Sergei Voronov

[silverfoxes]

Unfortunately, the games of the Fed are absolutely obvious... :scowl: Many people were saying that everything had been decided even before the Nationals. Kolyada is number one now (well, he has earned that), and Samarin is the new favourite of CSKA and the Fed (instead of Kovtun). And that's the reason why they send the half-injured Dima to the Euros - so that in contrast with him these two would look even better. The Fed doesn't need Sergei who would provide competition for them... It's bad to wish that, yes, but really it appears that the only hope for Sergei now is smb's injury...

I just read that Samarin's mother works as an administrator for CSKA. The fix was in all the time. They really do everything in their power to make Sergei's life difficult...forcing him to go to a competition without a coach, not giving him a senior B at the start of this season, etc. I am afraid that the sight of Samarin makes me recoil now. How I would love it if Sergei named and shamed all his enemies someday, but he is a gentleman and probably can't afford to burn more bridges in the skating world if he intends to keep working as a coach and/or commentator.

But it's really extraordinary what he has managed to accomplish against all the odds, and at an advanced age. Everything is harder to learn the older you get, the body takes longer to recover, etc. So he is quite a unique specimen in this sport, I'd say.

 

[Kara]

I'm so disappointed. I didn't really know who he was before NHK (for shame, I know!), but he was one of the most pleasant surprises there with a great free and his funny yet earnest interview after he won was one of the highlights of the competition for me. He won a GP, got into the final, and did well there for what? I'm so so disappointed and pretty angry because it looks like the fed already decided who's going to the Olympics and I'm not happy about it. I don't want to hate on other skaters, but man outside forces make it hard.

 

[Sissi]

It's absurd! What else he was yet to prove if this year reached the second Russian all time over all score? the other two had to prove that they were worth the same. I can't believe that the Russian federation does not take it into consideration. And will happen if at the European championships they had a much lower score than him?

 

[Alchamei]

Honestly, it's a big reason why I'm feeling so depressed lately. I have a hard time now since personal stuff and winter exams are coming, but I just can't stop thinking about it. I know I'm getting too emotional and annoying with this but I haven't had the heart yet to rewatch any of Sergei's programs this year. Especially the free skate, since the music is quite hauting and melancholic and when I hear it in my head I can't help but feel depressed. It's so sad he couldn't skate his best at Nats, because we wouldn't have this discussion now, but I don't know when and if this sadness can go away.

 

[silverfoxes]

Honestly, it's a big reason why I'm feeling so depressed lately. I have a hard time now since personal stuff and winter exams are coming, but I just can't stop thinking about it. I know I'm getting too emotional and annoying with this but I haven't had the heart yet to rewatch any of Sergei's programs this year. Especially the free skate, since the music is quite hauting and melancholic and when I hear it in my head I can't help but feel depressed. It's so sad he couldn't skate his best at Nats, because we wouldn't have this discussion now, but I don't know when and if this sadness can go away.

It's definitely killing my interest in watching the rest of this season. I am sick of political games...we have enough going on in real life and now the corruption in skating is ruining everything too. One thing I realized though - if things came easy for him, and he didn't have to fight so much, I probably wouldn't be so emotionally invested in him as a fan. I tend to quickly lose interest in skaters who are judges' pets and get gifted high scores that they don't deserve. So a lot of men's skating is losing its appeal for me. I hope things will change a little bit after the Olys. Who knows, maybe he will still get a chance to go to Worlds if the others are completely spent and/or injured. That would be a small comfort.

 

[Alchamei]

It's definitely killing my interest in watching the rest of this season. I am sick of political games...we have enough going on in real life and now the corruption in skating is ruining everything too. One thing I realized though - if things came easy for him, and he didn't have to fight so much, I probably wouldn't be so emotionally invested in him as a fan. I tend to quickly lose interest in skaters who are judges' pets and get gifted high scores that they don't deserve. So a lot of men's skating is losing its appeal for me. I hope things will change a little bit after the Olys. Who knows, maybe he will still get a chance to go to Worlds if the others are completely spent and/or injured. That would be a small comfort.

Yeah, I definietly agree with the part about not being invested so much in skaters who are loved by judges and get generous marks. It actually kills my interest in the skater since I start to point out the mistakes and overscoring. This happened with Satoko, Shibs, partly S/H etc. I want to be a fair fan, who can point out if the judging is wrong, but then it sometimes turns into dislikng the skater.

Also, does Sergei have any social media such as VK? I'd love to express my support somehow.

 

[tzazu]

It's definitely killing my interest in watching the rest of this season. I am sick of political games...we have enough going on in real life and now the corruption in skating is ruining everything too. One thing I realized though - if things came easy for him, and he didn't have to fight so much, I probably wouldn't be so emotionally invested in him as a fan. I tend to quickly lose interest in skaters who are judges' pets and get gifted high scores that they don't deserve. So a lot of men's skating is losing its appeal for me. I hope things will change a little bit after the Olys. Who knows, maybe he will still get a chance to go to Worlds if the others are completely spent and/or injured. That would be a small comfort.

I hope so, it'd be something at least

 

[silverfoxes]

Yeah, I definietly agree with the part about not being invested so much in skaters who are loved by judges and get generous marks. It actually kills my interest in the skater since I start to point out the mistakes and overscoring. This happened with Satoko, Shibs, partly S/H etc. I want to be a fair fan, who can point out if the judging is wrong, but then it sometimes turns into dislikng the skater.

Also, does Sergei have any social media such as VK? I'd love to express my support somehow.

Exactly! It's just so hard to enjoy a competition when you know who will be held up no matter what, and who will be judged harshly. The results seem predetermined in too many cases.

Sergei is pretty active on Instagram - @sergeyvoronov

 

[LadyB]

I think it all depends on Dima's health.. He is still injured and struggled thrughout the whole season and now he'll be upping his tech again... I have to say, I'm selfish, I'm hoping that Dima will pull out of Euros so Sergei will get his chance. I'm really sorry, but that's my only hope now, but it's not only about Sergei, if Dima is injured, he should rest and heal, not try even more harder programs, he is a nice skater with a future. If Dima goes to Euros, the possibility that he'll mess up is high and then it will be a wasted spot.

I’m totally with you. I don’t wish Dima nything bad, but..,

 

[cleo2070]

It's absurd! What else he was yet to prove if this year reached the second Russian all time over all score? the other two had to prove that they were worth the same. I can't believe that the Russian federation does not take it into consideration. And will happen if at the European championships they had a much lower score than him?

Hello Sissi, welcome to the forum and fanfest! Post long, post often!

 

[ewdokia]

Honestly, it's a big reason why I'm feeling so depressed lately. I have a hard time now since personal stuff and winter exams are coming, but I just can't stop thinking about it. I know I'm getting too emotional and annoying with this but I haven't had the heart yet to rewatch any of Sergei's programs this year. Especially the free skate, since the music is quite hauting and melancholic and when I hear it in my head I can't help but feel depressed. It's so sad he couldn't skate his best at Nats, because we wouldn't have this discussion now, but I don't know when and if this sadness can go away.

I know how you feel. And I would love to give you a big cyber hug. Last spring I was terribly depressed because of Adian’s situation, knowing he will have to quit and it really helped me to do something actively. I’m also totally sad for Sergei, but I comfort myself with these arguments:

• Despite all the obstacles Sergei still won major medals (take for comparison that also very talented skaters like e.g. Sasha Abt or Ilia Klimkin won much less medals as they competed during the Yagudin / Plushenko era);
• he is in good shape and healthy and can still compete at age 30 (compare that to Adian, Uspensky, Shubin who could never fulfill their potential due to injury).
• he is loved by his fans and will be remembered. Figure skating is not only about titles. Just look how many people today ooze over Timothy Goebel, who won world and Olympic medals? Well, not many. Today he more a less a number in the statistics.
• with not making the Olympic team it’s more likely Sergei will continue to compete for one or two more seasons.
• with Russian athletes not being allowed to compete under Russian flag it in any case would have been only an Olympic experience of 2nd choice.
• all what he went through will help Sergei to become a good coach one day.

I’m totally with you. I don’t wish Dima nything bad, but..,

No, please don’t wish Dima bad. He is a nice boy. It was not his fault. And actually this decision is not good for him either. He should finally cure his leg to be able to fully attack next season.
I remember I couple of years ago Dima skated at Ice challenge in Graz in Juniors. He didn’t have a quad yet, just learned a 3A, but potential was obvious. After his comp he was watching seniors in Graz. He was sitting right behind me. The challenger in Graz took place at the same time than Cup of Russia. I was following the GP with my mobile on silent mode as well. And guess who was following it as well and cheering for Sergei – Dima. But his mobile sound was still on, so a few people gave him a bad glare and with his head turning red he turned it off and used ear plugs. It was so lovely to see how he cheered for Sergei and totally forgot that the audience around was still more interested in the local event.

However, perhaps we might channel negative energy on Sokolovskaya, Samarin’s coach, cite from her recent interview:

EV: In the Russian male skating as a rule there is always someone kind of unachievable. First it was Pluschenko, then Kovtun. Did the thought no matter how hard you try you'll never make it to the top press on you?
SS: Well, look at the current situation: there is Misha Kolyada. I think it's right that he became a leader last year. But then Sasha and I sat down and analyzed: how can we get closer and what do we have to work on to improve I divided the whole preparation to pieces: we are better in this, we are worse in that, this is kind of the same, but here - perhaps. The level of our single man skaters is not quite a outer space. They all have the same legs and arms. Yes, some have the natural gliding which we lack. But if we lose here we have to work not twice, but 4 times harder to get the SS to the maximum possible level. This, I think, what we should do. Not look for excuses and cry you were robbed.

Wow, as if Samarin was ever robbed. :gaah: It’s by the way quite interesting how this guy is pushed by media recently (Vaitsehovskaya releasing an interview with the skater and his coach just within one day). I’m pretty sure there is already some intrigue going on behind the scenes to replace Misha with Samarin as No 1. And the fur coat is for sure involved.

 

[schizoanalyst]

It’s absolutely insane to me Voronov is not going to Euros and may (likely?) will be denied an Olympic spot.

Ignoring Kolyada - Voronov had, by massive margin, the best performance on the Grand Prix circuit among the Russian men (one gold, one bronze, and 4th at GPF!); his PB (set this season!) is ~20 points over the others; he’s demonstrated much greater overall consistency than the other men; and at RUS Nats he was only 3.24 points away from taking the bronze, even with other men receiving PCS they would *never* receive on the international circuit while Voronov's was not nearly as inflated. It’s also worth remembering that Voronov was competing in Mid-December at the GPF, whereas Samarin and Aliev had a month between their last competition and Nationals to rest.

I’m not a super-fan of Voronov, but it’s just so obvious he deserves Euros and deserves a chance at the Olympic spot and it’s sad to see politicking nonsense messing with what is Voronov’s last chance to get to an Olympic games

 

[ewdokia]

For those who have not seen it yet:
https://www.change.org/p/russian-fi...ov-on-russian-team-for-european-championships

Petition to support Sergei and to show Russian Fed our disgust with their decision.

Also please share this link with any other fans of Sergei or figure skating fans who too consider this decision XXX (insert your favourite swearword).

 

[LadyB]

I know how you feel. And I would love to give you a big cyber hug. Last spring I was terribly depressed because of Adian’s situation, knowing he will have to quit and it really helped me to do something actively. I’m also totally sad for Sergei, but I comfort myself with these arguments:

• Despite all the obstacles Sergei still won major medals (take for comparison that also very talented skaters like e.g. Sasha Abt or Ilia Klimkin won much less medals as they competed during the Yagudin / Plushenko era);
• he is in good shape and healthy and can still compete at age 30 (compare that to Adian, Uspensky, Shubin who could never fulfill their potential due to injury).
• he is loved by his fans and will be remembered. Figure skating is not only about titles. Just look how many people today ooze over Timothy Goebel, who won world and Olympic medals? Well, not many. Today he more a less a number in the statistics.
• with not making the Olympic team it’s more likely Sergei will continue to compete for one or two more seasons.
• with Russian athletes not being allowed to compete under Russian flag it in any case would have been only an Olympic experience of 2nd choice.
• all what he went though will help Sergei to become a good coach one day.

No, please don’t wish Dima bad. He is a nice boy. It was not his fault. And actually this decision is not good for him either. He should finally cure his leg to be able to fully attack next season.
I remember I couple of years ago Dima skated at Ice challenge in Graz in Juniors. He didn’t have a quad yet, just learned a 3A, but potential was obvious. After his comp he was watching seniors in Graz. He was sitting right behind me. The challenger in Graz took place at the same time than Cup of Russia. I was following the GP with my mobile on silent mode as well. And guess who was following it as well and cheering for Sergei – Dima. But his mobile sound was still on, so a few people gave him a bad glare and with his head turning red he turned it off and used ear plugs. It was so lovely to see how he cheered for Sergei and totally forgot that the audience around was still more interested in the local event.

However, perhaps we might channel negative energy on Sokolovskaya, Samarin’s coach, cite from her recent interview:

EV: In the Russian male skating as a rule there is always someone kind of unachievable. First it was Pluschenko, then Kovtun. Did the thought no matter how hard you try you'll never make it to the top press on you?
SS: Well, look at the current situation: there is Misha Kolyada. I think it's right that he became a leader last year. But then Sasha and I sat down and analyzed: how can we get closer and what do we have to work on to improve I divided the whole preparation to pieces: we are better in this, we are worse in that, this is kind of the same, but here - perhaps. The level of our single man skaters is not quite a outer space. They all have the same legs and arms. Yes, some have the natural gliding which we lack. But if we lose here we have to work not twice, but 4 times harder to get the SS to the maximum possible level. This, I think, what we should do. Not look for excuses and cry you were robbed.

Wow, as if Samarin was ever robbed. :gaah: It’s by the way quite interesting how this guy is pushed by media recently (Vaitsehovskaya releasing an interview with the skater and his coach just within one day). I’m pretty sure there is already some intrigue going on behind the scenes to replace Misha with Samarin as No 1. And the fur coat is for sure involved.

No, of course I won’t wish Dima anything bad, just saying if he couldn’t make it and Sergei would substitute him, I wouldn’t be very sad, ha ha.

 

[Sissi]

Hello Sissi, welcome to the forum and fanfest! Post long, post often!

Thanks a lot! I am very happy to join you on this forum! Very sorry for my english ! I would like to give the most support to Sergei cause I think he really deserves to go to the olimpic and the european... I have already signed the petition for the euros, if there is other that i can do it, let me know. ☺

 

[silverfoxes]

No, please don’t wish Dima bad. He is a nice boy. It was not his fault. And actually this decision is not good for him either. He should finally cure his leg to be able to fully attack next season.
I remember I couple of years ago Dima skated at Ice challenge in Graz in Juniors. He didn’t have a quad yet, just learned a 3A, but potential was obvious. After his comp he was watching seniors in Graz. He was sitting right behind me. The challenger in Graz took place at the same time than Cup of Russia. I was following the GP with my mobile on silent mode as well. And guess who was following it as well and cheering for Sergei – Dima. But his mobile sound was still on, so a few people gave him a bad glare and with his head turning red he turned it off and used ear plugs. It was so lovely to see how he cheered for Sergei and totally forgot that the audience around was still more interested in the local event.

What a nice story! Yes, I love Dima and I'm very upset that he is not only not healing his injury, but being pushed to do 4Lz now. And for what? We all know the Oly team has been decided. Dima & Sergei are my favorite Russian guys by a landslide, so I truly don't want him to be blamed for any of this. The egregious favoritism shown to another skater was what really made my blood boil. Dima is just a pawn for the vile Russian Fed here.

 

[LadyB]

When the Russian Fed can take a leaf out of the American book: Adam Rippon came fourth and he, quite rightly so, goes to both Olys and Worlds. They seem to know a good man when he hits the ice. Shame, it doesn't happen in Russia :sad21:

 

[Alchamei]

When the Russian Fed can take a leaf out of the American book: Adam Rippon came fourth and he, quite rightly so, goes to both Olys and Worlds. They seem to know a good man when he hits the ice. Shame, it doesn't happen in Russia :sad21:

Yeah, I couldn't understand why so many people were actually against the body of work argument when Adam really deserved to go the Olympics based on his results from this and last season, no matter his medal chances. He will be actually very important for the team event.

So I'm so sad that Sergei will probably not get his Olympic chance. It doesn't seem like anyone will withdraw from Euros and I bet that even if Dima is injured, they will pressure him to skate anyway. Way to ruin not just one, but two careers.

Does anyone know if Sergei is willing to continue or he wants to wrap it up?

 

[LadyB]

Does anyone know if Sergei is willing to continue or he wants to wrap it up?

He said in a recent interview that he wasn't done yet. Good for him, he's a fighter!

 

[lavenderblossom]

Sergei celebrating Christmas

It's sad to think his only chance is if Samarin and Aliev both bomb at Euros but even then with all the favouritism they've shown Samarin they might send him anyway. I really hope he can skate for at least one more season and make it to Worlds.