Few other bits of news in Russian skating. Some quick translations/summaries.
Sotskova: gave a video-interview (in Russian)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBMdkYmOW-g
In a nutshell: she is planning to skate 1 more season. She did not have a good season this year, and she wants to prove to herself (and others) that she can be clean, consistent and skate her best. Loves skating, enjoys the process. Glad that she tried new type of music this past season. Training with Bouianova and her team mates is much less pressure than at Sambo/Eteri’s group, she prefers lower pressure. She knows the younger generation is pushing forward, but that’s ok, because few years ago she was the “new generation” pushing the older girls. She is studying almost full time, teachers do make exceptions, but she is on a regular (not remote/off-campus study) programme/schedule.
Sakhanovich: practicing 3A (and landing it clean??) off ice. Video:
https://radikal.ru/video/4ByOjvwumZ7
Zagitova got new endorsement Puma, Japanese tv, “Glamour” video interview.
“Puma” Ambassador commercials
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=UmT4UbeF7bM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=38&v=Ku4_0ivOuc0
(imo: pink makes her look bigger..)
http://www.spletnik.ru/img/2019/02/nadja/20190205-alina-4.jpg
Pre-worlds Japanese tv video (including a bit of Kihira and over all a very friendly presentation of both ladies. Imo: Japanese are just great! They inspire their own skaters to do better by showing good qualities of rivals).
https://vk.com/videos-165382538?z=video-165382538_456239965/pl_-165382538_-2
“Glamour” video interview (speaking starts @ 2:30)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3o8eiJA9lw
same stuff, working on jumps, regaining consistency, getting prepared for the Worlds. Hobbies, fans, Masaru, Eteri is a role model, does not like chips, likes chocolate/candy, etc..To a question what her plans in 10 years: sees herself as a coach, or in teaching capacity. Wants to own a Japanese restaurant or a chain. During Olys the food and water was minimum, she is now concentrating on her health and the right diet. Went to see Swan Lake, plans to see Carmen. Practicing her English with tutor by phone, but is looking for native speaker to work with. “Puma” is now advising her on style. Olympics were hard: media, cameras, responsibility. Favorite country: Japan. Interested to visit: USA. Favorite movies – comedies and scarry. Has not moved, still in a 2-room flat. Favorite dreams – growing wings and flying. Did not see much in Minsk, only rink-hotel. Would like to learn to play piano eventually.
Kovtun: will not attend Russian Cup Finals; preparing for Universade.
http://fso.forum.cool/click.php?https://tass.ru/sport/6075956
It was also mentioned in another source that Samodurova and Zagitova not required to participate.
Medvedeva: is requested to participate in Russian Cup Finals to test her condition. She confirmed that she’ll attend. The full list of this event’s participants will be published later.
https://tass.ru/sport/6075253
Tarasova earlier said that her practices are said to be going well, if she skates well it will boost her confidence, given that Eteri’s jr. girls, Samodurova and Zagitova will not be participating.
Tatiana Tarasova just had a surgery (condition and cause is not discussed). She is fine now, recovering, her representative said “she is recovering, is not able to talk”.
https://www.kp.ru/online/news/3376022/
Tarakanova: posted a video after RJNat. Thanks all her fans, many many times.
(pls click on her channel sometimes, it helps her site)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4BpQ3JWUOc