The Knierims have switched coaches from Sappenfield to ... Aljona Savchenko!

[sk9tingfan]

U.S. Figure Skating announces that Alexa Scimeca-Knierim and Chris Knierim have left Dalilah Sappenfield and will now train part of the time with Alexander König and Jean-Francois Ballester (Aliona Savchenko & Bruno Massot's coaches) in Oberstdorf as well as in Chicago. Savchenko will join them in Chicago

 

[Lizziebeth]

Wow, to me that is a bold and brilliant move. Can't wait to see what happens and if they can get their skating to the next level and get some great programs.

 

[Skittl1321]

Wow- going to Germany to train is a huge step. I really hope it works for them!

 

[Sylvia]

Press release: http://www.usfsa.org/story?id=91508&type=media

 

[kwanfan1818]

Wow -- good for them!

 

[sk9tingfan]

Press release: http://www.usfsa.org/story?id=91508&type=media

@sk9tingfan, I just sent you a PM.

The Knierims' main coach will be Aljona Savchenko (Just clarified)

 

[znhurston]

It will be very interesting to see if Savchenko can translate her success as a skater to success as a coach. I'm also curious to learn more about how this arrangement came to be

 

[sus2850]

Oh, so they beat the announcement of the German fed about Aljona‘s and Bruno‘s future by three days!

 

[oleada]

Wow, this is a bold move. Good lucky to them.

 

[muffinplus]

Wow, this is interesting. I had no idea Aljona was going to go into coaching this soon...

 

[libecha]

Wow, this is interesting. I had no idea Aljona was going to into coaching this soon...

She had a cryptic post on her Instagram last week that now makes sense. And Bruno is moving to Switzerland, so she was going to need something else to do.

This is so interesting, I’m really surprised
but excited to see what comes of it. Hope they’re ready to work their butts off.

 

[rfisher]

Wow, this is interesting. I had no idea Aljona was going to into coaching this soon...

She's been doing some coaching/consulting the past year and is now going to coach Hocke/Blommeret. Bruno is going back to France to do some coaching as well. Will be interesting to see if they can translate doing to teaching.

 

[MsZem]

Interesting and ambitious move on Alexa and Chris's part - quite outside the box for a US pair! I wish them and their coaching team much success

 

[victorskid]

In a tweet, Alexa and Chris have confirmed that when they are training in the Chicago area Aljona will be travelling to the USA to be with them.

 

[skatfan]

Bravo for them. They needed a change. I can see Alexa and her getting along really well!

 

[sus2850]

I am also wondering about the location. Alex König was said to be going to build a new pairs program in Berlin. Where Hocke still is going to school as well. I guess Aljona and Alex König will clarify that on Thursday at their press conference.

 

[Wyliefan]

Gutsy! I like it!

 

[Firedancer]

Really interesting and exciting choice by Alexa and Chris! I will admit I never thought they would leave Delilah. But I think they really needed a change. I can’t wait to see where they will take their skating from here! Best of luck to Alexa, Chris and Aljona!

 

[maureenfarone]

Wow, what a move. Best of luck to them!

 

[Sylvia]

In a tweet, Alexa and Chris have confirmed that when they are training in the Chicago area Aljona will be travelling to the USA to be with them.

This is their tweet in reply to IN's tweet: https://twitter.com/Scimeca_Knierim/status/996058821310275584

 

[Rob]

I would love to see the off ice training with Aljona! Ouch!

 

[kittysk8ts]

This is fascinating and fabulous. I wish them all the very best

 

[dinakt]

A gutsy move, and doubly brilliant if Alexa or Chris ever decide to coach. Very best wishes!!!

 

[arakwafan2006]

Interesting. None of that jump missing lol. They are a beautiful pair. Wishing them the best.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

I nominate Myself to be the President of this thread!!!

OMG.. I am still gasping for air.

NO BETTER TEAM to go to for improving their skills...

I though there was a 0 chance of them ever leaving Dalilah. JUST CANT believe it.

I AM SUPER excited to see all the new things they will learn... connections, expression, technique.

I am still shocked tho. Wonder how they approached Dalilah and how it went down.

 

[skatfan]

I am still shocked tho. Wonder how they approached Dalilah and how it went down.

Alexa and Chris strike me as two of the kindest people in skating. I'm sure it was done with care. Maybe they even brought her flowers.

 

[el henry]

Alexa said on her Friday IG stories “Big News on Monday”.

I thought they were getting another kitty; she wasn’t kidding

Best of luck to them,

 

[kittyjake5]

Great news! Aliona coaching, did I miss her retirement announcement.
Alexa and Chris will surely benefit from this change. Best of Luck to them!

 

[skatfan]

Great news! Aliona coaching, did I miss her retirement announcement.
Alexa and Chris will surely benefit from this change. Best of Luck to them!

Apparently the Alijona/Bruno announcement comes later this week. Odd timing to have Alexa/Chris announce this before that, but I assume there was a reason.

 

[jeffisjeff]

The title of this thread really buries the lead.