The biggest German tabloid (Germans know what is meant by that) gives a somewhat deeper (and more realistic) insight into what could - or rather not - become of Aljona and Bruno's "comeback plans". If one is honest with oneself (and not just since today), these (at least) two and hardly surmountable reasons against a return to competitive ice are becoming more and more apparent. If not another "miracle" happens ... (as always, it is primarily about money). But read for yourself.
»Alyona Savchenko and Bruno Massot "Without sponsors we could not afford the Olympics"
Training for Holiday on Ice. Bruno Massot and Alyona Savchenko met again for the first time on the ice
SHE says, "I miss everything. The ice. The competition. The fans. I really miss the atmosphere." HE says, "Right here, right now, I don't really miss anything."
It's late afternoon in the ice sports centre in Oberstdorf, Hall 2, when the two 2018 Olympic champions will be going out on the ice together for the first time in almost a year's break.
A lot has happened in the lives of figure skater Alyona Savchenko (36) and her partner Bruno Massot (30). SHE became the mother of a daughter in September, HE is now working as a coach and will become a father for the second time in May.
Two years ago they won the most emotional gold medal at the Olympic Games in South Korea, moved the fans to tears with their 'freestyle routine'. Weeks later they also won World Championship gold. After that it became quieter around the two stars of the Winter Games in Pyeongchang.
Now they stand on the ice in Oberstdorf, shivering slightly, with teenagers training around them. Massot gets a cramp in his thigh after 20 minutes, he gasps.
They have started training here for their - so far - only appearance this year. On February 9th they will skate together at "Holiday on Ice" in Hamburg, a show gala to the music of "Shades of Grey". SHE is looking forward to one of the rare performances: "This will be a real highlight after the long break." HE says: "It is a wonderful way to experience the fans.
The big question is what they will do afterwards: End their careers, or do we still want to do Beijing 2022?
Whoever listens to the two of them like this gets the impression: SHE want the comeback more than HE does.
Massot says: "I hurt my head and my body a lot to reach our goal. I still have the feeling that I have to recover from it. I love my new life in Switzerland, my small family, the work as a coach there. The family is now the priority. But we are thinking about coming back. We'll decide together."
Aljona, a lance corporal in the sports promotion group of the German Armed Forces, is currently mainly looking after daughter Amilia (five months). She says: "We are right at the beginning of the decision. We really don't know yet how and if it will continue.
One thing is certain: If they want a chance at a medal at the Beijing Games, they need one or more patrons. After all, winning the Olympic Games has not been worthwhile financially.
Savchenko says: "When we come back, we have to be financially secure. We need sponsors. Our income alone is not enough."
Hall, coaches, travel - all that costs: "But if nobody is really interested, then we have to earn money in another way. Then, unfortunately, we have to go in another direction."
Would it ever reach the top of the world again?
She nods: "In any case I could get back into shape. If we started training again, it would all come back." She watches the current EC in Graz on television. "There I sit with my daughter on the arm and enjoy watching."
She smiles, looks dreamy. Then she must go on - breastfeeding the baby.«
of causa Droysen/F.
