From Russia with Love [#31]: Winter to Spring 2019

[Perky Shae Lynn]

That poor chihuahua - such a silly costume for a little dog with serious attitude.

And it bugs me a bit when people with little dogs insist on holding them all the time (though maybe in this case it was mostly for the pictures). Those dogs do have legs and do like to walk and run. They are not toys.

Well... yes and no. We have a rescue chihuahua beagle mix. To say that he loves to be held is an understatement! He loves to run around too, but his favorite thing on earth is to be carried. And he's not a small guy either...

 

[sharsk8s]

I heard the same thing... Some weeks before GPF she could not fit into her SP unitard, they weighted and measured her, she learned that she gained a dress size, and grew in height, and started crying... well, they sent her to get a new dress urgently for GPF ... (did not see it myself.. .) Also there was something about her muscles hurting, because her limbs are growing, she feels discomfort, her muscles stretched and strained, etc..

PS... interesting you mentioned it. it's not noticeable, she is so small. But now looking at fotos, she does look a bit puffier now..

- https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-...00a9166a83_5bbf7d4087f24b00ab6c5a62/scale_600
- https://cdn25.img.ria.ru/images/154...0_80_0_0_7eda6cae3093cb1daa48d42b0565780b.jpg

- http://img-cdn6.business-gazeta.ru/images/cf/5d62-b6f34240a4e7da83f0204d05eb22f45a.jpg
- https://s14.stc.all.kpcdn.net/share/i/12/10777867/inx960x640.jpg

PS #2. here i found a few links where..
- she briefly mentions "she grew, could not fit her costume".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfQp9Nsphb4

- here is one where the text of the article confirms "grew 10 cm" and that "she was crying".
https://sport.business-gazeta.ru/article/234023

I do agree that she looks like she grew in height which would result in her gaining weight but not at all do I think she has gained any fat. She still seems extremely muscular and athletic. I hope she knows that growing in height will result in weight gain and an increase in dress size and not be upset by it.

 

[Vash01]

Liza Tursynbaeva (yes, i know she is KAZ) posted in her IG: landing 4Sx3T.
(posted 19 hrs ago)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtdCXgalGoy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again

I better change my 4CC predictions.

 

[Tinami Amori]

I better change my 4CC predictions.

I would not just yet. She did not say if she will perform it at 4CC this year. She is 19, last time (afaik) she was practicing it at 15, it’s been 4 years, and she is just re-instating it. Yes, it looks good and fairly solid in the video, but it is practice, not a full programme.

 

[skatingguy]

I would not just yet. She did not say if she will perform it at 4CC this year. She is 19, last time (afaik) she was practicing it at 15, it’s been 4 years, and she is just re-instating it. Yes, it looks good and fairly solid in the video, but it is practice, not a full programme.

Well she didn't say which direction she was going to move Tursynbaeva in her predictions.

 

[Tinami Amori]

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

 

[Vash01]

I would not just yet. She did not say if she will perform it at 4CC this year. She is 19, last time (afaik) she was practicing it at 15, it’s been 4 years, and she is just re-instating it. Yes, it looks good and fairly solid in the video, but it is practice, not a full programme.

I was kidding. Did you see the smilie in my post?

 

[mjb52]

Is there any news about Zabijako and Enbert yet?

 

[Seerek]

the future of Men's skating ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1imlMPpeYcI&feature=youtu.be

Samsonov has good jumps and very good skating skills too, only thing that bothers me is his choreo is like Medvedeva male version.

Maybe we shouldn't be surprised by this, but Daniil was attempting heavily pre-rotated quad lutzes during Russian Cup earlier in the year.

 

[s_parks]

I'm sorry, but I'm not entirely enthusiastic about Samsonov's future so long as he's with Tutberidze. Look what happened to Pitkeev. And Skirda?

 

[Mad for Skating]

Tamara Moskvina: I never scold anyone in the K&C

- In the mixed zone after the free program, your students [Boikova/Kozlovsky] noted that you have already won so many World and Olympic medals with your students , that this bronze medal has hardly evoked any strong emotions in you. Is it true?

- Each new generation is like a new book. And each page in the new book is as significant as in the very first one. And for a new couple this is a very significant result, especially in the first year of new Olympic cycle.

- In the free program Dmitrii had a mistake on the jump combination and was very upset about it, as he understood that this mistake could cost them a medal. Did you manage to think that your team would not medal and scold them?

- I never scold anyone in the K&C. We analyze performances, highlight positive and negative things about them and set tasks for next events only after the competition has come to an end. Also, the final result of any event is determined only after the last skater has skated. Three other couples were still to skate after Alexandra and Dmitrii, and in sports the final result depends on a fraction of a second , and here it depended on 0,01 of points

- If there was a contest for the most charming team, your students would have definitely taken that title, as you not only want to look on them on the ice but also to listen to them after that..

- It’s nice that they were able to develop such personalities thanks to their schools and families. Due to this, our work with them is intellectual and successful. Athletes should have broad outlook, it helps. The most charming team? There were a lot of participants at Europeans, so a survey should be conducted to draw the final conclusion (smiles). The guys looked good in Minsk, the way we teach them: so that they make a pleasant impression on public. How did we set them up before the event? You can find everything in psychology textbook. This is the skill of the coach - to get your students mentally ready for the start. Dima made a mistake on a simple (for him) element, and it means that we could have done more. Mine impressions after Europeans? After watching performances in all disciplines, I have written several pages, noting all original lifts, step sequences and transitions.

Moskvina is like that awesome grandma I wish I had.

So let me see if I have this right. Alena's saying she doesn't have the 3A yet is proof of a character flaw. Alena's wanting the 3A is proof of a character flaw. Alena's practicing the 3A is proof of a character flaw. Alena's mentioning it is a character flaw, her not mentioning it is a character flaw, and when she starts putting it in, that will be another character flaw.

Just out of curiosity, is there anything she does or says or thinks that doesn't bug you?

You’d think someone who adores Eteri’s group so much would be a little kinder to Eteri’s prized little girl.

is it? Tell that to Lambiel (and plenty of other skaters who have quads and struggle with 3A). I think it is very individual. Axel jump is the only jump that you start forward and that can be the problem for some skaters. Someone prefers quads to 3A, others don’t mind 3A but may not have quads yet.

True! Nathan Chen used to struggle with 3A for years, even though he could do all different kinds of quads. He’s fixed it now though!

Eteri certainly shows more love towards the dog than she's ever shown towards any of her skaters.

“Just because one kisses dogs does not mean one does not bite humans.” - @Tinami Amori (I remember this quote from last summer because it’s so funny)

I heard the same thing... Some weeks before GPF she could not fit into her SP unitard, they weighted and measured her, she learned that she gained a dress size, and grew in height, and started crying... well, they sent her to get a new dress urgently for GPF ... (did not see it myself.. .) Also there was something about her muscles hurting, because her limbs are growing, she feels discomfort, her muscles stretched and strained, etc..

PS... interesting you mentioned it. it's not noticeable, she is so small. But now looking at fotos, she does look a bit puffier now..

- https://avatars.mds.yandex.net/get-...00a9166a83_5bbf7d4087f24b00ab6c5a62/scale_600
- https://cdn25.img.ria.ru/images/154...0_80_0_0_7eda6cae3093cb1daa48d42b0565780b.jpg

- http://img-cdn6.business-gazeta.ru/images/cf/5d62-b6f34240a4e7da83f0204d05eb22f45a.jpg
- https://s14.stc.all.kpcdn.net/share/i/12/10777867/inx960x640.jpg

PS #2. here i found a few links where..
- she briefly mentions "she grew, could not fit her costume".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfQp9Nsphb4

- here is one where the text of the article confirms "grew 10 cm" and that "she was crying".
https://sport.business-gazeta.ru/article/234023

Not to be problematic but if a girl in perfect shape literally starts crying because she grew a dress size, then there’s something wrong with the adults around her who have taught her to think she’s too heavy. Thank u, next.

Is there any news about Zabijako and Enbert yet?

No official reports. Alexander hasn’t updated his Instagram. Natalia seems to be doing okay though.

 

[Vash01]

Is there any news about Zabijako and Enbert yet?

I would like to know too.

 

[Mad for Skating]

I would like to know too.

All’s quiet. Natalia is posting cute pics on Instagram but Alexander hasn’t posted anything in a long time and there’s been no press releases as far as I know.

 

[Vash01]

All’s quiet. Natalia is posting cute pics on Instagram but Alexander hasn’t posted anything in a long time and there’s been no press releases as far as I know.

Sasha is the one with injury, right? This does not sound good.

 

[Japanfan]

Eteri certainly shows more love towards the dog than she's ever shown towards any of her skaters.

Chis are known for their dog-itude. Although they come in a small package, in their hearts they are big, serious dogs.

 

[hanca]

I read on the Russian forum speculations about Zabijako with Volodin, and Zabijako with plenty of other guys. Mostly junior guys because it is not as if there are senior pair partnerless guys waiting a queue ...

Apparently Amina Atakhanova decided to retire, because of the injury.

 

[starrynight]

Not to be problematic but if a girl in perfect shape literally starts crying because she grew a dress size, then there’s something wrong with the adults around her who have taught her to think she’s too heavy. Thank u, next.

Although, honestly, I personally found the process of going through puberty and changing from that childhood thinness to a grown body to be quite distressing/confusing and I wasn't an athlete and certainly no one was measuring or weighing me. I certainly developed a lot of unfortunate and negative ideas about my body (a lot of it due to growing earlier than the other girls). I do wish I could go back in a time machine and tell 11 / 12 year old me that it was all normal! I did get over it after a while though. But I think at that age I would been inconsolable it if I couldn't fit into a special costume because my body was growing and it was out of my control.

That said, the replacement dress in my opinion is a much more polished and professional looking costume, so I think that it was all for the best anyway.

 

[sharsk8s]

Although, honestly, I personally found the process of going through puberty and changing from that childhood thinness to a grown body to be quite distressing/confusing and I wasn't an athlete and certainly no one was measuring or weighing me. I certainly developed a lot of unfortunate and negative ideas about my body (a lot of it due to growing earlier than the other girls). I do wish I could go back in a time machine and tell 11 / 12 year old me that it was all normal! I did get over it after a while though. But I think at that age I would been inconsolable it if I couldn't fit into a special costume because my body was growing and it was out of my control.

That said, the replacement dress in my opinion is a much more polished and professional looking costume, so I think that it was all for the best anyway.

I know this is superficial but I agree. I love her SP dress and I think it suits her very well. I like it much better than the previous one

 

[zebraswan]

I'm sorry, but I'm not entirely enthusiastic about Samsonov's future so long as he's with Tutberidze. Look what happened to Pitkeev. And Skirda?

Skirda and Pitkeev weren't jumping quads at 13, and Daniil seems a lot stronger mentally. Of course we don't know what will happen when he goes through a growth spurt or two. Skirda left for unknown reasons and has only gotten worse under the new coach. Granted, he grew a lot and it can be very hard to adjust, but I don't see how that's Eteri's fault. Pitkeev...yes, she bears some responsibility there, but hopefully she has learned a few things since then. The jury is out on Erokhov, but he was never as naturally talented as Samsonov, so if it doesn't happen for him I won't be terribly surprised. Samsonov is in a league of his own as far as Eteri's men thus far. (btw, what happened to Artem Frolov?)

Tatania Navka back in the international press as people wonder how she & her husband accumulated so much wealth (remember when she expressed dismay about offshore accounts being set up in her name? lol)

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...utin-aide-wife-property-empire-dimitry-peskov

 

[Jeschke]

I read on the Russian forum speculations about Zabijako with Volodin, and Zabijako with plenty of other guys. Mostly junior guys because it is not as if there are senior pair partnerless guys waiting a queue ...

While I need Volodin back, I am for sure not ready to let Enbert go
What exactly is his injury? Did we ever get any official word?

If he gets not ready in time, which would be a shame (with the great programs. Yeah, I know I am the only one loving these programs ), what are the prospects for worlds? Are P/K safe? Or will the ticket go to the team winning junior worlds? Efimova?

 

[Holy Headband]

Tatania Navka back in the international press as people wonder how she & her husband accumulated so much wealth (remember when she expressed dismay about offshore accounts being set up in her name? lol)

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...utin-aide-wife-property-empire-dimitry-peskov

 

[Tinami Amori]

Not to be problematic but if a girl in perfect shape literally starts crying because she grew a dress size, then there’s something wrong with the adults around her who have taught her to think she’s too heavy. Thank u, next.

well.... some cry over the next dress size, but then go out and skate with 2 perfect quads, and win Junior Nationals... and then there are some, who live in the most supporting country with most supporting coaches and fans... they see the next dress size.. and never do well or compete again, not to mention other issues....

“Just because one kisses dogs does not mean one does not bite humans.” - @Tinami Amori (I remember this quote from last summer because it’s so funny)

Just a reminder.... i kiss dogs...

 

[Tinami Amori]

Pitkeev...

Pitkeev had two things going, figure skating and a punk band. He wanted to make it big in both areas.

I don't think it would be possible to be an active musician and a top figure skater in general and especially in Tutberidze's group. There is a lot of stuff that took place as far his training and making him work hard.. not only with Eteri.

He chose the band.. (in red shirt)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDjwVsusQxU
https://www.instagram.com/phantasm.band/?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=8sils3gstlm7

(btw, what happened to Artem Frolov?)

I don't think anything dramatic as far as relationship with the coaching team. Tutberideze took him with her, Diana, Trusova to Florida this summer.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bit7VQSjFgz/
He was practicing in December at the rink...
https://www.instagram.com/p/Br5dIqXBs25/
the girls at the rink sometimes "giggle about him" in their IG's... he is spending time with girls it seems, sisters and other... (maybe instead of practices).. tinted his hair weird...
https://www.instagram.com/p/BsWHiI5BBG0/
but it is February now, so who knows... Honestly? he is not showing good results since 2017, and those were not that great. I did not see his name listed in 2018/19 competitions, but he is still skating at the rink. Maybe he is a "self-paid student" in Eteri's group, and not a "team/champion material".

On his IG he is into fast cars, has his own beammer, constant foreign travel with fotos in all the cool places, and his family has a looooot of money... so he can afford to skate just for fun... plus it's the "teen age"..
https://www.instagram.com/p/BUR2M13gt-g/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVro0EFgJ_N/

 

[Darkverse]

I do agree that she looks like she grew in height which would result in her gaining weight but not at all do I think she has gained any fat. She still seems extremely muscular and athletic. I hope she knows that growing in height will result in weight gain and an increase in dress size and not be upset by it.

Growing by 10 cm since the start of the season would have put her at 160 cm, i.e. she would have outgrown Zhenya and Alina. I have some doubts about the feasibility of 10 cm.

Why is 10 cm the magic number? People kept insisting Alina had grown by 10 cm, Alyona Kostornaia too.

 

[Darkverse]

I'm sorry, but I'm not entirely enthusiastic about Samsonov's future so long as he's with Tutberidze. Look what happened to Pitkeev. And Skirda?

Skirda grew and lost jumps, and never had 3A in the first place, let alone quads. Totally different matter to Pitkeev who got injured.

 

[Darkverse]

While I need Volodin back, I am for sure not ready to let Enbert go
What exactly is his injury? Did we ever get any official word?

If he gets not ready in time, which would be a shame (with the great programs. Yeah, I know I am the only one loving these programs ), what are the prospects for worlds? Are P/K safe? Or will the ticket go to the team winning junior worlds? Efimova?

Did anyone even say the word "injury"? There have been hints at some sort of health problems but nothing definite. I doubt anyone would replace P/K.

 

[Eislauffan]

There was never any detailed information about Alexander Enbert, the press release on the Russian Federation's website only said that they are out of Europeans due to "medical reasons". They didn't even specify if it was an injury or illness.
https://www.fsrussia.ru/news/4169-n...-ne-primut-uchastie-v-chempionate-evropy.html

 

[DobrinFan]

Skirda grew and lost jumps, and never had 3A in the first place, let alone quads.

Yeah, Skirda's technique was never going to hold up post puberty it was as clear as day. Then he grew something like 7 inches in a season and that was it

 

[Amy L]

Is there any news about Zabijako and Enbert yet?

Not really news, but they just made a public appearance today.

 

[BittyBug]

Tatania Navka back in the international press as people wonder how she & her husband accumulated so much wealth (remember when she expressed dismay about offshore accounts being set up in her name? lol)

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...utin-aide-wife-property-empire-dimitry-peskov