From Russia With Love [#39]: Into Winter 2021

[Ananas Astra]

they were in communication before, I saw Gallaimov tagging B/K in their stories in instagram
after M/G move to Moskvina, it suddenly stopped and they unfollowed each other.

Thinking of it, I could use some good drama performed by divas Kozlovskii and Galliamov.

 

[Cherub721]

Now Dima, has a bit of an attitude and he thinks they should be the stars, but that's his problem. They aren't going to leave in a huff unless they are stupid and they are not stupid.

To be honest I don't even mind the attitude as long as it's backed up on the ice. Trankov and Plushenko had that arrogance but they were ballers in performance. If the attitude gives them confidence, great. I loved seeing Dima being all "this is our place, get in line" (I kind of wish T&M got a little of this braggadocio), but when you lose because you didn't skate well, some humility is in order.

 

[kwanfan1818]

And Alexandra has had issues with the throw jumps all season which is why they've traded wins with M/G.

Even as M/G were inconsistent throughout the season, from the first throw error, Boikova seemed to me to be spooked about throws throughout the season.

 

[love_skate2011]

Mishina is a sweet girl, Galliamov is a Diva but only on ice.
Boikova and Kozlovskii are Divas on and off ice with strong personalities

dont forget Kozlovskii told M/G in one of their win, "to stay in your place" , how such nice training mates

 

[Ka3sha]

they were in communication before, I saw Gallaimov tagging B/K in their stories in instagram
after M/G move to Moskvina, it suddenly stopped and they unfollowed each other.

Boikova continued posting videos with Nastia from the choreography class and of all of them dancing together on classes.

My impression from their interviews through-out the season and basing on speculations, social media and everything - both guys definitely have divas potential and need to grow up a bit
While the girls are most certainly not best friends, they have known each other since they started skating, celebrated birthdays together when were kids, their parents used to have country houses in the same village outside of the city.

I totally get why B/K could be frustrated and disappointed right now, both with their own mistakes and also because of the whole situation. I also think that this gold medal will put an additional pressure on M/G's shoulders, and no one knows how they will proceed with this. They are all young, ambitious and want to get all gold medals in the World, but they will also have to learn how to cope with difficulties and ups and downs.
Moskvina has a lot of experience and she definitely knows how to deal with young divas and talented teenagers. It will be interesting to see, how their team and skaters prepare for the next season

 

[kwanfan1818]

I also think that this gold medal will put an additional pressure on M/G's shoulders, and no one knows how they will proceed with this.

Even Moskvina didn't know: when asked, she said she hadn't had time to talk to them before they were whisked away to doping control.

 

[ivagall]

The worlds SP is hardly an indication of how their season looked. They were very rough in every competition they entered. Except maybe the test skates they were clearly off their game compared to last season. They forced and pushed everything. Until worlds T&M were doing better then them. They got lucky T&M picked that competition to be their worst of the season

They had hardly rough competition at Rostelecom or partly also Nationals, their season was more like a rollercoaster ride, but I wouldn't say they were rough the whole season. T/M are clearly the favorites of Russian judges and it takes a lot to overturn that status even if they make mistakes, which I think is a pity for their own sake.

I adore Moskvina, but bringing in M/G to create a competitive enviroment in her pairs group is so far not working out the way she wanted it to for B/K, while some people strive in competitive enviroment it clearly is not B/K case. Having Aleksandra react the way she did in Stockholm took IMO a lot built up frustration as she has shown nothing but respect towards her coaches up until that point. I can see B/K suck it up until the Olympics as their possibilities are limited at the moment, Velikovs are in St. Petersburg but I don't see them going there, but I would not be surprised if they leave afterwards if the results are not coming and the enviroment does not work for them.

How do you know that?

I'm not the original poster, but I think it's pretty obvious B/K and M/G tolerate each other and that's about it.

 

[rfisher]

Moskvina has a lot of experience and she definitely knows how to deal with young divas and talented teenagers. It will be interesting to see, how their team and skaters prepare for the next season

This. She's seen it all. I've no doubt they will work things out just fine. The star at that rink is Moskvina. I'm just in awe of both she and Mishin and all they've accomplished and being at an age where they easily retire, but coaching young skaters seems to give them purpose and they enjoy the challenge. Long may they both continue to coach.

I really, really wish Trusova was with Mishin. I really think he'd know how to handle her better than Plushenko. Experience matters.

 

[alexikeguchi]

On a lighter note, here is a pair that would blow everyone out of the water if they could sort out a release/citizenship ...

 

[mjb52]

Apparently he said "teach me queen" in the comments or something like that. He's such a nice laid-back guy.

 

[angi]

I adore Moskvina, but bringing in M/G to create a competitive enviroment in her pairs group is so far not working out the way she wanted it to for B/K, while some people strive in competitive enviroment it clearly is not B/K case. Having Aleksandra react the way she did in Stockholm took IMO a lot built up frustration as she has shown nothing but respect towards her coaches up until that point. I can see B/K suck it up until the Olympics as their possibilities are limited at the moment, Velikovs are in St. Petersburg but I don't see them going there, but I would not be surprised if they leave afterwards if the results are not coming and the enviroment does not work for them.

Boikova always had trouble accepting her and Kozlovskii's mistakes, go back and watch her reactions after their 2019 GPF FS or this season's unclean programs and you can see her anger and frustration. She reminds me of Kaitlyn Hawayek in that she has no poker face. So the way she reacted after their FS at worlds wasn't at all a surprise to most, I think the surprise was that it was aimed at Moskvina of all people which came off as bratty and disrespectful.
If B/K can't learn to face strong competition they will always crumble under the pressure because they are young enough to continue until at least 2026 and new teams will rise, both in Russia and internationally. This is just the beginning of facing fierce competition, and while B/K are young, so are M/G and P/K and we've never seen them act the way B/K do.

 

[rfisher]

Boikova always had trouble accepting her and Kozlovskii's mistakes, go back and watch her reactions after their 2019 GPF FS or this season's unclean programs and you can see her anger and frustration. She reminds me of Kaitlyn Hawayek in that she has no poker face. So the way she reacted after their FS at worlds wasn't at all a surprise to most, I think the surprise was that it was aimed at Moskvina of all people which came off as bratty and disrespectful.
If B/K can't learn to face strong competition they will always crumble under the pressure because they are young enough to continue until at least 2026 and new teams will rise, both in Russia and internationally. This is just the beginning of facing fierce competition, and while B/K are young, so are M/G and P/K and we've never seen them act the way B/K do.

Daria just gets mad at herself.

All of them are going to tremble with fear when Panfilova gets her SBS triples.

 

[NAOTMAA]

Saying B/K can’t handle tough competition is ludicrous. They’ve been under pressure moments many times in the past and did fine. But competing at your own rink for coaches attention in practice is not the same. Some just can’t deal with that.

And yes they have been mistake prone at times in the past but there was a clear difference in all their performances and demeanor all season long when compared to the past two seasons. They were overall way more tense and had throw troubles in every competition, things that weren’t there before. It’s clear the coach sharing either flat out isn’t working for them or a very hard adjustment that they haven’t worked out yet. But people just want to dismiss it as chocking

 

[zebraswan]

In a season where both pairs were affected by Covid and Moskvina lost her husband, I would not jump to any conclusions about anyone needing to change coaches. Maybe B/K just had a tougher time getting their strength back. I don't think they will look for a change before the Olympics, it's too late in the game. Surely they can all find a way to train in such a way that everyone feels like they are getting enough attention. If Mozer could do it then Moskvina certainly can.

 

[Vash01]

I think all competitors have to learn how to handle pressure. They have all gone through it. Plushenko 2000, Gordeeva 1990, Michelle 97, Anna 2021, etc. The one skater I have seen unfazed by pressure is Medvedeva. Many learn to handle it after one or more failures. I am sure B&K will learn it and so will M&G.

This time the pressure was on B&K, particularly after being at the top in the SP. There was practically no pressure on M&G They were brand new to the scene and nobody expected much more than a bronze or silver for them. They had Tara like freedom in their performance. Now there will be pressure on them. We will find out how they handle it. Tamara is a master at teaching her students how to deal with it. I think both pairs will be fine.

 

[Xela M]

Did anyone watch Elena Betchke's commentary on the pairs event on TSL? She had pretty strong views about Boikova's reaction and thought it both shocking and unacceptable. I have to agree. She's the one who didn't land the jumps. Can't believe she kicked off at Moskvina

 

[Cherub721]

Did anyone watch Elena Bechte's commentary on the pairs event on TSL? She had pretty strong views about Boikova's reaction and thought it both shocking and unacceptable. I have to agree. She's the one who didn't land the jumps. Can't believe she kicked off at Moskvina

Ohh I would love to see Bechke's comments but I can't stand TSL...

 

[clairecloutier]

We need a transcript or summary.

 

[Karen-W]

Ohh I would love to see Bechke's comments but I can't stand TSL...

Discussion about Boikova's reaction starts here

 

[AxelAnnie]

Late to the party. Wondering about what Boikova & Kozlovskiy should do. I love Moskvina, who doesn't? But taking M&G on was surprising. It sent a message she was hedging her bets. I don't blame her, this may be her last shot. But it may backfire spectacularly. There is tension in the group. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it sabotages skaters development. Not sure it's working for B&K. They seem more "together" now, and less connected with Tamara. The relationship has definitely changed. We'll see how things develop. Personally, I am not a fan of the situation.

She did an interview where she talked boy that. The interview is in here somewhere. They are totally different pairs and different strengths and talents. IMO, Moskvina is enough motivation for anyone. She doesn't need to use another team for motivation.

 

[shuilee]

Rumors on social media that Pavliuchenko & Khodykin have split! Mozer is finding Daria a new partner. I wonder which Russian male pair skater on Mozer's team is available now (if rumor turns out to be true)?

 

[Scott512]

Discussion about Boikova's reaction starts here

This will not follow her for her career like that lady on tsl said Boykova is not the first with a
poor sportsmanship moment.
If it continues that's another matter. I think she's only 19 so she has plenty of time on her side and hopefully she has parents that can explain to her about her behavior.

Definitely do not embarrass this legendary coach in any way. Moskvina should tell boykova fo win Olympic gold. Focusing on that world bronze won't do them any good.

 

[tony]

This will not follow her for her career like that lady on tsl said Boykova is not the first with a
poor sportsmanship moment.
If it continues that's another matter. I think she's only 19 so she has plenty of time on her side and hopefully she has parents that can explain to her about her behavior.

That lady on TSL is the 1992 Olympic silver medalist (for whatever that is worth to you), and also a former student of Moskvina.

 

[Karen-W]

This will not follow her for her career like that lady on tsl said Boykova is not the first with a
poor sportsmanship moment.
If it continues that's another matter. I think she's only 19 so she has plenty of time on her side and hopefully she has parents that can explain to her about her behavior.

And yet, as they all observed, everyone remembers Nancy Kerrigan's snotty comment about Oksana's makeup.

I don't know that it will negatively impact her career, but I do think it won't be forgotten. Twenty years from now when FSU is celebrating its 41st year, we'll all still be snarking about it.

 

[Xela M]

Ohh I would love to see Bechke's comments but I can't stand TSL...

I can't stand TSL either but Elena is worth it! Her stories about her time at Tamara's rink are hilarious It's also the first time I heard anyone (who mattered) say that M&D were better on the night than G&G in 1994 (totally irrelevant to 2021 Worlds but I always thought so)

 

[Scott512]

And yet, as they all observed, everyone remembers Nancy Kerrigan's snotty comment about Oksana's makeup.

I don't know that it will negatively impact her career, but I do think it won't be forgotten. Twenty years from now when FSU is celebrating its 41st year, we'll all still be snarking about it.

You mean the gold Nancy was robbed of after getting her knee whacked?

That's snotty remark has not damaged her life in any way Nancy has gone on to have a phenomenal life. If anyone thinks less of her because of what she said in Lillehammer in a cranky moment that's on them.

I had a cranky moment at CVS this morning when I had to wait longer than I should have but the whole world didn't see it.
I'm usually better than that but today I wasn't. These are people not machines. Boykova will be fine. Not everyone can be like Michelle, Anna and Alina

 

[aka_gerbil]

I can't stand TSL either but Elena is worth it! Her stories about her time at Tamara's rink are hilarious It's also the first time I heard anyone (who mattered) say that M&D were better on the night than G&G in 1994 (totally irrelevant to 2021 Worlds but I always thought so)

I was a youngster who didn’t know a lot or anything about skating technique at the time. I also ubered B/E on the night and wanted them to win. In later years, every time I’ve gone back and rewatched it, I’ve thought it should have been M/D that night.

 

[Xela M]

This will not follow her for her career like that lady on tsl said Boykova is not the first with a
poor sportsmanship moment.
If it continues that's another matter. I think she's only 19 so she has plenty of time on her side and hopefully she has parents that can explain to her about her behavior.

Definitely do not embarrass this legendary coach in any way. Moskvina should tell boykova fo win Olympic gold. Focusing on that world bronze won't do them any good.

Omg do you not recognise "that lady on tsl"?!

 

[Wyliefan]

Rumors on social media that Pavliuchenko & Khodykin have split! Mozer is finding Daria a new partner. I wonder which Russian male pair skater on Mozer's team is available now (if rumor turns out to be true)?

Oh, don't tell me this . . .

 

[Xela M]

I was a youngster who didn’t know a lot or anything about skating technique at the time. I also ubered B/E on the night and wanted them to win. In later years, every time I’ve gone back and rewatched it, I’ve thought it should have been M/D that night.

I must say, I usually can't stand Canadian pairs, but B&E are my weakness. There was just something so endearing about that spunky tiny little girl and the big arrogant buffoon. She earned my respect for life when he dropped her from a lift (what looked like the height of a sky scarper) and at the end she was the one comforting him! She was everything!