Alena Kostornaya’s interview: “Jeanne d’Arc, her will power is my inspiration”.

Tinami Amori

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Alena Kostornaya’s interview: “Jeanne d’Arc, her will power is my inspiration”.
Jan. 10, 2019. “Cultura Newspaper”. By Maxim Borodin.
http://portal-kultura.ru/articles/s...-menya-voskhishchaet-sila-dukha-zhanny-d-ark/

Editorial: Just when figure skating fans had a chance to fully absorb Zag/Med’s shining performances, several new students from Tutberidze’s group appeared on the horizon, and are capable to challenge for the top spots at any championship. Among them is a fifteen-year old Alena Kostornaya, the winner of the JGPF, and a medalist (bronze) at the Russian Nationals. In her interview to “Cultura Newspaper” the athlete spoke about her idols, admitted her love for animals, and shared her plans for the future.

CN: Many specialists note your unique skating style, not available to other more experienced competitors…
Kost: I started to train in the Sports and Education Centre “Sambo-70” in the “Chaikovskaya Skate” division. I am not in a position to judge if the quality of my skating is ideal or not. It was developed by Elena Vyacheslavovna Zhgun. We worked a lot on developing a sense of (a feel for) “glide/stroke” (edge work). Then I transferred to “Kristalny” division, where Tutberidze and Gleikhengauz took me into their hands.

CN: When was your first time on skates?
Kost: At the age of 4 my mother took me to C-SH-O-R Rink #1 (Sports School for Olympic Reserves #1). That’s where I trained in Marina Cherkasova’s group. She was a silver medalist at 1980 Olympics in pairs.

CN: Did your parents have any connection to sports?
Kost: My mother was also a figure skater as a child, and my father was into track and field.

Now my father is in real estate, so is my grand-father. My mother takes care of the family/home. Plus she takes me to the rink, and my brother to soccer practices, on daily basis.

CN: Do you have idols in sports or in life?
Kost: Many people through out world history deserve admiration. Currently my 2nd foreign language is French. During one of the lessons the teacher told us about Jeanne d’Arc. Later I did my own research on the biography of Maiden d’Orleans, and since then I can’t stop admiring her will power.

To name one today, it would first have to be Elena Anatolievna Chaikovskaya. She is an exceptional coach, who raised a cluster of famous champions. She is truly a great woman. I am extremely happy to be training in Eteri Tutberdize’s group, who is continuing our great traditions (of raising champions) started by Chaikovskaya (at this rink). Our school (rink) is in the avant garde of figure skating development, not just nationally, but in the whole world of figure skating.

CN: Professional sports - means giving it your all. Do you often feel like dropping it all and to start living like a regular teenager?
Kost: It happened only once. But I forced myself to go to practice and to force such nonsense out of my mind. If you want to win, you must labor hard on daily basis, and not get side tracked on irrelevant.

CN: How many other girls train with you on the ice at the saqme time?
Kost: Ten or eleven girls. The competition is there and present during practices. It is a powerful motivator. You don’t want to give up your advantage (be behind) and must work with maximum effort.

CN: Female skaters must constantly follow “correct” diet. Or do you indulge in something “sweet”?
Kost: I love milk-chocolate. In the morning I can eat a small piece, but not more than that. I don’t eat any baked goods, but I like to make cookies and pastries. Then my father and brother consume them, and for me it is just a fun process (cooking).

CN: Are you able to combine figure skating and school studies?
Kost: Over all I am a good student. Most of my grades are 5 (A), but sometimes I get a 4 (B), mostly in computer science. Chemistry is also hard for me. But physics, mathematics, biology, I handle well and with confidence.

CN: Any time left for hobbies?
Kost: My aunt is an equestrian, she has her own horse. I love to be next to this beautiful animal – nothing feels like it.

CN: Any plans to switch sports (to horse riding)?
Kost: I will continue to ride horses, but as a hobby. No plans to switch from figure skating. But I would love to ride in the open field to have a sense of unlimited freedom. On the subject of animals, I also love dogs. Our family has two Chihuahuas.

CN: Single figure skating is quickly becoming younger. Perhaps you already had a chance to think what you will do after your skating career is over?
Kost: Few years ago I watched a film about a neurosurgeon, which conveyed in details all the secrets of work of these professionals with such complicated occupation. What I saw (in the film) fell deep down into my soul. So I decided exactly that, I will be a neurosurgeon. And that is why I am making emphasis on biology, and plan to enroll into (apply to) a medical institute.

***
 
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AxelAnnie

Like a small boat on the ocean...
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I simply LOVE this kid!
CN: Professional sports - means giving it your all. Do you often feel like dropping it all and to start living like a regular teenager?
Kost: It happened only once. But I forced myself to go to practice and to force such nonsense out of my mind. If you want to win, you must labor hard on daily basis, and not get side tracked on irrelevant.

Thank you for translating and posting the interview.
 

Tinami Amori

Well-Known Member
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20,156
What a smart young lady!
Not just naturally smart, but knows her priorities. I am so glad that she is starting to look inwards for strength and goals. Prior to this year she went too much "outside of her self" comparing herself to others, and seeking self assurance against others in issues that had little to do with skating. But looks like good brains in her are prevailing. so glad!
 

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