Last Season´s thread: http://www.goldenskate.com/forum/showthread.php?55961-2015-16-State-of-Russian-Ladies-skating
Anyway, my pre-season thoughts:
1. The main question is whether Zhenya can keep up. If yes, she will break all the records and will make all the great lady skaters from the FS history, well...history. If she becomes relaxed or if puberty hits her then the situation becomes interesting. The choir of haters can calm down - there will be no new magic "sonogram" next season. The leader's place will be attacked by usual suspects. Then
2. The second main question is what our Olympic champs Adelina and Yulia have to offer. I think, for Adelina it is the moment of truth. Either she focuses and starts to deliver or that's it. She won't survive another slack season and will join the ranks of local show biz celebrities for goods. With Yulia it is more difficult. If she cannot peak next season doing consistent 3-3s and not bombing free skates I think they will still have the chance in the season to come. However, she should show a visible progress vs. this season. If it does not happen, I guess, that will be it with her competitive career as well.
3. The third main question is if Liza is back with a stable 3A. Without it she won't stand a chance against Medvedeva (if Medvedeva keeps up). Moreover, she will have to fight for podiums because suddenly this season the competition became much tougher than just a year ago. And it will likely stay. Couple of weak performances and 2015 world champion is out of the team one more time. I guess, it's the moment of truth for her as well.
4. The fourth main question is what lessons Radionova is going to learn after such emotionally disastrous season for her. The rise of Zhenya was very hard for her to bear. But looking at her in Spokane I saw that she gave up this season. Clapping with a weak smile after 151 she professed: yes, you are the queen this year, not me. The question is what she can do about it.
5. The fifth main question is whether the puberty is over for Anna with all her terrible falls so that she can build on her fabulous Boston performance. For me she was the silver (I liked Ashley's skating but pcs difference between them was just ridiculous). If she goes strong in GP Radionova or LIza will have to prove that they are number 2 not Anna (provided Medvedeva keeps up)
6. Less important questions for the seniors: will the coach change bring any major changes for Maria Sotskova? Frankly speaking, it will be very hard for her to start her senior career with all competition we have. Is Leonova going to retire? Will we see more of Artemyeva's beauty on ice? Will we see Sima again?
7. The main question in juniors is whether Polina overcomes her injury and her growth to continue her dominance which was beyond any doubt just before the junior worlds.
8. The second main question is how the strongest in years (and may be in the whole history of FS) junior lady squad is going to fare.
Some statistics from previous season.
1. JGP Events.
Medals - 7 of 21 total. 33%
Gold medals - 4 of 7 total. 57%
2. JGP Final.
Finalists - 3 of 6 total. 50%
Medals - 2 of 3 total. 67%
3. GP Events.
Medals - 7 of 18 total. 39%
Gold medals - 2 of 6 total. 33%
4. GP Final.
Finalists - 2 of 6 total. 33%
Medals - 2 of 3 total. 67%
5. JrWorlds
Medals - 1 of 3 total. 33% (if no injury of Tsurskaya and Fedichkina - would be 2 medals)
6. Euro
Medals - 3 of 3 total. 100%
7. Worlds
Medals - 2 of 3 total. 67%
Good, but at JGP and GP could be better.
Previous season were:
9 JGP medals (5 gold), 3 finalists and 2 Final medals.
9 GP medals (4 gold), 4 finalists and 2 Final medals.
Last edited: