State of Russian Men's Figure Skating 2015-2016

[Sofia]

As Russia has 3 slots for the men at Europeans, it will be easy for the Federation to pick the best competitors for Worlds. There they have only 2 slots, right?

Yes. The 2nd slot for Worlds is not necessarily from the Euros team (decided by the Coaches' Committee), but it seems very unlikely that it will go to anybody else.

 

[plushyfan]

http://tass.ru/sport/2560024 sorry for the google translating

YEKATERINBURG, December 27. /Specialist. corr. Veronica Sovetova TASS /. Famous Russian figure skater Evgeni Plushenko lose a bet at the end of the Russian championship to his wife Jana bottle of champagne. Plushenko told Tass, before the start of the tournament in Ekaterinburg he predicted victory in the men's singles skating Mikhail Kolyada, Jan - Maxim Kovtun.

The winner of the last championship in Yekaterinburg, Russia in the men's figure skating became Maxim Kovtun, who collected 266.13 points. Silver medal was Mikhail Kolyada (260.73). Third place went to Alexander Petrov (248.64).

"But I do not think that this debate I lost - I would place the judges in the first place put Kolyada - performed with such high, clean with a good stroke jumps! No long preparation before the races. I think next year it will add a quadruple jump at least, and maybe a couple, and becomes the champion of Russia. I am even ready to advise him, if I have time, and he and his coach Valentin Chebotareva - desire. " he was really impressed at Rostelecom Cup when he saw Kolyada...

Plushenko believes that Kolyada can jump and quadruple Salchow and Lutz. "He can do and quad lutz and a quadruple Salchow - it is a high-level athlete with incredible rotations magnificent stretch."

Two-time Olympic champion said, and a good result Kovtun, "Maxim fellow - fought not relaxed! It could skate with one or two quad, but it would be for him to step back. But he stepped forward - was three quads in a random and made them . Let blots and - for the first quadruple Salchow little threw to him for nedokrut second - Aksel was also not the best. But Max fellow. "

Plushenko was upset because of the failure Adya Pitkeeva, who played in the championship of Russia with back pain and took ninth place.

"Very disappointed for Adya, but he has yet to come - he is still young. Especially in this season, and so he made a great leap forward. Now we have to heal the injury and continue to work. He has good prospects. I really like it."

Asked TASS separated Plushenko and his wife, her winnings, the athlete replied: "I can not - Prohibition. Train getting ready. And even on New Year's impossible. All with coming!".

 

[Li'Kitsu]

"...I am even ready to advise him, if I have time, and he and his coach Valentin Chebotareva - desire. " he was really impressed at Rostelecom Cup when he saw Kolyada...

Uuiii, that sounds like fun. I just love Plushy's taste by the way from his love for Yuzuru, to him complementing Jason, to his excitement about Mikhail! I'm sure Mika is going to be thrilled to hear so much praise from the king

Thank you very much for the interview, plushyfan!

 

[Rissa]

It's good to hear Mikhail is receiveing so much praise. Before this season I didn't know who he was but he's impressed me with his programs. It's interesting that Plushy is predicting 4S for him, it'd be great if Mikhail became a podium contender one day.

 

[Wanted girl]

It's good to hear Mikhail is receiveing so much praise. Before this season I didn't know who he was but he's impressed me with his programs. It's interesting that Plushy is predicting 4S for him, it'd be great if Mikhail became a podium contender one day.

Not only Plushy predict this - his coach, Valentina Chebotareva, said in the interview that they will add 4S into FP before Europeans. She also said that the first quad, which Misha landed, was 4S.

 

[Rissa]

Not only Plushy predict this - his coach, Valentina Chebotareva, said in the interview that they will add 4S into FP before Europeans. She also said that the first quad, which Misha landed, was 4S.

Awesome then! I hope he'll medal! He'd round my dream podium at Euros: Fernandez, Samohin and Kolyada.

 

[karne]

Apparently, if you are the only Russian man with a World medal in the last ten years, this is the sort of acknowledgement you can expect to get on your retirement (Google Translate from this article):

Valentin Piseyev unflattering praised the 22-year-old skater Gachinsky Arthur, who said at the national championship, but due to injury was unable to attend and was forced to announce the completion of a professional career.

- He never interested me as an athlete. Frankly, in him I never believed it. We must have a strong character, to win medals. What Gachinsky retired from the sport, it is absolutely nothing in the world men's figure skating has not changed,

We don't have an adequate emoticon to express my feelings about that. All the more angering when you consider that Piseev led the witch-hunt that broke Artur after Nice!

Fortunately, the Professor is wiser:

Arthur was the most capable of all my students - said Alexey. - Objective and subjective reasons, he was unable to fully realize themselves in the sport. This athlete gifted artistic vision of figure skating. He is absolutely musical. In addition, Arthur had the unique data to perform multi-hopping. Not many figure skaters in the world perform quad, Salchow, loop at that age. Also it was very close to a quad lutz. This indicates very high potential. The fact that he managed to become the winner of the championship of Europe and the world, also speaks volumes. Of course, up to the maximum, he was far away.

:sad21:

 

[plushyfan]

Apparently, if you are the only Russian man with a World medal in the last ten years, this is the sort of acknowledgement you can expect to get on your retirement (Google Translate from this article):



We don't have an adequate emoticon to express my feelings about that. All the more angering when you consider that Piseev led the witch-hunt that broke Artur after Nice!

Fortunately, the Professor is wiser:



:sad21:

Nice words from Mishin...

 

[Perdita]

Wow. Those words from Piseev are unbelievably harsh.

But, I'm actually suspending my sentiment for his retirement because I feel like he might come back next year or so like Tat said. I'm trying to hold a positive belief that coming back after announcing a retirement is a Russian tradition.

 

[karne]

But, I'm actually suspending my sentiment for his retirement because I feel like he might come back next year or so like Tat said. I'm trying to hold a positive belief that coming back after announcing a retirement is a Russian tradition.

If it was anyone but Artur, I might be inclined to agree...but he always looked so haunted on the ice in the last couple of years, as though he was miserable. Maybe, after a year or two...and he would still be young enough to try again. But already he looks so much happier in his shows...

 

[solani]

Valentin Piseyev might know how to "make" great teenage ladies skaters, but he obviously doesn't know that young and talented male skaters need time to develop. I don't think they get they time they need in Russia nowadays. Kovtun is the best of them, but they also pushed him into seniors too early in my opinion. He could be much better by now.
Such a waste of talent!

 

[LRK]

Apparently, if you are the only Russian man with a World medal in the last ten years, this is the sort of acknowledgement you can expect to get on your retirement (Google Translate from this article):

We don't have an adequate emoticon to express my feelings about that. All the more angering when you consider that Piseev led the witch-hunt that broke Artur after Nice!

Actually that may be exactly the main reason he said this - this "justifies" him in his opinion. Saying anything else would, indirectly, be acknowledging that he was wrong.

Fortunately, the Professor is wiser:

:sad21:

The Professor is always wise. Remember in an interview - after Artur had left him, at that - when an interviewer asked him what was the difference between Artur and Liza. And Papa Mishin said that he first wanted to note what they had in common - namely that they were both very talented. But that Liza had been able to believe in herself, and Artur hadn't.

It might be that competing was just not for Artur. And there's nothing wrong with that at all. People are different. Maybe he will be able to enjoy his skating life more now, without the pressure of competition. And if, in a while, he actually feels that something is missing, he can come back to competition.

 

[Crossover]

Awesome then! I hope he'll medal! He'd round my dream podium at Euros: Fernandez, Samohin and Kolyada.

If Mika really brings 4S into his FS, that would be more than great. He can increase World spots too if the plan goes successful. My dream podium at Euros is Javi, Florent, and Mika though since that will be Florent's farewell competition.

 

[snowflake]

Valentin Piseyev might know how to "make" great teenage ladies skaters, but he obviously doesn't know that young and talented male skaters need time to develop. I don't think they get they time they need in Russia nowadays. Kovtun is the best of them, but they also pushed him into seniors too early in my opinion. He could be much better by now.
Such a waste of talent!

So how did Kolyada manage to develop in Russia? He has never been to Europeans or Worlds and never medaled at junior worlds(he went once and was sixth). This season is the first time he medaled(silver) at Russian nationals, 22 years old.

 

[Crossover]

So how did Kolyada manage to develop in Russia? He has never been to Europeans or Worlds and never medaled at junior worlds(he went once and was sixth). This season is the first time he medaled(silver) at Russian nationals, 22 years old.

Just for your information, both Kolyada and Kovtun are 20 years old.

 

[snowflake]

^
OK thanks

 

[Skater Boy]

Russia's mens skating is not in great or horrible shape. Some of these 20 year olds have potential. I would have liked to have seen Voronov have one great season and retire. That won't or didn't happen sadly. Like the US ladies they need a skater to take control who can develop good skating skills along with tes and I am not sure they have had all around potential skater. That's why Plushenko is still a vialbe alternative although I do think he is too old/injured to really be a threat now sadly. I think Russia is giving up on Menshov and Voronov and hoping one of the younger skaters will be the next Plushy/Yagudin/Urmanov/Kulik.

 

[Perdita]

So how did Kolyada manage to develop in Russia? He has never been to Europeans or Worlds and never medaled at junior worlds(he went once and was sixth). This season is the first time he medaled(silver) at Russian nationals, 22 years old.

Well, he was in the junior circuit until he was 18 (2 seasons ago) and then had a year off due to the injury. He was pretty much unnoticed until now because he appeared in the senior circuit quite late and also he wasn't a consistent jumper like he is now when he was in junior. He could have had a stronger appeal in the 2013/14 season I believe, but he changed his blade that season in order to practice quads, so he seemed to have struggled that season in order to adjust to the new technique. But still, he has won silver and bronze at JGPS and is a Russian Junior champion, which I think is quite an achievement.

I just posted this article in his thread, but I'll post it here too, because it might give an answer to your question. It says that not having a famous coach affected his career (which I kind of disagree though. His inconsistency and lack of stamina was pulling him back when he was junior) and how he and his coach worked together.

http://www.rg.ru/2015/12/30/kolyada.html

via Google translate:

What 20-year-old Michael Kolyada good skater, you knew everything. But somehow it turned out that the first-second role in the national team was not considered. Maybe it's not just Michael? In the harsh, when it comes to the selection of the national team, figure skating plays a vital role magical influence coach. There are teachers, deservedly recognized as great. Their word, solicitation, high appeal to the supreme arbiter play a huge role in the life of the pupil. However, this is accepted throughout the world of figure skating. And so, too, skaters happen to change the coach, knowing that glorified not give offense, breaks.

Silver medalist Russia Mikhail Kolyada borrows from his coach Valentina Mikhailovna Chebotareva, terrible to say, 15 years. She noticed nimble little boy riding a small Katochkov St Petersburg, when he was five. And he took his group.

The boy from a family in which four children grew up, matured, gained experience and professional skills. But here it is a phenomenon typical, clear to anyone who understands the sport. Came the first successes were the prizes, and behind them the attention of: Misha Kolyada began to invite other coaches. Yes, the famous, much more stentorian voice than the quiet and in the Leningrad intelligent Valentina Mikhailovna. It is, in fact, and this is not surprising. The world has its own laws. Misha - is not the first of its pupils, which proposed to change destiny.

Was it a shame? Still would. It's one thing when she gladly gives Raised by her single skater Oksana Kazakova, who put in a couple of the famous Artur Dmitriev - and a couple of wins Olympic gold. And just when they leave, rather, not just ... Chebotarev it does not consider it a betrayal, but how hard to survive coach like parting.

Misha was Kolyada. It was hard. Proposals are not accepted. Consulted with his large and, says Valentina, happy family. And the family council rendered a unanimous decision, which reported Chebotareva: Michael stays with you.

Here, of course, much depended, and from the skater. Silver medalist Russia is not yet accustomed to giving interviews, but in Yekaterinburg firmly answered me: "Yes, I would not have otherwise been able to. We are together for 15 years. And have the same."

Yes, we have made, but everything is like a fairy tale, although there was not a Christmas New Year, and on 21 November. The famous Arthur Gachinsky in 22 years has decided to say goodbye to figure skating, and at the Moscow Grand Prix had to be replaced. By whom? So here it is, Kolyada. Misha took and made good. However, the championship in Yekaterinburg, it is not recorded as favorite. There were other contenders. But Kolyada good quad and all the other elements performed confidently, losing only Maxim Kovtun.

At the European Championship in Bratislava he was automatically the second number. 20 years, writing a little strange, but for skaters - sculler already done. Now or ... Making its debut in this championship and Valentina Chebotarev.

Frankly
Valentina, congratulations and good luck in Bratislava.
Valentine Chebotarev: Thank you. Yes, I am not ashamed: for the first time going to Europe with a student. We have a double debut. Spring has issued a pension, but throw and do not think. We are ready.
Sometimes I watched you. And you're always so modest, in the distance. In my opinion, the parties to give interviews, all silent.
Valentine Chebotarev: I guess that's my style. I'm in training not to raise voices for their children do not swear, we have installed a quiet discipline. And, you know, all of its compliance.
Tell me, what you have taken away the most talented, experienced hard?
Valentine Chebotarev: I was not famous figure skater. She graduated from the Institute recruited a group of kids on the small rinks. And among them there are capable of so much! I deal with them was a pleasure. And if the output is someone on the ice is not great, I and others have, then, well, fate. I have spent my life in the rink and happy. But here we are with Misha broke, and it is the greatest joy in my life coach.
I can not make a compliment. You said something about retirement and looks young.
Valentine Chebotarev: I'll tell you. When all his life to do what you want, even with the kids, the wrinkles you spared.

BTW, has anyone seen an interview of Voronov after the Nationals? I only found the TV interview which I can't understand... But I would love to know what went wrong with him during the Nationals and how he sees himself of having a redemption anytime this season. I suppose he'll show up at the Cup of Russia Final? I hope he'll do well there.

 

[Sweet Dream]

Russia's mens skating is not in great or horrible shape. Some of these 20 year olds have potential. I would have liked to have seen Voronov have one great season and retire. That won't or didn't happen sadly. Like the US ladies they need a skater to take control who can develop good skating skills along with tes and I am not sure they have had all around potential skater. That's why Plushenko is still a vialbe alternative although I do think he is too old/injured to really be a threat now sadly. I think Russia is giving up on Menshov and Voronov and hoping one of the younger skaters will be the next Plushy/Yagudin/Urmanov/Kulik.

I think Kolyada is that candidate! That is why Plushenko volunteered to be his technical adviser if need be after the Nationals. He must see Kolyada's great potential to be world class skater some day in the near future.

 

[solani]

So how did Kolyada manage to develop in Russia? He has never been to Europeans or Worlds and never medaled at junior worlds(he went once and was sixth). This season is the first time he medaled(silver) at Russian nationals, 22 years old.

Gachinski and Kovtun both delivered very strong results at a very young age and Kolayada didn't. So there was no incentive to push Kolayda into seniors. And no free spots.