Speaking of competition, it’s extremely high in the Russian ladies’ team now.
– Yeah, just fantastic (laughs). Standards are very high, the bar is much higher now. New faces appear in figure skating, and this is very important for competitions. Competition is always good, now older girls, such as Evgenia and Elizaveta (Tuktamysheva – ed.) have the opportunity to gain new experience and take a step forward for themselves.
A new generation of girls wants to be number one, their technique, jumps are impressive. And just like that, figure skating becomes more interesting. The fight is gaining momentum, and in such conditions we need to become more prudent in order to remain on equal footing.
Have you talked with Zhenya about this?
– Sure. She understands who are her direct competitors now. Of course, from time to time, new faces appear, new stars. We need to stick to our own path, follow the course that we have chosen. There is no time and opportunity to look back; we must do everything in our power. The Russian figure skating environment perfectly contributes to this, because it, like in no other country, sets a tough barrier of reaching the level of World Championships.
Let’s speak about your tandem. Can you say that there is complete understanding between you, Tracy and Zhenya?
– Yes, I’m sure of that. Now there is a special harmony between us. Of course, in the first year of collaboration, there were some conflicts of interest. But this is normal, and now we follow a single course. It seems to me that Evgenia began to understand our approach to training better, especially last summer.
Of course, I can’t speak so confidently for her. But I felt that she couldn’t choose the direction for a very long time, literally stuck at a crossroads. Over the past year, Zhenya was drawn in different directions sometimes: she was torn between the usual system of training and the new style that we offered. Now I see that Evgenia has accepted our position, and this is very important. She trusts us, so together we can do everything.
And what do you want to see from Zhenya in the new season first of all?
– I had the opportunity to talk with some officials who over the past two days have been watching her. They all noted how much Evgenia has changed. I would draw a parallel with children, even though I don’t have my own. You may not notice how they grow, but when you see someone whom you haven’t seen for six months, and you are like: “Oh God, how you grew up!”
A funny analogy (smiles). So, those with whom I spoke, saw Zhenya at Worlds last time, about six months ago. Now they are reacting so brightly to her transformation! And I’m also sure that she has become better, but I relate to this without such a wow effect. Here she improved in speed, and here began to move differently … Well, that’s fine (laughs).
Perhaps that’s because I’m very critical. I’m really happy about her changes, but there is always a room for growth. You can get better again and again. Well, now is just the beginning of September, and everyone understands what a huge work is ahead. If we could talk about one hundred percent readiness now, everything would be too simple (smiles). We need to be at the peak in December (at the Russian Nationals), and then in March (at the World Championships). Now they continue to support her, and I’m sincerely glad of this. But we remember how much work is ahead.
If we talk about specific technical elements, do you devote the most time to the quad salchow?
– Oh yes, we give this a lot of time and energy.
Forty minutes a day?
– Right. This is very difficult, but we are taking new steps forward, trying to conquer such a peak (showing a special harness for jumping with a gesture). I’m sure that Evgenia can do it. We know that it necessary to be ready physically. It’s important that Zhenya herself has a lot of determination. She works hard on her muscles, she is very competent in nutrition. Together we continue this path and will achieve our goal. Maybe at the Russian Nationals? (smiles) No one knows yet.
In this sense, salchow is the best jump, because the simplest. If we talk about quadruples now, while you are young, this jump should become yours. So will see.
And how difficult is it for you as a coach to work on the wrong (inner) edge on Evgenia’s lutz?
– Oh, it’s insanely difficult and nervous (laughs).
Harder than with salchow?
– Maybe (laughs). Because adjusting of flip and lutz, achieving their stability is extremely difficult. These are elements where details are important from the very beginning and everything depends on their development. When I was young, I also had to learn lutz: first single, then double, then triple … A lot of attention was paid to this jump.
And now, as a coach, I also try to work on it especially carefully, because I understand what the skater feels. Sometimes pushing, rotation of the body, the necessary trajectory may seem simple, but it is not. A lot depends on the old habit, on how you did it before.
Of course, I expect that in the new season Evgenia will have an outside edge on lutz. There is progress, but so far it often resembles her former manner. Some technicians may call it a mistake; some may assume that everything is ok. I still want to achieve perfection for her in this element, and we work a lot on this at our rink. Evgenia may make some mistakes, but still continue to move forward. She, like me, knows that she is capable of the best.
I just think it's another to imply she is starving her students and views them as totally disposable
I'm pretty sure everybody who reads the Russian threads or talks about the Russian ladies know what 3As refers to in this context.
