Panina's interview with Semenenko's mom
Panina: How is Zhenya and what do the doctors say?
Mom: Thank you, he is better. Yesterday they did the brain and spine tomography. There were no bad bone injures or bleedings. The treating continues, the dynamics is positive. I hope for the best.
Panina: Have you figured with your son or the people who saw it what happened? Many say it was because of the spotlight and the small rink
Mom: There were a lot of version what caused the fall and the injury. When Zhenya will be allowed to talk I guess he'll tell what happened and what caused it. Everyone puts the most important things first. For me it's my child's health and all the talk about the organization and the show technicalities - not now. Now Zhenya's health is important.
Panina: After that evening there was a wave of support for Zhenya. The internet was bursting with the comments. Were you called and written to? Did you expect such a warm reaction?
Mom: it's a really nice question to answer. The support, the warmth is important for Zhenya now. Since he was hospitalized he gets sweets, fruits and presents every day. It' really touching all that attention from the people we don't even know. We got a lot of words of support from Mishin, Mishina, Prokof'eva, the federation, the coaches, choreographers and skaters from St. Petersburg and Moscow , the school 606. We were offered help by the Uni where Zhenya studies, got warm words of support from the dean, the lecturers and his university friends. There were a lot of calls and messages from the family all wishing a fast recovery. And of course the fans from all over the world. I can't reply all these messages, but we are so grateful, that support is really important and really helps. Thank you so much!
Panina: where do you get the energy to help your child with all the hardships and let them remain in that sport despite everything?
Mom: Any sport is injuries prone, Zhenya was injured before, especially when he was 14-15 and this season in Skate Canada, but never so badly. I'm still horrified watching the video from that show. Figure skating was always Zhenya's decision and we try to support him. Frankly, when he was 14-15 I was against, but he insisted and kept skating, though it was tough. There are hard times for everyone and Zhenya is going through one now, but I'm sure he'll overcome it.
Panina: How did Zhenya change during the Olympic season? How much did he grow up?
Mom: The season was tough and it made Zhenya stronger. I now listen to his advice.