Tatiana Tarasova: I don't even consider working with the foreign skaters this season

[barbarafan]

was just keepin' it real about the ice dance prospects. Maybe she's a fan of the teams above Bobrova/Soloviev, (and likes their skating more) even if they aren't Russian? How dare she. She's seen it all in this sport, so she's not blind to huge talent from other countries.

Maybe if the Russian program currently had a team that could hold a candle to Virtue/Moir and Papadakis/Cizeron (or even the Americans, Weaver/Poje..) she'd be a lot different about it. There's some great talent coming up for next quad, but come on already. How can you expect a miracle?

I also loved her saying this in print - "Tarasova is a hero girl." absolutely!

Totally love her....she knows her shi**t. She has had my heart since the last preolympic year when it had been decided that D/W would win 2014 she saw T&S do Carmen live and she gave them a standing O and was so excited by it...When she sees robot couples doing their thing she is prob. saying in her head.."Yeah...whatever."

 

[ninalovesskating]

ES: There were such opinions after the championship in Helsinki.
TAT: Those who claim so should really open their eyes and see who skates which way. Katia and Dima, who missed 2 seasons did great for their level. What can we attempt in the ice dance? The guys are 5th. They should be 5th at the Olympics should they work hard, prepare new interesting programmes. It would be a great result.

For once, she's actually being objective and not saying B/S should get an Olympic medal! And to think that they actually got that 5th place finish through intense politicking... Does anybody really think B/S had the third-best free dance at Worlds? Who are we kidding?

 

[MsZem]

I wonder if she means that Stolbova/Klimov were encouraged to "stay back" too long as juniors?? Or if she is referring to the Sochi year, and them being held back because Volosozhar/Trankov were the leading Russian pair at that point.

My guess would be skipping 2015 Worlds to "prepare for next season", a bizarre decision that doesn't look any better in hindsight.

 

[VGThuy]

I thought the Russian Figure Skating Federation outlawed coaches (and choreographers?) from working with any non-Russian skater(s) in the year leading up to the Olympics?

As Tahbka said, it doesn't seem strict this year. In fact, as long as I have been watching skating (late 90s-on) , Russian coaches coached non-Russians was the norm. It seemed like Sochi was the exception and I think Russia hosting the Olympics had a lot to do with it. Now that the Olympics are elsewhere, there is less of the urgency to show off.

As for B/S and being 5th, I have a feeling TAT is just lowering expectations so if B/S do actually medal in the ice dance competition, it will be seen as a victory or if they place 5th, it will be seen as doing the best they can rather than it being disappointing.

For once, she's actually being objective and not saying B/S should get an Olympic medal! And to think that they actually got that 5th place finish through intense politicking... Does anybody really think B/S had the third-best free dance at Worlds? Who are we kidding?

Freakin' questionable 1.00 extended lift deduction for the Shibs!

 

[rfisher]

It may be true about Kovtun but Kolyada? I think Kolyada has a lot of potential. There are also a few junior Russian men who can make it. So, I was puzzled by her pessimism. Maybe as coach for Yagudin, she just has a super high standard for the men?

Actually, I thought she was spot on with her comments about "potential". Potential doesn't end up on the podium. You have to deliver. Neither of them do and especially when it's important. I like both, but potential isn't enough. Every skater who makes it to the top ten in a discipline has potential. And, in her POV, if you don't win, you wasted your time. That was the attitude of the USSR when she skated and her frustration with the lack of discipline among skaters and coaches often is clear. Like when she slaps Kovtun up side the head for being a screw up.

 

[suki]

Totally love her....she knows her shi**t. She has had my heart since the last preolympic year when it had been decided that D/W would win 2014 she saw T&S do Carmen live and she gave them a standing O and was so excited by it...When she sees robot couples doing their thing she is prob. saying in her head.."Yeah...whatever."

 

[Agent 355]

Some thought B/S were undermarked? Wow... If anything they got lucky (and a little help) with that 5th place finish. Thank you for the translation.

 

[TAHbKA]

I was interested in TAT's comment about Stolbova/Klimov:
I wonder if she means that Stolbova/Klimov were encouraged to "stay back" too long as juniors?? Or if she is referring to the Sochi year, and them being held back because Volosozhar/Trankov were the leading Russian pair at that point.

I would assume the 2015/2016 when they were held back behind Volosozhar/Trankov or were not competing the same competitions where Volosozhar/Trankov were. The 2014 - they were lucky (thanks to Smirnov's injury) to even make it to the Olympics (especially taken their preparations for the season with Klimov's broken leg).

For once, she's actually being objective and not saying B/S should get an Olympic medal! And to think that they actually got that 5th place finish through intense politicking... Does anybody really think B/S had the third-best free dance at Worlds? Who are we kidding?

Yes, 90% of the Russian media. The usual whine `we were robbed, the whole world is against us, we are so great and are being undermarked' is the usual type of crap that is being published. Tarasova gave her point of view, which is very different from most of the journalists.

 

[lauravvv]

Totally love her....she knows her shi**t. She has had my heart since the last preolympic year when it had been decided that D/W would win 2014 she saw T&S do Carmen live and she gave them a standing O and was so excited by it...When she sees robot couples doing their thing she is prob. saying in her head.."Yeah...whatever."

I have to disappoint you. Tarasova has always said only good things about Davis/White. I don't recall her ever calling them robitic or even saying they lack emotionality, musicality, artistry or whatever. In fact, she has praised their musicality along with their general skills, unison etc.. In 2012 she was among those who thought that Davis/White should have won with their 'Die Fledermaus' FD. And in 2014 she thought that Virtue/Moir should have won the SD, but she was not so adamant about the FD or even about them winning overall.

And I am not talking about this because I am a Davis/White fan. I liked them, but I have always been a Virtue/Moir fan. I simply wanted to explain/"enlighten" you where Tarasova really stands in regard to Davis/White (meaning, that she did not share your opinion about them).

 

[rfisher]

Totally love her....she knows her shi**t. She has had my heart since the last preolympic year when it had been decided that D/W would win 2014 she saw T&S do Carmen live and she gave them a standing O and was so excited by it...When she sees robot couples doing their thing she is prob. saying in her head.."Yeah...whatever."

She also gave Joubert many standing Os while fanning herself, so I wouldn't read too much into that.

 

[caseyedwards]

She never really cared about dance. Even Tracy said in the TSL interview that Tarasova and other Russians were like "It's ice dance. Who cares? You know what's going to happen..." when she would ask about it in the late 1990s. Which is pretty much true today. Ever since Skate Canada, it was 99% that V/M were going to win Worlds, and 99% chance that V/M and P/C were going to be the top two no matter what in any competition.

Am not sure about the previous Olympics (Morozov and Zhulin had to give up their foreign teams, I think), but think it's not so strict this year. Zhulin is coaching Hurtado/Haliavin, right? Or am I out of the loop and they moved? And Mozer has the Australian team. So they are not outlawed, but guess not encouraged. However, I can't really see anyone TELLING Tarasova who to coach and whom not should she choose to.


I just love it how every time I translate an interview you waltz in with what the interviewer should had asked or the intereviewed should had answered or said. Tarasova is talking about the current level of the Russian ice dancers. In her books a 5th place for Bobrova/Soloviev, who missed 2 seasons would be a great result. What the hell is your problem with that?
Actually never mind. Ignore list.


I think her standards are not so much for the men skating, but for their investment. She said several times in several interviews (not only her, Tutberidze said the same) - the guys are sparing themselves and are not completely invested in their skating.

Why you taking it so personally?!? If they are a journalist and have an interview ask good questions! This is a common criticism for journalists. These are some missed opportunities! It's not an attack on your translation! Take it easy and not be so defensive. I'm sure tarasova knows fifth for b/s would mean no medal for Russia for the first time ever. What's her opinion on that? Missed opportunity.

 

[caseyedwards]

For once, she's actually being objective and not saying B/S should get an Olympic medal! And to think that they actually got that 5th place finish through intense politicking... Does anybody really think B/S had the third-best free dance at Worlds? Who are we kidding?

Why choose to be 8th in the short dance? What kind of politics is that? Why not politic yourself to win? Why politic to fifth?

 

[alchemy void]

Great interview. Sometimes TAT seems a little deluded but she was really cut throats here. Love it.

I especially love her assessment of Russian men, especially Kolyada and Kovtun. Potential is there, but they aren't adjusting their programs to keep up with other skaters, and it sounds like part of it is a bit of work ethic. Kovtun is probs a lost cause but Kolyada's season was really disappointing and he lost a ton of ground after being 4th in 2015 Worlds. He has potential yes, but he needs to deliver this season.

I like that she (kind of) called out Mozer for holding S/K out of 2015 Worlds. Ridiculous decision.

I'm only disappointed TAT didn't give her insights on the potential of Tuktamysheva and Leonova to make the Olympics team.
#delusionaloffseason

 

[MAXSwagg]

I doubt even Kolyada can have that much success. People seem to forget that he's the SAME age as Hanyu, yet he's pretty much like a junior skater. I don't see time on his side AT ALL.

 

[alchemy void]

I doubt even Kolyada can have that much success. People seem to forget that he's the SAME age as Hanyu, yet he's pretty much like a junior skater. I don't see time on his side AT ALL.

Yeah but Hanyu is at an incredible standard, I don't think anyone expects Kolyada to be that good. He is, however, capable of bronzing at the Worlds level, making GPF, maybe making Euros not a total walk in the park for Fernandez, etc.

 

[barbarafan]

I have to disappoint you. Tarasova has always said only good things about Davis/White. I don't recall her ever calling them robitic or even saying they lack emotionality, musicality, artistry or whatever. In fact, she has praised their musicality along with their general skills, unison etc.. In 2012 she was among those who thought that Davis/White should have won with their 'Die Fledermaus' FD. And in 2014 she thought that Virtue/Moir should have won the SD, but she was not so adamant about the FD or even about them winning overall.

And I am not talking about this because I am a Davis/White fan. I liked them, but I have always been a Virtue/Moir fan. I simply wanted to explain/"enlighten" you where Tarasova really stands in regard to Davis/White (meaning, that she did not share your opinion about them).

Thank-you for your enlightening but I was not talking about what Tarasova thought about Davis/White and would not as I have never heard any commentary translated on their routines. So I don't know how she felt. I was talking about many ice dance couples that all look the same with nothing to make them stand out and with so many outstanding couples I doubt if Tarasova would be too interested in them.

 

[caseyedwards]

I doubt even Kolyada can have that much success. People seem to forget that he's the SAME age as Hanyu, yet he's pretty much like a junior skater. I don't see time on his side AT ALL.

But hanyu is arguably best skater of All time so everything is different.

 

[lauravvv]

Thank-you for your enlightening but I was not talking about what Tarasova thought about Davis/White and would not as I have never heard any commentary translated on their routines. So I don't know how she felt. I was talking about many ice dance couples that all look the same with nothing to make them stand out and with so many outstanding couples I doubt if Tarasova would be too interested in them.

I am sorry for assuming that you meant Davis/White. It's just so many Virtue/Moir fans have called them robotic, emotionless etc. (which I don't agree with) that, when I read your comment, my first thought was about them.

As for other ice dancers, I personally don't see anyone in world top 20 and even beyond whom I could call robotic, including Bobrova/Soloviev and Stepanova/Bukin. Even if all of them are not performers of V/M's and P/C's level, "robotic" is a huge exaggeration, in my opinion. I also don't see all or any of them as looking the same even though there are similarities. For instance, while most of Dubreuil/Lauzon's teams have a similar style I don't see them as "all the same" just because they are all skating mostly lyrical FDs to slow/slowish music like many people do. Even the music is not actually all the same. And the similarities in their skating style are a good thing rather than something bad as it means quality skating. Taljing about Tarasova, she also likes the style of the Dubreuil/Lauzon group - both the skating quality that the majority of them share, as well as individual programs and traits. She absolutely loved Fournier-Beaudry/Sorensen's FD which many thought boring, thought their performance of it at Euros very emotional and the FD itself a great tribute to Edith Piaf. As for Hubbell/Donohue, she mostly praised their skating and edgework, as well as their connection/chemistry, and also their musicality. And, of course, she simply adores Papadakis/Cizeron.

Forgive me for going off-topic again, simply I know that the lyrical style of the Montreal group and others who have done programs of that kind is what many people consider absolutely boring and "all the same".

 

[ninalovesskating]

Why choose to be 8th in the short dance? What kind of politics is that? Why not politic yourself to win? Why politic to fifth?

Because if B/S and the Russian Fed politicked themselves for the win, the world would turn upside down and one of the biggest upsets in sports history would erupt. Just the mere idea of them taking first place against V/M or P/C is downright ridiculous.

 

[caseyedwards]

Because if B/S and the Russian Fed politicked themselves for the win, the world would turn upside down and one of the biggest upsets in sports history would erupt. Just the mere idea of them taking first place against V/M or P/C is downright ridiculous.

Russia and the world is totally used to that! Sotnikova? Urmanov, g/p 1994. 1st slutskaya title , butyrskaya title, What is gained for 5th place? Nothing. How was politics used to place 8th in short dance and fifth overall?

 

[ninalovesskating]

Russia and the world is totally used to that! Sotnikova? Urmanov, g/p 1994. 1st slutskaya title , butyrskaya title, What is gained for 5th place? Nothing. How was politics used to place 8th in short dance and fifth overall?

8th SD... No politics there or there was but B/S sucked that much that the judges couldn't do it. 3rd FD... Now that's where the politicking was on full force.

 

[caseyedwards]

8th SD... No politics there or there was but B/S sucked that much that the judges couldn't do it. 3rd FD... Now that's where the politicking was on full force.

But why? It didn't accomplish anything. No three spots for Pyeongchang or bronze medal. Did they politic just for a small medal? Why not go all out and fix a win in the free dance so they could win silver or bronze?

 

[Alilou]

But why? It didn't accomplish anything. No three spots for Pyeongchang or bronze medal. Did they politic just for a small medal? Why not go all out and fix a win in the free dance so they could win silver or bronze?

Probably because with VM and PC being the way they are it simply wouldn't be possible to fix a win in the FD. I know there's a lot of back room dealing, but the judges are not stupid. I think they know when it would just be going too far.

 

[ninalovesskating]

But why? It didn't accomplish anything. No three spots for Pyeongchang or bronze medal. Did they politic just for a small medal? Why not go all out and fix a win in the free dance so they could win silver or bronze?

Are you going mad? I know Russia has had countless scandals but this one would have been the cherry on top. Can you actually imagine? Subpar Russian Ice Dance Team B/S wins the gold medal at the World Championships, beating Olympic Champions V/M and reigning World Champions P/C?! Downright stupid. It literally would have been the biggest WTF.

 

[caseyedwards]

Probably because with VM and PC being the way they are it simply wouldn't be possible to fix a win in the FD. I know there's a lot of back room dealing, but the judges are not stupid. I think they know when it would just be going too far.

But people are talking about Russia fixing the ice dance competition for fifth but why not fix it for bronze or higher? They didn't have to win the free dance. Russia could have fixed a score where v/m and p/c are ahead of b/s but only by 2 and 3 points. I just don't agree russia fixed the ice dance competition for fifth. I don't see how politics was involved.

Are you going mad? I know Russia has had countless scandals but this one would have been the cherry on top. Can you actually imagine? Subpar Russian Ice Dance Team B/S wins the gold medal at the World Championships, beating Olympic Champions V/M and reigning World Champions P/C?! Downright stupid. It literally would have been the biggest WTF.

How would it have been different than Sotnikova winning. People acted like that was fixed and it was Olympic gold. Sotnikova hugging judge and suspended judge and Russians not from Russia.

 

[Japanfan]

How would it have been different than Sotnikova winning.

The difference is that Sotnikova's win can be defended as legitimate. I am among those who believe that the fix was in for her, and that Kim should have rightfully beat her. But even so, her OG medal can arguably be justified.

B/S winning the gold medal is different because they aren't legitimate contenders for gold - really not even legitimate contenders for any medal, given that current ice dance field.

 

[caseyedwards]

The difference is that Sotnikova's win can be defended as legitimate. I am among those who believe that the fix was in for her, and that Kim should have rightfully beat her. But even so, her OG medal can arguably be justified.

B/S winning the gold medal is different because they aren't legitimate contenders for gold - really not even legitimate contenders for any medal, given that current ice dance field.

This was said about slutskaya many times. So many Russian skaters have been depicted as totally underserving of any medal including dance teams! G/P in 1994 especially and d/s world title in 2009. Everyone in western media saying Russians are undeserving would be nothing new.

 

[Japanfan]

This was said about slutskaya many times.

Totally unfairly IMO. She fought for her medals. She was a powerful, athletic skater and female skaters of that kind so often get criticized simply for not being baby ballerinas or for not being 'artistic' enough according to the feminine FS stereotype.

Gabbie Daleman highlighted that point in an interview after Worlds. She said she used to be embarrassed of her muscles, and used to hide her biceps all the time.

Slutskaya also had the misfortune of competing against Kwan, who attracted a particularly loud and fanatical group of fans (some of them, in any case).

But criticisms such as she skated "like a truck driver" really went too far IMO. There is a huge range of roles and styles between baby ballerina and a truck driver.

So many Russian skaters have been depicted as totally underserving of any medal including dance teams! G/P in 1994 especially and d/s world title in 2009. Everyone in western media saying Russians are undeserving would be nothing new.

Dance is the hardest discipline for me to critique, and when I started watching skating in the 90s, I really didn't know whether Russia's dance dominance was the result of talent or politics. I figured then and figure now that it was a combination of both. And I found dance boring because what the results would be were clear even before competitions began. If I had really fancied any of the teams competing at that time, I might have felt differently. I did actually like d/s, so was okay with their 2009 win.

The pairs scandal of 2002 of course brought the whole issue to the fore. And it showed both sides of the issue - on the one hand, you had "never deserving", but on the other hand, you had "always deserving". Being Russian was associated with being best in both pairs and dance. Those who defended S&P on this board often did so at their peril, and the same remains true today.

Prior to Sochi someone commented that the "rightful home" of Pairs Gold was Russia. I think it was a Russian coach, and the inference was that the 2010 Olympic pairs competition had been an anomaly.

Sui/Han may have something to say about that in 2018.

 

[millyskate]

Great interview, thanks! Loved the honest answers from TAT. And also her take on Julia's career.

 

[ninalovesskating]

Everyone in western media saying Russians are undeserving would be nothing new.

Yes, it's nothing new and yes, there is/has always been a rivalry between the Americans and the Russians but there's some truth behind it if you look at the situation right now. Compared to the North American teams, in no way shape or form are B/S deserving of that 5th place finish... How much more a medal?! Why so in denial? Russians and their fans need to accept the fact that they are weak in dance right now. And btw, the trash talking goes both ways. The Russians have said plenty of smack too.