NEW YAGUDIN IFS Interview

[Joesitz (RIP)]

They may be out of formal rehab, but the home exercises are very important. Alexei will not be competing in 2008 so he should really take his time getting to the ice and carefully execute the tricks once he feels solid in the basics.

I worry more about Evgeni because he will skate in 2008 and it is important to the Russian Fed that he bring home at least 2, if not 3 skaters for 2009. I hope he does whatever is necessary to be able to skate in the CoR, Euros and Worlds.


Joe

 

[Dodhiyel]

Good job, Kathleen. Thanks!

 

[Jaana]

I worry more about Evgeni because he will skate in 2008 and it is important to the Russian Fed that he bring home at least 2, if not 3 skaters for 2009. I hope he does whatever is necessary to be able to skate in the CoR, Euros and Worlds.

Joe

Yes, I too worry about Evgeni, and hope that he sees his own health as the most important thing and will not ruin it by trying to help his federation this season. Unless of course if he just had an injury that will heal quickly?

 

[Zanzibar]

It sounds like you are trying to keep the fires stoked, guaranteeing yourself more feisty interviews in the future.

BTW, nice interview with Plushenko in this month's IFS, too.

Let's see now, I am trying to get a time line. The article isn't dated, but It says here:

KB: "Have you really committed to returning to competition?"

Plushenko: "Two days ago I made this decision. For sure." :yes:

Well sure, Mathman. You say to one of them, "He says you skate like a cow!" and then sit back and record the fireworks! (kidding.....I think....no, seriously, I"m kidding )

The IFS interview was taken I think May 11th - don't have a calendar in front of me but it was a Friday, and I think that was the date. Alexei was in the US at that time seeing the doctor and knew he was going to go ahead with the surgery in July, and then if the recovery went well, attempt a comeback. So, by asking Plushenko about it, like I said, just knew he'd never tell anyone as the last purpose he wants to serve is giving Alexei more publicity.

He was very gracious though - a fun guy - sometimes seems as if he has the weight of the world on his shoulders (Plushenko) but he's very friendly - really can't say a negative thing about him...well...except that hairband...

So when Plushenko said he made up his mind "2 days ago" for sure to compete again, what he meant was about May 8th-9th. Of course, he didn't have HUGE offers from both Russian TV networks at that time to do the skating/celebrity shows. But if Plushenko wants a world title, he better get it this season in Sweden....'cause next season he could have some pretty tough competition in Los Angeles

Really though, regarding Alexei - what has changed to some extent is his level of DISCIPLINE. Where as Plushenko has led an undisciplined year (which is okay, he gets to do that as a new Olympic champion, still young, yadda, yadda), Alexei has been absolutely a maniac regarding getting in great condition, losing weight, watching what he eats, no partying. He has a Lance Armstrong-like determination right now.

Plushenko is playing a bit of "catch up" in terms of gettng motivated, and who knows what's going to happen this season...but hate to see him push himself before his knee is ready. And these TV shows are pushing both these guys a bit to get on the ice.

They need to not rush their recovery while remembering that the race to Vancouver may very well go to the tortoise, not the hare.

 

[emma]

I've been crazy busy and unable to keep up at GS or post - but just wanted to say a quick - but HUGE - thank you to Zanzibar. Fantastic article and all the commentary you share is so, so interesting!!! Thanks Thanks Thanks

 

[LizzieBeth]

Yes, he's doing well - running daily and workng out - heard from him the day before yesterday as he was getting ready to fly to Moscow.

Very upbeat and anxious to get on the ice and "give it a spin".


P.S. In the article where Alexei is on the deck outside, relaxing in the sun and working on the flexibility of his new hip, this is the photo he sent at that moment (for those who haven't seen it already): http://www.ka-bangs.com/ice/Details.aspx?AlbumID=125&Page=0

If you can get past that kiss, check out those shoulders! Thanks for posting the article & pic.

 

[LizzieBeth]

Childfree -The only thing I can say about comparing knee replacements with hip replacements if from talk in Rehab. There were several patients who had one or the other long before the next one, and they claim knees are the most difficult to deal with after surgery.

Dee- Thanks for remembering my agony. Its been 4 years now. I walk pain free but forget about jumping - no way. Thinking very much about Stephane and Evgeni. Hope they last till 2010.

Great reading about Alexei's improvement.

Joe

Knee surgery is tough and knees have to hold more body weight than hips. I can't imagine what you went through having both knees done at once. Glad you are pain free now.

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

Thank you LizzBeth. It's great to be pain free.

Joe

 

[jennylovskt]

Thank you very much, Kathleen! Love your writing as always!