From Russia With Love (No 32): Spring to Summer 2019

[hanca]

You right they don't. But following the "line of thought" in the discussion that was taking place. The idea you expressed was "don't get excited about younger girls because a lot can happen as they grow older" which comes with usual list of issues. you gave examples of Gubanova and Nugumanova. my point was that in their case the down-spin was not because of "those typical issues" (puberty, weight, growing, injuries, any physical/mind issues) but because they had "coach issues" and made "miscalculations". no biggie, just clarifying.

I am not sure if everything can be attributed to coach changes. With Nugumanova there may be attitude problems if one believes to what Mishin said in his interview. So some problems may be because of that. I also feel that maybe she has a bit of a black mark against her name thanks to Mishin, because while skating with Mishin she never received as many underrotations as she has nowadays. So either she suddenly started underotated whereas before she didn’t, or the judges stopped overlooking those issues when she skates.

With Gubanova the situation is even more unclear. I think the puberty does have a part in it a little bit. She already started being inconsistent during her second junior season (2017-18), for example being fourth at one of her JGP event, and she switched coaches only after that season.

 

[Tinami Amori]

The media is not "kind" to Kovtun now.... Darn, he did slack off at some point, but now he can do no right.
His Universade results were "glass half empty". Now "sports-express" is writing "medical issues, that typical excuse for everything".

Well, at least he was recently included in Tutberdize's new commercial Ice Show, which will debut on April 20th, at the Korasnoyarsk "Ice Palace".

She developed this show recently, a good way to start making money commercially on her own, for herself and her coaching staff, all her skaters, including jrs and novice, and other top skaters who she invites).

Poster: https://pp.userapi.com/c851024/v851024857/d8dd7/aDG2A9m_tnk.jpg
Krystal Ice Arena: https://st4.depositphotos.com/16702...photo-russia-krasnoyarsk-july-2018-sports.jpg

"Champions on Ice" cast
Alina Zagitova
Alexandra Trusova
Anna Shcherbakova
Alena Kostornaya
Elizabeta Tursynbaeva
Moris Kvitelashvili
Diana David/Gleb Smolkin
Kamila Valieva
Daniil Samsonov
.. and the stars of international figure skating
Tarasova/Morozov
Stepanova/Bukin
Maxim Kovtun

Tickets available now: https://bilw.ru/bilorder/#/?id=9713&cityId=3&frontendId=1254&token=3adc7b9e22c479f38ffa&success=https://bilw.ru/pay_s.html&fail=https://bilw.ru/pay_f.html&zone=real&lng=ru

 

[umronnie]

Lazukin has as good a chance as the other two. Sometimes he skates brilliantly. Sometimes he doesn't. Kind of like all the Russian men.

But, that is the absolute ultimate irony that Liza will watch on TV from Russia while her little training partner and boyfriend compete.

They should have sent Liza to replace Kovtun!

 

[Tinami Amori]

But, that is the absolute ultimate irony that Liza will watch on TV from Russia while her little training partner and boyfriend compete.

She may not be... Right after Worlds, Alina and Liza are scheduled for the Stars on Ice show in Japan (29-31 march). Liza maybe going now just a week earlier to keep Lazukin company.

 

[Perky Shae Lynn]

They should have sent Liza to replace Kovtun!

YES! YES! YES!

 

[Marco]

for Kovtun to have finally come back and win Nationals, and clearly beat Samarin and Lazukin at Universiade, only to miss Worlds again. This guy can not catch a break.

 

[zebraswan]

Kovtun has gotten more breaks than most people ever get in their careers, and I wonder why Tinami shows him sympathy while tearing Evgenia apart for being liked by TAT, for PR (tell me why he deserves a documentary???), and for leaving her coach when Kovtun left Buyanova on bad terms only to go crawling back later...and all Evgenia ever did was work hard, while he's been pulling the same stunts for years. He just has to turn on his "charm" (I guess some people find it charming) and people forgive him anything, it seems.

I'm sorry for Sergei, and for Moris who really deserved that silver at Universiade.

 

[Tinami Amori]

I wonder why Tinami shows him sympathy...

ha?.. i don't like Kovtun... i don't show him sympathy.... i made fun of his use of social media instead of practicing... and "being Tarasova's pet"....(i don't like anyone seriously injured, that's true... and if there are facts or info that maybe interesting about him, i'll post what i find, positive or negative..).

VVVV (old posts)

My observation is that Kovtun does have a "wide butt" naturally and if gains few pounds it becomes noticeable

Unlike Kovtun, Kolyada does not go on social media and acts like "big shit" and does not post "cute pictures" of himself or spends much time at all to "build image".. Kovtun does, and he looks stupid in the social media, and even more so when he goes out and skates badly.

 

[Lovemyvike]

What is his injury that’s causing him to miss Worlds?

 

[Tinami Amori]

What is his injury that’s causing him to miss Worlds?

There is no information yet, anywhere. RFSF issued a statement "withdrew as a result of medical determination/indicators". "по медицинским показаниям". a complete silence. even most eager young russian fans on russian chats, who "skate at those rinks", are silent... In the short film "prodigal son" that came out last week (posted above, in Russian) Kovtun speaks about being financially broke, having debts, to a point where he just had to sell him car in order just to eat (his own words). If he is seriously injured, it is not good...

---
on a different note. Russian youtube channel "Junior TV" (Юниор ТВ) is showing lots of various competitions, which are taking place all over Russia. Every week there is a new competitions, mostly for Juniors and Novices, from all over. I don't know who the coaches are for some of these skaters, but i think they are very interesting..

I'll post some..
Alisa Dvoeglazova - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwDVyfTiYug
Varvara Chermnykh - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnVWh_kFgyI
Salma Agamova - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgTmr4F_oNE
Anastasia Morozova - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAzZnOX17EI
Sofia Dzepka - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV88eO2MXew

 

[Lovemyvike]

There is no information yet, anywhere. RFSF issued a statement "withdrew as a result of medical determination/indicators". "по медицинским показаниям". a complete silence. even most eager young russian fans on russian chats, who "skate at those rinks", are silent... In the short film "prodigal son" that came out last week (posted above, in Russian) Kovtun speaks about being financially broke, having debts, to a point where he just had to sell him car in order just to eat (his own words). If he is seriously injured, it is not good...

---

Sigh... I wanted to watch that but my Russian is rusty *at best* and most of it would probably go right over my head. Wish they had it somewhere with English subtitles.

 

[nuge]

They should have sent Liza to replace Kovtun!

Who is her boyfriend a pair or single skater?

 

[Loves_Shizuka]

Who is her boyfriend a pair or single skater?

Andrei Lazukin, mens. Was 4th at Nats, won the Russian Cup final, and will be going to Worlds now that Kovtun is out.

 

[Ka3sha]

Who is her boyfriend a pair or single skater?

Andrei Lazukin, single skater , who is also coached by Mishin
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkvMd4blJz_/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=jobf55hbm3ep

 

[lala]

.

 

[lala]

There is no information yet, anywhere. RFSF issued a statement "withdrew as a result of medical determination/indicators". "по медицинским показаниям". a complete silence. even most eager young russian fans on russian chats, who "skate at those rinks", are silent... In the short film "prodigal son" that came out last week (posted above, in Russian) Kovtun speaks about being financially broke, having debts, to a point where he just had to sell him car in order just to eat (his own words). If he is seriously injured, it is not good...

I always thought he is a rich guy

 

[Ka3sha]

Since Andrei Lazukin is going to Worlds and we know little about him, here are few quotes from his recent interview:

- How did you become a skater? Was that a deliberate choice in your case?
- In my case - absolutely senseless choice. My parents brought me to the rink and said: “Skate!”. There was no choice. At first I couldn't skate, just laid on the ice, ate snow, but then slowly I started enjoying it and got into it.
- Your career started in Togliatti. Is it hard to try to make the team while not living in one of the capitals?
- Of course, there is a certain difficulty in it. Firstly, there aren't any strong schools in the regions. Secondly, there's lack of help from local skating federations.
- When did you move to St Petersburg?
- In 2010, I was 12 then
- Did you move because Mishin invited you to train in his group?
- Yes. At first he invited me for a try-out, and then he liked me and I started training in his group
- What kind of relationships do you have with Mishin? Are you close to him?
- He is already one of the closest people in my life. Of course, not as close as my parents, but I trust him, he is one of the greatest coaches. I wish him health, I love him as a person. He pulled me out of the province, so I respect him very much.
---
- Do you have any plans for the future?
- I have always been interested in journalism, publishing. I would like to create my own magazine. I have lots of ideas, but for now they are only in my head. I'm interested in people, the way they think.
- You are studying at the Lesgaft National State University of Physical Education, Sport and Health, do you want to get a second degree in the journalism later?
- Yes, I'll see if I can handle it.
---
- When are you planning to win Russian Nationals?
- Next year.
- What can you say about current Russian men's figure skating team? While not all the results please us, the competition inside the national team has increased a lot in recent years
- We don't have a clear leader now. Each skater from the top five can do great and fail at the same time. The most consistent one will win. Every skater has his own strengths: one has better jumps, another - better skating skills. Of course, Misha Kolyada is one of the leaders, Max Kovtun, Sasha Samarin are also good and pretty consistent. We will compete with them.
- If not figure skating, then what?
- Probably nothing, I love figure skating. Maybe I would try basketball, but I am not tall enough.

 

[kittyjake5]

Thank you for the translation Ka3sha! Count me as one who is not familiar with his skating. He has a good sense of humor
and a great coach. I will have to keep my eyes on him.

Oh I just read the post above and he is Liza's boyfriend. Did not know that. Maybe she will accompany him to Japan.

 

[Marco]

Kovtun has gotten more breaks than most people ever get in their careers

He did? He won Nationals in 2014 but didn't get to compete at the Olympics because Plushenko trumped all. He could still have competed in the singles event if Plushenko had withdrawn in time.

 

[taz'smum]

- What kind of relationships do you have with Mishin? Are you close to him?
- He is already one of the closest people in my life. Of course, not as close as my parents, but I trust him, he is one of the greatest coaches. I wish him health, I love him as a person. He pulled me out of the province, so I respect him very much.

Yes, Mishin comes across as one of the good guys in skating. Defensive of his skaters and loyal to them, whilst at the same time not being delusional about their abilities.

 

[lala]

He did? He won Nationals in 2014 but didn't get to compete at the Olympics because Plushenko trumped all. He could still have competed in the singles event if Plushenko had withdrawn in time.

Yes. I don't understand why he got injured seriously so late?
(Before the individual short program on training he landed in 4-3-3 combination. Elvis Stojko, Evan Lysacek reported about it...)
And you don't forget Kovtun was sent to WCH in 2013 instead of Menshov. He was 16th thus Russia had one spot to Sochi.
This story is more complex....

In this year I realy cheered for Kovtun. He deserved it he really wanted to work he really wanted to the good results on international competition.

 

[Marco]

Yes. I don't understand why he got injured seriously so late?
(Before the individual short program on training he landed in 4-3-3 combination. Elvis Stojko, Evan Lysacek reported about it...)
And you don't forget Kovtun was sent to WCH in 2013 instead of Menshov. He was 16th thus Russia had one spot to Sochi.
This story is more complex....

They wanted Plushenko to skate at the Team Event in 2014 which I understand. But Plushenko also made it clear that he didn't want to skate at the individual event. With just one men's spot, the only possible way out was for Plushenko to skate at the Team Event and then withdraw soon after it but before the roster for the men's event came out (or something like that). Plushenko only withdrew on the day of the men's short and it's too late to have Kovtun sub-bed in. Fair enough, but that has to be a bummer for Kovtun. I am bringing this up just because I feel this is one example where he didn't catch a break.

In this year I realy cheered for Kovtun. He deserved it he really wanted to work he really wanted to the good results on international competition.

Yeah I prefer Aliev and Kolyada, but since Kovtun won Nationals fair and square and skated well enough at Universiade (highest placing Russian man), it's a bummer that he didn't get to compete at Worlds.

 

[Kasey]

Kovtun's career seems to be implosion after implosion, in between scattered moments of competence, and the rare scattered moments of brilliance. And for someone with his lack of quality technique and wild inconsistency, he has indeed gotten a lot of breaks based on his "potential" (which isn't as good as Kolyada's potential anyway, based on skating skills)

 

[Rina RUS]

Lol. Did the authors read this thread to get the inspiration?
Russian Channel One promises to show a documentary about everything: about the girls, about Mishin's grandson, about Plushenko and Yagudin , it is said even Urmanov participated. I wonder how long is that masterpiece. It is called "The Queens of Ice. The Tender Age"
https://www.vokrug.tv/article/show/15524801501/
on March 16

 

[Japanfan]

it is said even Urmanov participated.

in search of a picture of Urmanov The Handsome, only to be

 

[Mad for Skating]

Daria Panenkova..... oy...
https://vk.com/dariya_panenkova?z=photo-118857967_456240478/wall-118857967_1600

On her VK page she says:
Тренировка прошла удачно... "training went well (sarcasm)"
А так все хорошо начиналось ... "and in the beginning it all so good..."

Poor girl. I have been a fan since juniors.

Who knew "western people" sometimes have different opinions about things? How do you even know who is a "western person" - just because they write in English?

I talk to people from all over the world on twitter, and I can confirm that there is no way of telling who is a “western person”. I have friends from Indonesia and the Philippines who sound just like my friends from Massachusetts, so Tinami your theory just fell through.

They should have sent Liza to replace Kovtun!

This is what should happen, but I’m afraid the bra might give her away...

 

[Tinami Amori]

Poor girl. I have been a fan since juniors.

Panenkova is posting some updates.
2 days ago. Q and A:
https://vk.com/dariya_panenkova?z=photo-118857967_456240480/wall-118857967_1607
- still in bed (laying down). But feeling better.
- Thanking fans for supporting her
- Yes, she is still friends with (talking to) many (skaters) in Eteri's group.
- she is really enjoying coaching (she coaches kids now).
- Daniil Samsonov (Eteri's group) wishes good health. Daria replies "thank you, Danka".

from last night: She is at the rink, sitting down mostly, but still coaching (little kids).
https://vk.com/dariya_panenkova?z=photo-118857967_456240488/wall-118857967_1610

 

[Tinami Amori]

Popova/Mozgov are in the news...
First they said in an interview that Papadakis/Cizeron, while great in many aspects, were exciting first two seasons, but now "same old, same old". Betina does not like when a dance team "stuck in the same style" and not progressing.
(that is now in the chats.. )
https://www.championat.com/other/ne...et-delajut-odno-i-to-zhe-komu-eto-nuzhno.html

Then another interview where Betina says "Federation does not pay us enough money/monthly stipend to be able to survive ($470/mo) on, and sometimes it is less, or nothing". https://www.sports.ru/figure-skating/1072623774.html

Alexei Yagudin and Maxim Trankova were not pleased with this comment...

Yagudin pretty much said "they are full of it..", this is more than many get, or got. In his skating days, skaters received nothing at all, and he (Yags) and few other skaters had to collect beer bottles and cans (to sell them to recycling centres) to make extra money.
https://nevasport.ru/58031-yagudin-...y-banki-pivnye-sobirali-a-im-30-tysyach-malo/

Transkov said "stipends are based on season's results and what events one qualifies for and skates in. one is paid according to one's "category" on the team". do better and you will be paid more".
https://nevasport.ru/58071-trankov-popovoj-i-mozgovu-kakie-rezultaty-takie-i-zarplaty/

 

[Tinami Amori]

Ok.. Alena...... Kanysheva's situation.
- she did leave Panova.
- she is at Sambo-70, training in the same sections as Eteri's girls.
- she is appearing in the corner of the dance-class video of the Dance Instructor, Alexey Zheleznyakov.
- when asked on line "is that Kanysheva", Zheleznyakov said "yes".
https://vk.com/public170686412?z=video-170686412_456239049/95e6bcb4c0fcb3da81/pl_wall_-170686412
- the reasonable info about her situation is "she is undergoing a trial period with Eteri, it is not official yet".

and some one just wrote about it (with fotos) on Sports.ru
https://www.sports.ru/tribuna/blogs/veryhotice/2382855.html

 

[Bigbird]

Does travelling early to Japan for worlds really help any team? Why did some members of the Russian team depart so early? If you can't take the entire team why only take a portion of the team? IMHO, good team spirit lifts a team at world championships, it's priceless even.

EDIT: Who is excited for worlds though? It's going to be something, but can we begin to imagine the madness when Eteri's girls namely Trusova et al. enter the senior ranks next season?