Russian figure skating news in 2023

[Wyliefan]

Sounds like he's a chip off the old block.

 

[On My Own]

Is there a reason Russian drama always looks like we're witnessing the Punic wars or something.

 

[Ananas Astra]

Angelopol has issued a statement for Match TV in Russian and English, you can read it in his Instagram stories: https://www.instagram.com/_valeriy_angelopol_/

Meanwhile, Russian journalists have proposed that Cirizano could become Vasilisa's new partner because his switch to Czechia didn't work out: https://www.sports.ru/figure-skatin...ta&utm_medium=figurea&utm_campaign=2023-09-04

 

[Karen-W]

Angelopol has issued a statement for Match TV in Russian and English, you can read it in his Instagram stories: https://www.instagram.com/_valeriy_angelopol_/

Meanwhile, Russian journalists have proposed that Cirizano could become Vasilisa's new partner because his switch to Czechia didn't work out: https://www.sports.ru/figure-skatin...ta&utm_medium=figurea&utm_campaign=2023-09-04

Lol to Cirisano becoming Vasilisa's partner. He's still in Italy, as far as I can tell, and he'll get his release this winter.

 

[Frau Muller]

Lol to Cirisano becoming Vasilisa's partner. He's still in Italy, as far as I can tell, and he'll get his release this winter.

Maybe she’ll move to Italy?

 

[Cachoo]

There are a number of Russian men, current and former skaters, who would benefit from taking a page from Kolyada's book. They don't have to save kittens but being kind and thoughtful generates it's own rewards. You want to see the good guys do well.

 

[leilaofpaper]

What's the problem with calling the Canadian troll "it"? The last time I checked, "it" is the pronoun in the singular as opposed to "they" which is a pronoun in the plural. That makes the use of "it" for a single poster, like our good Canadian troll is, more grammatically correct than the faddish "they." Or do you believe that the Canadian troll suffers from dissociative identity disorder?

”They” can be both singular and plural, and has been used as such for hundreds of years, so hardly a fad.

I can pull up evidence if you really want, but it’s been the norm for a long time to say they if you don’t know someone’s gender. Or if you must, he/she. I get that this particular troll is annoying but that’s no reason to dehumanise them.

 

[On My Own]

There are a number of Russian men, current and former skaters, who would benefit from taking a page from Kolyada's book. They don't have to save kittens but being kind and thoughtful generates it's own rewards. You want to see the good guys do well.

Wasn't Kolyada bashed incessantly by the Russian media...?

 

[Cachoo]

Wasn't Kolyada bashed incessantly by the Russian media...?

I don't know...not that I would give a fig about a lot of them. (God Bless the independents trying to carry on in Russia.) I suppose he hasn't lived up to their expectations. But if is he able to compete outside of Russia one day I hope the international audiences show him a lot of love. (Stuffed kittens instead of Pooh?)

 

[On My Own]

I don't know...not that I would give a fig about a lot of them. (God Bless the independents trying to carry on in Russia.) I suppose he hasn't lived up to their expectations.

Well he was. IIRC it was after the 2018 team event, and I don't think it ever stopped after that?

But if is he able to compete outside of Russia one day I hope the international audiences show him a lot of love. (Stuffed kittens instead of Pooh?)

I don't think he'd be welcomed by the international audiences either anymore.

 

[Holy Headband]

Kolyada is Russia's most talented male skater in ages and by all accounts a nice person who's chosen not to show support for the war anywhere in public (as far as I'm aware), which already makes him a rarity in Russian figure skating. I'm not sure why the fact the Russian media hates him for being 'mentally weak' and not macho enough matters when real fans know that to be slandered by the Russian press is a badge of honour in this sport.

 

[TAHbKA]

Kolyada is Russia's most talented male skater in ages and by all accounts a nice person who's chosen not to show support for the war anywhere in public (as far as I'm aware), which already makes him a rarity in Russian figure skating. I'm not sure why the fact the Russian media hates him for being 'mentally weak' and not macho enough matters when real fans know that to be slandered by the Russian press is a badge of honour in this sport.

All that did not stop him from participating Averbukh's shows (which are funded by the government, depict the `memories' of the war and what not...)

 

[On My Own]

I'm not sure why the fact the Russian media hates him for being 'mentally weak' and not macho enough matters when real fans know that to be slandered by the Russian press is a badge of honour in this sport.

What are "real fans"? I'm sure Kolyada cares just a teeny tiny bit more about what Russian media and fans thinks about him than these "real fans".

Or are you providing credence to what 'real fans' think about Yuzuru Hanyu and Yuna Kim and their fans? Well I'm a very real fan when it comes to anyway.

Anyway, as @TAHbKA points out, there are certainly reasons why he won't be welcomed. Even just his nationality is against him currently.

 

[Ananas Astra]

All that did not stop him from participating Averbukh's shows (which are funded by the government, depict the `memories' of the war and what not...)

There are just so many ways to make money as a figure skater in Russia these days and he and his wife must somehow eat and pay their bills. It's not like he pulled a Nagornyi and started parading "Z"s all around the country. He has also never commented on the war being a super great thing (unlike Plushenko).

 

[Vagabond]

There are just so many ways to make money as a figure skater in Russia these days and he and his wife must somehow eat and pay their bills.

There is life beyond figure skating, and work too. He didn't have to prop up the propaganda machine, but he did so of his own free will.

 

[Willin]

@Vagabond But we also know that many of Russia's best figure skaters don't exactly have the best education... I doubt he'd be qualified for most well paying jobs. Maybe he's in school now? Since he didn't win major medals he's not getting the government to get him into some prestigious college on a full ride like the Eteri girls.

 

[tony]

There is life beyond figure skating, and work too. He didn't have to prop up the propaganda machine, but he did so of his own free will.

You have kept saying this throughout the last few years of Russia being how it is, but..

@Vagabond But we also know that many of Russia's best figure skaters don't exactly have the best education... I doubt he'd be qualified for most well paying jobs. Maybe he's in school now? Since he didn't win major medals he's not getting the government to get him into some prestigious college on a full ride like the Eteri girls.

comments and ideas like this pop up every single time.

It isn't realistic to just throw away a career that you've spent countless hours on your whole life (all while likely passing by education opportunities or other talents, whether by choice or by lack of time) and find other work that easily, especially of skating was bringing in big money not only for the skater but maybe for the family who has also dedicated a lot of their time and savings into the career.

I don't care what anyone thinks they would do in these situations, because they aren't and never have been in anything remotely near such.

A few months ago, I brought up examples of skaters from other countries still training in Russia or under Russian coaches as well the training camps that are going on around the world featuring Russian coaches/skaters. If you want to be perpetually outraged by anyone who still plays in to any of the above, then you're in the for a long season and Olympic cycle, I guess.

 

[kwanfan1818]

He should, though, have more connections, like many sports people, to help him transition into different profession. Sports people in North America get all kinds of opportunities in business despite other lacks and holes in their resumes that your average bear does not have. It's hard to believe that this isn't also the case in Russia.

That doesn't mean the transition is easy or as well-paid as skating in shows, ie, remaining in the current career, and change, especially if you're supporting a family, comes with major stresses. ETA: He might also not want to give up skating: some skaters aren't in it purely for the adrenaline, and show skating, especially if you feel it's like a family, is a better fit.

 

[tony]

He should, though, have more connections, like many sports people, to help him transition into different profession. Sports people in North America get all kinds of opportunities in business despite other lacks and holes in their resumes that your average bear does not have. It's hard to believe that this isn't also the case in Russia.

That may or may not be the case. I honestly don't really know what most top skaters of Russia's past have done besides the ones that have their own skating schools and/or join groups with their former coaches.

Even in the US, though, we see how some (big-name) skaters seem to have a difficult adjustment period getting out of the sport, and we even see a few recent top US names that have moved from small project to small project, still within skating, trying to find something that sticks. In Russia, the difference is that the skating boom has been going on now for a good 10+ years, it's obviously wildly popular there, and many of these skaters probably didn't ever imagine a back-up plan would be needed with all of the show opportunities and media attention.

It's not to say that they can't reinvent themselves and find a new talent or profession, but it's also not like it's such an easy choice to make, especially when the money is presumably still there in skating. After all, to make a career change that is going to have some kind of benefit probably requires plenty of $$$ to get them there.

That doesn't mean the transition is easy or as well-paid as skating in shows, ie, remaining in the current career, and change, especially if you're supporting a family, comes with major stresses. ETA: He might also not want to give up skating: some skaters aren't in it purely for the adrenaline, and show skating, especially if you feel it's like a family, is a better fit.

And all of this, too.

 

[kwanfan1818]

but it's also not like it's such an easy choice to make, especially when the money is presumably still there in skating.

Absolutely, and i don't think many, if any, of them anticipated that there would be an international political aspect to making that decision.

 

[Vagabond]

@Vagabond But we also know that many of Russia's best figure skaters don't exactly have the best education... I doubt he'd be qualified for most well paying jobs. Maybe he's in school now? Since he didn't win major medals he's not getting the government to get him into some prestigious college on a full ride like the Eteri girls.

Like most elite athletes in Russia, Kolyada studied Physical Education at the tertiary level. He could easily build a career in coaching or being a P.E. instructor.

Would he make as much money? Maybe, maybe not. What of it?

This sort of discussion went on during the Soviet period too, with apologists claiming that they had no choice. If I recall correctly, there is a passage in The Unbearable Lightness of Being describing how people swept floors and washed windows rather than compromise their principles. Regardless, that is the choice that Kundera and his generation faced, and it's the one Kolyada and his generation face now.

Kolyada seems to be a likable sort, and I like his skating. That doesn't mean that I have to agree with his choice to skate in Averbukh's shows.

 

[hanca]

This sort of discussion went on during the Soviet period too, with apologist claiming that they had no choice. If I recall correctly, there is a passage in The Unbearable Lightness of Being describing how people washed floors rather than compromise their principles. Regardless, that is the choice that Kundera and his generation faced, and it's the one Kolyada and his generation face now.

Kolyada seems to be a likable sort, and I like his skating. That doesn't mean that I have to agree with his choice to skate in Averbukh's shows.

I love how you optimistically believe that you would be the one washing floors rather than compromise your principles. Nice to believe that, as long as you actually don’t have to do it, day after day, possibly for the rest of your life… Easy to criticise others from your armchair, while you are living your comfortable life and your biggest worry is when the next skating is on. But whatever.

 

[PRlady]

I have a lot of respect for the growing number of Israeli kids refusing compulsory army service or refusing to serve in the occupied territories. But it is SO against the culture of a “people’s army” that these kids have to withstand enormous social pressure and sometimes legal action.

I don’t pretend I would know what I would do as an 18-year-old Israeli or a star Russian skater whose whole life has been his/her sport. It’s a hard road, especially in a society that is rah-raging its army and military action.

 

[Sylvia]

Daria Usacheva has made her retirement official - machine translated excerpt from a RIA Novosti article (Sept. 7):

“... I sensibly and adequately assessed some of my capabilities, specifically in professional sports. And I realized that, probably, it’s still not there, "Usacheva said in an interview with Okko Sport, which was published on the YouTube channel of the online platform.
The figure skater noted that in the near future she wants to concentrate on passing the exam.
“I still had thoughts of enrolling in two universities, then getting a second education. Not sports, again. And therefore I made such a decision, but I haven’t regretted it a bit so far. Only, on the contrary, I’m convinced that it is, as it is fashionable to say, "listen to your heart". Probably now, yes (you can say that she finished her career). I don’t think that I will return to the competitive arena in a year, no. But I really want to skate in the show. I like it to speak to the public, show programs, emotions, ride," the athlete added.

 

[airgelaal]

I don't care what anyone thinks they would do in these situations, because they aren't and never have been in anything remotely near such.

Please tell me more about this incredibly difficult choice. After all, it was russian athletes who found themselves in the most difficult situation in the world.
In fact, everything is much simpler. They are proud of their country. They support the actions of their country. They are happy to be used in propaganda. Moreover, they are paid very well for this. What is so difficult about this?
There is no evidence that russian athletes do not support the war, but there is a huge amount of evidence that they actively support the war. That is why it is much more difficult for me to understand why it is so difficult for some people to even imagine that russian skaters are sincerely and without any pressure on the Russian side. The world will not collapse if you just imagine it, but it will become much easier to find answers.

 

[tony]

Please tell me more about this incredibly difficult choice. After all, it was russian athletes who found themselves in the most difficult situation in the world.
In fact, everything is much simpler. They are proud of their country. They support the actions of their country. They are happy to be used in propaganda. Moreover, they are paid very well for this. What is so difficult about this?
There is no evidence that russian athletes do not support the war, but there is a huge amount of evidence that they actively support the war. That is why it is much more difficult for me to understand why it is so difficult for some people to even imagine that russian skaters are sincerely and without any pressure on the Russian side. The world will not collapse if you just imagine it, but it will become much easier to find answers.

I've already circled this discussion many times. The poster I quoted has made several comments over the last 1.5 years about how they should know right from wrong or, IIRC, they could just get out of the country and start over-- and that's not realistic. At all. The skaters not only may not have the educational or language background to succeed elsewhere, but the one thing that is likely paying their bills is huge in their home country, too. Leaving or speaking out loudly against the system would surely shut them out of future opportunities and/or likely put them at some kind of risk. ETA- not to mention getting their entire families out of the country, because going back might not be an option.

People on message boards can type narratives as to what they'd definitely do in every situation presented (and some on FSU sure do it), but it's a harsh reality that most would stick with what is paying their bills, what makes them live reasonably well, and just go on with life rather than risk losing a good part of all of it, if not all.

 

[airgelaal]

I've already circled this discussion many times. The poster I quoted has made several comments over the last 1.5 years about how they should know right from wrong or, IIRC, they could just get out of the country and start over-- and that's not realistic. At all. The skaters not only may not have the educational or language background to succeed elsewhere, but the one thing that is likely paying their bills is huge in their home country, too. Leaving or speaking out loudly against the system would surely shut them out of future opportunities and/or likely put them at some kind of risk. ETA- not to mention getting their entire families out of the country, because going back might not be an option.

People on message boards can type narratives as to what they'd definitely do in every situation presented (and some on FSU sure do it), but it's a harsh reality that most would stick with what is paying their bills, what makes them live reasonably well, and just go on with life rather than risk losing a good part of all of it, if not all.

Once again, why should they lose all this if they support the actions of their country? They are satisfied with everything.
And yes, before my eyes there are too many examples of people who lost absolutely everything and even loved ones, but got up and started all over again. Therefore, it is ridiculous for me to read all this about those who have not lost anything, but only gained.

 

[Sylvia]

MOSCOW, September 12 - RIA Novosti. The dancing couple Elizaveta Pasechnik/Maxim Nekrasov stopped performing together by mutual decision of the partners, according to the official website of the Russian Figure Skating Federation (FFKKR).
The dancing couple will not take part in the test skates, which will take place on September 16-17 at the Moscow Megasport Arena.
Pasechnik/Nekrasov are bronze medalists at the Russian Championship and have been medalists at the national Grand Prix stages three times.

ETA the list posted here on Aug. 30 (I've crossed out the 2 dance teams that have since split):

list of test skate participants:
Ladies:
Akatieva
Valieva
Gorbacheva
Zhilina
Zinina
Muravieva
Petrosian
Sadkova
Sinitsina
Tuktamysheva
Khromyh
Yametova

Men:
Aliev
Vetlugin
Gumennik
Ignatov
kovalev
Kondratuik
Luftullin
Mozalev
Samarin
Semenenko
Fedorov
Yablokov

Pairs:
Akopova/Rakhmanin
Artemiava/Brukhanov
Boikova/Kozlovski
Boyarintseva/Pleshkov
Kadyrova/Kolesov
Kostornaya/Kunitsa
Mishina/Gallyamov
Osokina/Gritsaenko
Sobinina/Khodykin
Habibullina/Knyazhuk

Ice dance:
Kaganovskaya/Angelopol
Leontieva/Gorelkin
Mironova/Ustenko
Morozov/Eremenko
Pasechnik/Nekrasov
Prokopets/Vaskovich
Stepanova/Bukin
Havronina/Narizhnyj
Khudaberdieva/Bazin
Shanaeva/Drozd
Shevchenko/Ezhlov

 

[Dobre]

You don't need to live in a dictatorship to have sacrificed a career path or monetary success for ethical reasons. Many people do this. I can't speak to what career paths in Russia right now are more ethical. Would teaching in a school that is teaching Russian children to hate Ukrainians be an ethical choice? Ugh.

Getting out of the country & getting out early would be the best path I could imagine, and the famous skaters are generally fortunate in that they have international connections and a skill set that would be desirous in many places; but people have families and homes, which make leaving a sacrifice one could only understand on a personal level. To me those would be the great challenges.

 

[Ananas Astra]

MOSCOW, September 12 - RIA Novosti. The dancing couple Elizaveta Pasechnik/Maxim Nekrasov stopped performing together by mutual decision of the partners, according to the official website of the Russian Figure Skating Federation (FFKKR).
The dancing couple will not take part in the test skates, which will take place on September 16-17 at the Moscow Megasport Arena.
Pasechnik/Nekrasov are bronze medalists at the Russian Championship and have been medalists at the national Grand Prix stages three times.

ETA the list posted here on Aug. 30 (I've crossed out the 2 dance teams that have since split):

Russian Ice Dance has been like "Squid Game" the last couple of seasons. I wonder who will be the last couple standing.