This and That: 2021 Russian Figure Skating Championships (Anna Shcherbakova, Mikhail Kolyada)

This week, the top skaters in Russian competed in Chelyabinsk at the 20201 Russian Figure Skating Championships. There were tears, quad-filled performances, smelling salts and branded face masks. Anna Shcherbakova, Mihail Kolyada, Kamila Valieva, Alexandra Trusova, Elizaveta Tuktamysheva and Daria Usacheva headlined the field, but it was the emotional reaction of coach Eteri Tutberidze, the boos of Evgeni Plushenko and the exhibition of Evgenia Medvedeva that put the event over the top. We break down all of the tears, cheers and jeers on the latest edition of 'This and That'.
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The goal of The Skating Lesson (TSL) is to share our passion and knowledge of the sport with all of you. Whether you call it figure skating, ice skating, Eiskunstlauf, фигурное катание, 피겨 스케이팅, フィギュアスケート, 花样滑冰, 花樣滑冰, patinage artistique, pattinaggio artistico or patinaje artístico, we hope you'll share your passion with us as well. isu figure skating, dancing on ice
Featured: камила валиева, Дарья Усачева, анна щербакова, александра трусова, Елизавета Туктамышева, Михаил Коляда, Макар Игнатов, Этери Тутберидзе, Евгений Плющенко

[@ameliadettwyler514]

1:05 - Russian Nationals 2:13 - Dave's soliloquy about Eteri's group 3:57 - Russian "medications"? 5:42 - Perspectives on how to appreciate figure skating 8:35 - Anna Shcherbakova's rebound 9:40 - Differences in quality of pairs and ladies' skating (time off the ice, etc) PAIRS 11:53 - Panfilova and Rylov 13:30 - Mishina and Galliamov & Boikova and Kozlovskii: struggling with consistency, having different styles 18:30 - Pavliuchenko and Khodykin: shortcomings 22:42 - Tarasova and Morosov: winning 25:30 - Back to Mishina and Galliamov 26:50 - Quasi-European championships (how many groups of pairs?, etc) LADIES' 27:54 - Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: brooding program, waiting for a big break 30:06 - What will it take to surpass the leading four ladies? 31:05 - Medvedeva: will she compete? will she return to Eteri? getting second by a hair at the Olympics? 33:50 - Extreme depth in Russia, Anna Shcherbakova lasting three times in a row... 34:46 - Daria Usacheva's: potential, growth, challenges 37:05 - Alexandra Trusova: quads, judging, Plushenko, lack of support, 3A, harsher judging? 44:51 - Sponsors and advertisements 46:40 - Coach Galina Zmievskaya (Coach Tarasova's absence, Galina's skaters, etc) 54:45 - Kamila Valieva: nonmatching music 56:18 - Ted and Danii are annoying 59:50 - Anti-Trusova sentiment, Plushenko's thumbs down 1:01:20 - Sofia Samodelkina, Maiia Khromykh 1:02:06 - Alena Kostornaia's absence, drama, and possible future 1:03:45 - Dave with Igor and his adult classes MEN'S 1:07:30 - The White Crow soundtrack 1:10:18 - Mikhail Kolyada: beautiful long program, Mishin's student 1:13:00 - Stephane Lambiel (preview for Japanese nationals!) and Ted being annoying again :) ICE DANCE 1:15:28 - Annabelle Morozov's new hair color, psychological correlation of hair color changes, Morozov and Bagin's instability 1:18:10 - Stepanova and Bukin: free program music, rough skating 1:23:33 - Overview including Makar’s quad loop being mistaken as a triple and Shcherbakova's high GOEs

[@ameliadettwyler514]

@S K thank you so much! It’s fixed now :)

[@sashafan2]

Anna's quad loop? I am sure Anna didn't jump a quad loop.

[@olgakhantaeva6726]

46:40 It is about coach Tatiana Tarasova not Evgenia, but thanks you

[@ameliadettwyler514]

@@olgakhantaeva6726 Thank you!

[@sashafan2]

I think quad loop was about Makar's quad loop, because his quad loop was mistakenly identified as 3Lo.

[@josephroberson5414]

I've had sour grapes over the avalanche of Russian ladies for years, but I have to give it up. They're something special and they deserve all of the praise and accolades they receive. They're better than the rest of the world. We can go back and forth with the artistry versus technical content argument, but it's time to put it to bed. They're just that damn good.

[@mai3334]

They are but they also have the resources to be great that many other countries do not provide their skaters.

[@larissakoroleva]

@@mai3334 so what? Hate them because of that? So stupid.

[@mai3334]

@@larissakoroleva I literally agreed that they were phenomenal. I was explaining why they are miles ahead of every other country. I can’t expect you to be ahead in reading comprehension, however.

[@mkp158]

Mai - What makes you think that, for example, in China sports are not state's sponsored? I am just referring to your comment that Russian girls have incomparable resources. For the record, you're wrong. Their families paid out of pocket (or searched for sponsors) all the way until they got in Eteri's school and/or youth national team. For example, mother of Yulia Lipnitskaya sold everything they owned, packed it in a car and travelled cross-country just to give her daughter a chance at Eteri's school... Have you seen an apartment, which Zagitova rented in Moscow? Badically a tiny room with 2 beds. She saw her parents only few times during a year when she was 12-15 y. o. P. S. I am alright with reading comprehension, so please do refrain from nasty comments.

[@mai3334]

@@mkp158 I said that to the previous poster who called me stupid, so they merited a rude comment back. Nowhere did I say that you lacked reading comprehension. I also said “many other countries,” not ALL other countries. So maybe you do lack reading comprehension as well. Also, state sponsored is different than having the resources, period. Russia has thousands of indoor skating rinks compared to a few hundred in China, whether private or state-owned. And nowhere did I say that was a bad thing or something to be frowned upon. It’s just a fact!

[@nikanovakovic3980]

Even if the girls were overscored they all skated so wonderfully it was a joy to watch 💕

[@Catalina_Estevez]

The best National of figure skating in this 2020.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Very interesting competition indeed!

[@ketevana11]

GOOD Luck to Anna Sherbakova.. She won fairly! I can watch her performance again and again . As Italians say: la Critica e facile l'arte e difficile..

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Great saying.

[@aleksandrapaka6267]

I love every of these girls, Valieva, Kostornaia, Shcherbakova, Trusova, Usacheva - all hardworking, beautiful personalities. Improper judging is harmfull for all of them. Calling a flip edge on Trusova while not calling lutz edge on Usacheva is lying to Daria, that she has nothing to work with on her lutz and saynig to Sasha that they don't want her to win. It's also clear that Sasha has better jumping technique than Anna, but you can't see that in the scores. These scoring is a nonsens. Anyway, it was exciting to see ladies free skate - especially Anna's. I hope all girls will stay healthy so we can see them again soon

[@larissakoroleva]

Geez. Stop hating.

[@mvengarge9666]

@@larissakoroleva I don’t think the comment was a hate comment, she is speaking facts

[@Chastaken]

Agree.the scores are shit but well, it's Russia

[@Svetonosets]

@@mvengarge9666 Sasha's jumping technique is not better than Anna's, this is not facts.

[@Jontor11]

@@Chastaken LOL! Just saw US Nationals, and the Ladies scores there were through the roof! The Russians didn't overscore that much.

[@kaylawalton7638]

Can we just acknowledge how amazing it was to see three clean and beautiful performances from the ladies FS back to back!! The skating was amazing and a good way to end 2020

[@dinh5532]

Yass, all three did amazing and deserved the gold in any other year.

[@swizzle1961]

It was magic! Congrats to all the coaches!

[@iosebdzamukashvili5360]

I still think they do not skate beautifully. They just do jumps and Anna has horrible feet while skating. She is super wobbly. As for Kamila's programme. She can just stretch her legs nothing more and has shaky landings. As for Trusova, I am super happy. We all know her skating is not the best but I admire her and her motivation to learn more and change issues. We saw that in her 3 Flip which she jumped from a wrong edge and finally changed it at the Nationals for good. Stop worshipping this horrible school, which squeezes these fragile girls and destroys their career at the age of 17. It is you and people like you who is to be blamed. If you were not so blind and said the truth instead of "acknowledging" this craziness and torture of little girls, this would never take place.

[@mai3334]

4, you forgot Daria lol

[@swizzle1961]

@@iosebdzamukashvili5360 how can you say that? Do you skate or coach? Yikes!

[@lc4822]

Trusova was the only girl in the whole competition to get an edge call in the short. Plushenko said when he asked about, officials doubled down and said she was the only one who deserved one. I mean...

[@arthurtheaardvark13]

ugh, these officials are garbage

[@iris7484]

right?? I'm sure he doesn't expect any change of heart locally but it's important to be on the books saying this loudly here, now, for when the competition (someday) goes international.

[@BmcC102]

I never noticed Trusova’s flip edge issue until this season. I don’t think she got called earlier this season, but it was only a matter of time, however, very surprised the Russian judges would admit it! Now the international judges has the green light to call it.

[@evamasters5028]

I am grateful someone speaks about this. So much of the comments are dominated by the eteri trolls. Sasha was underscored on EVERY single jump compared to valieva, shcherbakova and usacheva. Every.

[@arthurtheaardvark13]

@@evamasters5028 im so sad for Sasha 😔

[@TheReneex]

I think these young female Russian skaters are phenomenal. Why aren’t these completions not airing on television?

[@arthurtheaardvark13]

they are aired on Russian television channels

[@user-jh7pm7wi9n]

Use the Internet broadcast on the website of the First Channel. They announce this event about a week in advance. The broadcast is in Russian and English

[@TheReneex]

@@arthurtheaardvark13 I don't speak Russian.

[@arthurtheaardvark13]

@@TheReneex me neither, I'm just answering your question.

[@tamaraivanenko5788]

@@TheReneex but you can see

[@БелоСнежка-ю1н]

FIY: “Russian” Christmas is in January 🎄

[@GrippiAlex]

Yes 7th of January🎄🇦🇺

[@ElenaVid279]

FYI*

[@ирина-с7д8ш]

I would say Orthodox , not only Russian), and it is Nativity not Christmas ..

[@petyunya880206]

Only 3 spots... Sherbakova, Trusova, Kostornaya, Valieva, Usacheva, Tuktamisheva, Medvedeva.... Oh my can't wait for the next season.

[@TheFlowMind]

I’m betting on Valieva for sure and probably Sherbakova. Third place to go to the Olympics is a gamble.

[@mantolinez]

@@TheFlowMind Valieva is too young

[@danieeccc]

@@mantolinez no she'll be old enough for the olympics. Just not worlds this season

[@arthurtheaardvark13]

I think we can safely eliminate Medvedeva and Tuktymysheva from World or Olympic teams

[@evamasters5028]

Technically a lot can happen between now and the Olympics. Sherbakova will be seventeen and she has not really gone through puberty yet... they feed her minimally, but I am not sure if this will be enough to keep her in the game. Obviously Valieva is the favorite and has been for a couple of years now. I agree that Medvedeva and Tuktamisheva are a definite "no"s. If Trusova stabilizes 3 complex jumps (any combination of 3A or quads) she had a great shot at it.

[@tranquilitytranquility1407]

Trusova said in the interview that she was forced to simplify her content because she can’t jump any other quads or 3A currently due to an injury. The interviewer was going all about “but doesn’t it feel good to have a clean skate?” and Trusova was more or less saying that she ain’t skating with just two quads ever again.

[@lc4822]

lol oh

[@bond_m]

It's little bit strange that she said she couldn't jump other quads except lutz

[@miriam3848]

She was clearly happy, though. Giggling so much, she could hardly talk

[@bond_m]

Well it's definitely not like her to do for being safe. But I guess they decided that their priority is to qualify to worlds (if it will be)

[@iris7484]

@@bond_m if she's going easy on her left leg (idk if it's the case) it makes sense to jump flips and lutzes (r leg pick) and a couple double axels even though it cost her TES. Hamstring, maybe..?

[@meltemt0245]

I was waiting for this vid for sooo long. I’m sooooo excited right know I can’t even explain my happiness thanks Dave and Jonathan

[@CP-ww1nj]

Me too. I kept checking back to see if it arrived. Yeah!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Hope you like it!

[@lisamaureen5185]

@@TheSkatingLesson loved it! Thanks Dave & Jonathan!

[@Passion4Fashion2023]

I cried after Anna's performance as well. She was amazing 👏.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Great performance!

[@davidcosta4949]

"She's loopy on poppers skating to the middle of the rink" was my Christmas miracle.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

#bless

[@MC-pm3gp]

Lol yes, definitely made me lol irl

[@bigapplelondoner6915]

I actually quite like Khodykin, he seems like a really supportive partner and can balance out her intensity and keep her calm and happy!

[@amyl6426]

Trusova was way underscored. I’m not saying she should have won, but I definitely think she deserved second place.

[@gogroregogoror]

Behind kamila. Yes

[@benbailey159bb]

No she had a 7 point defecit from the short

[@evamasters5028]

She was underscored on the short as well, arguably more than on the FS. All eteri girls were grossly overscored on both programs.

[@Jontor11]

No, Kamila had the skate of her life in the free, and Sasha is hopelessly behind in spins and artistry. I would say though, if comparing to international judges, I would shave off 10 points on Anna and Kamila and maybe a little less on Sasha.

[@LexyMay93]

Russian Nationals was wild! All them quads and tears!!!! I would love to see everyone perform in international competitions though, just to see how it compares to the national scoring.

[@TimSirin]

The Russian 1 channel should really consider using this intro before every Russian nationals.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I agree!!!!

[@tranquilitytranquility1407]

Chanel 1 did an intro very much like this, but using Santa Barbara. Whatever soap Dave is using we don’t know it in Russia. But everyone knows Santa Barbara and the term “Santa Barbara” is actually now used to describe drama in Russian.

[@jmsessn]

young and restless lol

[@corgeousgeorge]

Yup!! Most definitely!

[@LiamForeman]

I LOVED Santa Barbara in the 80s! Eden Capwell, Cruz Castillo, Gina Capwell, my faves!!! Is there a remake of it, or are they talking about the 80s soap? Dave, what year were you born? Are you thirty yet? Eek, I didn't realize I'm nearly 18 years older than you! lol

[@helenaprout1061]

OMG THE THUMBNAIL 🤣 Anna did really give us all the feels

[@helenaprout1061]

@S K oh Anna did give me the feels anyway XD but yes I'm aware

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@helenaprout1061]

@S K HAHAHHAHAGAG

[@freedomlife3623]

@S K very well said😂😂😂 unfortunately its the health and life for the little girls she is minapulate and ruining.

[@fsmilka8021]

@@freedomlife3623 it seems like everything is ok with her life and she's happy.

[@twinklejelly123]

Been waiting for this all day fellas 👏🏻

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@raphroch8330]

Anna Shcherbakova is the best!

[@Julia-js7bs]

I gotta defend my girl Kosternaia again. She also is Aliona Savchenko's favourite female skater and that is all the assurance I need. Apparently she had a mild form of Covid however she couldn't train and under strenuous activity, she had breathing problems. Medically that is plausible. Anyway, she is my fave and I hope she will qualify for "Worlds". There will be competition for the remaining 2 spots in February/March. So it clearly was the best choice to miss this competition, for her health as well as her skating.

[@gogroregogoror]

She needs to get that 3a back. Now that hot Sergej was fired by zhilina’s, he should have all the time in the world to help her get it

[@texassummer4176]

all those russian girls are so pretty yet powerful. give gold medals to all of them.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

They are all very talented and competitive.

[@nata_v2422]

RusNationals were great competitions, I honestly didn’t expect that. Ladies are simply amazing! I think Eteri crying moment fits perfectly between Rudkovskaya and Tarasova in the intro 🙂

[@evamasters5028]

Eteri would love that... for me, she has to try harder for this "queen" status.

[@corgeousgeorge]

The girl who finished second? OMG her quad toes were incredible. Just Midori Ito level spring. She had SO much room to land after her 4th rotation, and it wasn't like she was spinning so fast like Trusova and Scherbakova, she just got such LIFT!!! That is what a jump should do with it's impact! BAM!!

[@alexac3098]

I've read some fans think she could do a quintuple toe eventually.

[@uroboros4260]

@@alexac3098 with that height that's definitely possible

[@mkp158]

Unfortunately(for Eteri) Kamila's mom is very tall, like a basketball player-tall... So, Kamila's 14 now, hopefully she doesn't get this tall before Olympics...

[@maria375s]

The perfect ending to a great competition is to watch Dave and Jonathan talk about it on TSL! Thank you both!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@miriam3848]

Also, notice, so many athletes were winded and pale after covid, and the old prof Mishin is just fine? The man is made of the pure essence of stability... Some STABILIUM!! Most of his students got the virus and were sidelined for at least a while, but he's just fine, despite never wearing his mask properly or keeping a distance

[@edichkalimonoff878]

He has strong immunity. Covid-19 is not 100% likely to be infected.

[@yingyingseah3294]

Um the athletes were winded after their programmes? Mishin was looking just fine standing and staring.

[@hannibaljustincase9985]

and he keeps kissing everyone! lmao

[@nenavujicin7882]

But, i've heard that mr Mishin has been vaccinated, Plushenko, also.

[@miriam3848]

@@nenavujicin7882 how so, if the Russian vaccine has only been "approoved" for people over 60 a couple of days ago?

[@riveroak-dp8gt]

Still not over Anna’s almost +5 GOE on her 4Lz without a clear outside edge, comparing that to the 4Lz from e.g. Boyang Jin... in general her TES was so high and her PCS higher than that of Satoko... come on No wonder national events don’t count for world records and good so for sure

[@jekicolin8036]

Don’t worry she will definitely not be getting these scores internationally ever

[@isaazevedo2506]

If only the lack of a clear outside edge was the problem... she had strong pre rotation and blade assistance, it’s a shame skaters with wrong technique get higher GOEs than skaters who perform textbook technique (not that sasha’s technique is perfect or textbook, but you get what I mean)

[@lc4822]

One judge gave her a +3 on the botched spin as well

[@riveroak-dp8gt]

@@isaazevedo2506 absolutely 🙈 For not a pro the edge is easiest to quickly analyse and it’s just like guys... if even I see this 😅 As you say Sasha’s isn’t perfect but at least truly jumped from the legs and she gets a lower GOE... what to say? 😂

[@rajs7876]

Every federation inflates their skaters' scores except Japan

[@Julia-js7bs]

That entire Sherbakova situation is seriously messed up. She should have never been allowed to skate. She is a minor, it's appaling. Apparently she had a fever of 38 degrees before the SP and refused to measure before the FP. That is not only reckless but also dangerous for others. How can you endanger your athletes like that?! So no Ted and every fangirl on the internet - this was not an amazing move, it was dangerous for her and everyone around her and for what? An overscored national event with unfair judging? I don't enjoy Trusova's skating but clearly she got unfavorable treatment here. Edit: I don't necessarily blame Anna for this situation, but I do blame the federation, her coaches and parents.

[@tranquilitytranquility1407]

I think, perhaps, Anna felt like she HAS to do it no matter what, seeing how she was being rapidly written off in favour of Valieva. It’s brutal at Eteri’s.

[@annguntsadze2459]

There is nothing to do with this kind of attitude in big sports. Only local district level. Not national championships. They compete on borderline of human possibilities, it's like a jungle, only strongest and fittest survive

[@Julia-js7bs]

@@tranquilitytranquility1407 oh yes of course. While they all say that they were against her competing, Anna knows that the only thing that counts are results. She wants to remain the favourite. Poor girl, I hope she retains her health.

[@chocolateperfume752]

@@tranquilitytranquility1407 oh God, what the hell ppl?? I doubt you know what's going through her head and feelings so y'all better stop giving your "opinions" when you have actually no idea what the hell is going on there

[@tranquilitytranquility1407]

@Chocolate Perfume. Nah, it’s all public knowledge. Eteri’s previous “stars” talked at length about what happens when you are 16 and having issues and Eteri already has a new younger favourite.

[@Clara-yn4jb]

I remember after the first time Anna won Russian Nationals, Dave said it might be the only time she ever won, and I think she saw that and won twice more to spite him :). (I know he didn't say that with mean intentions, I just think its funny how it worked out).

[@TheSkatingLesson]

She is such an angel girl!!!!

[@vladG30]

@@TheSkatingLesson When you said that in the video it kinda sounded sarcastic.

[@fantik1133]

Yes, and in one of the latest videos Dave implied that Anna doesn't stand a chance to make the olympic team. He said that it would probably be Kamila, Daria, and either Kostornaya or Trusova.

[@Passion4Fashion2023]

I always loved Anna and in my opinion she was undervalued for no reason. The difference between Anna and Sasha Anna is an artist on ice with the same difficulty as Sasha. Sasha is just a jumper she doesn't feel the music. She is powerful no doubt about that but Anna performs a piece of art every time she skates. She is special. Well done young lady.

[@lf9286]

@@fantik1133 And now she's the olympic champion🏅 lol

[@Quintupletwist]

I do NOT mean that this is Anna's fault whatsoever but if anyone thinks that she changed her physical condition so drastically in the matter of HOURS (after nearly collapsing in practice) on pure willpower and adrenaline (which she has a lot of), then they need to check themselves. I heard someone say "she would never." Well, neither would Maggie Haney. But clearly, anything can be done for victory. In any case, I'm happy that she is (hopefully) healthy and that everyone skated clean.

[@evamasters5028]

I think this was staged to look as if she is about to collapse. Certainly there is more than the adrenaline and will power anyway, her body looks anorexic to me, but undoubtedly she was not as sick as they present it. I think this was part of the drama created to distract viewers from the issues with the judges' scores and Plushenko's accusations. A cheap reality show.

[@kleinm968]

@@evamasters5028 wow...how much hate...what do you mein With your "certailnly"...? Do you know Anna personally? Where are your proves?

[@dmitryvershinin]

I have to say, I have love-hate relationship with your channel. I love the insight info and analyses of jumps, edges, trends and everything behind the scenes. But your videos are getting longer and longer, becomes more like chit-chat rather then analyses, you guys constantly interrupt one another (Jonathan much more then David), you constantly change the subject, loose the line of the conversation and switch back and force without any planning. It appears to me, you guys need a story producer who would manage the flow and give you clear instructions to the ears. To ask your viewers to spend 1.5 hrs is a big ask, giving the amount of high quality content. I think you may need to use a solid story editor to add footage what are you exactly talking.

[@femaleskater1185]

I would also prefer if they made time stamps since these videos are so long

[@letitiakearney2423]

Most people enjoy their show and look forward to it. Yes Dave loves to make it more colourful but Jonathan just tries to get a point in when Dave takes a breath. I personally love their style and would hate if they just became sport journalists.

[@dmitryvershinin]

@@letitiakearney2423 I could never understand "most people" position in someone's personal opinion. It's like Trumps "we won the election and everyone knows it"... I'm glad you like the show as it is, but I'll stick to my original thoughts if that's ok with most people here

[@grisgris6908]

I love it as is!

[@arthurtheaardvark13]

But this is not their professional jobs; where are they to get money for a producer? I think the appeal of these videos is that they are conversational, and you get to really know both Dave and Jonathon's personalities and interests. I quite enjoy these long episodes, but I can understand that some people probably don't have the time to listen to the whole thing.

[@LisaAllyssa]

Can you please add timestamps? Also, you used to provide some constructive feedback for each skater, can you please bring this back?

[@justynazokiewska8223]

That would be cool. It was so much easier and comfortable to watch them talking in the more organized manner.

[@ameliadettwyler514]

I just got time stamps up, sorry for the wait!

[@justynazokiewska8223]

@@ameliadettwyler514 No problem. Thank you so much for the effort :)

[@starfish37]

Who else thought Shcherbakova was overscored? Did her 4Lz (that seems underrotated & no clear outside edge) really got a higher score than Trusova's 4Lz with ribbon?

[@yohanes2034]

The bonus point of Eteri girls made me sick. I mean there are a lot of talents in Russia from other schools and they didn't get recognition that they deserved because of some political move. Smh

[@arthurtheaardvark13]

I don't think there's a single person who thinks Scherbakova ISN'T overscored. Still glad she beat Valieva (who was WAAAAAY overscored) but very sad for Trusova (who was very underscored, clearly on purpose)

[@Helen-me1vn]

But what about her PCS, only 1 point higher than Valieva despite a very expressive performance? If they scored her lower they would've put her behind Valieva and Anna definitely deserved 1st place.

[@dianeangeliquemacagba6607]

Its Ridiculous how a Junior Skater Kamila Valieva Got 37 PCS in the SP and 76 in the FP. She even Got Extremely high GOE’s for an Ugly Combo with no flow in between jump and a change of egde goin into the second jump, is Ridiculous

[@Jontor11]

All top three ladies were overscored. Maybe Sasha a bit less than the others, but the end result would be the same. That's how the scoring system works and I suspect that some people don't understand it...

[@marlowepatch7627]

The Yana/Tarasova moment in the intro always gets me

[@havepeaceonearth]

Is that Tarasova on home video or at a party? Where is she in the video???

[@joedeon85]

Daria usacheva was very good here at nationals that’s very nice for her to put together 2. Clean programs and step sequence and spins if she just get a quad but something about these programs this year and honestly I would have had her about trusova and valieva on PCs mark It’s a shame the jump content carries sooooo much points

[@rahelhorvat1471]

I agree with you but neither her nor Maia for now have quads, so they need that.

[@evamasters5028]

Darya's programs weren't clean... Also she was overscored on the goe as the rest of the eteri girls.

[@joedeon85]

minor mistakes really ... lol was she over score ya think? Her spins and footwork’s sequence were just as good , her overall body movements compared to trusova, samodurova, guliakova, tutma, so where was she overscored? I think so she properly scored altho to be first year senior I see where the difference comes in....

[@beazy1248]

Russian Championships was a roller coaster ride. Congratulations to Anna. I want to be happy for her since she's one of my favorites but, the whole debacle makes it hard. From her about to faint after both of her skates, to Eteri's and Daniil's crocodile years, to the fans not realizing that this isn't brave because she can worsen her symptoms. It's really upsetting. I also want to say Kamila has basically made her senior debut, a good one at that. In addition Trusova seems to be playing it smart. I believe she will peak at the right time.

[@edichkalimonoff878]

Trusova - trauma. Sherbakova - pneumonia. Valieva - emotional instability.

[@LisaAllyssa]

I think it is a first time when older Etri girl won over new Etri girl.

[@beazy1248]

@@LisaAllyssa True, I wonder stay that means for Kamila?

[@SamKreinberg]

@@LisaAllyssa Medvedeva won over Zagitova at 2017 Nationals. She won because Valieva is still junior.

[@beazy1248]

@@SamKreinberg True, we'll have to see how she does at Junior nationals against Akatieva.

[@kimle2355]

Me not reading the video title: What about the Japanese National!? O_o? Dave: Tomorrow we're gonna be discussing the Japanese Figure Skating Championships Me: This is what happens when I click too fast!

[@SergejKrolik]

Not a word about best program of the night - Anna's free? Seriously? I can't help but feel it was on a purpose. You don't want to praise her this much? Despite what you claim about your love for her - all you really do is accuse her being a doper and consider her mindless Eteri's pawn. I doubt it wasn't your intention - but even if it wasn't - it still looks that way from the side.

[@SergejKrolik]

@S K it was so bad that it gathered more than 1 million views after couple of days. Yuzuru Hanyu's programs skated at the same time gathered 10 times less. What a surprise, isn't it? It seems people such as you in marginal minority. Deal with it.

[@mehribandrr200]

​@S K Have been watching you for a while here. I can't help thinking you must be Dave's invention/phantom that lets him pour his most poisonous comments over top Russian female figure skaters and their coaches

[@tranquilitytranquility1407]

There was a moment at the press conference after the short when a journalist asked Valieva if she thought she deserved those kind of scores and she was completely speechless for the whole minute until the moderator came to her rescue and suggested that the question should be directed at the judges.

[@rajs7876]

She is really young and the choreography not her fault but gosh I had to drink a lot of coffee to stay awake through her long.

[@fsmilka8021]

@@rajs7876 I love her sp, I think it's due personal taste

[@arthurtheaardvark13]

@@rajs7876 SAME! she is so bland...but very talented. Just bland

[@arthurtheaardvark13]

​@S K I am so happy that the journalists had the balls to ask her about it because everyone is thinking the same thing, but at the same time, I feel bad that it was directed at a 14 year old. I hope the judges will admit that they clearly inflated her scores because they favour her and her association with Eteri, but I know the judges would rather die than admit such a truth

[@fsmilka8021]

@@arthurtheaardvark13 really? Happy? What was she supposed to answer? " Oh, you know,maybe you should invite Trusova here and I'll go". What was this journalist going to get as an answer? It was just the way to make her burst into tears and make her feel uncomfortable

[@zigzaggyp746]

It's NOT hard to compete against youth. It IS hard to compete against puberty(without proper technique)!

[@gtestkey]

It's not even a question if Trusova's wrong edge flip had been called because she left Eteri. It had been called at the very first competition after departure - 1st Stage of Russian Cup. And it never had been called before that, she never even got ! for it. Same story with Elizaveta Tuktamysheva. Remember when she was first time called for her lip? Last year at Lombardia Throphy! The very first time she was competing against one of Eteri's girls - Anna Scherbakova. Judges called Liza's flip while Anna's jumped 5 wrong edge lutzes and none of them had been called. Sure that was not a coincidence but dirty tactics of Eteri.

[@evamasters5028]

I think Eteri is supported from some very high places and I think she has probably done things to "deserve" that support. One thing that comes to mind.... How about getting Tursynbaeva (essentially the only adult female skater with quads last year) with a trauma and clearing the way for the 3A? I mean, there is too much political support for eteri and in russia such things are no coincidence.

[@gtestkey]

@@wotanworld5504 Whom you're talking about? Trusova clearly improved in skating skills and musicality.

[@gtestkey]

@@wotanworld5504 Don't try twisting my words please. The statement was Trusova's flip edge was called immediately after she left Eteri while it never was called before. And yes it is correct.

[@Jontor11]

This Anna has the "wrong Lutz edge" discussion is ridiculous. Are you people blind? She has a flat edge at best, but it is mostly slightly outside. And she has worked on it this season so now it is not even borderline flat.

[@arthurtheaardvark13]

I HAVE NEVER CLICKED ON A VIDEO SO FAST

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@SaintHaHaLOLZ]

Waiting for the hardcore Rusfed fans to swoop in with their special brand of gaslighting and say "It wasn't smelling salts, it was perfume. Anna just needed her favorite perfume from last year to give her energy!"

[@celiareed1402]

But what did she take to help her breathe?

[@alexandraantonovitch428]

Have you watched any NHL hockey game? Hockey players smell salts on the bench dozen times during a game. It’s legal and not doping.

[@celiareed1402]

@@alexandraantonovitch428 Doping? No one said anything about doping!

[@edichkalimonoff878]

What other salt? This is a solution of ammonia.

[@uroboros4260]

and of course there are pathetic westerners thinking about doping. how am I not surprised, lmao. If you'd watch Anna's and Eteri's interview after the competition you'd know that they only used approved medicine. Jesus, you people are pitiful.

[@vadim431]

"G for Gazprom" - no, actually that was "G for G-drive (the petroleum company)"

[@worldpeace9522]

Сколько тут хейтеров российских фигуристок, с ума сойти! Они только на стороне Плющенко и Саши. Почему? Потому что они оппоненты ТШТ. Эти хейтеры только ненавидят ЭТ. И любят тех кто против нее. Смешно читать их комменты. 😀 За каждым словом чувствуется зависть. 😀

[@mantolinez]

Просто международное сообщество менее предвзято. Они не мыслят пролетарскими категориями вроде "предательство", не обсуждают чужих жен. Для них все спортсмены имеют одинаковую ценность, они всеми восхищаются одинаково. Они видят плохое судейство и говорят о нем открыто. Обсуждают прокаты, а не личную жизнь тренеров и фигуристов. Взгляд со стороны кажется странным? Действительно, будучи чьим-то фанатом сложно воспринимать хоть сколько-нибудь объективную оценку. Спорт - это не битва штабов или стран, это совокупность достижений отдельных спортсменов. Сложно принять эту истину, будучи жителем страны, в которой есть аж Министерство спорта, личные победы фигуристов называют "нашими" и используют их как повод для национальной гордости.

[@worldpeace9522]

@@mantolinez чтобы там ни говорили, все девочки на ЧР заняли свои заслуженные места. Просто некоторым тренерам надо уметь себя держать, поменьше других обвинять, то судей, то еще кого-то и не давать повода для таких впечатлений. Зарубежные зрители за всем следят и делают вывод исходя из вот такого вот поведения, которое мы видели после проката КП Трусовой. Для меня все было честно и справедливо на ЧР.

[@mariiaguseva8183]

На этом канале большинство комментариев довольна объективны и уважительны, в отличие от вашего)

[@worldpeace9522]

@@mariiaguseva8183 возможно Вы не все читали. Есть и другие каналы, в основном только критикуют именно девочек из Хрустального и их тренеров. Написала то, что читала! Да, еще посмотрите на лайки, сколько согласных со мной. Значит они тоже читали те хейтерские комменты.

[@mariiaguseva8183]

@@worldpeace9522 По сравнению с русскоязычными фанатами, лично мне здесь аудитория нравится больше, не ощущаю здесь хейта совсем. Что касается критики, то она тут вполне объективна, на мой взгляд, и девочкам в Хрустальном, и Александре Трусовой есть куда расти и есть, что исправлять и над чем работать. А что касается судейства, то такие огромные баллы на ЧР вызывают вопросы, например, если сравнить их с международными соревнованиями прошлого сезона, и я думаю, в будущем это даже может сослужить спортсменам плохую службу.

[@iris7484]

in the replay Ted called Trusova's 4lzs triples both times 😂 it's getting painfully transparent what he's doing.

[@arthurtheaardvark13]

ugh, Ted is the worst

[@danieeccc]

anna's are worse so lol 😂😂😭

[@chipperterri]

I'm sleep deprived from getting up at 3AM for the last few days but couldn't wait for TSL. Happy New Year to you and Jonathon.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Happy New Year!

[@stevebarnowski2548]

So excited! Your vids get me through the last bit of work on Sundays.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Glad to hear it!

[@Angel-xe2tl]

I truly think Kamila, Sasha and Anna will be the ones to make the Olympics and they will also be top 3. [I still dont know who will be 1,2,3 yet. but yeah]

[@Angel-xe2tl]

also Aliona was well, but isnt well enough to compete. apparently her breathing is still a bit off. Probably like how Anna's was/is. She picked her health over a nationals that wont matter.

[@cherryjam3741]

@@Angel-xe2tl Alena is history, forget about her.

[@manulbeast]

Do you think 2022 Olympics will happen though?

[@yolandaguo7153]

Don’t forget puberty is on the way. 16yo russian ladies skaters are apparently still on the prime but who knows how they will become in 12 months like no one would expect Alena could regress so much given her state in previous season when she’s 16 also, not to mention 2022 olympics is most likely to be postponed but puberty won’t wait.

[@evamasters5028]

Aliona is 17.

[@kspark8596]

Thank you for adding subtitles, it's really helpful and I finally enjoyed your contents! Wow..your conversations are so fun😁😃

[@gogroregogoror]

I am really surprised seeing so many people happy about Kamila not winning. On one hand I understand in Anna's victory there's hope in "sustainability" against a new princess crowned every single year...however, come on Kamila's technique and program was a level above Anna's. Anna won because she had already won before and because she had the story of the night. I know Kamila has a change of edge toe in combos but other than that she has better technique and skating skills than Anna. Kamila's toes are out of this world. On the other hand, even Kamila was overscored in PCS, come on, she is a JUNIOR, have you ever seen a junior get 75 in PCS? Satoko just scored 73 in Japanese Nats after 10 years of skating... The one that drew the short straw here was Trusova. I never was a fan of her but all this dirty politics made me support her. Now I really hope she lands those 4-5 quads at Worlds and shows them.

[@Helen-me1vn]

Because in the real world, they would've called Anna's 4Lz edge ! and reduced the GOE. But, they should've also given Anna at least 3 points more in Performance and Interpretation, and even a point higher in transitions (she's the only one who did them on the music - Kamila has more extension but her transitions are literally done just for the sake of having them, they don't add to the program) ahead of both Kamila and Sasha. Then, you would have a competition with placements 1. Anna 2. Sasha 3. Kamila. Sasha and Kamila would deserve higher TES (and better in skating skills), but Anna would still be much more ahead in PCS based on artistry even being behind skating skills. That would've been fair. The scoring was crazy, but Anna did deserve to win the competition.

[@juanantoniomoreno3409]

I am not a hater but I have to say this: Danny G's choreo is just plain HORRIBLE. Why on Earth are they still giving these amazing skaters that kind of crap for choreo?

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Agreed!

[@gklfffdkphkhhkfcki4859]

lmaoo have you seen japanese nationals. danny g actually is pretty good in choreo

[@doraziyanchen]

It breaks my heart that so many people are counting Sasha out for the Olympics already. The girl is a fighter, she's so strong, so powerful, and a history maker over and over no matter what her highest achievement in the sport will be. She's shown resilience time and time again, with the coaching switch, fully knowing Rusfed will punish her to the earth's end, and knowing how much backlash she'd receive. She shows resilience and determination in every program, not letting a mistake ruin her confidence. She has things to work on, but she is putting the effort in to fix her weak spots and its showing. I find it hard to believe that she wouldn't make it to the Olympics, especially on a fair and unbiased judging system, but either way I think she will go. As long as she is earning good points, especially later this season and internationally, Rusfed will begin to go easier on her, if not because she deserves it then because she is loved everywhere, and has an international fanbase. They would have a hard time justifying sending a more unknown newcomer over her, a beloved history maker who's given them no reason not to send her. Her technique is better than the Eteri girls. The politics and bias in Russia is unbelievable now.

[@АндрейСидоров-о9ы]

Did they say anything about actual skating or it was just irrelevant blah-blah-blah and fake Russian accent all over again?

[@Jontor11]

Well, 10% was about the skating...

[@Julia-js7bs]

Also can we stop spreading rumors about Kosternaia and Sergei? I know gossip is what you do but she is a minor and the implications here are quite inappropriate... I generally don't enjoy speculation on skaters love/private life but especially not with minors.

[@wesdcv3818]

She's not the first to be rumored about btw. Personally I find it very confusing, but zagitova/her choreographer pairing was a thing like... since Olympics? I guess it's kinda legal(?) since the girls had already grown to the age of consent. But if this weird rumors has a reason to exist, imo that's should be investigated

[@LiamForeman]

She's not a "minor" in Russia. Nor would she be considered a "minor" in Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, Washington, Wyoming, Texas, New York, New Mexico, Missouri, Louisiana, Illinois, and Colorado. So get over yourself. Clutch your pearls elsewhere. Thanks.

[@Sayu277]

Sadly It's a thing with Dave and Jonathan...As if no one could get anywhere with sleeping their way up/sleeping around often with Minors too...

[@beingmyself3041]

I love Alena and Sergei as a couple. But... is Sergei even straight? Zero love pictures of him with girlfriends. None. And he is 31...

[@Julia-js7bs]

@@LiamForeman I am European, I am quite aware. No need to list some US states. Age of consent in my country is 14. That also doesn't change the fact that she legally is not an adult. Still I don't think it is appropriate to speculate about the personal life of a teenager. Especially if it envolves a dynamic with a coach. Let's focus on the skating instead.

[@smithricardomarx1]

I think that Plushenko said Kostornaya didn't compete because of doctors recomendations. She had covid and has gotten better since, but she had breathing problems and couldn't train with full capacity.

[@vivettanors]

"But the girl is young, she still has to live and live, I took responsibility for the recommendations of doctors to remove her from the championship, so that there were no complications" - he said

[@annguntsadze2459]

Eteri’s recipe for success of her girls is surprisingly simple: hard work ,hard work and more hard work

[@50781975]

And Santa Barabra was a documentary!

[@annguntsadze2459]

@@50781975 why , you think they win thanks to doping and bribes?))

[@50781975]

@@annguntsadze2459 Sometimes it takes decades for the sport to figure out what the athletes are doing. Remember Cycling? I see smoke. I don't know what is causing the fire.

[@mai3334]

Hard work and a docile attitude and hands-off parents. I have a hard time believing Trusova wasn’t putting in the work.

[@Helen-me1vn]

@@mai3334 Anna definitely does not have a docile attitude. Did you see the press conference when some stupid interviewer asked her if she wanted to dedicate her performance to someone (expecting her to say coaches, they're probably Eteri Stans) and Anna just replied with "Can't I just keep it for myself?". But she was still respectful in the rest of her response. A class act, but she knows her identity and doesn't belong to Eteri.

[@alexmoya8841]

You guys are good but so much Medvedeva disrespect and Trusova hate. You may not feel that but go back and listen. That is how you come across. Anna is really good but sooooo boring to watch for me. I would rather hear you be objective. Trusova was held to much higher standards than the others. That is not open for dispute.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

No hate at all...

[@L.Spencer]

Just because someone points out faults, doesn't mean it's "hate".

[@irenem3306]

Boring?Anna?Oh,Gosh,it seems you are far from figure skating,really far.

[@alexmoya8841]

@@irenem3306 I actually skated from age 4 to high school so I know the sport well. I did not say she wasn’t good. Clearly she is- but the routine / choreography is flat for me, and I know a lot of people that feel the same way.

[@alexmoya8841]

@@L.Spencer it’s hate if pointing out of faults is not evenly distributed. To opine over and over about how Trusova might not make the Olympic team is just ridiculous. And might not make it either. I know this sport well- and it’s all about who gets hot at the right time- and 2022 is still a long way’s off. Also- I stand by what I said regarding Medvedeva. She deserves respect. She should have been the Olympic champion and even as the silver medalist, she has greatly advanced this sport and will come back stronger than ever next year.

[@citysurfer1]

I feel like johnathans comment on scherbakova skating high on poppers revealed more than I want to know about him 😀😀😀😂😂😂

[@rajs7876]

Yay, was waiting for this! Truly the most wonderful time of the year with the Russian & Japanese nationals.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@ameliadettwyler514]

I'm much more excited about Japanese nationals!

[@crownretro]

I'm kind of surprised commentators from the extremely Russophobic warmonger country US has something kind of reasonably okay (yet typically snarky) to say about the stunning amazingness of Russian skating at this moment Maybe it's a good sign of the collapse of the empire

[@fsmilka8021]

Panfílova, not Panfilóva. Yeah, it's not always óva

[@FK_loving]

TarAsova, MorOzova, StepAnova, TrUsova - I think it is quite often not Ova or Eva.

[@almiraizumchensky2346]

As a musician I can 100% confirm there is something wrong with the music of Bukin/Stepanova in the transition. I was re-watching it several times when I first heard it, it was throwing me off! Overall it seems the transition itself is a bit awkward due to the original compositions' keys (tonalities) not super matching together, they could fix it by raising Cry Me A River half a step up. I'm sure it is possible to do...its one thing. But also it did feel like the track itself, Cry Me A River got a bit of a distorted sound, like frequencies seemed to be off, like, lower 1/4 of tone or something? And yes Jonathan is right, it almost made sense in the transition and would make sense but once second piece started it didn't, just exactly because of the key being somewhat lower than our ears expect. So seems like there are a few things are wrong with the second track peace and love everybody!

[@ολυμπιαπαπαχατζη]

please,watch bolero ballet choreographed by Maurice Bezart,you ll understand the arm movements

[@lc4822]

Thanks but next time put a warning! I wasn't ready for all that :o

[@Victrola66]

I would add that they created this with Maya Plisetskay in mind because that is who Russians think of when they hear this music. While in my opinion, this music is for older skaters, this time Kamila did justice to the music, everything was on point and the hand movements made sense).

[@Victrola66]

@Marina Radoveliuk in the spirit of new year, lets agree to disagree on how we view it))

[@liambarredo25]

THE WAIT IS OVER!!!! diving in now!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@justynazokiewska8223]

As a polish native I'm so proud of the opening O Boże from Jonathan

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@CP-ww1nj]

That commentator from Canada speaks about how pretty, charming, wonderful looking the girls are. Can't stand it.

[@brettmayer]

He always seemed a little creepy to me

[@iris7484]

@S K "lines" is dance/ballet related, it's not about her figure (idk if that's what you were thinking here). And it's also a lot of work and takes a lot of strength to have good lines, so I think it's worth applauding. I wish more male skaters were taking notes on Kolyada's lines, for instance..

[@arthurtheaardvark13]

As a Canadian, I apologize for Ted Barton

[@flankerpraha]

Jealous?

[@CP-ww1nj]

@S K creepy indeed!!

[@Julia-js7bs]

Ugh I can't help but root for Zhenya. She has been through it. Thank God she didn't compete after being hospitalised due to Covid. She seems like she truly loves skating and will do anything to keep doing it and I just enjoy seeing someone who is this passionate. This is part of my problem with Valieva. She seems so scared and sad on the ice therefore I cannot enjoy here skating.

[@Helen-me1vn]

I don't think Anna should've competed here. But no one can say she doesn't have the passion and spirit. Kamila and many others always look nervous and scared. But when Anna is on the ice you can see that she loves to compete and truly wants to be there even if the jumps are failing.

[@Julia-js7bs]

@@Helen-me1vn True Anna also emotes very well. However I find her programs rather boring, more of the same and therefore I am not excited to see her.

[@Helen-me1vn]

@@Julia-js7bs But Anna can take Daniil's uninspired choreography and create moments to make it beautiful. She's so expressive and musical despite his choreography, not because of it. That's talent. Just look at the performance difference between her and Maiia. Same type of generic music and choreography but Anna makes it comes alive and I'm falling asleep in Maiia's (the free skate). Same with Daria tbh.

[@dkeinow]

So excited to hear what you think of the emotions of Eteri & Danny G after Anna's FS. Genuine or for the camera? Anna's performance was amazing and emotional ❤

[@gklfffdkphkhhkfcki4859]

i’m pretty sure danny wouldn’t cry just for an act and eteri would def not

[@fsmilka8021]

@@gklfffdkphkhhkfcki4859 yes, and Daniel always worry about Anna the most

[@Helen-me1vn]

The emotion during Anna's performance was real (they always are). As were her tears after. As for Eteri and Daniil crying, IDGAF. If it's real, good for them. If it's fake, shame on them for taking the attention away from Anna. Either way, it was Anna's moment, her skate, not theirs.

[@sfs6501]

Its not fake i guess. Cuz eteri even seen like holding the tears and didnt want to be seen crying. But she just couldnt hold it anw! Hahaha

[@mkp158]

There were at least 3 figure-skaters crying there - Danny G., Alexey Yagudin and Alexander Zhulin. Zhulin said that he started crying after Trusova and wept all the way through Anna

[@pgk3052]

Ted: COAL-yada ...AHHHHH!! (Sounds like a Dairy Queen drink.)

[@emmarosespags]

I have been waiting for this show from the moment I saw the lip quiver!!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@freedomlife3623]

yup, she has to take the mask off for that. Very good actress, she has second career coming.

[@stsin7]

Haha same here 😹

[@naomiberry7901]

Anna's upper and lower body look disconnected from each other. She has beautiful arm and head movements and then you get to her hips and down and she just looks awkward

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Agreed

[@dominiquedominique6462]

Yeah, me too. She has always had difficulties in keeping her lines. Not only keeping - creating beautiful lines to begin with

[@AydaOk]

These two Kardashian sisters of figure skating naturally cannot wrap their booties around Kamila's Bolero and its 50 references -- and remarkable responses -- to some of the most iconic Bolero choreographies and performances across decades and cultures. What Kami is on the way of accomplishing here is authoring figure skating's native response to Ravel - and to various Bolero interpretations in dance. Figure skating and dance are related but they are not the same -- kind of like how dramatically different cinema and photography are. Kamila is one of a handful of skaters in history, whose quality of movement display the native movement flow and artistic spectrum of skating in full. This Bolero is groundbreaking and will make history. Please don't buy your opinions wholesale from these two... Last year(s) they targeted Sasha by ignoring her, especially whenever she did well, or by stabbing in a few snide comments whenever possible ; this year, their target is Kamila. They cannot grasp - or stand - anything truly novel... Glad one of them somewhat likes Anna, or they would have dug their fangs into her as well.

[@AydaOk]

@S K I hope you'll give reading a chance in the future.

[@Chastaken]

Kamilla is a great skater but she is not that good... yet. She has good spins and transitions but she lacks of expression and has that awful jump technique. If she would have any future in this sport (more than two senior seasons) she could be something great.

[@evamasters5028]

Kamila's bolero and its 50 references? Danii G.'s ego is surely out of control... Anyway, I appreciate that you explained the creative process. So he reviewed 50 bolero performances, grabbed a little from each and stuffed his creation down kamila's throat? Isn't that pure genius? We are all in awe... Sarcasm aside, Danii trying so hard to impress and falling flat on his nose along with his "50 referenced and remarkable responses"... Sadly, 14 year old Kamila is caught in the middle of that megalomania.

[@AydaOk]

@@evamasters5028 One can only surmise that the author of such lines was not at all "burdened" by having been exposed to arts and culture during their formative years... Surely, one such person would have an easier time in life than the uniquely accomplished young human beings whose achievements are being discussed here... Many happy barbecues and mall visits to be enjoyed in the decades to come! The rest of us can only envy.

[@artemisadelaluna9901]

I'll say it again, Anna's free skate reminded me of the Black Swan final scene 🎬 ( not that dramatic though😅 ) Not being at 100% she had to perform no matter what ! 👀 & she looks like Natalie Portman 😳 Coincidence? I don't think so ... Edit : She should also skate that program with her own style of course and different music cuts , I bet it suits her 👌🏼💯

[@anastasiiastepanyan8368]

Oh my goodness!! You are so right! I was sure I've seen it somewhere and now I remember the Natalie's performance! 😮😮😮

[@purrformance]

You are weird. You must be young.

[@evamasters5028]

The whole thing with Sherbakova and Eteri was staged to distract russian viewers from the atrocious judging and Anna's questionable quads. The panting and almost fainting anna at the end the short in particular was absurd. If she was anywhere close to what the acted, she would have not been able to do her free program.

[@Jumblebelle]

Imagine if she’d struck her final pose and then immediately fainted right on the middle of the ice...the perfect Black Swan recreation! lol

[@kak7440]

Tqp

[@anaksimandran]

Don't you connect emotionaly to Scherbarova in SP, Johnatan?

[@corgeousgeorge]

A PROMISE KEPT!!! Yes I remember it so well and Oksana stepping on the ice at the end and says "this is for you mama" (In Russian I believe, but she may have said it in English, I don't remember) and she did a stunning ballet on ice and I got one high heeled step closer to being the big homosexual I am today!

[@kennydreadfuls861]

The sweater game in this video is strong and I am jealous.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Thank you! Macy's. Alfani

[@72586jejones]

Thank God. I have been waiting all day. Thoughts. 1. Kamila was the biggest loser. Her program was amazing. No way should there have been a 10 point separation between her and Anna. Absolutely amazing FS. It show cased her power and ferocity. 2. Sasha was also robbed. No way should there have been a 20 point spread. They need to give her FS music next year that is classic yet showsbher angst and athleticism. Something like Rite of Spring. I think it would bring out her musicality too, as she is more agile than ballerina. 3. Anna... tell your daughter to point her freaking toes! Lovely from the waist up. Hot mess express from the waist down. And the flutzing... Lord help us. It was a lovely program that really show cased her ballerina.movements, but as I am sure most agree, it was very unfair judging given the obvious flaws. No way should she have been scored that high.

[@gogroregogoror]

oh finally someone I totally agree with in here

[@rahelhorvat1471]

they said that in nationals they inflate scores and it's normal, which is why these numbers aren't used such as record breaking or anything, so basically these points do not matter much, but the rank is correct, yes you could give more to Sasha, less to Anna, etc. but it doesn't matter here.

[@CP-ww1nj]

Yes, Ted, talks about how the girls bodies look and I can't stand it. Why can't he just talk about the skating?

[@SaintHaHaLOLZ]

Why can't he just get his jaw wired shut and not speak ever again.

[@arthurtheaardvark13]

@@SaintHaHaLOLZ ^THIS

[@marywestmacott2290]

Dave's reaction to Jonathan not knowing "A Promise Kept" priceless )) Thank you for the info on Galina's feelings about this film.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@shantarakelian1998]

Time stamps: 0:00 Intro 1:00 Anna Shcherbakova congratulations! Danny G references. Anna is Dave’s Favorite I have a lot to say about both nationals I saw that Medvedeva performed during the gala. Interesting as she did not perform at nationals. Maybe her COVID was worse than Elizaveta and Anna. Anna should not have competed. She looked ill but damn she landed quads. Only mistake was the flying camel spin in the short program. Other than that it was incredible!! Eteri and Daniiel both cried. I did as well. Wonderful job. She must have been so pleased. Empress Liza....Nooooooooooooooooo....love her programs especially the short (because it’s Armenian music) maybe she, Alena and Evgenia have a chance for that third spot in the Russian Cup Final. Maia, Kamila and Daria are too young to compete at Worlds and I’m not sure if they would send Elizaveta Nugumanova. Alexandra Trusova: wow incredible, should have gone ahead of Valieva (that Bolero program is horrible...no offense...I love Bolero but you can’t condense it musically to 4 minutes...I’m sorry the only best Boleros was Torvill and Dean and Carolina Kostner (artist, miss her, she had surgery earlier this year). I hope she comes back, her artistry blows everyone out of the park. I say that to very few skaters really. PCS at Russian nationals was...umm interesting. I would have had the podium Anna, Alexandra and then Kamila. Poor Daria her program is not great she deserves better just like what I said about Trusova. I love the new Trusova. Only time will tell with battle of the third spot bc Kamila, Maia and Daria are too young for senior worlds.

[@johnnyboy2627]

Glad to hear some commentary on Elizaveta Nugumanova. Pleased to hearJonathan liked her performance.

[@aeriacross770]

Too early for timestamps! But must say ladies in Russia esp. Anna and Hanyu Yuzuru for Japanese Nationals has made FS end on a good note for 2020. Agree with Dave, Eteri is always hated but greatness always attracts haters. Eteri has produced results and I actually appreciated her especially since she’s visibly (for me who is an empath) helped Alina Zagitova during her mental struggles. Plushenko speaks some truth in his drama to be fair but his actions all just scream ego and personal glory as opposed to concern for his skaters. P.S. Japan, can we not be humble and also inflate your skater’s scores just a bit???

[@freedomlife3623]

Why there is the need to inflate the score? They are all international judges, shouldn’t they follow ISU guideline? Inflated scores doesn’t help anyone. All the athletes know where they stand.

[@freedomlife3623]

Hate is a strong word. I think people just think those little girls should not just tools in Eteri’s venture. They are young life, 17 is not the age you should retire from your sports. Look Tessa/ Scott, Aliona, Mao, Kazuka, Carolina, Kagen, Patrick, Miki........ What art form they can achieve and contribute. Very sad state of the sport.

[@aeriacross770]

Freedom Life i was jokingly and sarcastically referring to how Hanyu and even Kihira gets underscored even when they deserve a bit more GOEs compared to Russia and other national competitions who DO inflate it. It might be a stereotype but Japan usually is fair and all about being humble to the point of self-flagellation. And about Eteri, I get it and you do that it’s about the skaters welfare but you have to admit, a lot of people just get on the bandwagon of treating her like a caricature and a heartless witch as a way to detract her. I’m not completely uncritical of her methods even while I understand a lot of people tend to see Russian culture through their own Western liberal lens but I don’t think you’ve come across some of the unfair rhetoric in various forums when it regards to her. She’s human too. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Anyway, I’m not defending her nor do I want to waste any more energy explaining what I mean. Politics just seems to never be dissociable from FS. It’s the nature of the sport, unfortunately.

[@yingyingseah3294]

Congrats to Anna really, the rankings were right but she was not a whole short program higher than some girls. Also was I the only one who was so worried she might end up like grinkov? Physical exertion when one can’t take it yet has consequences... Also with how Russia handles safe distancing, it’s no wonder half the skaters had covid.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

The marks were laughable at nationals...

[@fsmilka8021]

Come on, what distancing are you talking about? It's pretty hard to keep distance when you're literally on the same ice. Besides all the skaters and coaches were tested before the competition. At the end I think all of us will get sick or it will never end

[@Helen-me1vn]

They should've just lowered Anna's GOEs and gave her the ! on the lutz. And then give her much higher on performance, interpretation, and transitions compared to Kamila and Sasha where the deserves it. She still would've won, and she deserved that too, but the protocols would've made much more sense,

[@yingyingseah3294]

@@fsmilka8021 that no mask wearing shouting audience tho..if you want to see how to do it right, look at the Japanese.

[@marycoyne1889]

fsmilka I think the comment was about the audience which wasn’t at all looking like it was from 2020

[@FK_loving]

Totally agree about Dmitrii Rylov! I haven’t seen such man in pairs since Anton Siharulidze left the sport.

[@adamG2001]

Trusova was so underscored compared to both Kami and Anna

[@chocolateperfume752]

Well the comments r crazier than ever, and of course everyone has something negative to say about eteri, especially you 2, you never miss the opportunity to say some shitty things about her. Speaking of her I'll say this: she doesn't deserve all the unnecessary shit she's getting from the skating community. Yes, some of her methods and things she's doing r questionable, but I mean come on! It's become a trend in this community to bash her for literally everything that happens to her skaters, for literally no reason. Y'all act as if she's the only coach that's questionable meanwhile I've never seen any other coaches get dragged or hated like this! Not even remotely close. Her students r always considered the worse by y'all (cause apparently every other camp has better students than hers), there's always something wrong with them, "omg they need to escape eteri" , "the kids r so afraid of her" like shit ppl enough is enough, it's getting downright ridiculous. And I find it funny how you 2 supposedly "care" about how these young students r getting treated and trained there, while praising the one and only TARASOVA that just loves to bully and bash these skaters like zagitova and radionova...God forbid if SHE starts training these kids

[@OGGuy-xb1yk]

Ana is my winner, she skated with joy. Valieva quads were good but her triples are small and “twisty” yet she got 2+ GOE and Elizabeta had awesome lutz gets+.8 etc. Valieva has to pump hard to get speed..she is overscored, def not 9s components. I’d put Daria in front Valieva.

[@twinklejelly123]

We need the Rusfed docs to step up and cure this global pandemic goddamnit, they've obvs got something up their sleeve 😆

[@freedomlife3623]

That’s called “ life is cheap in Russia”. Had you seen the death number even though it’s probably under reported? You can take the Sputnik vaccine if you like. They need lots of test subjects.

[@twinklejelly123]

Mate, it's sarcasm. I'm not endorsing Russia's public health or medical "treatment" of athletes in any way.

[@arthurtheaardvark13]

@@twinklejelly123 oh, I didn't read that as sarcasm, I read that like Mishin never wears a mask over his nose (and same with many other coaches) yet they are all old and still alive so I thought you were saying that Russians take something to make their immune systems strong

[@KoraimaLynn]

healthy food? no junk food

[@twinklejelly123]

@@KoraimaLynn riiight - I'm sure a half-time orange was what saw Anya through that FS 🙄

[@Victrola66]

If we talk about normal figure skating meaning you can enjoy not only jumps but also the presentation then for me the winner was Elizaveta Nugumanova. Beautiful, genuine, precious)). Coming back to planet of quads I don’t know what is talk about the girls using something, I don’t know what you need to take to not be afraid to perform after Trusova. I mean we are so used to her messing up the free, where was assurance the standings would change. I just admire the psychological strength of Kamila to come out and do the Bolero program so well that I actually finally liked it 😂 And then comes out Anya ❤️ Speaking of pairs, I mean only in Russia can a pair win gold with such a horrible free program. Don’t get me wrong, TM were great, Olympic quality level of skating the short. Again the Bolero finally worked for me in this case. But I do not understand the free, it is sad, the costumes are awful and add to that mistakes.... in my opinion BK’s was better. So I guess it was just the case of experience and character coming out on top. BK were having problems since they came out of COVID. What are they are a question for me because yes, it can be that feeling of missing the worlds because of the circumstances while you are at the top of your game. Then comes in the new pair. Plus Kozlovski has been getting shaming comments because of some of his one ice reactions. All I know is that I want them to leave all that behind and work on maturing psychologically as well as technically. I love them and want to see them be amongst the top world pairs. MG are good and have potential but need to grow still. I hate both their programs because the music is just so inconsistent with what we see them do. Especially Esmeralda....oh my God.

[@giamarren1643]

Mostly agree on everything, except i LOVE the Esmeralda program. One of my favorite pair programs of all time

[@Victrola66]

@@giamarren1643 I guess it is just a matter of taste, but my problem with it is that they do not do justice to the music and perform very kitchy to it, overdoing with the face grins, the costumes look very cheap it fitting, especially on Nastya. Also the music is very badly cut, some sequences are repeated to often and it does flow for me. Honestly it is just hard to take them seriously with it. That is why I kind of like the free more, because it looks better put together. The pair no doubt have the skills to perform brilliantly and as I said before, being a huge fan of Moskvina, I am super excited she has two couples, who look like they want to achieve positions on the podium, which is something I haven't seen in a long time from russian pairs.

[@Victrola66]

@S K well, she does take time to get into the jumps and sort of plays it safe. But that is just what I see as a viewer, not a tech expert by any chance, so have no idea as to how the marks are made))

[@Victrola66]

@S K oh absolutely about Maya, I was referring to Elizaveta). Maya needs so much polishing on all fronts... in contrast is Elizaveta who leaves a great impression even without super intergalactic jumps;)

[@giamarren1643]

@@Victrola66 Definitely a matter of taste. The mood of it, and I think the not flowing but that you are talking about- I like because it reminds me of the ballet

[@miriam3848]

On the topic of Medvedeva... I wish she could stay at Cricket Club and skip this season, working on her technique and strength, to come back next year...

[@giamarren1643]

I really don't understand why she didn't. I guess she thought she would have been able to compete in Russia, but that didn't happen. It seems like this time would've been better uninterrupted in Canada

[@ileana823100]

@@giamarren1643 mabye because borders are still closed, and skating rinks has been closed more often in canada than russia, and beside that when she arrived in russia she wqasnt injured yet, so it was the right thing to do, because at this moment the entireseason is going on in russia . So as a russian skater yes she needed to get tio russia, definetely for the test skates and even than she would have had to stay in russia

[@giamarren1643]

@BennetGirl I'm just confused because I know several other athletes that were able to get back into Canada

[@giamarren1643]

@@ileana823100 I'm genuinly just curious about the border rules because I know several other athletes have gotten back into Canada

[@rajs7876]

@@giamarren1643 You can get in if you can prove you have a reason to be here but recent restrictions are a little tighter so now it is more challenging. There is a mandatory quarantine for anyone coming from abroad. If she really wanted to be here, she could be.

[@mocneeuq]

Anna is probably on drugs for her to be able to skate that well in FS😂 either that or she is acting those heavy breathing to make her seem like an underdog. And it worked because judges gave her +goe because of her pneumonia LOL

[@katherinerobillard5301]

I felt that Trusova was underscored a bit and should have placed 2nd overall. Kamila would have been very close behind in 3rd.

[@garyolson1644]

Did Jonathan literally saying..."she is literally on POPPERS heading to the middle of the rink!" Oh my gosh! I've heard it all.

[@Kim-es2oo]

J. Beyer was on fire during this show! Maybe the Russian MD gave him whatever he gave the ladies before the long program LOL!! Great job guys :) Kim from Los Angeles

[@sarikachahal6188]

So nothing for Japanese Nationals?

[@marijasapovalova7420]

Obv there will be a separate video...

[@sarikachahal6188]

That's what I'm hoping is the situation

[@TheSkatingLesson]

We always do a separate episode. It will be posted tomorrow.

[@sarikachahal6188]

@@TheSkatingLesson Thanks for the info. I have only been watching since April/May so I wasn't sure. Half-irrelevant P.S.: Yay! I have to wait 24 hours and then the Japanese show I've been watching as a kid airs less than a day later!

[@joedeon85]

TheSkatingLesson thank you Dave for the separate video it’s like 2 Xmas gifts and also the judging at Japanese national no inflation there at all geez they can help there skater just alil maybe shin amano was the tech callers lol for every event!

[@stsin7]

The White Crow!! You gotta watch it guys! Sergey Polunin (Elena Ilinykh’s boyfriend) played there 🙌🏻

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I will watch! It would be great for CYA.

[@corgeousgeorge]

I'm living for that sweater on Dave. Black and Red are my favorite colors also so I'm always appreciative when Dave's rocking the combo! I'd be looking for a bloodier, oxygenated red where this one is a deeper, with almost a small hint of wine.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Thank you! They are my favorite colors.