Alina Zagitova

[Autumn Leaves]

Confession time - opened a bottle of red wine and watched all Alina‘s programs from the last three seasons. There was an already openned bottle of rose, but I decided watching Alina required red. It didn‘t help much, still sad.

Called the people I had already invited to watch Russian Nats and canceled the invitation. Sounded so grim that I got them worried. They are not fs fans, so I don‘t think they could entirely grasp the gravity of the situation.

So, tomorrow I will have confused friends and family. I started watching fs not long ago (less than 2 years), have never been a sports fan, so everyone (including me) is surprised at how invested I suddenly am.

Thought I would share here because you would understand and you know how special she is. It is not the end of the world, of course. It is actually great that she is taking a well-deserved break. She looked relieved during the interview and I am glad she can catch her breath from all the insane pressure. But no competition will be the same without Alina and the red hearts on the ice...

 

[Finley]

I needed this laugh -

https://twitter.com/yunasfever/status/1205635439899664385

 

[egoshina]

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6DNdj8qg8g/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

That Biellman! That flip! Alina, you are amazing!!!

 

[flanker]

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6DNdj8qg8g/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

That Biellman! That flip! Alina, you are amazing!!!

This only proves Alina is in a great shape.

 

[nussnacker]

I needed this laugh -

https://twitter.com/yunasfever/status/1205635439899664385

and to prove that she landed that gorgeous rippon 3 flip!

 

[Decoder]

I wanted to stay calm, but I couldn't. Like patee said, "It's impossible not to get emotional". I only slept for about 2 hours. But after a long night, you know what? I now have a sense of relief. Strange?

Well, some randoms thoughts, just to calm myself (some may seems to be odd to you?):

1. Alina made a wise decision. Being stressed for so long, if she'd not slowed down and taken a break, she'd burn out quickly.

2. A break gives her time to relax. In the mean time she can rethink and regroup, or do whatever she wants to do.

3. As a big fan, I am also relieved. I don't have to be extremely nervous when watching her competing against 3A, for now.

4. Worried a little about Eteri. People already started "confirming" the theory that she can only coach juniors. This is unfair.

5. I'll start review this thread from page 1.

6. I hope and believe that Alina will come back competing again.

7. I'll cheer for Alina no matter what.

 

[flanker]

I'll start review this thread from page 1.

I'm doing that too, from time to time. I like reading the posts from Alina's junior season, when I wasn't here yet. I've noticed Alina for the first time when I saw her junior worlds free skate and that definitely made me a figure skating fan. Before that moment it was only growing in me, but that was the one moment.

Please make a note if you will find something you would like.

 

[Edwin]

We might not see Alina back on competitive ice soon, but here are some fond memories of the beauty and excitement of her skating routines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9XPwJkll94

 

[Lunalovesskating]

We might not see Alina back on competitive ice soon, but here are some fond memories of the beauty and excitement of her skating routines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9XPwJkll94

Thank you, it is nice to go down memory lane and remember all of Alina's programs. Cheers me up

 

[Edwin]

Emma Gadzhiyeva disappointed over semi-retiring at 17, but understanding at the same time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlaMxrjemWM

Inna Goncharenko also commented: https://www.sport-express.ru/figure...hodit-alina-zagitova-mnenie-eksperta-1621985/

Inna Goncharenko - about the decision of the Olympic champion to suspend her career.

From the beginning of this season, it was obvious that Alina Zagitova was trying to combine the incompatible - performances at the top level and an active life outside of sports. While her rivals were skating out programs over the summer, Zagitova performed on a show, and a few days before the Open Test Skates of the Russian national team she did an open training session on Andreyevsky Bridge as part of an advertising contract. However, in Luzhniki, this did not stop her from leaving a very strong and vivid impression of herself. As a very professional athlete, "which you need to be now," noted Merited Coach of Russia Inna Goncharenko back then.

In early November, Alina finally truly skated into the season at the Grand Prix stage in France, and then it became clear: the Olympic champion has excellent programs and spectacular presentation, and in a season with a different level of competition she could be guaranteed to be in the mix for the national team. But not in this, in which even one hundred percent dedication leaves no chance in a fight against Aleksandra Trusova, Anna Shcherbakova and Alyona Kostornaya. It is enough to recall the confrontation between Yevgeniya Medvyedeva and Trusova in Moscow or the silver of Japanese Rika Kihira at the home stage of the series in the fight against Alyona Kostornaya. The answer to Zagitova’s prospects was to be given in the Grand Prix Final in Turin, where she was to face the super-trio on the same ice. And, purely mathematically, the best results for each of her programs still gave her a chance not to let Alyona, Anna or Aleksandra onto the podium in Turin.
The fears caused by Alina’s preparation for the tournament because of her performance at the GUM skating rink a few days before her flight to Italy, first dissipated after high-quality pre-competion training, an almost perfect short program and a positive fighting spirit. However, the last starting number in the free program, especially against the background of super performances of the Kostornaya-Shcherbakova-Trusova trio, turned out to be fatal for Zagitova. As a result - an unsuccessful performance, the last place in the tournament, crazy excitement around this fact and removal from the gala exhibition due to injury. And later, on Friday, December 13, Zagitova announced the suspension of her career on Channel One.

Turin's unsurmountable barrier

Inna Goncharenko, in a conversation with SE, explained why Zagitova’s decision should be respected, which could be an impetus for her, and also offered an unexpected way to reform women's competitions.

- Alina is the most titled figure skater, of those skaters competing in the present - began Goncharenko: - And she left an indelible mark in figure skating, including winning the Olympics in Pyeongchang-2018. Then she stayed, causing great respect. Her decision must be taken with respect, I want less sighs on this topic. No one died, she herself decided so, and no need to wonder why. It seems to me that she understands all the pros and cons. Now Zagitova has a name, everyone loves her very much, Alina has an ideal image. And in principle, to leave on a high wave is right.

- Let's go back to Turin for a short while.” Almost perfect training, decent short program skating, but a lot of mistakes in the free program and last place in the final results. What do you think went wrong there?

IG: I think it was a purely psychological moment. Alina was the last to skate, but no matter how you try to close yourself off, monitors are everywhere and you will find out about how your opponents performed. Most likely, she realized what a crazy bar was set. And in the end, Zagitova came out almost in despair, as if she had burned out. But in any case, Alina was a very bright beautiful athlete, rarely everything goes together like that ... Theoretically, according to the results of the Russian championship, the third place in the national team is determined by the coaching council and could be reserved for Zagitova. But she herself didn’t want to, realizing that it’s very difficult for her to learn those quadruple jumps, and to go to tournaments and take strange places, why? When there is the same recognition and love of all fans, as well as specialists. Alina here needs to be understood purely from the human point of view.

A Decent Exit

- Of the pluses - a more professional and thoughtful approach to communicating this fact, compared with the departure of the same Medvyedeva from Tutberidze ...

IG: Yes, now everything has been done dignified and correct. But the media must also understand such a thing. At this moment because of this doping scandal, so much negative is going over our sports, and Zagitova is the positive of our sport. You should not escalate, because she is loved not only in Russia, but throughout the world where she is very well received.

- But you understand that not everyone likes the situation in which the skaters have a maximum of only two bright seasons. How to relate to this? How to a negative moment or rejoice over the number of talented skaters?

IG: The point here isn't this 'expiration date', not at all, which everyone will begin to talk about. And the fact is, all coaches educate singles skaters as individualists and egoists, because it is necessary. Since childhood, they want to be the first, and first, only number one. And when you need to catch up with athletes from your own country ... Progress is relentless. Sorry about the fact that Alina will not skate for another five years? But how can we know for sure wether she would like to perform for so long, if she weren’t near the young rivals in the training group? Now Alina realises that she doesn’t let anyone down with her departure. And if she were the only one we have, and wants to finish so just to get married, for example? What would happen then? I believe those young girls are not a hindrance at all. Our sport is very dependent on the state of your body, and this line is so thin. Maybe she just accumulated psychological and physical fatigue?

Now Alina wants to go on a show, earn money on her name, for which she worked for many years. Why not?

Zagitova should be proud

- In the mixed zone after a short program, it became very noticeable that all these non-sporting events off the ice greatly expanded her horizons. And how the girls are often reproached for boring monosyllabic answers to questions.

IG: Here are a few nuances. Firstly, everyone listens attentively to the girls, so a lot of restrictions have to be observed, and secondly, few of them are studying in school full time. But all the same, they are all very mobilised, erudite, intelligent and organised. And Alina is now entering a new world, she will be invited everywhere. And telling her, “No, wait,” is wrong. Time passes and new idols appear, Alina must have time to get into her own.

- Nevertheless, many fans will probably blame Tutberidze for allegedly “dumping” Zagitova ...

IG: No need to invent anything. You have to be proud of your history. In the United States, a conventional Jack built some sort of a barn, to which everybody will rush to admire it in all its splendour. And we will have a masterpiece of architecture, while we will look for flaws in it. It’s just that you don’t have to do this and allow these speculations!

Do we need two senior divisions?

- However, the grief and disappointment of the fans can also be understood. Only now, Alina began to look spectacular on the ice ... Only now she displayed mature skating, and quitted!

IG: But in order to change everything in women's figure skating, we should not discuss this. There must be solutions from above. For example, there is this '3rd youth category' and age subgroups within it (FFKKR ranking system). Children compete in the same category, but in different subgroups. Each such group has its own champions and its awards. Why can’t you do this in senior female single skating, since the female body is so different from the male? For example, make one subgroup from 15 to 18 years old, and the other from 18 years and older. There will be more awarded, and more idols. It will be more interesting, and athletes have more chances. Competitions will be diverse: somewhere more jumping girls, and somewhere more mature skating. As a result, everyone will be happy and the debate on this topic will end. Just raise the age limit to 18 years? This is dishonest and strange. Why they don’t do that, I don’t understand.

- You can object that in other countries there are simply not so many talented girls ...

IG: Don't tell me, I’m sure that there are girls abroad who will be very happy about this fact. Remember Gracie Gold, who was freaking out, gaining weight, and then decided to return. There will be different subgroups - many will decide to return and skate for another five years, at least.

Exclude discussion with conviction

- But still, to summarize, does any unrealized goal make you stay in sport? Tuktamysheva was not at any Olympics for her very long career, and Medvyedeva stopped one step away from winning the OG, and Zagitova collected the whole set of existing titles and it is not clear what should motivate her.

IG: Drop win-not win. Girls do this all their lives and nothing more. They study according to the residual principle, the girls are all smart, but after training they simply do not have the strength to master educational programs. When a turning point approaches, they begin to think: where to move on? Now, for example, Alina, by age, will have time to prepare and get a completely different education, not related to sports. Time is not unlimited! You don't want to be 40 years old and start to study?
Yes, even if compared with ordinary life, all the girls have already been figure skating for about 13-15 years, because they start practicing from three or four years old. Go work these 15-20 years at the factory, then you will want to leave, and they will tell you: “Stop, what are you, let's have another 20 years!”.

It is necessary to exclude condemnation from this discussion of Zagitova's decision. We must be grateful she raised the prestige of our country and strengthened the love of figure skating. Plus, she attracted new fans - the same children who could play with toys, but instead looked at Zagitova and wanted to be like her. Alina was seen on the screen only in her last and brightest three years, and this was preceded by a 10-year preparation. If it was some ordinary thing, nobody might have noticed."
-----
Aleksandr Kogan's comments: https://rsport.ria.ru/20191214/1562389270.html:

"Zagitova does not finish her sports career. And, like every athlete, she has the right to not participate in any competitions at some point. I respect Alina’s decision, because the principle of sports is the main thing for her”
-----

I am not going to waste time and effort on interpreting Rodina's "opinion".
Or any other coach, trainer, self proclaimed 'authority' that has no direct connection to Zagitova, Tutberidze or Khrustalniy/Sambo-70.

 

[Decoder]

Emma Gadzhiyeva disappointed over semi-retiring at 17, but understanding at the same time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlaMxrjemWM

Inna Goncharenko also commented: https://www.sport-express.ru/figure...hodit-alina-zagitova-mnenie-eksperta-1621985/

Aleksandr Kogan's comments: https://rsport.ria.ru/20191214/1562389270.html:

"Zagitova does not finish her sports career. And, like every athlete, she has the right to not participate in any competitions at some point. I respect Alina’s decision, because the principle of sports is the main thing for her”"

I am not going to waste time and effort on Rodina's "opinion".
Or any coach, trainer, 'authority' that has no direct connection to Zagitova, Tutberidze or Khrustalniy/Sambo-70.

:thumbsup:

 

[JazzUp]

Wonderful Alina at the Sleeping Beauty presentation show

 

[Lechat]

Alina deserves to do what she wants now. It’s a real delight to see her on the ice and it’s a wise decision to withdraw from the next 3 competitions. She’s doing shows during nationals, she knows she has no chance for Europeans and worlds and she doesn’t want to take someone else’s place.

 

[FreeSkater]

Alina Zagitova 2019.12.14 Sleeping Beauty Ice Show Promo F
1080p 50fps Own FanCam
Tatiana Navka Sleeping Beaty. Legend of Two Kingdoms Ice Show 2019-2020 Promo F
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2KBmnsW9D0

Alina Zagitova 2019.12.14 Sleeping Beauty Ice Show Promo G 720p 30fps
Tatiana Navka Sleeping Beaty. Legend of Two Kingdoms Ice Show 2019-2020 Promo G
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQQNioJ_T_c

 

[Edwin]

.... and she doesn’t want to take someone else’s place.

This is what I also admire in her decision: she doesn't want to be 'put' into the team by decision of some coaching council. Don't know if those decisions are 'binding' and she or her coaches might get into trouble by refusing? She felt after the season she isn't ready, perhaps even worthy of competing for Russia. She wants to compete for Russia only by earning this distinction, and found she came short of it, not by her own fault or failure, but because there are other girls better than her.

No finger pointing at others, no trash talking others, in front of the whole nation expressing the plain and simple truth: ' I am not good enough and I am tired, I am missing motivation '. Explaining yourself like this takes a lot of courage, which she mustered because she has a high moral standard and think she owns the world an explanation and expressed gratitude at the same time.

Only evil people that were never her friends or admirers can and will blame her for expressing herself and taking this decision. And Alina has learned by now to ignore those.

 

[Finley]

I was sad yesterday, but today I am with Decoder. I am relieved that she isn't taking the stress on herself anymore. My only thought now - I wish her joy!

:luv17:

 

[Scott512]

I'm still kind of stunned and sad. Power level is too high just to go away for good. But I think we understand the stress Alina has been under for 3 years and it wore her down. Hopefully she will come back next season do a couple Challengers to get her feet wet again so to speak. But if she doesn't come back those are too valuable Grand Prix spots for the Federation to give out.

There is also a chance Alina will enjoy this new chapter of her life of doing shows and the much less amount of stress that goes with that. If that happens it will be really hard for her to make a competitive comeback even though her level is so darn high.

 

[Finley]

From Leysan's IG -

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6D04opoCrj/

Alina will be performing at St.Petersburg at Gazprom Arena one of the FIFA World Cup stadiums before the start of the hockey game on the 19th! (Please do Cleopatra!) -

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6DxJKlIyQO/

If anyone can watch this and not smile! Alina being adorably precious, then ice dancing (in hold no less!) with the 'handsome prince' (I'm assuming!) -

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6DxJKlIyQO/

Handsome Prince is blown away by 3 lutz! (who wouldn't be?) -

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6DxJKlIyQO/

Navka & Alina will on the Urgant show! -

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6DR4FiqYz6/

 

[Wombat1800]

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6DNdj8qg8g/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

That Biellman! That flip! Alina, you are amazing!!!

She's always been such an underrated spinner. And hey, it's never too late to try pairs and dance:yes:

 

[Finley]

Being an Alina fan is always an interesting experience. It weirdly feels again like she finally 'officially' 'won' the Olympics. It's that same feeling that I had after Worlds where she and her team celebrated with such giddy relief. The Skating elite of Russia sincerely praised her and acknowledged her accomplishments. She received that congratulatory telegram from Putin. She finally made an appearance on a popular TV show. It felt like she validated her OGM with her World Championship victory.

Now her break from competition is being given this royal treatment (as it should be). It only seems to have made her more popular and beloved by the public and of course her fans. I think she was trending in the #1 & #2 spots on Russian twitter.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6CyaidqTlm/

It feels like she is getting the 'moment' that Tara Lipinski & Oksana Baiul got when they turned pro right after their Olympic victories. I'm happy for her! She deserves this!

Realistically, RusNats was going to be her last competition this season, so instead of skating there and not making the Euro&World teams, she closed the door on the rest of this season herself and moved on.

Who knows what next season will bring. If she can get a consistent quad and/or a triple axel (I'm thinking of Mirai Nagusu) I think she will try to come back. If not, I think she is going to have an amazing life of her own making.