Some excerpts from Buyanova’s latest interview:
http://www.fsrussia.ru/intervyu/2993-elena-buyanova-u-nashikh-sportsmenok-silnyj-kharakter.html
“During the last year Adian practically didn’t stop to see doctors. For a young guy it’s hard to endure it, the situation isn't easy for Adian. We were forced to sit out the season, though Petr Tshernishew made great programmes for Adian. But the injury constantly slowed down the practice process and that held us back. There were periods of improvement, but as soon as we increased the work load, the athlete got pain in the back. And this, probably, has already gotten to a chronic state. But it’s necessary to learn new elements. The competitors moved forward. We spoke with Adian about this issue. But he has to decide himself if he can continue to skate. Pitkeev is a very talented, exceptionally gifted skater – ambitious, receptive. It’s very sad that the injury disturbed him to realize his potential. But health is health. I went through that by myself in sport, and know what injury and sickness is not only by reports.”
There were quite a few parts of Eteri’s interview I didn’t like, but the statements on Adian are just repulsive. Adian skated for at least one year on a severe back injury, without getting proper treatment with Eteri. With that approach things apparently chronified so much, that even after more than one year of serious treatment it looks like nothing can be done anymore and Adian will have to retire from skating after just turning 19 a couple of days ago. And instead of admitting a mistake or at least keeping silent, Eteri even attacks Adian for being kind of hysteric, provocative and not willing to train during that period (now who can blame him when he was in constant pain?).
The Euros story is also strange. Eteri herself mentioned how sick Adian was before Euros (3 weeks after nationals in bed with high fever, antibiotics – basically he had one week of preparation) and that he skated so well given the circumstances:
http://www.sport-express.ru/figure-skating/news/769989/
Now she says that he didn’t want to skate there - well, no wonder with that kind of preparation. So obviously Eteri pressured Adian to skate at Euros. And his back was already taped at this competition. In my book it’s vile to ruin a skaters image, who actually might retire due to Eteri not paying proper attention to injury.
Some other comments on her former skaters were also quite unpleasant to say at least. It amazing how a so very successful coach so much lacks class.