I never liked Trusova, but I have say, out of all the ladies I’m most excited to see how she progresses this season. Maybe she could actually be the one to survive post-Eteri, she’s such a fighter. I do, however, sincerely hope things will get better for Alëna. It would be a tragedy if we lose her mesmerising skating!
Yes Trusova was on fire and a nice surprise. She looked so strong! I am hoping she will keep the 3 quad layout, but knowing Trusova, she will probably want to add another quad later on and that is not good. She proved last season she can't pull it off, and it actually means that she loses points as the 4th quad is instead of a safe 3F.
@@Jontor11 with a coach who did quads himself, I feel like Plushenko could talk her back from four unless she needs it, which I'm kind of doubting she will. Scherbakova is going to be limited to two based on the retched state of her 3F today, and unless pigs have started flying, she'll never have a 3A, which is most likely the jump Trusova is looking to nail down right now
@@iris7484 Yes, and if Trusova gets the 3A, she has the advantage over Shcherbakova even if they both have 3 quads in their programs. We'll see what happens.
20:57 Mikhail Kolyada - he was great this year, solid jumps and by the looks of it he's coming back in peak competitive form 27:30 Boikova/Kozlovskii - they've become my favorites since last year and i'm glad they've kept their FP, amazing development and I think they might be able to get on the podium at the 2022 Olympics 36:51 Plushenko - he was DEFINITELY very nervous, especially with that gum chewing it looked like he might start chewing his tongue because his nerves were all over the place, he didn't give a lot of instructions to the skaters before the performances and left the coaching job to the younger coaches (Sergei and Elena), and Eteri loved the attention and applause she got when she walked up to the boards 39:28 Trusova - it's like the corona hiatus and the coach change didn't affect her at all, she kept her amazing form/confidence and she looks more muscular by the second; her SP is better and I think she's gonna give great performances this season, and by the looks of it Elena and the other young coach are her "assigned" coaches and are giving her full attention 46:30 Kostornaia - the russian politics have smudged her career and they won't let her move on and develop properly, but I have to say that SP wasn't good and I hope her coach Sergei fixes all of it because it looked worse than the Dani G choreos, even when she finished the SP her face said it all because she looked very disappointed by the (sort of) late applause, and the interview afterwards shows how much the gossip and the politics have gotten into her head and have disastrous effects on her focus and mindset, I'm hoping that she gets her 3A back and a miracle for her new FP 50:23/57:30 Medvedeva - she wasn't bad considering the fact that she was preparing without a coach, I think her FP has potential if done properly and generally I like that she still wants to compete and see how long can she keep her career going (btw TAT's reaction after the SP was hilarious, and Eteri stayed to watch the FP and seethe) 54:04 Valieva - she looked a little bit scared but the SP/FP were ok, she has amazing flexibility, and she does look a little bit like Zagitova but she still doesn't have confidence and good mental strength 1:08:36 Shcherbakova - I loved her SP even though her combo jumps weren't that great, it looks like she might be able to get her quads back for the FP and I think she's the one to compete against Trusova for the gold (on a side note, it looks like she has grown up A LOT) 1:10:42 Tuktamysheva - she's the veteran in the group but is still able to maintain her athleticism, good height for the 3A even though she didn't land it she will probably get it back, but I didn't like the SP costume
I love the whole event. The camera work on coaches and back stage and how they arrive was spot on. The Russian clearly know their drama, and where the all attention was. As Ted describe it the story lines of the competition, I think they are all ready for a big reality TV show.
@@TheSkatingLesson Yeah that would be nice, she has the vibe creep husband , some questionable daily Emmy awards, she would appreciate the greatness of the Russian coaches
My two cents: Kolyada has never lacked Technical or artistic skills. It's only his mental fortitude which has prevented him from being at the top of the podium. Koliyada has all the ingredients for the making of a champion, he only needs to do it. Samarin seems like a nice guy, however, I feel that putting him right after Koliyada is a great disservice. The skating order really points out all of his short coming. Add to this the fact that his jumps are not working and it's really a sad comparison Alyona is my favorite of the three A's, however, this program appears to be a continuation of her Twilight angsty teen period from last season. I think the team knows this and that's why Shae Lyn is doing the long program. On a personal level, this young lady has more maturity than 90% of the adults around. Don't count her out, that courage will get her far. Trusova is a fighter, and while it may not be her natural inclination, you can see that she's trying to listen to the music. Her engagement with the audience and the judges have also improved. I hope the coaching staff continues to work on making her a complete package. Valieva similarly to last season, mental toughness will be key for her. I like Bolero as a music piece, however, I cannot say that this interpretation of it works for me. I'm really impressed by her ability to come back after such a fall on her first element. However, I hope they fix this program. Tuktaymsheva is such an Empress, I have nothing but respect for her will to continue in the face of all odd. I think she should make the most of this season and get back her 3 Axle and solidifying her jumping technique. As it stands her getting out of Russian national will be very hard. She loves that lay back move. Shcherbakova packaging this season is flawless. She looks like an elegant ladies champion. This is the definition of dressing for the position that you want. Her jumping was questionable at best. She's still getting used to her new body so that's understandable. We will have to see how the season progress. Her programs as expected. Medvadeva has got to overcome her demon the double axels. I think it's to early to determine her chances of getting out of Russian national. Also we didn't get to see the long program so it's hard to judge it. With Medvadeva there's two things to keep in mind. First Tat on her side, and now that her and Eteri are on good terms the political game is on. Second she's a champion and knows how to make a comeback when it counts.
Very well said.. personally i vouched for Alyona but Anna developed best I think, I never like her jumps till now but she got that feminine graceful vibes, and Evgenia has the most interesting programs both in short and long. She needs strength and consistency but I heard she's injured so I really want to see how her programs go this season. Tuktamysheva has good techniques but I never liked her helicopter tano Lutz .. she's too outrageous for me haha..no hate😎
In light to the Covid-19 circumstances, who knows how long Medvedeva would have to wait to return to Canada. She has been away from Canada for a long time with it looking like several months before she would be allowed to return.
yes. She looks like she has more input in what she's doing. As soon as I saw "Love Story" I could hear (in my head) Schindler's List, and the thought came to my mind that she might re-create Julia's Olympic programme, or a homage version of it.
@@EnzoFoove I think it's more a change of mindset than anything else. I mean it's pretty clear Plushenko is putting all his money on her, so she's getting more specialized attention, not at risk of being tossed out with the trash - it's like a weight was off her shoulders at the boards. Nerves going first in the free, but a normal amount, I thought. She and Kolyada showed - imo - the most change in attitude, which to me feels like they showed the most promise overall.
Indeed! Trusova was on fire! She was a wonderful surprise in the short, however the long was not that good, it was back to the old days of no skating skills and choreography. She looks strong though, I think she is out for blood this season!
@ Helen Areev: it is debatable who is the public sweetheart. Judging by the reaction of the crowd during the test skate, probably Medvedeva. Zhenia also has a solid international fan base (including me). And judging by the number of views on 1 kanal, Medvedeva, Trusova and Kostornaia have the most views for both short and free programs... these are all facts. You may argue they do not reflect public opinion, but then, what does? Certainly not the branding campaign for Zagitova, Sherbakova and now Valieva, which is undertaken by Tutberidze and company recently. I remember reading on the Tutberidze team channel that Zagitova and Sherbakova were chosen to be among the 5 most beautiful women in Russia. This made me laugh hard. I think most people like personality when it comes to an athlete, and Sherbakova is too bland, like a tea with too much sugar.
Love so much the revitalized Kolyada. So polished a performance head and shoulders above the rest! I'm sure I'm not the only person extremely glad to see him back again.
Have never been a Medvedeva fan but I'm sure she would have skated much better if she could train with Brian in person. Like Shoma who was coach-less for a while the damage could be very evident. She seems to have made a 180-degree change going back to her Eteri technique. There's no more jumping with the legs but only trying to twist with the upper body which doesn't work anymore.
I actually found that Anna's programs were better last season. The short is very similar, but last year it had much nuance which allowed her musicality to be showcased more. And the free is extremely generic; you can have classical music without being so bland, especially for Anna's expressiveness which is anything but bland. Firebird was much better, imo. I love Anna, she is an artist who definitely performed the programs as well as she could, but the music and choreography just doesn't do her justice this season.
Agree, with that music you have to have a good coreography or a good perfomance or will be very boring - as it was - and Anna still doesn’t have none of this elements, i was expecting more.
@@camilatakao3430 Anna is an amazing performer and her musicality is unmatched. But the choreography didn't do her justice. Her performance was second to none, though.
I kind of agree, but I love Anna. I think she has something special that draws you in. And I think this was a wonderful performance from her. However, I would love to see something uptempo with her, I know she can do it. Some hiphop number, some rock, or why not use Kraftwerk's "We are the robots"?!? I know Anna can pull all these genres off, we've seen it in her practicing videos, she is just outstanding in dancing to every genre.
I think Anna is under immense pressure now that she is the only senior medalist left with Eteri. When I watched the SP I could not help but notice her expression-she looked pained. Also in the free program she attempted 1 quad and fell on it. I hope Eteri does not push her too hard.
I think it was very obvious Zhenya was hurt. Her face said it all. I think she'll be fine in competition. I was really intrigued by the FS and I don't think she's done. She's still capable of putting on great performances. I thought you guys were exceptionally harsh on her but to each their own.
They always do they dont really like her, which as a zhenya fan is soemtimes not so nice to hear, because they seemingly didn't take into account that she 1. Had less time than for example anna and kamila or even sasha the only skater who had less time to train was alyona. 2. Yes her old back injury that she had at/directly after the olymics has flared up again( not surprising it will flair up every now and then cause there is no really resting her back in this sport when having to do spins ect.) Apparently a nerve is pinched, which is not something completely huge but it can be painful. 3. Apparently she wasnt supposed to jump in those programms because of that but she decided to still do them ( while i can feel nothing but respect i also want to scream at her how she put herself into danger ) .
@@madeleinebostrom3047 but...its the truth? I mean, they r spitting just straight facts. They analyze everyone's skating skills, I understand that if you're really a fan of someone it might seem harsh to u, but they're just being honest
I would actually give Eteri the win for last week (since her skater actually won lol) and either call it a tie or give it to Plushenko this week. Mostly because, if this event was scored, Sasha probably would've won overall because of the BV advantage in the FS. At the same time, Eteri had two students that looked pretty solid & prepared vs. Plushenko's one. Plush looked so nervous throughout & Alena clearly needs more time before she can compete. I would've called it a tie if it were not for Hot Sergei's black turtleneck, Alena's interview about Eteri and Elena's incredible performance at the boards. Overall, Mikhail was the absolute highlight of the event & this is the first time in a while where the men looked *way* more prepared than the ladies.
@@TheSkatingLesson Oh no - how could I forget?!!! And her photo with Tarasova. Eteri really gave us everything we could've asked for and more this weekend in the drama department. I hope she got the chance to say "Hi!" to her best friend Yana.
I don't like Plushenko, but I can't fault him for being nervous. As big as his ego can be, he's very self aware that if he fucks this up, it's not just any skater as irreplaceable as they are in that Russian field. I think he genuinely wants to do good by them and get them results. It must be odd to be so in control and then, as a coach, you can't really have all the control once your skaters are on ice. 😅
It’s interesting, that Sasha T went to Plush with Rozanov, yet finished with junior trainer of Angels of Plushenko Mikhailov. And Kostornaya is the one who got Rozanov full attention.
I think we will never know exactly what happened behind close doors or when Alena actually started thinking about transferring to Plushenko and if she and Rozanov have discussed that while still at Eteri's. Undoubtedly Alexandra has a great potential and if she wins gold this year, she will cement Plushenko as a rising star of a top coach. Aliona probably asked for Rozanov... and got him.
I wonder if Plushenko is taking notes from Irina Viner here, where each champion has their own dedicated coach. It might be a good idea actually considering they both left Eteri for lack of attentions.
I loved watching G/G's "Tango" on Friday. The Tango isn't just jerky angry passion, it's PASSION, it's the subtleties, the innuendo, beyond the passion. Bravo!
Trusova was my favourite from the Test Skates: she looked extremely ready for this, the programs are better than anything she has ever had (not that difficult to beat the Game of Thrones or Fifth Element free), it's a different style for her, and the coaches seem to be willing to improve her components. Kolyada also obvious favourite, i actually liked the short program a lot too, it was fun and energetic. I like the contrast between two programs. Mishina and Galiamov short was very good but his costume was a little atrocious with those sleeves.
love y'all, but your hate for Zhenya is getting a bit much now and everything you always say about her is such hyperbole. Johnathan clearly wanted to move on in the discussion, but Dave just kept going. Not a good look, and pretty cringey. It's easy to be critical when you're not brought up in her situation. Just maybe have a tad more compassion and stop twisting her career narrative into something it's not. Also, y'all are seriously toeing the line of near misogyny in some parts of that discussion. She can wear whatever she wants. She has worn that training gear for a good 3 years now, consistently. Check yourself. Looking forward to your next videos!
Since last year I feel like there is something personal probably between Dave and Brian Orser, because he is saying so many negative things about both, Evegnia and Brian, that it's beyond normal criticism. No matter whether Evgenia rides well or bad, he always hates it. He hates her programs made by the most recognized choreographers nowadays, her costumes. He is spreading unconfirmed gossips and his own wild theories. He never mentioned that her personal best last year was the fifth highest after 3A and Rika, which is quite an achievement. He even started to criticize her a lot as a person based on his own assumptions. His comments just became disgusting.
I didn't say she wasn't awful. She shouldn't have competed, but her situation, reputation, and desire to compete as to not lose relevance is strong and complicated, especially when she has a chronic back injury. They should stop acting gleefully and smug everytime something doesn't get her way. It's unbecoming and uncomfortable.
Here are my two cents: Trusova-- Plushenko is really putting every effort to prove that he can be a top coach and Trusova's programs are strong. It is obvious he takes a comprehensive approach, working on her posture, choreography and skating skills, while also working on maintaining and improving the quads. I loved her short program, her best so far with obvious improvement in all non technical areas. Both programs are more modern than what Eteri would typically do, and I think more appealing to the general public. I think she has a shot at moving up this year, and if she stabilizes the jumps, she will be a contender for Olympic medal. Anna: I find her programs too classical, to the point of boring. She is lovely, her skating expressive and fluid, but I think she will struggle with the jumps this year. If Evgenia, Alina and Julia struggle with triple jumps ones they reach 17 or 18, what can we expect for quads? This is uncharted territory for women skaters, but I think it is reasonably to assume that they require even more concentration, precision and stamina, and that will be much more difficult to maintain when a woman's body start changing its center of gravity. I noticed Anna's expression during the short program, she looked pained. I think Eteri is the type of coach that puts tremendous pressure on returning athletes and no Anna being the one egg in her basket-I fear that the pressure may reach a breaking point. Anna is the quintessential good girl, and Eteri requires obedience, and I am sure Anna does all she can... the problem is that Eteri may herself be under pressure because of the implicit challenge with Plushenko, and she may end up pushing Anna too far. Valieva: Undoubtedly groomed for the Olympics, they are already starting to launch her as a brand on their UA-cam channel. She is immensely talented, and her age is just right to fit the Eteri's window of opportunity--she will be 16 for the Olympics, potentially still with the body of a 12 year old, and therefore capable of performing quads, while also skating effortlessly, as she does now. Kostornaia: I really like her, also admire her guts to leave Eteri late into the pre-season. I think we can say with confidence that Eteri is not a good coach for mature skaters (this is put mildly). She expects from her medalist to be treated the same way as the rest of the aspiring skaters, while having very limited ability to help them with their changing bodies and the pressures of defending titles. Even in an ordinary profession a person who accomplishes something significant can expect a raise, may be an office, more say in her work... all other coaches evolve in their dealings with the athletes, while Eteri, having set up her conveyer belt treats these girls as an asset for a season or two. I support Kostornaia's decision to move to Plushenko and liked her short program. Realistically, she had a out a month to work on it, amidst covid and separation drama distractions. It is unrealistic to expect perfection so soon. Also change of coaches- common, Brian Orser said thaf it takes a year to have a skater show the results of a new coach... I keep my finger crossed that she restores the 3A and I think it is great Plushenko is paying for renown choreographer. I think this can work for her, if her body cooperates and if Plushenko manages to create a successful coaching team around her. There are obviously ifs and risks here, but the risk of remaining with Eteri probably outweighs them. After all Kostornaia is 17, and Zagitova retired at 17, having difficulty with her triple jumps before announcing a break from skating early last season. Kostornaia needs a coach who recognizes the realities of a changing body, can give individual attention and is vested in her success.
Medvedeva: she definitely struggled at the tests, and I hope she stabilizes her jumps and other elements of the programs. I think last year, she was asked to withdraw from the Russian Nationals, as was Zagitova to make way for the 3As. The Russian figure skating federation will be equally forceful this year, unless Evgenia shows she is consistent and competitive. There is a lot of goodwill towards her, and rightly so-I think you have to admire her determination to keep on fighting and improving. I think that there may be other factors, possibly drugs or hormones these girls have been given, which makes it harder for them to retain agility past puberty... I have to say looking at Trusova or Sherbakova at 16, I can't help but think that may be they are given something to delay their puberty... I think this and the extremely restrictive calorie intake eventually results in accelerated maturity and heaviness. I certainly hope she can pull it, I see the potential of her new programs and if she can execute them flawlessly, she can still get some medals, albeit not at world's or grand prix level. However for someone like her, this is enough and will give her fans what they want--attractive and different program.
“Kostornaia needs a coach who recognizes the realities of a changing body, can give individual attention and is vested in her success.” 100% agree. I just hope Plushenko IS that coach...
the character played by Anna in the SP is that of a woman going through the dueling process, Alina has already won all the junior and senior awards to which a skater aspires, she won the world championship with the changes in her body, she just no longer has the excitement to compete, even Yuna Kim after winning gold in Vancouver 2010 and losing the world championships that year was out of competition for 2 years until the 2013 world championships
@@tranquilitytranquility1407 even though it's doubtful that Plushenko is that coach, at least he's not Eteri who most definitely will toss her for her other girls. Can't wait to see her Free this year though maybe if we're lucky they'll tweak her sp (the music cuts were especially atrocious but at least her interpretation saved it a little), no matter what it will trump the usual daniil schtick anyways
could not get over how much I enjoyed Kolyada! I’m not a huge fan of the music for the short but his jumps especially his triple axel were amazing, and i’m obsessed with the free. was really disappointed with the ladies, especially Kostornaia and the Eteri girls. Daniils choreography has been so alarmingly bad this year especially in the juniors. Anna and Kamila deserve some much better! Trusova’s programs looked a lot better than last years, they don’t seem emotional or amazing skating skills wise, but she looks like she’s really trying and thats great!
Danny G did a wonderful job on her short. But Bolero should be scrapped. (Use last years long until a new program can be assembled. There is plenty of time this year, not many places to even compete)
@Skate Lover That doesn't mean anything. We all know that whoever lands the most difficult jumps will win, no matter the program, especially if it is a top Russian skater trained by Eteri. Even Sasha got decent PCS last season and Medvedeva always get huge PCS, even when she falls.
@Skate Lover Alysa Liu had a lot of URs (which were not undeserved) and Kamila got higher GOE and PCS. And, in this case, the two cannot be compared, really. Kamila actually has good skating skills and I think Daria is better than Alysa also. And yes, Russian federation is powerful, and protects its skaters, especially the senior ones (and especially those who are trained by Eteri lol). Or do you think Trusova deserved the PCS she received last season? Or Zagitova and Medvedeva have the best skating skills among the ladies? Because that is what scores will tell you.
Billie Eilish does not sound good in ice rink. I mean, Billie Eilish does not sound good anywhere. She is music for 13 year old girls who think they are OH-SO-EDGY but are too scared to ask for extra ketchup pack at McDonalds.
1st, the edit of the Bond piece is pretty poor. But that's the norm for Russians, they're very happy to destroy someone's lifework (from a musical point of view). 2nd, You Should See Me in a Crown was the wrong choice. Bury a Friend would have worked much better. Or even My Future (the Miley Live Lounge version).
@@triplea_qgb1963 perhaps, but the movement of her style has changed so much since then. As much as I love Ocean Eyes (and I do). Even "All the Good Girls Go to Hell" could work. As could "Strange Addiction", depending on the mood that the skater wants to create with it. But I'm still going with Bury a Friend, would fit it so much better.
The thing with Evgenia is that she used to be the queen of consistency and right know you literally have no idea how she's going to perform. I mean weren't Tat and Brian saying before Test Skates she was in good shape? Well, we didn't see any of that this weekend. I have to say the program has potential, but today she was buried under it. She didn't have any stamina or energy whatsoever. And the cartwheel thing was a bit embarassing tbh. I mean her gloves slipped because of fresh ice (??). Tarasova was right not to show up today. I'm pretty skeptical about a big comeback for her that so many people seem to hope for. Apart from a few good moments (2019 Worlds, 2019 Rostelecom) her skating (in competition) has been pretty mediocre since 2018.
It wasnt right before test skates like rians interwiew was like a almost a month ago? And apparently it is her old recurring back injury that flared up again, it could have been that this issue came after the interwiews . But i do actually dislike trainers who say that skaters are in good form or make it out to be because all it does is to add more pressure on the skaters imo to show that the coaches words were no lies. So i would like it if the coaches would just shut up about that before any skate happens
I want to give her the benefit of the doubt and assume that she did not want to strain herself because her back pain returned. After all, this is just a test skate and all skaters to various degree underperformed. However, ones the competitive season starts, she will have to do better or step down.
Yes, I know. I hope she can pull it together. I don't know if she just did not care about the tests, or if her programs are not ready. I love the newprograms and would so much love to see her shine with them.
I loved the I.AM exhibition, it went surprisingly smoothly and was well paced. Really enjoyed watching dance in this format. Marie-France can have all my quarantine dollars.
They make a lot of inappropiate comments about weight and such, but that does not invalidate what they said anout Ted, he was really creepy and itvreally caught me off guard.
@@TheSkatingLesson Nathan, Yuzuru and Shoma are going to have their work cut out to meet the PCS that this is going to have later in the season. I am so impressed, and I don't think I've ever said that about Kolyada before. Mind Blown.
@@hellsbellsmichelle PCS won't be enough to overcome the technical advantage of Nathan and others. Kolyada will have to depend on others making mistakes to get on the podium at Worlds.
Regarding medvedeva, I'm more worried about her physical and mental health. Have you seen her cheekbones and limbs? They are as thin as they were 5 yrs ago! That exhale from grandma Tat? I think it was more of a worrisome exhale, not disappointment :(
I remember some time ago she said she needed to get into better shape to work on the quad. The problem is losing so much weight you have lost muscle, and that has happened to a number of skaters. I thought Medvedeva's weight loss was worrisome as well.
Russian channel 1 were asking here about the weight loss in the interview and her response was that she’s not killing herself with any crazy diets, she just thinks her metabolism has stabilised and she’s not gaining weight like she did before.
@@tranquilitytranquility1407 it's very often that what negative stuff people are denying about self - is in fact truth. No one mentioned anything about diets in a question - yet she specifically tells us about "crazy diet". It looked as confirmation instead of denying for me.
it's so hard to watch programs whose music have already been skated to by iconic skaters of recent years, i.e. Masquerade and Bolero, Mao Asada did such a good job with that piece of music that if the other skater pales in comparison we're gonna be like meh. same with how Carolina put a stamp on Bolero, that anything less than her interpretation of the music is just bland. Which I think is why Danse Macabre is used sparingly, because Yuna did a smashing program with that piece of music. I also noticed how tiny Trusova's lutz and flip are, it's so odd since her toe is so freakin high, Scherbakova's jumps are so labored and their so low, esp her axel. The extra rotation in the ice helps her a lot though
So there are three main people in the Mishin team: him, Tatiana Mishina (his wife, around his age), and Tatiana Prokofieva (the blonde woman with him today; she coaches and choreographs)
Where can I find a translation of Kostornaia’s interview you were talking about, and how/where did you hear about Eteri preventing Zhenya from co-hosting Ice Age? I’m lost on what’s been going on Russian drama wise since after Kostornaia left-where do you find all the update information?
There is an article out there about Medevdeva and Ice Age that sourced Elena Rodina. Not the most reliable, yet, Renat Laishev wound up all but confirming it.
Scherbakova looks more grown up suddenly and likely will grow even taller. She is very very beautiful almost barbie-like but her toe jumps especially the flip and lutz have a harsh quality when she picks into the ice. Valieva also looks like she will be tall for a figure skater. Wonder if their jumps would stay consistent.
Valieva already had Eric's Storm last season, where she skated at a show with him playing the piano. She and Alina are Tatars and not ethnically Russian, so that might be why they look more similar, especially in a field where all the other girls look very Russian.
@@pugrad2011 tatars are a turkic people living in russia and they are the second largest ethnic group in Russia, which is why Alina and Kamila dont really look East Slavic. Aliona seems to be ethnically Russian though, but no confirmation on that.
No, you don't have to learn to love that SP costume. She was dressed like a waitress working in a roman-themed Las Vegas restaurant that caters to Chinese tourists. A simple white dress with minimal gold accents would've been so much better.
I like Lisa too. She is often unappreciated among the Eteri drama, but if she kept her 3A she is still in the game. And if the age for women figure skating is lifted to 17, suddenly Mishin will be the Man. The remarkable come back of Koliada only reinforces the value of the old school, long-term focused skating. I miss that with the women and would love to see longevity, evolution, come backs and not the one time use athletes Eteri produces...
Alena’s transfer was extremely sudden. In an interview she said she called hot Sergei saying she wanted to follow him and he told her to wait a while because he thought she was being rash. But, alena seems incredibly stubborn and had her mind made up already
Before people start coming for me I’m not an Alena hater she is actually my favorite of the competing girls right now. PRAYING SLB gives her a good program 👏🏼👏🏼
I think her transfer was rash and very teenagy. I'm afraid I am fearing the worst results out of this. She didn't look good in the short, and then withdrew from the long. Hmm. Something's not right.
Watching Russian Test Skates with my daughter, when EteriTutberitze is on the big screen. The audience applauded her and she smiled. My daughter commented "I didn't think her facial muscles had the capacity to smile" !!!!
Eva Masters Yep. And she looks amazing. And her smile is beautiful. It is her right to want to look good because she’s a public figure and whether she wants it or not dozens of cameras are on her shooting close ups at every competition.
@Margo kms: it is a question of taste. Some people do not like the wooden look which comes with botox injections and other plastic surgery. I live close to Hollywood and this is not something an actor would do, because it limits their ability to convey emotion.
I said this under Fran's video and will say it again: they are trying to turn Anna in young Evgenia with all the sad emotive "deep" programs and giving Kamila the Yulia image of "extremely young flexible prodigy with serious face and mature skating" combined with Alina warhorse music we've heard a million times before
Love you guys and what you do (for free no less!) but when it comes to Medvedvea and injuries I don't doubt. Poor girls body was clearly broken at the Olympics and despite the PR I don't think she's ever totally recovered from that. Hard to watch her here but I hope she skates for many years to come. Anna is a beautiful skater to watch and although Sasha's not my style I do admire her. ⛸️
Yes, her spins are out of this world. Her flexibility though might be a problem in the long run. I am thinking a bit Lipnitskaya here. Her flexibility made her jumps suffer in the end. But Valieva will be 15 next year and eligible for Olympics and I am sure she will make it.
@@marikafasola8771 the women's event in general wasn't really special, but her short was well done, not too much of a gleikhengauz style and pretty to watch
I don't doubt that there's theatrics involved with all the skaters, but Medvedeva definitely looked like she was in genuine pain, especially when she was coming off the ice after her free. As someone with chronic back issues, I know that feeling well and my heart went out to her! I found Trusova a lot more engaging to watch this season than last. Obviously she has things she needs to work on, but I'm excited to see where this season (and beyond) goes for her!
Here are my thoughts: Evgenia’s programs have a lot of potential, and I cannot wait to see her in costume and ready to go. Kostornaia’s short should have been just the no time to die song. You should see me in a crown is more gala than for a program and imo ruined her short. Anna was lovely as usual, I like her more than Trusova. Speaking of Trusova, I don’t think Romeo and Juliet is a good choice for her, but I do like her short program. Elizaveta has potential as well, I love her free program costume but agree that her short program one looks like a Halloween costume. Ice dancing will be quite boring this season. I read somewhere that the theme for this season was going to be folk, and that got me very excited because it’s been a while since we’ve seen the folk theme, but apparently they’re repeating the same theme and pattern dance from last season. This inevitably resulted in most teams repeating their RDs from last season and a few teams are even repeating both, RD and FD, so yeah, ice dance will be a bore.
You don't like Trusova because she doesn't make cringy faces like Evgenia. Evgenia is pretty much done, she can just retire. She barely can jump of the ice, like 5 cm nothing grand just like any other girl, just a pretty song and skating moves that show nothing of her skating skills because she doesn't have them. She fell on a 2A in her short program and triple flip was double footed. No improvements at all just the same old Medvedeva.
Ursula I never said I disliked Trusova. I said I like Anna MORE than Trusova. Learn how to read. Evgenia hasn’t been making cringe faces in a long while, so dunno what you’re going on about, and as for her jumps, keep in mind that we’re in a pandemic. Rinks in Russia and everywhere else were closed for about 4 to 5 months. That’s a lot of time lost on training. I don’t know if you noticed, but literally every skater fell on at least one jump here. So according to your logic, all of them should retire? You’re being ridiculous and dumb.
I wonder what goes through Eteri's mind when she sees Medvedeva falter like this. Jubilation that an ex student could only find success when under her tutelage, or annoyance that Evgenia's struggles highlight the flawed and short-lived nature of the Eteri jump technique. Zagitova's retirement must be a relief for quite a few people.
Chee Meng See watching their old videos together at competitions it seemed like Eteri was always hugging her & kissing her - definitely not the same Eteri we get now...
Dave, so glad you're finding Segei Polunin so interesting...he's had an eventful and drama filled career. And I couldn't take my eyes off Tarosova and her purple lipped expressions either...just fascinating.
Dave and Jonathan, thank you for providing us with this platform and so much food for thought. I keep coming back and thinking over some of your comments and opinions, which helps me to link a lot of missing dots, but also to see the areas where our opinions differ. Along this lines I was thinking of the comment by your Russian coach/source that an Olympic champion is not necessarily a good coach, and that you have to start from a and b and grow as a coach as a separate thing. I think this may be true if you lack credibility and you have to attract talented kids, invest in their skating skills, keep them as they improve and others start poaching... with Alexandra and Aliona he gets the top of the crop, so it is easier to build up and do the most challenging aspects of the training. I think for him will be difficult to start with very young kids and give them time, patience, etc. But he has junior coaches for that. He also famously has a very good relationship with Mishin and undoubtedly has borrowed a lot from him in terms of coaching philosophy. The fact that both Alexandra and Aliona quoted Rozanov as a reason to leave and follow him, suggests that he was more involved with them than given credit by Eteri & co. I also think that the early indications are that these girls along with Zhilina stay reasonably competitive. Coach change always requires adjustment and takes time. I also think that it is easy to underestimate his will power and determination to succeed in this. However, his commitment to the sport, as well as tenacity in overcoming obstacles cannot be questioned. I think Eteri found a worthy opponent, if not her nemesis. And the Russian figure skating as a whole will benefit, because if he succeeds, young skaters will have options to continue being competitive past their first or second season.
Zhenya has nothing left to prove and nothing to gain except improving as an artist. My heart is broken daily when I think of the timing of her injury during the Olympic season. With Medvedeva sidelined, it allowed Zagitova to gain all the momentum and improve her PCS at a rapid rate. If Zhenya had won the Olympics, she could have retired in peace. Now she's sort of lost in a personal abyss, but I admire her perseverance. She's always been a fighter. And I do see an improvement in the artistic merit of her programs. Even if she will be lucky to make it out of Russia from here on out, I commend her working to improve stylistically.
Oh god, what's wrong with u medobots?? U still can't get over the fact that's she didn't win? She most definitely did not deserve that win, and its not because of her injury. They both have bad techniques but alina was still better than zhenya in a way, her jumps and spins r better. Zhenya was still overscored and the judges didn't call out the many mistakes she made. Then she started crying like she somehow should've won?!?! That obviously caused her fans to forever hold on to the fact that their Darling should've won and hate zagitova forever. And besides its not zagitovas fault that zhenya still couldn't improve her shitty technique even after all this time and switching coaches
@@chocolateperfume752 Gurl I don't hate Zagitova and it's not her fault she was overscored in PCS. Facts are facts, and if Zhenya had been at the GPF and RUS Nats, it would have kept Zagitova's PCS down and she wouldn't have gotten them high enough in time to win in Korea. The real question is why are you Zhenya Haters so quick to disparage her illustrious career and accomplishments?
Guys, cmon! About Ted----He´s saying things over and over... Well you whine and complain and ditch all the hard working girls as you were better, Trusova was not THAT bad last year ("totally unwathcable") and Mededeva maybe was not top notch but cant you anyway try to twist your comments to less ironic, negative?. You do set a platform for that online bullying is ok. Which is not. Please just cmon and change your attitude. We don´t need more hate. I was sad after watching this. Usually I enjoy you.
I agree with you 100%. I would say I always "partly" enjoys This and That. I enjoy getting information, I really dislike how they try to be funny, and end up being on the bullying side of things.
Well said. It's the main reason why I only come to this channel to see if there's any interesting discussion in the comments. I stopped watching their videos long ago because too often they're just being mean, and pretending it's funny and hiding behind smiles makes it even worse.
I think all of them were much more prepared at last year's Russian test skates, but I can't fault them with how crazy everything's been because of COVID. The biggest show stealers for me was Tat's reaction to Zhenya after her SP, Eteri's forced clap for an ex student only cause cameras were on her, Elena Illnyck just being there, and ofc, Aliona standing for herself and giving a hefty statement to show Eteri who the real Queen is. ♥️
It was released in the French Press that P/C’s new Rhythm Dance is The Artist, if you haven’t heard! Some thoughts: First of all, why do my favs always get injured??? chock/bates:(((( (but it seemed pretty small which is good, hopefully this isn’t 2017/18 all over again) I am 100% here for P/C doing a tango! I dislike Burlesque but it definitely suits Madi H. Evgenia’s FP could be great when clean- I hope her coaching situation gets better. Queen Moskvina did Mishina/Galliamov very well, especially in the SP. Kolyada 😍😍😍😍😍 Boikova/Kozlovskii 😍😍😍
Zhenya. Orser. Tutberidze. Please. My mind just simply cannot wrap itself around this whole situation. Is she doing an Orser/Tutberidze or full Tutberidze? Please, I need answers and only you can spill the tea😭😭
I hadn’t heard that P/C were positive for Covid earlier in the year. That does explain why they seemed less conditioned on the live stream. Do we have more info about what happened? I really hope they have recovered ok! How stressful.
But according to their some ig stories in this summer, it doesn’t seem they were positive for Covid... Also they did some video interviews with media like olympic channel in their house. They didn’t stay in hospital.
@@lukluk2487 Covid patients don't go to the hospital unless they are high risk or going into respiratory arrest. Only a small portion go to the hospital. If you're young like Gaby and Guillaume they tell you to quarantin home and wait for the virus to pass
There is a limit to how many falls, skipped or diminished elements one can have before the public starts to withdraw support. The same goes for sponsors, coaches and even friends. This was a test skate, so she gets away with it. I love her to pieces, but this was painful to watch. We want to see the triumphant return of the queen of ice, not her failed attempt. I really hope the next time we watch these programs they are clean (especiallythe free one).
Can not tell you how excited I am to hear you guys talking about skating again!Jonathan, I was also struck by how much Valieva looked like Zagitova out there - something about the posture too which I don’t think was a good thing necessarily.
I love the first part of Aliona's program, but the second song is meh. Medvedeva has two good programs but she wasn't ready yet. Eteri's girls bored me, they always do the same. Liza was very dissappointing for me, i don't get the new programs. Sofia was very good, I love her style. Sasha was better than the last season but she's not my cup of tea :)
Neither Valieva nor Scherbakova have that elusive thing called Star Power. Yes they're good, but watching them doesn't touch something inside you that makes you want to relive the experience again and again by replaying the performance. Their programmes are mostly forgettable. Out of sight out of mind. That's how I feel anyway. Osokina has it in spades. She doesn't even need to do much, just skating around the rink is a pleasure to watch.
You're wrong. Or maybe become too spoiled by outstanding skaters. Osokina is good - but that's it. Buyanova's camp is not capable to give her world class package to a degree Eteri does.
Ben Bailey Yeah I thought so too. And the rhythm of the jump seemed different as well. She holds on to the inside edge a bit longer after the 3 turn and appears to strain less on the actual jump. Overall it was smoother and improved!
That round technique might result as a lot of popping.... cuz of a timing But etri technique not that good to watch but I think it brings more consistency....
Loved Sasha ! 🤩👍🏼 She really is a strong girl and honestly imo Plushenko looks more interested in her than in Aliona ... Well it's the 1st time we see him interacting with them , but still feel like he has more in common with Sasha in terms of personality and skating skills
yes, he seems to be more interested in her, I think Alena didn't make a good decision to go, she worked better at Eteri team, there is no connection between her and Plush as there is between Plush and Trus.
@@rahelhorvat1471 there isn't any connection between Plush and Sasha. Watch their interaction after skate - Sasha is cold and distant toward him and he looks very phony and awkward when trying to give her jacket. Her real coach is that Mikhailov guy now and Ilyinih - Plush is just a manager there who tries to pr himself as a would-be coach on tv during events.
Another fun episode guys. I always enjoy when you talk about the Russian skaters. I think the experience is even enhanced by the fact that I don't have a dog in that hunt, particularly in the ladies event. Whenever I see one of them, I just think, "Oh, here's the latest Brand X." It makes it easier to move them in and out of the "here's the next great thing" category. Speaking of the next great thing, having watched skating since about 1980, I've stopped considering skaters as such (I've a similar approach with counting skaters out). I just go with let's see how they show up in a particular season and then I'll form an opinion of their prospects for that season. I'll wait for the retrospective look to determine their place in skating history. Again, thanks for another good time.
Zhenya has the most interesting programs but she's behind on TES nonetheless she performed good (those step sequence). Anna surprised me cos i never liked her jumps..
Evgenia back to Eteri??!! Is this like figure skating boot camp to get her in shape again per Tarasova??! You HAVE to do an episode about this! Loved the episode and how I missed Misha ❤️❤️❤️
I usually feel jaded when I hear of a "new" program to R&J, but I rather liked the choreo and music cuts here for Trusova and was SO excited to see Ilinykh thumping the boards. Trusova approaches the judges during the high drama of knights' dance but gives ZERO expression; this is always her weak point and hopefully Ilinykh will be able to help her emote and evolve character more - surely there has got to be a whack of points just lying there to be grabbed if she really plays to them as the poor Juliet freaking out at the arrival of these guys. Kolyada now skating like we all knew he could. Keep that mindset strong Mikhail. Annabelle Morozov; adored!!!
Agreed, I think Trusova did fine here as did Kolyada-who seems to be getting lots of praise. But, for me, the true break out stars of the event were Annabelle Morozov and partner Andrey!!! I expect they will rise fast in Russian skating after this.
Valieva's bolero program is a big blah. It's background music. It's the finest evidence that a lot of Dany G's programs are just music over random choreography.
I never liked Trusova, but I have say, out of all the ladies I’m most excited to see how she progresses this season. Maybe she could actually be the one to survive post-Eteri, she’s such a fighter. I do, however, sincerely hope things will get better for Alëna. It would be a tragedy if we lose her mesmerising skating!
Yes! I never thought I'd be most impressed with her progress above the other ladies.
Yes, omg Aliona needs to rise up like Phoenix
Yes Trusova was on fire and a nice surprise. She looked so strong! I am hoping she will keep the 3 quad layout, but knowing Trusova, she will probably want to add another quad later on and that is not good. She proved last season she can't pull it off, and it actually means that she loses points as the 4th quad is instead of a safe 3F.
@@Jontor11 with a coach who did quads himself, I feel like Plushenko could talk her back from four unless she needs it, which I'm kind of doubting she will. Scherbakova is going to be limited to two based on the retched state of her 3F today, and unless pigs have started flying, she'll never have a 3A, which is most likely the jump Trusova is looking to nail down right now
@@iris7484 Yes, and if Trusova gets the 3A, she has the advantage over Shcherbakova even if they both have 3 quads in their programs. We'll see what happens.
20:57 Mikhail Kolyada - he was great this year, solid jumps and by the looks of it he's coming back in peak competitive form
27:30 Boikova/Kozlovskii - they've become my favorites since last year and i'm glad they've kept their FP, amazing development and I think they might be able to get on the podium at the 2022 Olympics
36:51 Plushenko - he was DEFINITELY very nervous, especially with that gum chewing it looked like he might start chewing his tongue because his nerves were all over the place, he didn't give a lot of instructions to the skaters before the performances and left the coaching job to the younger coaches (Sergei and Elena), and Eteri loved the attention and applause she got when she walked up to the boards
39:28 Trusova - it's like the corona hiatus and the coach change didn't affect her at all, she kept her amazing form/confidence and she looks more muscular by the second; her SP is better and I think she's gonna give great performances this season, and by the looks of it Elena and the other young coach are her "assigned" coaches and are giving her full attention
46:30 Kostornaia - the russian politics have smudged her career and they won't let her move on and develop properly, but I have to say that SP wasn't good and I hope her coach Sergei fixes all of it because it looked worse than the Dani G choreos, even when she finished the SP her face said it all because she looked very disappointed by the (sort of) late applause, and the interview afterwards shows how much the gossip and the politics have gotten into her head and have disastrous effects on her focus and mindset, I'm hoping that she gets her 3A back and a miracle for her new FP
50:23/57:30 Medvedeva - she wasn't bad considering the fact that she was preparing without a coach, I think her FP has potential if done properly and generally I like that she still wants to compete and see how long can she keep her career going (btw TAT's reaction after the SP was hilarious, and Eteri stayed to watch the FP and seethe)
54:04 Valieva - she looked a little bit scared but the SP/FP were ok, she has amazing flexibility, and she does look a little bit like Zagitova but she still doesn't have confidence and good mental strength
1:08:36 Shcherbakova - I loved her SP even though her combo jumps weren't that great, it looks like she might be able to get her quads back for the FP and I think she's the one to compete against Trusova for the gold (on a side note, it looks like she has grown up A LOT)
1:10:42 Tuktamysheva - she's the veteran in the group but is still able to maintain her athleticism, good height for the 3A even though she didn't land it she will probably get it back, but I didn't like the SP costume
Thank you so much for the time stamps!
🙏🙏
Thanks a lot!!!
@@fashionmwah 👍
@@pwetty4r4 👍
I love the whole event. The camera work on coaches and back stage and how they arrive was spot on. The Russian clearly know their drama, and where the all attention was. As Ted describe it the story lines of the competition, I think they are all ready for a big reality TV show.
Sinisha Pecov Can we nominate Julie Chen Moonves to replace Ted?
@@TheSkatingLesson Yeah that would be nice, she has the vibe creep husband , some questionable daily Emmy awards, she would appreciate the greatness of the Russian coaches
Julie does come in hot with those shady leading questions on BB, and I would love to see it.
35:46 ladies and coaching teams
39:30 trusova
45:55 gymnastics +kostornaia
Thx!
I LOVED Elena Ilinykh clapping on the border of the rink throughout Sasha's step sequence like the queen she is!
Oh yes!!!!!
She really was going for it!!!!
@@TheSkatingLesson Her hair was on point.
Seriously, I do this when certain skaters skate. I wish we could pipe a metronome through a separate sound system.
I love it 👏♥️
Kolyada was fabulous on every level. Bless his ENT!
He stole the whole show
Kolyada was the best.
My two cents:
Kolyada has never lacked Technical or artistic skills. It's only his mental fortitude which has prevented him from being at the top of the podium. Koliyada has all the ingredients for the making of a champion, he only needs to do it.
Samarin seems like a nice guy, however, I feel that putting him right after Koliyada is a great disservice. The skating order really points out all of his short coming. Add to this the fact that his jumps are not working and it's really a sad comparison
Alyona is my favorite of the three A's, however, this program appears to be a continuation of her Twilight angsty teen period from last season. I think the team knows this and that's why Shae Lyn is doing the long program. On a personal level, this young lady has more maturity than 90% of the adults around. Don't count her out, that courage will get her far.
Trusova is a fighter, and while it may not be her natural inclination, you can see that she's trying to listen to the music. Her engagement with the audience and the judges have also improved. I hope the coaching staff continues to work on making her a complete package.
Valieva similarly to last season, mental toughness will be key for her. I like Bolero as a music piece, however, I cannot say that this interpretation of it works for me. I'm really impressed by her ability to come back after such a fall on her first element. However, I hope they fix this program.
Tuktaymsheva is such an Empress, I have nothing but respect for her will to continue in the face of all odd. I think she should make the most of this season and get back her 3 Axle and solidifying her jumping technique. As it stands her getting out of Russian national will be very hard. She loves that lay back move.
Shcherbakova packaging this season is flawless. She looks like an elegant ladies champion. This is the definition of dressing for the position that you want. Her jumping was questionable at best. She's still getting used to her new body so that's understandable. We will have to see how the season progress. Her programs as expected.
Medvadeva has got to overcome her demon the double axels. I think it's to early to determine her chances of getting out of Russian national. Also we didn't get to see the long program so it's hard to judge it. With Medvadeva there's two things to keep in mind. First Tat on her side, and now that her and Eteri are on good terms the political game is on. Second she's a champion and knows how to make a comeback when it counts.
Very well said.. personally i vouched for Alyona but Anna developed best I think, I never like her jumps till now but she got that feminine graceful vibes, and Evgenia has the most interesting programs both in short and long. She needs strength and consistency but I heard she's injured so I really want to see how her programs go this season. Tuktamysheva has good techniques but I never liked her helicopter tano Lutz .. she's too outrageous for me haha..no hate😎
She’s on good terms with Eteri?
@@msmo2060 They took a picture together. In Russia Drama lands that makes them best friends
Who’s here after the biggest plot twist of 2020! Medvedeva returning to Eteri 🤣
Me 🙈😂
This is the stuff of reality television. I’ve always agreed with TSL that figure skating news could be its own show.
i honest to god thought you were kidding, 2020 just keeps getting wilder and wilder
In light to the Covid-19 circumstances, who knows how long Medvedeva would have to wait to return to Canada. She has been away from Canada for a long time with it looking like several months before she would be allowed to return.
I thought Trusova looked like she had a new lease on life compared to last season.
I thought the same but then again, she started out last season in really good shape as well, and it was all downhill from there.
Hope it wont be the case again! I wanna see her thrive
yes. She looks like she has more input in what she's doing. As soon as I saw "Love Story" I could hear (in my head) Schindler's List, and the thought came to my mind that she might re-create Julia's Olympic programme, or a homage version of it.
@@EnzoFoove I think it's more a change of mindset than anything else. I mean it's pretty clear Plushenko is putting all his money on her, so she's getting more specialized attention, not at risk of being tossed out with the trash - it's like a weight was off her shoulders at the boards. Nerves going first in the free, but a normal amount, I thought. She and Kolyada showed - imo - the most change in attitude, which to me feels like they showed the most promise overall.
Indeed! Trusova was on fire! She was a wonderful surprise in the short, however the long was not that good, it was back to the old days of no skating skills and choreography. She looks strong though, I think she is out for blood this season!
My respect to Zhenya for continuing skating and taking risks with new styles like the Alegria program and hope she improves more with the sp too
and her Lutz :'(
She returned to Eteri
@@walterwyte01 SHHH dont spoil the next video yet!!!
Omg yes I know ! What a unpredictable change of events 💥
The adidas crop top was a freaking power move.
It looked awful
@@emallace447 tell that to her rock hard abs 🤣 it wasn't a fashion statement
I thought it was cute. She looked great in it.
@@iris7484 lol wish I had abs like that😂 yes it was a power move👏
@@jilljalili5365 cute for practice, but not for test skates.
The second half of Shcherbakova’s free skate was originally for Kostornaia last season until she decided to go with Twilight instead.
Yes! Correct!
Boy, they never waste a program!
and the opening pose is last season Valieva's free. I mean there is very little difference in these programs anyway lol
Shcherbakova skate is as alway brilliant! She is so elegant, looks like real Angel on ice. The public sweetheart and the best!
@ Helen Areev: it is debatable who is the public sweetheart. Judging by the reaction of the crowd during the test skate, probably Medvedeva. Zhenia also has a solid international fan base (including me). And judging by the number of views on 1 kanal, Medvedeva, Trusova and Kostornaia have the most views for both short and free programs... these are all facts. You may argue they do not reflect public opinion, but then, what does? Certainly not the branding campaign for Zagitova, Sherbakova and now Valieva, which is undertaken by Tutberidze and company recently. I remember reading on the Tutberidze team channel that Zagitova and Sherbakova were chosen to be among the 5 most beautiful women in Russia. This made me laugh hard. I think most people like personality when it comes to an athlete, and Sherbakova is too bland, like a tea with too much sugar.
Love so much the revitalized Kolyada. So polished a performance head and shoulders above the rest! I'm sure I'm not the only person extremely glad to see him back again.
I can't get over how elegante and Sharp he looks. He Is truly fantastic, and Is the skater I was hoping to see this year. AWESOME
Have never been a Medvedeva fan but I'm sure she would have skated much better if she could train with Brian in person. Like Shoma who was coach-less for a while the damage could be very evident. She seems to have made a 180-degree change going back to her Eteri technique. There's no more jumping with the legs but only trying to twist with the upper body which doesn't work anymore.
Mikhail was magnificent. Thank goodness no more Elvis.
Incredible!!!
I actually found that Anna's programs were better last season. The short is very similar, but last year it had much nuance which allowed her musicality to be showcased more. And the free is extremely generic; you can have classical music without being so bland, especially for Anna's expressiveness which is anything but bland. Firebird was much better, imo. I love Anna, she is an artist who definitely performed the programs as well as she could, but the music and choreography just doesn't do her justice this season.
Agree, with that music you have to have a good coreography or a good perfomance or will be very boring - as it was - and Anna still doesn’t have none of this elements, i was expecting more.
@@camilatakao3430 Anna is an amazing performer and her musicality is unmatched. But the choreography didn't do her justice. Her performance was second to none, though.
I kind of agree, but I love Anna. I think she has something special that draws you in. And I think this was a wonderful performance from her. However, I would love to see something uptempo with her, I know she can do it. Some hiphop number, some rock, or why not use Kraftwerk's "We are the robots"?!? I know Anna can pull all these genres off, we've seen it in her practicing videos, she is just outstanding in dancing to every genre.
I think Anna is under immense pressure now that she is the only senior medalist left with Eteri. When I watched the SP I could not help but notice her expression-she looked pained. Also in the free program she attempted 1 quad and fell on it. I hope Eteri does not push her too hard.
@@evamasters5028 She didn't look pained... her expressions matched the music perfectly.
I think it was very obvious Zhenya was hurt. Her face said it all. I think she'll be fine in competition. I was really intrigued by the FS and I don't think she's done. She's still capable of putting on great performances. I thought you guys were exceptionally harsh on her but to each their own.
Toratally agree!
Yes agreed!
They always do they dont really like her, which as a zhenya fan is soemtimes not so nice to hear, because they seemingly didn't take into account that she 1. Had less time than for example anna and kamila or even sasha the only skater who had less time to train was alyona. 2. Yes her old back injury that she had at/directly after the olymics has flared up again( not surprising it will flair up every now and then cause there is no really resting her back in this sport when having to do spins ect.) Apparently a nerve is pinched, which is not something completely huge but it can be painful. 3. Apparently she wasnt supposed to jump in those programms because of that but she decided to still do them ( while i can feel nothing but respect i also want to scream at her how she put herself into danger ) .
@@madeleinebostrom3047 but...its the truth? I mean, they r spitting just straight facts. They analyze everyone's skating skills, I understand that if you're really a fan of someone it might seem harsh to u, but they're just being honest
I agree
I would actually give Eteri the win for last week (since her skater actually won lol) and either call it a tie or give it to Plushenko this week. Mostly because, if this event was scored, Sasha probably would've won overall because of the BV advantage in the FS. At the same time, Eteri had two students that looked pretty solid & prepared vs. Plushenko's one. Plush looked so nervous throughout & Alena clearly needs more time before she can compete. I would've called it a tie if it were not for Hot Sergei's black turtleneck, Alena's interview about Eteri and Elena's incredible performance at the boards. Overall, Mikhail was the absolute highlight of the event & this is the first time in a while where the men looked *way* more prepared than the ladies.
How dare you not credit Eteri for her forced clapping and cross necklace!
@@TheSkatingLesson Oh no - how could I forget?!!! And her photo with Tarasova. Eteri really gave us everything we could've asked for and more this weekend in the drama department. I hope she got the chance to say "Hi!" to her best friend Yana.
Naa I would like Eteri to invoke her dead mother. That is when sh*t is getting real!
I don't like Plushenko, but I can't fault him for being nervous. As big as his ego can be, he's very self aware that if he fucks this up, it's not just any skater as irreplaceable as they are in that Russian field. I think he genuinely wants to do good by them and get them results. It must be odd to be so in control and then, as a coach, you can't really have all the control once your skaters are on ice. 😅
@@midoriyakyun9488 And unlike Eteri, he has no problem bringing in outside experts to help.
I love Medvedeva but she just seemed out of it, hopefully it's due to her being away from her couching team.
It went pretty horrible for her...
Her back injury is causing problems again but she said in a interview it is what it is, she’ll just have to work through it
Yasmina Rose I think it’s more than just injuries now.
I was so confused. She both looked ripped and out of gas.
it was so bad. poor medvedeva. It was the end of medvedeva.
THAT WAS FAST! I am exciteddddd
Kudos to Dave and Jonathan for posting this hours after the livestream on UA-cam. ❤❤❤
It’s interesting, that Sasha T went to Plush with Rozanov, yet finished with junior trainer of Angels of Plushenko Mikhailov. And Kostornaya is the one who got Rozanov full attention.
I think we will never know exactly what happened behind close doors or when Alena actually started thinking about transferring to Plushenko and if she and Rozanov have discussed that while still at Eteri's. Undoubtedly Alexandra has a great potential and if she wins gold this year, she will cement Plushenko as a rising star of a top coach. Aliona probably asked for Rozanov... and got him.
Trusova no longer speaks to Hot Sergei after Kostornaia was allowed to train with them.
Trusova no longer speaks to him or he’s no longer allowed (by Kostornaya) to speak to Trusova? 🧐
What?!? :D How do you know this?!? Do you think that Alena and Sergei are together as a couple? :D
I wonder if Plushenko is taking notes from Irina Viner here, where each champion has their own dedicated coach. It might be a good idea actually considering they both left Eteri for lack of attentions.
Elena Ilinykh is gonna steal Eteri's thumb as queen of the Russia arena
She is giving Pasha and Tarasova levels of drama!
I loved watching G/G's "Tango" on Friday. The Tango isn't just jerky angry passion, it's PASSION, it's the subtleties, the innuendo, beyond the passion. Bravo!
It is amazing!
Mikhail was MESMERIZING. I just can't stop watching him now. He is beauty and sharpness in flesh and blood.
Dave, I think it's pretty clear that Evgenia's pose at the end of the short portrays a dramatic death of Lermontov's character Nina
Trusova was my favourite from the Test Skates: she looked extremely ready for this, the programs are better than anything she has ever had (not that difficult to beat the Game of Thrones or Fifth Element free), it's a different style for her, and the coaches seem to be willing to improve her components.
Kolyada also obvious favourite, i actually liked the short program a lot too, it was fun and energetic. I like the contrast between two programs.
Mishina and Galiamov short was very good but his costume was a little atrocious with those sleeves.
love y'all, but your hate for Zhenya is getting a bit much now and everything you always say about her is such hyperbole. Johnathan clearly wanted to move on in the discussion, but Dave just kept going. Not a good look, and pretty cringey. It's easy to be critical when you're not brought up in her situation. Just maybe have a tad more compassion and stop twisting her career narrative into something it's not. Also, y'all are seriously toeing the line of near misogyny in some parts of that discussion. She can wear whatever she wants. She has worn that training gear for a good 3 years now, consistently. Check yourself.
Looking forward to your next videos!
Preach!
Since last year I feel like there is something personal probably between Dave and Brian Orser, because he is saying so many negative things about both, Evegnia and Brian, that it's beyond normal criticism. No matter whether Evgenia rides well or bad, he always hates it. He hates her programs made by the most recognized choreographers nowadays, her costumes. He is spreading unconfirmed gossips and his own wild theories. He never mentioned that her personal best last year was the fifth highest after 3A and Rika, which is quite an achievement. He even started to criticize her a lot as a person based on his own assumptions. His comments just became disgusting.
I didn't say she wasn't awful. She shouldn't have competed, but her situation, reputation, and desire to compete as to not lose relevance is strong and complicated, especially when she has a chronic back injury. They should stop acting gleefully and smug everytime something doesn't get her way. It's unbecoming and uncomfortable.
@EE DR They say the same negative things when she skates clean and gets a medal.
@@optimalrefundable thank you! The smugness is appalling and tells us more about them than the skater.
Here are my two cents:
Trusova-- Plushenko is really putting every effort to prove that he can be a top coach and Trusova's programs are strong. It is obvious he takes a comprehensive approach, working on her posture, choreography and skating skills, while also working on maintaining and improving the quads. I loved her short program, her best so far with obvious improvement in all non technical areas. Both programs are more modern than what Eteri would typically do, and I think more appealing to the general public. I think she has a shot at moving up this year, and if she stabilizes the jumps, she will be a contender for Olympic medal.
Anna: I find her programs too classical, to the point of boring. She is lovely, her skating expressive and fluid, but I think she will struggle with the jumps this year. If Evgenia, Alina and Julia struggle with triple jumps ones they reach 17 or 18, what can we expect for quads? This is uncharted territory for women skaters, but I think it is reasonably to assume that they require even more concentration, precision and stamina, and that will be much more difficult to maintain when a woman's body start changing its center of gravity. I noticed Anna's expression during the short program, she looked pained. I think Eteri is the type of coach that puts tremendous pressure on returning athletes and no Anna being the one egg in her basket-I fear that the pressure may reach a breaking point. Anna is the quintessential good girl, and Eteri requires obedience, and I am sure Anna does all she can... the problem is that Eteri may herself be under pressure because of the implicit challenge with Plushenko, and she may end up pushing Anna too far.
Valieva: Undoubtedly groomed for the Olympics, they are already starting to launch her as a brand on their UA-cam channel. She is immensely talented, and her age is just right to fit the Eteri's window of opportunity--she will be 16 for the Olympics, potentially still with the body of a 12 year old, and therefore capable of performing quads, while also skating effortlessly, as she does now.
Kostornaia: I really like her, also admire her guts to leave Eteri late into the pre-season. I think we can say with confidence that Eteri is not a good coach for mature skaters (this is put mildly). She expects from her medalist to be treated the same way as the rest of the aspiring skaters, while having very limited ability to help them with their changing bodies and the pressures of defending titles. Even in an ordinary profession a person who accomplishes something significant can expect a raise, may be an office, more say in her work... all other coaches evolve in their dealings with the athletes, while Eteri, having set up her conveyer belt treats these girls as an asset for a season or two. I support Kostornaia's decision to move to Plushenko and liked her short program. Realistically, she had a out a month to work on it, amidst covid and separation drama distractions. It is unrealistic to expect perfection so soon. Also change of coaches- common, Brian Orser said thaf it takes a year to have a skater show the results of a new coach... I keep my finger crossed that she restores the 3A and I think it is great Plushenko is paying for renown choreographer. I think this can work for her, if her body cooperates and if Plushenko manages to create a successful coaching team around her. There are obviously ifs and risks here, but the risk of remaining with Eteri probably outweighs them. After all Kostornaia is 17, and Zagitova retired at 17, having difficulty with her triple jumps before announcing a break from skating early last season. Kostornaia needs a coach who recognizes the realities of a changing body, can give individual attention and is vested in her success.
Medvedeva: she definitely struggled at the tests, and I hope she stabilizes her jumps and other elements of the programs. I think last year, she was asked to withdraw from the Russian Nationals, as was Zagitova to make way for the 3As. The Russian figure skating federation will be equally forceful this year, unless Evgenia shows she is consistent and competitive. There is a lot of goodwill towards her, and rightly so-I think you have to admire her determination to keep on fighting and improving. I think that there may be other factors, possibly drugs or hormones these girls have been given, which makes it harder for them to retain agility past puberty... I have to say looking at Trusova or Sherbakova at 16, I can't help but think that may be they are given something to delay their puberty... I think this and the extremely restrictive calorie intake eventually results in accelerated maturity and heaviness. I certainly hope she can pull it, I see the potential of her new programs and if she can execute them flawlessly, she can still get some medals, albeit not at world's or grand prix level. However for someone like her, this is enough and will give her fans what they want--attractive and different program.
“Kostornaia needs a coach who recognizes the realities of a changing body, can give individual attention and is vested in her success.” 100% agree. I just hope Plushenko IS that coach...
the character played by Anna in the SP is that of a woman going through the dueling process, Alina has already won all the junior and senior awards to which a skater aspires, she won the world championship with the changes in her body, she just no longer has the excitement to compete, even Yuna Kim after winning gold in Vancouver 2010 and losing the world championships that year was out of competition for 2 years until the 2013 world championships
@@tranquilitytranquility1407 even though it's doubtful that Plushenko is that coach, at least he's not Eteri who most definitely will toss her for her other girls. Can't wait to see her Free this year though maybe if we're lucky they'll tweak her sp (the music cuts were especially atrocious but at least her interpretation saved it a little), no matter what it will trump the usual daniil schtick anyways
@skate lover: correct, Valieva will be 15, thank you for the correction. This is even better for her chances next season.
could not get over how much I enjoyed Kolyada! I’m not a huge fan of the music for the short but his jumps especially his triple axel were amazing, and i’m obsessed with the free. was really disappointed with the ladies, especially Kostornaia and the Eteri girls. Daniils choreography has been so alarmingly bad this year especially in the juniors. Anna and Kamila deserve some much better! Trusova’s programs looked a lot better than last years, they don’t seem emotional or amazing skating skills wise, but she looks like she’s really trying and thats great!
Kolyada looks great!
That bolero was awful. Perhaps my expectations were too high after watching Carolina’s bolero last night, but wow. Danny G really botched that one.
When hasn’t he botched something?
I thought it was really innapropriate for her age.
mobile.twitter.com/XinyaoW_ut/status/1305169954942091269
Danny G did a wonderful job on her short. But Bolero should be scrapped. (Use last years long until a new program can be assembled. There is plenty of time this year, not many places to even compete)
@Skate Lover That doesn't mean anything. We all know that whoever lands the most difficult jumps will win, no matter the program, especially if it is a top Russian skater trained by Eteri. Even Sasha got decent PCS last season and Medvedeva always get huge PCS, even when she falls.
@Skate Lover Alysa Liu had a lot of URs (which were not undeserved) and Kamila got higher GOE and PCS.
And, in this case, the two cannot be compared, really. Kamila actually has good skating skills and I think Daria is better than Alysa also.
And yes, Russian federation is powerful, and protects its skaters, especially the senior ones (and especially those who are trained by Eteri lol). Or do you think Trusova deserved the PCS she received last season? Or Zagitova and Medvedeva have the best skating skills among the ladies? Because that is what scores will tell you.
Now let's all bomb TSL's notifications so they can get a video Medvedeva's return to Eteri ASAP
Checking the channel like a crazy/obsessed ex !
I am working on it. Been swamped this week with work.
Say what,now?! I...I...omg? For real?
@@TheSkatingLesson .
Don't you DARE do the 'teaser-trailer' thing and hold out on purpose!😂😂😂
TheSkatingLesson work is always in the way))
Billie Eilish does not sound good in ice rink. I mean, Billie Eilish does not sound good anywhere. She is music for 13 year old girls who think they are OH-SO-EDGY but are too scared to ask for extra ketchup pack at McDonalds.
It is not for a mature world champion!
Lmfao on that ketchup comment. So on point
1st, the edit of the Bond piece is pretty poor. But that's the norm for Russians, they're very happy to destroy someone's lifework (from a musical point of view).
2nd, You Should See Me in a Crown was the wrong choice. Bury a Friend would have worked much better. Or even My Future (the Miley Live Lounge version).
Michelle Evans ocean eyes too
@@triplea_qgb1963 perhaps, but the movement of her style has changed so much since then. As much as I love Ocean Eyes (and I do). Even "All the Good Girls Go to Hell" could work. As could "Strange Addiction", depending on the mood that the skater wants to create with it.
But I'm still going with Bury a Friend, would fit it so much better.
The thing with Evgenia is that she used to be the queen of consistency and right know you literally have no idea how she's going to perform. I mean weren't Tat and Brian saying before Test Skates she was in good shape? Well, we didn't see any of that this weekend.
I have to say the program has potential, but today she was buried under it. She didn't have any stamina or energy whatsoever. And the cartwheel thing was a bit embarassing tbh. I mean her gloves slipped because of fresh ice (??). Tarasova was right not to show up today.
I'm pretty skeptical about a big comeback for her that so many people seem to hope for. Apart from a few good moments (2019 Worlds, 2019 Rostelecom) her skating (in competition) has been pretty mediocre since 2018.
It wasnt right before test skates like rians interwiew was like a almost a month ago? And apparently it is her old recurring back injury that flared up again, it could have been that this issue came after the interwiews . But i do actually dislike trainers who say that skaters are in good form or make it out to be because all it does is to add more pressure on the skaters imo to show that the coaches words were no lies. So i would like it if the coaches would just shut up about that before any skate happens
I want to give her the benefit of the doubt and assume that she did not want to strain herself because her back pain returned. After all, this is just a test skate and all skaters to various degree underperformed. However, ones the competitive season starts, she will have to do better or step down.
Eva Masters she is competing in a week.
Yes, I know. I hope she can pull it together. I don't know if she just did not care about the tests, or if her programs are not ready. I love the newprograms and would so much love to see her shine with them.
Eva Masters I’d rather her skip. She’s clearly struggling with her injuries.
I loved the I.AM exhibition, it went surprisingly smoothly and was well paced. Really enjoyed watching dance in this format. Marie-France can have all my quarantine dollars.
Complain about Ted commenting on the skater's bodies and then shame evgenia's outfit?
They make a lot of inappropiate comments about weight and such, but that does not invalidate what they said anout Ted, he was really creepy and itvreally caught me off guard.
@@FanyLI definitely doesn't invalidate what Ted said, but it certainly is hypocritical.
Russian Test Skates - Mikhail Kolyada ..... He is the King of all men right now.
His free programme, wow! Just wow!
He was amazing!
@@TheSkatingLesson Nathan, Yuzuru and Shoma are going to have their work cut out to meet the PCS that this is going to have later in the season. I am so impressed, and I don't think I've ever said that about Kolyada before. Mind Blown.
@@hellsbellsmichelle Misha always does well early in the season and he only has one quad. Not sure Nathan, Yuzu or Shoma have much to worry about.
@@hellsbellsmichelle PCS won't be enough to overcome the technical advantage of Nathan and others. Kolyada will have to depend on others making mistakes to get on the podium at Worlds.
Regarding medvedeva, I'm more worried about her physical and mental health. Have you seen her cheekbones and limbs? They are as thin as they were 5 yrs ago! That exhale from grandma Tat? I think it was more of a worrisome exhale, not disappointment :(
I agree, she looked slim but not strong-too fragile looking for a 20 year old athlete.
I remember some time ago she said she needed to get into better shape to work on the quad. The problem is losing so much weight you have lost muscle, and that has happened to a number of skaters. I thought Medvedeva's weight loss was worrisome as well.
Russian channel 1 were asking here about the weight loss in the interview and her response was that she’s not killing herself with any crazy diets, she just thinks her metabolism has stabilised and she’s not gaining weight like she did before.
exactly!
@@tranquilitytranquility1407 it's very often that what negative stuff people are denying about self - is in fact truth. No one mentioned anything about diets in a question - yet she specifically tells us about "crazy diet". It looked as confirmation instead of denying for me.
it's so hard to watch programs whose music have already been skated to by iconic skaters of recent years, i.e. Masquerade and Bolero, Mao Asada did such a good job with that piece of music that if the other skater pales in comparison we're gonna be like meh. same with how Carolina put a stamp on Bolero, that anything less than her interpretation of the music is just bland. Which I think is why Danse Macabre is used sparingly, because Yuna did a smashing program with that piece of music. I also noticed how tiny Trusova's lutz and flip are, it's so odd since her toe is so freakin high, Scherbakova's jumps are so labored and their so low, esp her axel. The extra rotation in the ice helps her a lot though
Carolina's bolero was a cheap trash. Telegraphed jumps, bad spins, two feet skating, funny poses, frozen stupid smile.
Bolero belongs to Torville and Dean. I'm surprised anyone still dares to skate to it.
So there are three main people in the Mishin team: him, Tatiana Mishina (his wife, around his age), and Tatiana Prokofieva (the blonde woman with him today; she coaches and choreographs)
And by “around his age” we mean 13 years younger and his former student 😬
They have Artur Gachinski in the team as well and other coaches in the same rink like Tataurov and Pisarenko.
@@Jumblebelle True, but you know what I meant
Where can I find a translation of Kostornaia’s interview you were talking about, and how/where did you hear about Eteri preventing Zhenya from co-hosting Ice Age? I’m lost on what’s been going on Russian drama wise since after Kostornaia left-where do you find all the update information?
I will do another video on this. For now: fs-gossips.com/alena-kostornaia-no-one-leaves-with-no-reason-if-youre-well-off-you-dont-seek-better/
There is an article out there about Medevdeva and Ice Age that sourced Elena Rodina. Not the most reliable, yet, Renat Laishev wound up all but confirming it.
@TheSkatingLesson these opportunities are no longer impeded.. evgenia's back to eteri . damn..
Scherbakova looks more grown up suddenly and likely will grow even taller. She is very very beautiful almost barbie-like but her toe jumps especially the flip and lutz have a harsh quality when she picks into the ice. Valieva also looks like she will be tall for a figure skater. Wonder if their jumps would stay consistent.
I agree with you
Valieva already had Eric's Storm last season, where she skated at a show with him playing the piano. She and Alina are Tatars and not ethnically Russian, so that might be why they look more similar, especially in a field where all the other girls look very Russian.
you can not find ethnically Russian among the ladies except Trusova and Scherbacova, but they don't look similar.
well, we in Russia have a great mixture of blood (more than 200 nationalities officially live here), that's why some look alike, others dont
What is Tatar and also, what ethnicity is Aliona?
@@pugrad2011 tatars are a turkic people living in russia and they are the second largest ethnic group in Russia, which is why Alina and Kamila dont really look East Slavic. Aliona seems to be ethnically Russian though, but no confirmation on that.
@@khaleesimotherofdragons285 I would love to read articles on the different Russian ethnicities. Do you know any good websites?
As I said to you privately on insta, I am all around pretty disappointed by the ladies portion. LOVED Mikhail though.
You and me both!
Kholyada was the only good part of this event.
Oh, and Kostornaia telling the truth about Eteri.
couldn't agree more! I had been waiting all summer to see russian ladies only to realize that Kolyada was all I needed...
@@helenamargot0403 ayy we're name twins! 100% agree with you about Kostornaia!
I liked Tuktaymsheva stuff. She got her biellman - just. The short costume I’ll have to learn to love though.
That short costume was Halloween on ice.
No, you don't have to learn to love that SP costume. She was dressed like a waitress working in a roman-themed Las Vegas restaurant that caters to Chinese tourists. A simple white dress with minimal gold accents would've been so much better.
I really want to do something with her hair!
I like Lisa too. She is often unappreciated among the Eteri drama, but if she kept her 3A she is still in the game. And if the age for women figure skating is lifted to 17, suddenly Mishin will be the Man. The remarkable come back of Koliada only reinforces the value of the old school, long-term focused skating. I miss that with the women and would love to see longevity, evolution, come backs and not the one time use athletes Eteri produces...
Alena’s transfer was extremely sudden. In an interview she said she called hot Sergei saying she wanted to follow him and he told her to wait a while because he thought she was being rash. But, alena seems incredibly stubborn and had her mind made up already
Before people start coming for me I’m not an Alena hater she is actually my favorite of the competing girls right now. PRAYING SLB gives her a good program 👏🏼👏🏼
I think her transfer was rash and very teenagy. I'm afraid I am fearing the worst results out of this. She didn't look good in the short, and then withdrew from the long. Hmm. Something's not right.
@@Jontor11 She is injured.
@@isah379 no, they are redoing her long program
@@Jontor11 she withdrew because she doesn’t have a completed free program yet.
Watching Russian Test Skates with my daughter, when EteriTutberitze is on the big screen. The audience applauded her and she smiled. My daughter commented "I didn't think her facial muscles had the capacity to smile" !!!!
she has a beautiful smile. Enjoy!
She has undergone extensive plastic surgery and her smile and other facial expressions reflect that.
Eva Masters Yep. And she looks amazing. And her smile is beautiful. It is her right to want to look good because she’s a public figure and whether she wants it or not dozens of cameras are on her shooting close ups at every competition.
@Margo kms: it is a question of taste. Some people do not like the wooden look which comes with botox injections and other plastic surgery. I live close to Hollywood and this is not something an actor would do, because it limits their ability to convey emotion.
Eva Masters good thing she’s not an actor then
Omg I was gonna search for this and the notification popped ! Thank youuuu
Hope you like it!
Everyone pretty much regressed. Although, Sasha appeared to improve a little on her jump technique
Agreed, Sasha definitely looked the most in shape jump wise (although not too surprising, she’s a damn firecracker)
I also got strong Zagitova vibes from Valieva 😂
Anna and Kamila were good but oh how I wish their team could work with more people outside of their circle !! But oh well wish upon a star I guess ...
The US Open men's final is heading to a fifth set, and all I can think is, "Hurry this match up! I've got some TSL to watch!"
schauspielersven priorities!!
WTF was that Kostornaia program. My god
I think you guys were a bit inaccurate about Masquerade Waltz -- it's written for a play, and she's portraying Nina's death at the end!
I said this under Fran's video and will say it again: they are trying to turn Anna in young Evgenia with all the sad emotive "deep" programs and giving Kamila the Yulia image of "extremely young flexible prodigy with serious face and mature skating" combined with Alina warhorse music we've heard a million times before
Jonathan's laugh at "I almost called it a film, which is an overreach". I think that should be a gif with sound!!!
Love you guys and what you do (for free no less!) but when it comes to Medvedvea and injuries I don't doubt. Poor girls body was clearly broken at the Olympics and despite the PR I don't think she's ever totally recovered from that. Hard to watch her here but I hope she skates for many years to come. Anna is a beautiful skater to watch and although Sasha's not my style I do admire her. ⛸️
Morozov is probably no stranger to infections
Lmaooo 😂😂
HAHAHAH
OMG I said that too without seeing your comment! No wonder mine didn't get any likes LMAO
So ready for this one! Happy Sunday everyone! 💙
Hope you enjoy!
I’m living for Kamila’s SP. It was so good like omg
It was the best of the shorts for sure, also liked Sashas
Yes, her spins are out of this world. Her flexibility though might be a problem in the long run. I am thinking a bit Lipnitskaya here. Her flexibility made her jumps suffer in the end. But Valieva will be 15 next year and eligible for Olympics and I am sure she will make it.
Yesssss!
you are overacting too much..it was nothing special she is only 14 years old girl.
@@marikafasola8771 the women's event in general wasn't really special, but her short was well done, not too much of a gleikhengauz style and pretty to watch
I don't doubt that there's theatrics involved with all the skaters, but Medvedeva definitely looked like she was in genuine pain, especially when she was coming off the ice after her free. As someone with chronic back issues, I know that feeling well and my heart went out to her!
I found Trusova a lot more engaging to watch this season than last. Obviously she has things she needs to work on, but I'm excited to see where this season (and beyond) goes for her!
Here are my thoughts: Evgenia’s programs have a lot of potential, and I cannot wait to see her in costume and ready to go. Kostornaia’s short should have been just the no time to die song. You should see me in a crown is more gala than for a program and imo ruined her short. Anna was lovely as usual, I like her more than Trusova. Speaking of Trusova, I don’t think Romeo and Juliet is a good choice for her, but I do like her short program. Elizaveta has potential as well, I love her free program costume but agree that her short program one looks like a Halloween costume.
Ice dancing will be quite boring this season. I read somewhere that the theme for this season was going to be folk, and that got me very excited because it’s been a while since we’ve seen the folk theme, but apparently they’re repeating the same theme and pattern dance from last season. This inevitably resulted in most teams repeating their RDs from last season and a few teams are even repeating both, RD and FD, so yeah, ice dance will be a bore.
You don't like Trusova because she doesn't make cringy faces like Evgenia. Evgenia is pretty much done, she can just retire. She barely can jump of the ice, like 5 cm nothing grand just like any other girl, just a pretty song and skating moves that show nothing of her skating skills because she doesn't have them. She fell on a 2A in her short program and triple flip was double footed. No improvements at all just the same old Medvedeva.
Ursula I never said I disliked Trusova. I said I like Anna MORE than Trusova. Learn how to read. Evgenia hasn’t been making cringe faces in a long while, so dunno what you’re going on about, and as for her jumps, keep in mind that we’re in a pandemic. Rinks in Russia and everywhere else were closed for about 4 to 5 months. That’s a lot of time lost on training. I don’t know if you noticed, but literally every skater fell on at least one jump here. So according to your logic, all of them should retire? You’re being ridiculous and dumb.
Anna was real Angel on ice, isn't it? So beautiful! WOW!
Evgenia didn't fall in her short program.
@@missblackcat4655 She was training at Japan, look at her instagram!
Was it just me or did Evgenia seem to switch back to her old technique... Also Alexandra's FS was so similar to Daria's...
How will you comment that Evgenia returned to Eteri?
I can not comprehend this! After all the dirt Eteri threw at her!
I wonder what goes through Eteri's mind when she sees Medvedeva falter like this. Jubilation that an ex student could only find success when under her tutelage, or annoyance that Evgenia's struggles highlight the flawed and short-lived nature of the Eteri jump technique. Zagitova's retirement must be a relief for quite a few people.
Chee Meng See watching their old videos together at competitions it seemed like Eteri was always hugging her & kissing her - definitely not the same Eteri we get now...
I’ve wondered the exact same thing!
Dave, so glad you're finding Segei Polunin so interesting...he's had an eventful and drama filled career. And I couldn't take my eyes off Tarosova and her purple lipped expressions either...just fascinating.
Dave and Jonathan, thank you for providing us with this platform and so much food for thought. I keep coming back and thinking over some of your comments and opinions, which helps me to link a lot of missing dots, but also to see the areas where our opinions differ.
Along this lines I was thinking of the comment by your Russian coach/source that an Olympic champion is not necessarily a good coach, and that you have to start from a and b and grow as a coach as a separate thing. I think this may be true if you lack credibility and you have to attract talented kids, invest in their skating skills, keep them as they improve and others start poaching... with Alexandra and Aliona he gets the top of the crop, so it is easier to build up and do the most challenging aspects of the training. I think for him will be difficult to start with very young kids and give them time, patience, etc. But he has junior coaches for that. He also famously has a very good relationship with Mishin and undoubtedly has borrowed a lot from him in terms of coaching philosophy. The fact that both Alexandra and Aliona quoted Rozanov as a reason to leave and follow him, suggests that he was more involved with them than given credit by Eteri & co. I also think that the early indications are that these girls along with Zhilina stay reasonably competitive. Coach change always requires adjustment and takes time. I also think that it is easy to underestimate his will power and determination to succeed in this. However, his commitment to the sport, as well as tenacity in overcoming obstacles cannot be questioned. I think Eteri found a worthy opponent, if not her nemesis. And the Russian figure skating as a whole will benefit, because if he succeeds, young skaters will have options to continue being competitive past their first or second season.
"Dave, as I said privately to you on Messenger..." These kids are funny these days.
Zhenya has nothing left to prove and nothing to gain except improving as an artist.
My heart is broken daily when I think of the timing of her injury during the Olympic season. With Medvedeva sidelined, it allowed Zagitova to gain all the momentum and improve her PCS at a rapid rate. If Zhenya had won the Olympics, she could have retired in peace. Now she's sort of lost in a personal abyss, but I admire her perseverance. She's always been a fighter. And I do see an improvement in the artistic merit of her programs. Even if she will be lucky to make it out of Russia from here on out, I commend her working to improve stylistically.
Oh god, what's wrong with u medobots?? U still can't get over the fact that's she didn't win? She most definitely did not deserve that win, and its not because of her injury. They both have bad techniques but alina was still better than zhenya in a way, her jumps and spins r better. Zhenya was still overscored and the judges didn't call out the many mistakes she made. Then she started crying like she somehow should've won?!?! That obviously caused her fans to forever hold on to the fact that their Darling should've won and hate zagitova forever. And besides its not zagitovas fault that zhenya still couldn't improve her shitty technique even after all this time and switching coaches
@@chocolateperfume752 Gurl I don't hate Zagitova and it's not her fault she was overscored in PCS. Facts are facts, and if Zhenya had been at the GPF and RUS Nats, it would have kept Zagitova's PCS down and she wouldn't have gotten them high enough in time to win in Korea.
The real question is why are you Zhenya Haters so quick to disparage her illustrious career and accomplishments?
@Skate Lover she's in a personal abyss relative to the glory days of her career. I mean that's kinder than saying she's delusional, right?
@Skate Lover there's no way in hell Zagitova's PCS would have risen like that if Zhenya had been there. I bet my life on it.
@Skate Lover Gurl. Did I say any rules were broken? No. Am I saying there was corruption? No. Like, you're going to places I ain't never been.
Guys, cmon! About Ted----He´s saying things over and over... Well you whine and complain and ditch all the hard working girls as you were better, Trusova was not THAT bad last year ("totally unwathcable") and Mededeva maybe was not top notch but cant you anyway try to twist your comments to less ironic, negative?. You do set a platform for that online bullying is ok. Which is not. Please just cmon and change your attitude. We don´t need more hate. I was sad after watching this. Usually I enjoy you.
This is a difference between critique and bullying.
@@TheSkatingLesson Well yes, there is a difference, and you clearly lean towards bullying.
I agree with you 100%. I would say I always "partly" enjoys This and That. I enjoy getting information, I really dislike how they try to be funny, and end up being on the bullying side of things.
@@Raphann88 Try Fran (UA-cam channel) if you want to get the information without the bullying :)
Well said. It's the main reason why I only come to this channel to see if there's any interesting discussion in the comments. I stopped watching their videos long ago because too often they're just being mean, and pretending it's funny and hiding behind smiles makes it even worse.
I think all of them were much more prepared at last year's Russian test skates, but I can't fault them with how crazy everything's been because of COVID. The biggest show stealers for me was Tat's reaction to Zhenya after her SP, Eteri's forced clap for an ex student only cause cameras were on her, Elena Illnyck just being there, and ofc, Aliona standing for herself and giving a hefty statement to show Eteri who the real Queen is. ♥️
It was released in the French Press that P/C’s new Rhythm Dance is The Artist, if you haven’t heard!
Some thoughts:
First of all, why do my favs always get injured??? chock/bates:(((( (but it seemed pretty small which is good, hopefully this isn’t 2017/18 all over again)
I am 100% here for P/C doing a tango!
I dislike Burlesque but it definitely suits Madi H.
Evgenia’s FP could be great when clean- I hope her coaching situation gets better.
Queen Moskvina did Mishina/Galliamov very well, especially in the SP.
Kolyada 😍😍😍😍😍
Boikova/Kozlovskii 😍😍😍
I love Mishina/Galliamov, especially there SP x
Mishina/Galliamov are my favourites too 😍 (they were from last year though).
SP of Mishina/Galliamov was fantastic! By the way it was choreographed by Natalia Bestemianova and her husband Igor Bobrin.
Zhenya. Orser. Tutberidze. Please. My mind just simply cannot wrap itself around this whole situation. Is she doing an Orser/Tutberidze or full Tutberidze? Please, I need answers and only you can spill the tea😭😭
Full Tutb.,Brian said he was out.
Now we'll need to have a video about Evgenia leaving Brian hahah
It is coming!
I hadn’t heard that P/C were positive for Covid earlier in the year. That does explain why they seemed less conditioned on the live stream. Do we have more info about what happened? I really hope they have recovered ok! How stressful.
But according to their some ig stories in this summer, it doesn’t seem they were positive for Covid... Also they did some video interviews with media like olympic channel in their house. They didn’t stay in hospital.
@@lukluk2487 Covid patients don't go to the hospital unless they are high risk or going into respiratory arrest. Only a small portion go to the hospital. If you're young like Gaby and Guillaume they tell you to quarantin home and wait for the virus to pass
Med will quit when SHE decides to quit not because of anyone else.....c'mon
I Know, people feel so entitled lol like if they pay her or something
Or when she doesn't make the national team
There is a limit to how many falls, skipped or diminished elements one can have before the public starts to withdraw support. The same goes for sponsors, coaches and even friends. This was a test skate, so she gets away with it. I love her to pieces, but this was painful to watch. We want to see the triumphant return of the queen of ice, not her failed attempt. I really hope the next time we watch these programs they are clean (especiallythe free one).
@@TheSkatingLesson she didn't make the team last year for worlds yet here she is with 2 new programs, still fighting and pushing...even with injuries
Can not tell you how excited I am to hear you guys talking about skating again!Jonathan, I was also struck by how much Valieva looked like Zagitova out there - something about the posture too which I don’t think was a good thing necessarily.
I love the first part of Aliona's program, but the second song is meh. Medvedeva has two good programs but she wasn't ready yet. Eteri's girls bored me, they always do the same. Liza was very dissappointing for me, i don't get the new programs. Sofia was very good, I love her style. Sasha was better than the last season but she's not my cup of tea :)
It was all about Kolyada~
I WAS WAITING FOR THIS VIDEO THANKS ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Hope you enjoy it!
Neither Valieva nor Scherbakova have that elusive thing called Star Power. Yes they're good, but watching them doesn't touch something inside you that makes you want to relive the experience again and again by replaying the performance. Their programmes are mostly forgettable. Out of sight out of mind. That's how I feel anyway. Osokina has it in spades. She doesn't even need to do much, just skating around the rink is a pleasure to watch.
You're wrong. Or maybe become too spoiled by outstanding skaters. Osokina is good - but that's it. Buyanova's camp is not capable to give her world class package to a degree Eteri does.
Loving this! Finally some real skating. Also it sounded like he kept saying pina colada instead of Kolyada.
ROFL! Ted in an abusive relationship with Russia 1. 😂😂😂
Mary Di Muro 🤣🤣🤣
Kolyada is Mishin's little Yagudin!
what a juicy weekend . And here comes the cherry on top ! 🍒 ⛸🤸🏻♀️
Mersin Husnuoglu 🎉🎉
where do i get a hold of the mishin documentary ?
ua-cam.com/video/wQUHPc3qINs/v-deo.html
Trusova seems to have made some interesting changes in her quad toe technique
Yeah I thought that. Less of a Toe Axel (less Axel right knee step up)
Ben Bailey Yeah I thought so too. And the rhythm of the jump seemed different as well. She holds on to the inside edge a bit longer after the 3 turn and appears to strain less on the actual jump. Overall it was smoother and improved!
Her Toeloop is rock solid now!
That round technique might result as a lot of popping.... cuz of a timing
But etri technique not that good to watch but I think it brings more consistency....
I agree,
like what in the world was that slow timing????
Med didn't skate through the whole quarantine.....she's been away from her coach for months.....I'll give her some time
She has help at CSKA
She doesn’t really have time..the season is starting
So why did she choose the first two stages of Russian Cup? It was not very smart, to say the least.
Loved Sasha ! 🤩👍🏼 She really is a strong girl and honestly imo Plushenko looks more interested in her than in Aliona ... Well it's the 1st time we see him interacting with them , but still feel like he has more in common with Sasha in terms of personality and skating skills
That's because Trusova skates like a boy...
yes, he seems to be more interested in her, I think Alena didn't make a good decision to go, she worked better at Eteri team, there is no connection between her and Plush as there is between Plush and Trus.
@@rahelhorvat1471 there isn't any connection between Plush and Sasha. Watch their interaction after skate - Sasha is cold and distant toward him and he looks very phony and awkward when trying to give her jacket. Her real coach is that Mikhailov guy now and Ilyinih - Plush is just a manager there who tries to pr himself as a would-be coach on tv during events.
Another fun episode guys. I always enjoy when you talk about the Russian skaters. I think the experience is even enhanced by the fact that I don't have a dog in that hunt, particularly in the ladies event. Whenever I see one of them, I just think, "Oh, here's the latest Brand X." It makes it easier to move them in and out of the "here's the next great thing" category. Speaking of the next great thing, having watched skating since about 1980, I've stopped considering skaters as such (I've a similar approach with counting skaters out). I just go with let's see how they show up in a particular season and then I'll form an opinion of their prospects for that season. I'll wait for the retrospective look to determine their place in skating history. Again, thanks for another good time.
Zhenya has the most interesting programs but she's behind on TES nonetheless she performed good (those step sequence). Anna surprised me cos i never liked her jumps..
1.14.00. She is a choreographer of Mishin's group Tatiana Prokofieva.
Olga S thank you!
Does anyone know where we can find that Mishin documentary they were talking about?
Russian Channel 1 on UA-cam.
ua-cam.com/video/wQUHPc3qINs/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/wQUHPc3qINs/v-deo.html&t
@@tranquilitytranquility1407 Thank you! ❤
Anna Scherbakova is really awesome!
Kostornaias program would be a lot better if it were only 'No Time to Die'. They could have gone full on James Bond.
Evgenia back to Eteri??!! Is this like figure skating boot camp to get her in shape again per Tarasova??! You HAVE to do an episode about this!
Loved the episode and how I missed Misha ❤️❤️❤️
I usually feel jaded when I hear of a "new" program to R&J, but I rather liked the choreo and music cuts here for Trusova and was SO excited to see Ilinykh thumping the boards. Trusova approaches the judges during the high drama of knights' dance but gives ZERO expression; this is always her weak point and hopefully Ilinykh will be able to help her emote and evolve character more - surely there has got to be a whack of points just lying there to be grabbed if she really plays to them as the poor Juliet freaking out at the arrival of these guys.
Kolyada now skating like we all knew he could. Keep that mindset strong Mikhail.
Annabelle Morozov; adored!!!
Agreed, I think Trusova did fine here as did Kolyada-who seems to be getting lots of praise.
But, for me, the true break out stars of the event were Annabelle Morozov and partner Andrey!!! I expect they will rise fast in Russian skating after this.
Valieva's bolero program is a big blah. It's background music. It's the finest evidence that a lot of Dany G's programs are just music over random choreography.
No thoughts on Samodurova’s SP? I thought she had the most interesting program of the ladies (who were overall, quite blah)!!!
Right? I’m intrigued!
I really liked it too!
This was fast. Yesss I’m ready for the tea ☕️
it will be exciting to see Elena Ilinykh's influence on Plushenko's team!
Oh yes!
Having watched I.AM live (the ones that did the DP) I wished I could point the key elements. Do you know where I can find which they are? Thanks!