Interview with Rafael Arutyunyan

[arakwafan2006]

it takes a big man to tell the truth. How sad was it for Mao. Given what he knew at the time, I can see how and why he stood his ground. How sad for Mao though.

 

[aftershocks]

Ted Flett recently did a video interview with Rafael Arutyunyan for Golden Skate, the first part of the interview on Mao Asada is now complete:

http://youtu.be/kkLLwgvT1jE

There will be multiple parts of this interview released over the next few days, next will be on Ashley and his thoughts on her at Worlds/her skating future. Hope you all enjoy the interview!

May I ask why it's being released in five-minute sections? Easier to digest in portions for some fans perhaps, rather than one big delicious succulent long bite? Not sure I like having to wait for multiple parts. Are the other portions still being edited?

Raf is always a great interview.

 

[jeffisjeff]

May I ask why it's being released in five-minute sections?

To annoy you.

 

[aftershocks]

To annoy you.

Ah, not annoyed. I'm just an eager fan and a full segment is my preference, just as others have their preferences.

Beggars can't be choosers. Thanks, @Karpenko!

Raf re-enacting his 'belly-dancing in the bathroom mirror' happiness is worth the wait, btw.

 

[Karpenko]

@aftershocks I believe it's being done this way to ensure convenient and time-friendly viewing experiences, and so that all parts of the interview get equal love and attention. Also perhaps it's to keep you wanting more, which is working.

Part 3 has been edited, I do create the magic before it goes through a diligent process of marketing and release date planning. I can assure you that this is the case for the next part, hence this process will continue throughout the next several days. Part 3 awaits..

 

[jiejie]

Well, I really like the short 5-6 minute segments. For those of us who have to imbibe our ice skating jollies in short spurts and between the annoying intrusions that Life requires us to perform, the shorties are like quick, nutritious snacks that we can Grab-n-Go. For me, the really long 60 minute (even 30 minute) interview videos are more like having a big meal where I end up with bloating and too much gas.

 

[Karpenko]

Part 3 on Ashley Wagner (part 1):
http://youtu.be/Luhz8BZ110c

 

[Spun Silver]

That one is hilarious. You can see both Ted and Raf relaxing with each other and Raf is making Ted give him the entry to his punch lines.

We have a new nickname for our new World silver medalist -- Ashley "Escalator" Wagner. Nice because it can be interpreted two ways, one flattering and one not so much (but straight from the lips of her coach... and "only your coach knows for sure" -- anybody here old enough to get that reference?).

 

[IceAlisa]

Ashley "The Loaded Gun" Wagner, taking the escalator! If Ashley is the most quotable skater, Rafael sure is the most quotable coach.

 

[Xela M]

It's the escalator Ashley takes Raf doesn't even give poor Ashley the option of an elevator

 

[Xela M]

How long is the original full length interview?

Ted is really good by the way.

 

[Spun Silver]

It's the escalator Ashley takes Raf doesn't even give poor Ashley the option of an elevator

Oops. Fixing that.

 

[AndyWarhol]

I love the short interview format too. I generally don't have time to watch a 40 min / 1 hour long video in between work/skating/life, so these are perfect

 

[el henry]

That one is hilarious. You can see both Ted and Raf relaxing with each other and Raf is making Ted give him the entry to his punch lines.

We have a new nickname for our new World silver medalist -- Ashley "Escalator" Wagner. Nice because it can be interpreted two ways, one flattering and one not so much (but straight from the lips of her coach... and "only your coach knows for sure" -- anybody here old enough to get that reference?).

Well, yes, old enough to know my hairdresser from my coach ...

I think Rafa enjoys his persona, and loves to test the limits, to see what we the skating public will buy and not buy. At least, I'm hoping he does, because otherwise I'd be shaking my head.

I think Ashley and Adam are perfect for him, because I think they know when he's trolling, they know when he's serious, and they are way too old (in skating terms ) to put up with any crap. I think they probably dish it right back.

Although I do want to know more about Derrick Delmore's role there too. I guess that's another interview

Keep 'em coming!

 

[DE93]

Excellent job @Karpenko! I guess we are now some sort of "co-workers" Loving these videos! Ted is a great guy and very easy to talk to, so I'm glad he and Rafael were able to have a good conversation in Boston!

 

[livetoskate]

Out of curiosity, is Arutunian married? Does he have kids? Just wondering since I've never heard much about him personally.

 

[Xela M]

Out of curiosity, is Arutunian married? Does he have kids? Just wondering since I've never heard much about him personally.

Yes and yes. He mentioned that in an interview with TSL.

Unfortunately. He's hot

P.S One of the coaches in his team is Vera Arutunian - probably his wife?

 

[Sylvia]

Although I do want to know more about Derrick Delmore's role there too.

Adam Rippon talked about Delmore's role with him in this interview before Worlds (re-posting the link from the Rippon good news & U.S. Men's threads): http://figureskatersonline.com/news...lways-knew-i-had-it-in-me-to-be-u-s-champion/
Relevant excerpts:

Derrick is one of my best friends and I really felt that in the high pressure situation of Nationals, I needed that support. Derrick is an amazing coach himself so I always feel very comfortable when he has something to suggest. He knows the rules very well and helps me strategize. I loved having Rafael, Vera [Arutunian], Nadia [Kanaeva], and Derrick all with me at Nationals. They all play a really important role in my skating.

(Although Delmore never qualified for Worlds as a skater, it was great to see him credentialed as a coach at Worlds in Boston.)

FSO: How would you describe the individual roles Rafael Arutunian, Vera Arutunian and Nadia Kanaeva each have in your daily/overall training?

Rafael is my head coach. When I want to make a plan for the season, I always sit down with him and we figure out the best way for us to achieve the goals we set out. Vera is always keeping an eye on me and making sure that I don’t get lazy with choreography, hold my spins, and we work on polishing different parts of my programs. I work with Nadia on different exercises to help with jumps and skating skills.

Vera A. is Rafael's wife and I believe they have two adult children who are not involved in skating.

 

[Sylvia]

@quiqie translated this interesting November 2013 interview by Elena Vaitsekhovskaya: http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/index.php?threads/rafael-arutunian-i-know-what-plushenko-knows….89937/

3 more interview links posted in a previous GSD thread:

@TAHbKA has translated interviews with Rafael Arutunian / Arutyunyan (the 2 most common spellings/transliterations I've seen) - here are the 3 most recent ones I've found:

December 2015 (at GP Final where Nathan Chen won the JGPF gold): http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/ind...e-skaters-must-make-their-own-mistakes.97280/

June 2015 (after he won the 2014-15 PSA Coach of the Year award): http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/ind...seless-avoiding-fighting-in-the-sports.95908/

January 2015 (reminisces about his coaching career before and in the U.S.): http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/ind...ko-vorobiova-interview-with-arutyunian.94507/

P.S. @Karpenko, thanks for posting the 3 interview videos so far - look forward to watching them soon.

 

[Karpenko]

Part 2 on Coaching Ashley Wagner:
http://youtu.be/S_-m6ZPeUqU

to @Daniskates93 for her beautiful photos used in the video, and also Golden Skate owner Paula for the layout of the vids

 

[Xela M]

Part 2 on Coaching Ashley Wagner:
http://youtu.be/S_-m6ZPeUqU

to @Daniskates93 for her beautiful photos used in the video, and also Golden Skate owner Paula for the layout of the vids

Lol!! Wow, what a cunning move psychologically to tell Ashley that Gracie skated well before she put her boots on and take the "electricity" out of the air. Cruel, but very cunning.

 

[DE93]

Part 2 on Coaching Ashley Wagner:
http://youtu.be/S_-m6ZPeUqU

to @Daniskates93 for her beautiful photos used in the video, and also Golden Skate owner Paula for the layout of the vids

Woohoo!

 

[IceAlisa]

These are so awesome, thank you everyone involved in these videos!

 

[Spun Silver]

Ted: "So, what will Ashley be working on during the off season? When does summer training start? I know she has these tours and probably a little vacation, so maybe June?"
Raf (stone-faced): "Training starts tomorrow."
Ted (as if he didn't hear right): "Training starts tomorrow?"
Raf (not amused): "Training starts tomorrow." "Athlete has no days off."

 

[IceAlisa]

"When you don't eat muffin."

 

[Simone411]

Thanks so much @Karpenko for sharing the videos. I haven't watched the last one yet, but I'll definitely get around to it. And also thanks to all involved in making the videos. Awesome!

 

[IceAlisa]

They just keep getting better and better. Raf is a goldmine.

 

[Karpenko]

Part 5 (final part) Hopes for the 2016-17 Season:
http://youtu.be/72napY-7Vtg

 

[Karpenko]

Here are all of the interview parts in an easy to access, playlist friendly, interview list which I have posted below:

Interview with Rafael Arutyunyan by Ted Flett with Golden Skate:

Part 1 on Mao Asada:
http://youtu.be/kkLLwgvT1jE

Part 2 on Coaching Champions:
http://youtu.be/nAdv_Gc5wr8

Part 3 on Coaching Ashley Wagner (part 1):
http://youtu.be/Luhz8BZ110c

Part 4 on Coaching Ashley Wagner (part 2):
http://youtu.be/S_-m6ZPeUqU

Part 5 on Hopes for the 2016-17 Figure Skating Season:
http://youtu.be/72napY-7Vtg

 

[Xela M]

Part 5 (final part) Hopes for the 2016-17 Season:
http://youtu.be/72napY-7Vtg

Omg how much money does it cost for Rafa to get his own rink? How much would he need?