness in that department at any event!) but this time there was some extra trading between the federations due to Olympic spots being at stake.
Above all, the job of securing of 3 spots for Worlds 2022 and Olympics (3rd spot to be confirmed)has been done, the RusFed can not possibly say anything against Mika. As a matter of fact I did notice that he is treated with more respect since he moved to Mishin anyway, and on this occasion the facts are hard to argue with - 3 spots were next to impossible but secured. Though of course there are people stressing that it is mainly due to Semenenko who did his maximum whereas Mika faltered as usual...
Some thoughts after re-watching LP a few times:
In my opinion, his new top to be burnt but the pants kept & paired with the 'old' shirt. Pants sit perfectly and so balletic & but the top is not, the idea isn't bad really but as usual the devil is in detail: the sleeves and in particular white trim really really spoil the whole thing, the 3/4 length is not complimentary, white/grey colour combination brings an association with either a school uniform or monk clothes. I frankly don't know why they felt the need to experiment with his outfit. What was wrong with the old one? It was well liked, it was recognisable and it was lucky - he won all the comps wearing it! I can understand that the new one imitates a ballet dancer more literally. I would argue that this program is much more than just a story of Nureyev it carries a universal message of bringing hope & beauty into this desperate Covid stricken world ( my vision of it anyway) and the old costume fitted that perfectly (besides that pale blue colour is my absolute favourite of all colours) I realise that all the above is just my personal opinion and would be glad to hear yours.
But I was upset and still am over it.
Also upset to see him making a mistake on 3lz-1eu-3sal. He was struggling with this combo all this season, could they not change the placement of jumps? He always ended getting too close to the borders and then either doubled the sal or had a bad landing, just ridiculous at this level.
Odd that it was second 3A he made so many mistakes this season as well - stamina issues? loss of concentration? It looked to me like he was completely in a zone and then after nearly hitting the boards he was not anymore, it unsettled him, he was trying so hard to produce a perfect clean skate and that silly hand down broke that spell. Fair play to him, he got his loop ( which was problematic so many times in the past!) and he didn't give up on the program (the 'old' Mika would most probably) but the magic was gone.
Another thing that shocked me was how slow he was across the ice, of course relatively to some other skaters he was still okay but not to himself - I am all for slowing down a bit and not rushing into jumps but not slowing down altogether, the speed is his trademark, I am not surprised that judges reflected that in PCS, your thoughts? Watching Liza literally walking on the ice worries me that it is where things are going, God, hopefully not please not!
But enough of negativity, so much to admire & respect, congrats on the job well done, Mika! Those 4ts were out of this world. The GOE is actually the highest of the event.


The best news of today for me is the upcoming team event in Japan I completely forgot about it, something to look forward to!

 

[coldblueeyes]

Whole post

I don't mind the new costume. I actually commented to someone else that it gives him more maturity. He seemed very innocent in the blue shirt and now he looked more sensual. But I think it's more of a matter of taste, tbh.

As for the combo with the lutz, he's getting to close to the boards. His mistake on the salchow was because when he checked the landing he seemed to think he was too close to the boards so he tried to turn the roation a bit to the inside and had to put the hand down when he couldn't completely do what he wanted to. They need to get him to start the combo more towards the middle of the ice. And after that, I think he lost a bit of concentration, and he also looked tired. But it's no surprise that two of the top 3 elements in GOE out of the entire men's competition were his. His 4T was the highest in mean GOE, and the combo was 3rd in GOE.

 

[yinchulin]

Another thing that shocked me was how slow he was across the ice, of course relatively to some other skaters he was still okay but not to himself - I am all for slowing down a bit and not rushing into jumps but not slowing down altogether, the speed is his trademark, I am not surprised that judges reflected that in PCS, your thoughts? Watching Liza literally walking on the ice worries me that it is where things are going, God, hopefully not please not!

Compared to others, for example Keegan, Shoma, maybe even Yuma, I did notice he's quite slow. Well, to be fair, he has lost some accuracy of his edge quality since this season began, so I'm not super surprised that he is not the best out of the field in terms of skating skills. Plus, he didn't do as many transition or one foot skating as many as he usual self. I have noticed that people — beside his long time fans— didn't care about this. They just want him to be consistent and with right packaging, and don't mind what may sacrifice in advance when he transfer to Mishin. I don't know, I find it somehow frustrating, but I don't think we can have everything all in once. I'll still continue to complain it though if he doesn't seem to improve or correct it. And it's not like I'm trying to dimash his accomplishment in some sort of way, I just think he's capable of so much more.

 

[QueenOfTheRoad]

Somehow i feel that this thread must be the most unhappy one in the fan fests. Every thread celebrates the achievements of their skaters, here is not so much... At the end of the day, Mika come back from a year absence, has changed his coach and he is still in top 5 of the world. And the best European man. I feel that we should be more happy and supportive about what he has done and not going over and over over what he could and should have done better.
Myself i am very happy that in the deep field of Russian men he got the national title and he represented Russia at this worlds. There are so many young people with less injuries as him and who have learned the quads way earlier than Mika! If we are lucky we will see Mika next year at the Olympics, but the field is very broad now and the federation is not very loyal. I am happy for every chance we get to watch Mika competing, i suppose that next season will be his last.
Why is the thread of Liza so supportive to Liza and here only gloom and doom?
By the way Mika has told that Mishin has learned him to be slower to control better his skating and his jumps. If this is the only reason why he is slower or missing a season or getting older, i don‘t know. Frakly, i love that he takes time for his movement instead of rushing from place to place, i feel his skating has gained confidence of a master instead of being the enthusiastic skate of a youngling. He puts a lot of emphasis in every movement and body positions. That needs his attention and loads of concentration, kind of difference between classical ballet where the movements and lines are way more accentuated than the modern ballet where the power is more wanted.

 

[RoundedBackCamel]

I understand that we are doom and gloom, but I’m still not happy we didn’t get to see a clean skate of one of the best frees I’ve seen in my very long men’s fandom. Liza is a triumphant story who medaled at AGE 24!

Did NOT like the new costume. It look like Coco Chanel. I understand their wanting to reference Nureyev with the deep, plunging tank shirt but modest with the sheer fabric. But what made the last one so perfect, in addition to the perfect color and suggestion of heaven and the sky, as the routine is abt yearning to capture the sun with a perfect dance, was the showing of the tendons of the neck, which are vital to a ballet dancer. Especially men who are otherwise covered up.

Sorry to seem like an entitled fan, but I think the lack of activity on this thread speaks for itself. I can’t make myself into a Jason fan, whose fandom can sing his praises and be philosophical about his quad shortcomings. I almost envy them. And our guy is same age (Hanyu as well). There’s an expiration date and I wish it weren’t so.

 

[coldblueeyes]

I prefer the thread when fans arent's so entitled as to think they have to right to determine if their favorite skater is doing good enough to warrant their attention. We can all debate shortcomings, I do that a lot, but I feel like people should manage their expectations about Misha, in particular. This was the best season he competed in his entire career, even surpassing his breakout season back in 2015-16. Is there more I'd like him to do, definitely, but he's evolving and I'm glad he's still competing. If anyone here isn't satisfied with his results, I guess there are other skaters out there for you to follow? I don't know.
Just, manage your expectations.

 

[RoundedBackCamel]

Well, I certainly don’t want a fan war among celebrants of our favorite skater, but my number 2 guy is Shoma, so it’s not been easy. Before that?
Cranston
Curry
Cousins
Bowman
Browning
Yagudin
Weir
Abbott
Ferris
Takahashi
Then Uno
I’ve had my share of triumphs and heartbreaks. But I feel like we should be able to express disappointment. Just about all the men listed above had a level of artistry and often pushed the sport in new directions. I felt like Mikhail’s program took my breath away—maybe even the most out of all these great skaters. But a mistake mars a program. We wanted a clean Carmen too (loved that one as well). Nothing wrong with wanting him to show the world (and my Nathan fandom sister) what we see in him. Also, I would probably take it better if Mikhail didn’t take it so hard himself. Shoma was always in Yuzu’s shadow. But he still shrugs off the falls, maybe even too much, and that slap from Lambiel (another fave skater) was hilarious. Sometimes I want to say to Mikhail, please lighten up, my nerves can’t take it, lol. Perhaps that’s why Jason’s fans do so well w/ disappointment. Loving a skater is like loving a song or a band. They move us in a totally subjective way. That’s why I don’t engage in fan wars.

 

[coldblueeyes]

But that’s what my whole “manage your expectations” spiel is about. There’s more than just us here and certainly a lot more than goes behind the curtains to make these skaters who they are and behave the way they do. So you guys think it’s a surprise that Misha barely reveals anything in interviews? He was never like that to begin with, but he’s even more secretive this season, and I totally get that. If you’ve been following him, especially in the Olympic season, you’d know why.
It’s not just who they are but also the environment. Skaters have given up because of dealing with less than what Misha had to go through. At this point I just enjoy watching him skate and take what I can get. I wish he could take himself a bit less seriously, but I guess his current situation just don’t allow that.

 

[RoundedBackCamel]

I remember Mishin specifically telling him not to speak to the press or to fans at the beginning of the season. In fact, I remember him saying it, and I then remember Mikhail saying to it to the press. And I know it’s not in his nature anyway. My expectations were already scaled back. When there was so much buzz about a podium finish when the lp was revealed, I didn’t care about that. Just wanted him to skate a clean program and burst into a smile of happiness at the end.

 

[Tutto]

Just a few points to clarify, I personally believe, perhaps wrongly, that this thread is for people who care about Mika. Does it mean that we have to be praising him & his team all the time? I think there is nothing wrong in a bit of objective criticism and open discussion and , that what makes it interesting that we can exchange our views here.
I would never criticise Mika on his VK page or Instagram though he made it clear many times that he is staying away from internet. So I feel that this thread is for us really. However if my previous post was too negative or disrespectful to Mika I apologise for that. I admit there was a lot of frustration & sadness after he skated LP and I would probably burst had I not say something.
I was frustrated by the fact that mistakes he made were the same ones he made in practically every skate this season, by a combo which he used to do on an autopilot in 2017/18 season, by a flip which gets practically nothing, by 3A he’s had in his arsenal for so many seasons and yet so problematic. I was sad to see the young & hungry overpassing him. And yes I think the new top is not as good as his blue shirt but that is a matter of personal taste and if he likes it and comfortable in it– well it is all that matters.

After letting steam out I now feel a way more optimistic (we all human!) and see that he did really well under an enormous pressure. I suspect that they decided on the layout (minus 4sal) practically on the spot after Zhenya skated well and it became clear that 3 spots for Russia are a distinct possibility. Sure it was hard on him not to know till last moment which layout to skate.

His LP is very demanding artistically, to skate it cleanly requires a superhuman effort. Yes he did well.

And I hope to see less mistakes in Japan now with no weight of securing Oly spots for the big skating nation on his shoulders anymore. BTW the last time Russia had 3 men in Olympics was in 2002!

I wonder whether they'll keep the White Crow for a next season? I used to think that the answer is emphatically yes, but not sure anymore, this program is unforgiving, to work, it really has to be skated clean or near clean. In a way it’s been a wrong program for this comeback season.
Once again my apologies if I spoke too harshly. My frustration comes mainly from seeing him not satisfied with his performance, not with him not winning medals.

 

[RoundedBackCamel]

Tutto, I ALWAYS appreciate your commentary. Definitely not too negative. I was blowing off a little steam and may have overdone it in my own commentary. You certainly didn’t. In any case, no way is he coming to GS checking out our responses! I agree that we should be free with opinions.

Anyway, I watched the program several times again. I will now admit how I watched the worlds free (early in the morning my time). The same way I’ve watched the last two U.S. presidential elections: in bed, on my phone, with the covers over my head, nervous out of my wits with an impending sense of celebration or dread, lol. (celebration last time for election!) I’ve since allowed myself to watch his free again several times and I realized that because of the new layout, he took out some of the small moves that I love. The striking of the chest two times, the glide on one leg with his arms clasped behind his back, which he later turned to a glide on both legs, spread eagle, one of the two “mind blown/revelation” gestures. Those little touches sold the program to me early on and I miss them. There is a quality that I was wish I were more articulate to describe in my favorite skaters: a tension in the arms and body that pushes through the atmosphere, transcending the pull of gravity. And of course you can feel that electricity all the way to his fingertips. It’s extension, but it’s more than that too. This program is downright ethereal.

My favorite version is probably the Russian Nationals/Rostelecom. And then the first time he skated the program. There is another one I can’t find on YouTube anymore and can’t remember what it was. These are all perfect to me.

To change the subject to a more positive one, what is everyone’s favorite performance of the masterpiece this season?

 

[coldblueeyes]

I mean, I don't want anyone to feel shamed for venting. It's just that, after so many seasons of this, I'd expect you guys to be a bit more jaded, haha. But I guess not, so, keep on being optimistic. Not that I'm not, I just feel like I take what I can get, and that's it.

On the topic of favorite performances, I don't know if I have one. I like all of them, though I prefer the earlier iterations when the timing of the step sequence lined better with the music, but if it helps him skate, I'm fine. Also, I still maintain that I want him to keep the program and this costume, because I think it suits him more, though this is my personal opinion.

Also, I think it's kind of the general consensus that he should keep this program. I think even in his interviews Misha showed that he felt the weight of carrying such a composition, and I'd love him to do it complete justice--if it's coming, who knows.

The SP they can burn. Not a bad program, but pales in comparison even to his Charles Aznavour gala. I just don't see Misha as being the pineapple king anymore, it doesn't seem like his facial expression marries with that kind of style. He's more subdued and classical, and there's this more sensual vibe he's sporting now that I'd want them to tap into. Something too camp or more fun is not on the radar anymore.

 

[Fanou]

To change the subject to a more positive one, what is everyone’s favorite performance of the masterpiece this season?

For me, nothing could replace the shock of discovering the new program at the test skates. Of course, I enjoyed very much the other performances, with the added excitement of competition, but to discover this beautiful music, his beautiful moves, the public reacting so strongly to him, Mishin's face at the end... That was everything...
Thinking of next season I always assumed the ultimate objective for the Olympics was to offer a program with 4 quads, 2 toes (one in combination), 1 salchow and 1 lutz... Is that what you think as well ? Do you see it as realistic ??? If they decide to keep it for next season I would think they will work on it to reorganize the technical and choreaographic elements... I'm just wondering how early in the season we can expect the 4 Salchow to appear...
Regarding the sp, it seems to me that he feels at ease with speedy rythms but I agree that he has matured a lot and the chosen music should showcase that... I think there are plenty of musics that can combine the two... Maybe he will ask his fans again to offer ideas ... If that's the case, I'm ready to offer my input !!!

 

[Tutto]

For me, nothing could replace the shock of discovering the new program at the test skates. Of course, I enjoyed very much the other performances, with the added excitement of competition, but to discover this beautiful music, his beautiful moves, the public reacting so strongly to him, Mishin's face at the end... That was everything...
Thinking of next season I always assumed the ultimate objective for the Olympics was to offer a program with 4 quads, 2 toes (one in combination), 1 salchow and 1 lutz... Is that what you think as well ? Do you see it as realistic ??? If they decide to keep it for next season I would think they will work on it to reorganize the technical and choreaographic elements... I'm just wondering how early in the season we can expect the 4 Salchow to appear...
Regarding the sp, it seems to me that he feels at ease with speedy rythms but I agree that he has matured a lot and the chosen music should showcase that... I think there are plenty of musics that can combine the two... Maybe he will ask his fans again to offer ideas ... If that's the case, I'm ready to offer my input !!!

^The favourite skate of White Crow? I am torn between the test skates, CoR and Russian Nats, but leaning towards the test skates for impression it made on me, it was pure art, the jumps were just secondary to the choreo, a background to a wonderful story. He was free from stress of competition, yes, I think it will remain my favourite.

To our discussion on the new costume, I found this interview which I am sure I read at the time but now I paid more attention to it. It looks like that grey/black version existed back in November?

''Let’s talk about your costumes for this season.

Maria Evstigneeva created both costumes. It was a whole epic story with these costumes! Everything was excellent with the one for the short program. She sent a sketch and we agreed upon it. At first, the pants were black but Alexei said they had to be blue – so they were made blue.

We still have some unsolved questions about the long program costume though. We tried to skate with long and then with three-quarter sleeves. Since the rink in Minsk was cold, I said right away that I would skate with long sleeves. Alexei is still looking at ideas for the costume and maybe we will realize them in the future.

My costume is not similar to Nureyev’s costumes. He had costumes with a certain chic – they were bright so they caught the eye right away. The upper part was very short and this made his legs look longer.

The specifics of a ballet costume are a bit different from a skating costume. I don’t think broad shoulders look good on me. Ballet dancers have really open collars and that emphasizes the shoulders. At least some of Nureyev’s costumes that were shown to us were like that. And I won’t wear white. If the upper part and the pants are white maybe it looks good in the scene at the Bolshoi Theatre, but it doesn’t work on the ice because it all merges with the bright light and the white ice. If the costume is white no one will see you.

The current long program costume is very elegant with no distractions.

Yes, because the emphasis is not on the costume, but on the program. I actually have a second costume that is ready. I skated in it in practice but Alexei said no, we would need to do something else. It has black pants and a black top. I feel very comfortable in it and I really like it. One part is close fitting and one part is loose fitting, and it t has a collar, which is a nice addition. However, from a distance of 10 meters it just looks like a black practice outfit. It lacks ethereality, romanticism.''

Not sure he is talking about that costume we saw at Worlds, but if it is so, it is interesting that he actually echos our criticism but likes it anyway, I guess there is a lot to be said for feeling comfortable.

Re: layout for the next season: I don't think 4 quad LP is realistic but very much hope for 3 and hence the return of 4lz or 4Sal.
I would wish some classical music but doubt it would happen,alas! There is onne warhorse I never get tired of - Rach No2 and I believe it would perfectly showcase his flow & power & speed on the ice (oh the latter is in question now )

Still hoping for a post Worlds interview with Tatjana perhaps but maybe they are too busy preparing for Japan.
BTW Mika is to skate tonight at Tutberidze show in Moscow, hopefully we'll get some videos.

 

[Tutto]

From Eteri Tutberidze show, thanks to his VK:

https://sun9-44.userapi.com/impg/evr22yyS85ERyrijBbcbdaAoEDBvHePBTBtr1Q/Oqx4kCj9V-0.jpg?size=1080x885&quality=96&sign=82bcddfc15ad1b32ed01b79a39a5285e&type=album

If this is not perfection, what is? (BUT please please get rid of this white collar & cuffs or whatever it is called )

Worryingly, another fall on 3A and a step out on the second 3A, what's the hell going on with his axel?!

And it seems the pressure is on for Team Cup (and I thought it would be more or less a fun event -ha! ) Russia wants gold so far escaping, it is possible but Mika & Evgeni have to be at their best.