From Russia With Love (No 32): Spring to Summer 2019

[Ka3sha]

And, apparently, Ilinykh never said she had retired

Her pr-manager:

She didn't make any official announcements regarding retirement - only stated the obvious fact that she hasn't competed for a year and a half. She has a lot of on-going projects in different spheres , including business and art, but her main one is connected to figure skating - "Ilinykh-Lipnitskaya Academy of the champions".
She has just returned from Poland, now they are going to Ufa, Japan, Norway and other regions of Russia/countries. Sometimes she gets proposals regarding her competitive career, but for now she focuses on other things. We will see what happens in the future.

https://tass.ru/sport/6363935

Direct quote from her interview on the radio:

- Are you still dancing with your partner?
- No, I have finished, now I opened my own academy with another Sochi Champion , Yulia Lipnitskaya

 

[hanca]

He had more chances than most people ever get. So many wasted resources on him (at the expense of others) because he was young and "promising," all of which he squandered. I'm not sorry to see him go at all.

It wasn’t his fault that the federation kept giving him all these chances. If there were more promising upcoming men at that time, he wouldn’t be treated the same way, but there was no one. I didn’t particularly like his skating because he had weird technique on his jumps; he kept bending at waist (especially when doing Salchow and loop), so I didn’t find it aesthetically very pleasing to watch. Saying that, he does have some medals from his career and he have seen quite a few countries. If he feels he has done what he wanted, good luck to him in his future.

 

[DobrinFan]

Mixed feelings: yes, more time for Gubanova, but I really wanted Max to reach his full potential and I'm sad he did not.

He still achieved a lot! Four times National champion, 3 European medals, 4th place at Worlds once and a Universiade silver! It was a good career. Yeah he could have achieved more but it was still great.

 

[hanca]

He did achieve a lot. I guess we are measuring everyone according to the best ones, such as Hanyu and Chen, but if everyone was Hanyu, then being Hanyu wouldn’t mean anything because it would be the new average.

 

[rfisher]

He still achieved a lot! Four times National champion, 3 European medals, 4th place at Worlds once and a Universiade silver! It was a good career. Yeah he could have achieved more but it was still great.

He did, but many times he was just the best of a group of not so good (especially Europeans dominated by Fernandez). I think he could have been better. #stillbitteraboutSochi I do wish him well and am glad he finished his career on somewhat of a high note. Between his back ( and who didn't know that was coming given his jump technique) and his lack of a real work ethic, he did have a good career. I hope he's matured and is ready to move on to bigger and better things.

 

[feraina]

Sad Kovtun is done. Sad Ilynikh is probably also done. Of the Russians I really root for, only Medvedeva is left.

 

[Wyliefan]

The good news is, they just keep making more. If you can't find a skater you like in the current crop of Russians, wait five minutes.

 

[Tinami Amori]

https://rsport.ria.ru/20190423/1552959541.html

Kovtun has announced his retirement - his back injuries won't allow him to train to be at the level he wants to be at. He is focusing on his studies and wants to move into coaching.

Buianova (Vodorezova) comments:
summary: "I tried to talk him out of it. He is an adult and has a right to decided. It is his decision. He seems to have new career plans, perhaps we'll end up as colleagues."
https://www.sportmk.ru/sports/2019/04/23/elena-buyanova-ya-otgovarivala-kovtuna.html

 

[DobrinFan]

Solovyev choreographed Voronov's FP?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwmwLpXAsoF/

 

[Dobre]

The good news is, they just keep making more. If you can't find a skater you like in the current crop of Russians, wait five minutes.

It took Kovtun about 3 1/2 years on the senior scene to develop into the skater that I have enjoyed watching and rooting for. Very few athletes (Gubanova is one) get me in five minutes. Anyway, I'm sorry Kovtun didn't get to Worlds this year; but I'm glad he came back after last season. It was obvious the injury was a serious one, and it must have been very difficult to see an Olympic dream slip away after several years of leading the Russian men. I appreciate that he came back, in shape, this season and especially that he had such a great set of skates at Nationals. Up and down as always throughout the year, but overall it was a good final season. A good way to go out.

 

[Rina RUS]

alexei.yagudin: Dear @maksim_pavlovich, it is not easy to decide to finish something what was your life and your air to breathe, but you have decided to start a new chapter of your life, so I wish you to continue dreaming, working and winning. Thank you for your bright career, for your falls and highs, for the medals for our country #kovtun #newlife #newchapter #figureskating
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwmuFqpBH0A/

 

[Hindernisse]

He still achieved a lot! Four times National champion, 3 European medals, 4th place at Worlds once and a Universiade silver! It was a good career. Yeah he could have achieved more but it was still great.

He could have easily been an Olympic medalist in Team event *sigh*

 

[Bigbird]

Her pr-manager:

https://tass.ru/sport/6363935

Direct quote from her interview on the radio:

So from this one statement, without her permission you right an opus that she had indeed officially retired from figure skating? This is published online without checking the source and without checking the federation? Sounds like poor journalism to me. She probably will soon enough but when she has officially retired she will say so definitively and sign on the dotted line . She didn't even right and re-write some heart rending statement on instagram to confirm things, a la Kovtun. My word. Stupes.

 

[Tinami Amori]

Alexandre Gorshkov (pres. of RFSF) (summary): I learned of Kovtun's decision from the social media. I can not confirm if it is true or not. We have not received an official form/resig. letter. This happened once before, and until i speak with Maxim in person, i am not able to comment further.
https://www.sovsport.ru/figure/news/2:899272

Ilya Averbuch (summary): it is good that Maxim is able to assess his abilities objectively, it is a sign of professionalism which many others lack. He tried his best to return this season, did a lot of work, won Russian Nationals. He will not be kicked to the curb, skaters like him do not parish. I know he wants to train and to start his own school, and i will assist in anyway possible. Many can potentially become great coaches, but only few succeed. It is too early to predict, time will tell.
https://www.sovsport.ru/figure/news/2:899281

He could have easily been an Olympic medalist in Team event *sigh*

Probably. But just to be "devil's advocate", it is not so black and white with 2014 Olys. Team Russia probably/very likely would have earned a medal even if Kovtun skated instead of Plush, but it might have not been Gold.

Kovtun did not have a stellar or even "medal" season prior to Olympics date. He had 2 silvers at GP events, but at other major events GPF, EC, he came 5th, against skaters who participated in the World Team for other countries.

Plushenko's placements at Oly Team event were SP-2nd, LP-1st. His placements were a major contributing factor to Russia Team's Gold. Kovtun was not likely to place 1/2 in that field.

 

[AlisonS]

Who is this kid Camcohob? I saw videos of him on YouTube but can’t read the Russian. I was entranced! https://youtu.be/1imlMPpeYcI

 

[Sylvia]

Who is this kid Camcohob?

Daniil Samsonov profile in Russian: http://www.fskate.ru/skaters/4190.html
He's coached in Tutberidze's group and will turn 14 on July 13 so will be old enough for the JGP this coming season.

From earlier in this thread:

Results from tonight's Russian Junior Univirsade [IX Winter Spartakiad]
SP Men
Samsonov 1st (95.07) Mow/Sambo-70
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOPAOy6xDvM

SP protocol: https://www.fsrussia.ru/results/1819/sparta2019/o_K_Scores.pdf

ETA that his 4Lz was called < in his FS: https://www.fsrussia.ru/results/1819/sparta2019/o__Scores.pdf

 

[Tinami Amori]

Who is this kid Camcohob? I saw videos of him on YouTube but can’t read the Russian. I was entranced! https://youtu.be/1imlMPpeYcI

Here is his FS earlier in the year (since he did not skate one in the last competition, had to go to Krasondar after SP).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEZIxF0dxrY

 

[Kasey]

Solovyev choreographed Voronov's FP?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwmwLpXAsoF/

Could be awesome news for fans of the old man!

 

[Rina RUS]

the funniest part...


some loving readers try to argue, Yagudin believes he should tell truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth

one lady: Alexei, it is you whom we thank for the bright career, and for the medals for our country, and for those things which you do now for the figure skating!!! What has Kovtun done to deserve "thanks"? Only popped jumps again and again? If he has retired - let it be, who cares
alexei.yagudin to her: so go and do at least as much as Kovtun has done!!!!

another lady @alexei.yagudin: I don't agree with the words "at least". I think he has decent titles!! Are there many athletes who has achieved such a result??
alexei.yagudin to her: there are many!!!


(yes, as far as I remember, he thinks there are many Olympic champions - nothing out of the common)

he is rude, but it is beautiful
and it is beautiful he still has some readers

 

[Cherub721]

He could have easily been an Olympic medalist in Team event *sigh*

Or pulled a Kolyada and ruin it for the whole team...

 

[Eeyora1]

Please delete

 

[Ka3sha]

Vladimir Morozov on their coaching situation:

Right now I can’t say you anything for sure. Russian Figure Skating Federation will sum up the season on the 22nd of May, they will also announce official plans for the next season and we will find out with whom and how we will work next

I have a feeling that am watching new tv series “How Tarasova/Morozov met their new coach”

 

[aka_gerbil]

Vladimir Morozov on their coaching situation:

I have a feeling that am watching new tv series “How Tarasova/Morozov met their new coach”

Surely they have some sort of inkling what the possible options are and are maybe just waiting for everything to be finalized?

 

[Ka3sha]

Surely they have some sort of inkling what the possible options are and are maybe just waiting for everything to be finalized?

I sure hope so

 

[Tinami Amori]

Surely they have some sort of inkling what the possible options are and are maybe just waiting for everything to be finalized?

I have the impression that T/M do know what their options are, just waiting till the official date to formalize them.
They are currently in Kazan, skating in Aveburch's show, a programme choreographed by Averbuch (different than the one in Krasnodar show). clips:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwpnMujH_w7/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwpfrZcnJrK/
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwpctx0HEx0/

Evgeniya Tarasova modeling:
https://vk.com/sbornayasegodnyaizavtra?z=photo-118768737_456393079/wall-118768737_74229

Kovtun's Father was asked and commented on Maxim's decision to stop competing:
- could not practice because of too many injuries
- it is too much competition, it's hard to compete with Asian skaters.
http://www.moscow-post.com/news/sport/otec_kovtuna_rasskazal_o_reshenii_syna_ujti_iz_sporta117637/

Tiff/Jon in USA, Colorado
https://i6.imageban.ru/out/2019/04/24/3ac6f43999fc917802e5d5912add9a72.jpg
https://pp.userapi.com/c848736/v848736853/17efca/sqla46l8Rpc.jpg
https://pp.userapi.com/c844417/v844417773/1f4dc4/ERl1c1o77Fc.jpg

........ https://i.imgur.com/AzbOFAC.jpg

Adelina Sotnikova is modeling a lot lately, plus skating in shows, plus doing public events and appearances.
https://vk.com/sbornayasegodnyaizavtra?z=photo-129916024_456253488/wall-118768737_74282
https://sun1-24.userapi.com/c849432/v849432063/1731ea/55t2rF_Kw50.jpg
https://sun1-89.userapi.com/c849032/v849032063/178d3b/K4kZ0i5X45s.jpg
http://s8.uploads.ru/t/iUJ6V.jpg
https://a.radikal.ru/a36/1904/87/75c34078b4a2t.jpg

Anna Shcherbakova is "filming something"..
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwpQRjtn1KT/
https://sun9-4.userapi.com/c854128/v854128941/2bc37/of2u3gfWC0k.jpg

Alina Zagitova some modeling too
- for Japanese fashion managzine in Dolce & Gabbana: http://s7.uploads.ru/Cv5Gp.jpg
- https://sun6-1.userapi.com/c846218/v846218966/1f0f92/AMn7SqbQZSM.jpg
- new day-wear casual style: https://i.imgur.com/CNBJOCU.jpg

Sasha Trusova - active with Adidas promotions
https://vk.com/sbornayasegodnyaizavtra?z=video-97272391_456242525/d3960d22b70a5daca4/pl_wall_-118768737
https://n1s1.elle.ru/cc/c0/ab/ccc0a...1276x1914_0xac120003_11076360391555599823.jpg

Sofia Samodurova - coaching kids
https://vk.com/sbornayasegodnyaizavtra?z=photo-118768737_456393374/wall-118768737_74447

Tutberidze's Show in Krasnodar went quite well. 1st day - sold out + some standing room. 2nd day - 87% seat sales. https://i.imgur.com/8SObJ3a.jpg

Maxim Beliavskii - clean 5T on longe ("Odintzovo Club"/coach: I. Smirnova)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwpYVeZIzMT/
his recent skating: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB1SnLab6TE

 

[mjb52]

Maxim Beliavskii - clean 5T on longe ("Odintzovo Club"/coach: I. Smirnova)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwpYVeZIzMT/

oh my

 

[Cherub721]

Alina is stunning.

 

[Sylvia]

Maxim Beliavskii - clean 5T on longe [pole harness] ("Odintzovo Club"/coach: I. Smirnova)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwpYVeZIzMT/
his recent skating: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB1SnLab6TE

His profile: http://www.fskate.ru/skaters/4979.html

Championship of Russia in figure skating among boys and girls (younger age) -- aka Novice Nationals (March 14-18, 2019 in Tver) was Maxim Beliavskii/Belyavskiy's most recent competition: https://fsrussia.ru/sorevnovaniya/4...evushek-i-yunoshej-mladshij-vozrast-2019.html
Note: The online results page linked from here goes to the pairs/dance comp. April 1-3 in Sochi but the pairs overall results link works for the men ( https://fsrussia.ru/results/1819/mlvozr1819/CAT001RS.HTM ) and the detailed protocols link is correct.

He won the "elements" first portion of the competition, getting ++ for his 3A and 3A+3T (but no credit for turning out of his first 4S attempt and falling on his second attempt): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MCc18femZY
In the second half of his video, his step sequence to music ("Nothing Else Matters") received a level 2 and he got a level 4 for his change camel combo spin at the end.

Top 4 Boys overall:
1 Лев ВИНОКУР [Lev Vinokur, born] 2006 МОС 255,60 3 1 2 Москва, СШОР ЦСКА им. С.А. Жука
2 Максим БЕЛЯВСКИЙ [Maxim BELYAVSKIY, born] 2007 МОБ 254,13 1 6 3 Московская область, СШ "Одинцово"
3 Семён СОЛОВЬЕВ [Semen SOLOVYEV, born] 2006 СПБ 252,21 2 2 4 Санкт-Петербург, СШОР "Звёздный лёд"
4 Николай УГОЖАЕВ [Nikolai UGOZHAYEV, born] 2006 СПБ 251,44 7 3 1 Санкт-Петербург, СК ФК Тамары Москвиной

ETA - found Maxim B's SP & FS videos from the same comp.:
(6th in SP): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB6o82sJTcQ
(3rd in FS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfCq0CpPai8

Nikolai Ugozhayev (1st in FS with clean 3A & landed 7 other triples): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKx9YDKasDI
He will turn 13 in June: http://www.fskate.ru/skaters/4746.html

The 5T practice clip linked in @Spun Silver's post #990 below is the same boy as mentioned in Tinami's and this post.

 

[Rina RUS]

Belyavski too

This video isn't the most recent, but it was great, when finally they had managed to make this inspiring number!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdV4Si3YoXg&t=1m37s

 

[Spun Silver]

Russian kid (Sergei Davidov? Student of Davydov?) does 5T on harness (?). Someone who can do slow-mo please confirm.
Instagram video by @skater_on_ice
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwp4iVOlbGo/?utm_source=ig_web_button_native_share