This and That: Mikhail Kolyada, Nathan Chen's 4A, Russian Cup, Kaori Sakamoto, Alexandra Trusova

[@hannibaljustincase9985]

37:07 Nathan Chen's 4A 40:23 Mikhail Kolyada 45:07 Elizaveta Tuktamysheva 47:20 Daria Usacheva 51:34 Anna Shcherbakova 52:50 Aliona Kostornaia 55:14 Alexandra Trusova 58:33 Adelia Petrosyan/Mark Lukin and differences between junior ladies and men 1:02:11 Kaori Sakamoto

[@oceanle]

Why doesn’t ISU look out for toe picks and prerotation in jumps. They are so anal with the landing, they should be just as anal about the takeoff.

[@kmt8528]

Ocean le I agree. I’m so tired of seeing overscored cheated triples & quads

[@midoriyakyun9488]

I really think and hope Kostornaia comes back strong this weekend. She's one that works in silence too, and has always taken her time to deliver quality. ♥️

[@colleenshaughnessy7081]

I personally think Nathan's gearing up for a 4Loop next year. He's adding a 3Loop regularly and I think it's a placeholder (as he does with other jumps, like the 3Lz). It will be interesting to see.

[@rop888]

I think before that. He did a 4loop (with positive GOE) after Skate America at that team event that will be televised says Raf

[@colleenshaughnessy7081]

Really? Awesome! He knows those stupid new rules come in next season, and I think he's planning a 6 quad performance for the Olympics and maybe even sooner.

[@benbailey159bb]

@@colleenshaughnessy7081 What new stupid rules next season?

[@colleenshaughnessy7081]

The ISU was doing something about changing the values of jumps. Loop would be worth the same as flip and Lutz. No difference in points. They also did some restrictions on repetitions, combos, etc. I read they suspended it until next season due to the corona mess. But it definitely makes sense that he would want the loop to give him more variety and allow him to have different combos.

[@naomiberry7901]

I have said this before, but I think it bares repeating... I think out of Eteri's girls, Daria by far is the most musical. If you watch closely at Anna and Kamila, there is something there... and it could be that its just that their programs are SO cluttered, but they miss the musical nuances. I feel like Daria, similar to Aliona, gets the nuances. Feels them, reacts to them, I always enjoyed watching her over Kamila or Anna.

[@EnzoFoove]

100% agree

[@viktoria8189]

Anna in my mind is the most musical one. And actually, in the FP this year for now I see the technical and trained performance but without the real musicality in there from Daria. It looks like she trained a lot as all the Eteri girls over and over for every move but it lookx a bit unnatural...like she doesn't fully understands why she is doing this or that.

[@juliefields5334]

I have to agree Daria is really growing on me! Her back spiral into the 2A is just stunning. I’m expecting a pretty big 3A from her whenever they decide to put it in. And, she definitely covers the ice better than a lot of the young Russian ladies.

[@biggestgymfan7230]

I love Daria pefer her way more then valieva

[@Helen-me1vn]

I find Daria so much more one-note than Valieva. It seems like she can only perform one type of program: big dramatic love songs. Her SP is an example of how she isn't very musical outside of the one theme :S. I find both her and Maiia boring, where was Valieva has star quality and musicality (love her short and many of her exhibitions) to go with her extensions.

[@juliefields5334]

Helen I can see what you mean about Daria being a little one-note but personally I don’t mind the style and think she may develop as she gets older. As for Valieva, I do enjoy her short program, but, I find her extensions to be a little over the top at times. That’s my opinion of course.

[@Helen-me1vn]

@@juliefields5334 That's fair, hyper extensions aren't for everybody. I love them because I don't have them and as a ballet dancer I envy that kind of flexibility. But I also find that Kamila has a great range musically, maybe just second to Anna. Daria just reminds me of Sotskova or Edmunds, unfortunately. Good basics and pleasant but boring and not very artistic, very "rehearsed" and the expressions are very surface level.

[@ПодрывУстоев-ц5ц]

Dave, if you don't mind i can give you an advice on how to help inflamed ankle. Please don't laugh, i swear it helps. Take few fresh cabbage leaves, drown them for few seconds in boiling water, beat them with something until they become flexible, wrap them around your ankle and cover with kitchen plastic wrap tightly. Leave for as long as possible, best results if you leave it for entire night. You will see big improvement in the morning.

[@XoXoXo-wq4yg]

Ummm this isn’t cuz cabbage is medicinal. It’s because you’ve wrapped it. Of course compression will reduce swelling

[@scriabina]

This is true, except it's not necessary to cook it. In fact, it works well chilled or just room temp.

[@scriabina]

@@XoXoXo-wq4yg Nope, the sulfur in an amino acid found in cabbage (methionine) acts as an antibiotic and anti-irritant. It helps to direct extra blood to the area, which dilates the capillaries and relieves inflammation. Cabbage is regularly prescribed for patients suffering from mastitis and it should have similar anti-inflammatory effects on other areas of the body.

[@ПодрывУстоев-ц5ц]

@@scriabina You are correct. In fact that advice was given to be by MD. Its amazing how people tend to laugh at first. But the great thing about cabbage is that it does help to reduce inflammation whether people laugh about it not. Cabbage is very forgiving vegetable :).

[@ПодрывУстоев-ц5ц]

@@scriabina , Correct, absolutely no cooking. Pouring hot water over it or dipping for a second into boiling water helps leaves to soften and become more flexible (you need them soft to be able to wrap them around ankle).

[@mersinhusnuoglu6780]

I have an exam in 10h but cant stop myself to play this ! It's like having a weekly kiki with good pals!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Good luck!!

[@yingyingseah3294]

Similar, I have to sit for the bar but...figure skating news

[@PeiwenTanbassoon821]

I wish they invest in trying to make the ISP events more authentic. Maybe send more decent camera person/technician to each location (better quarantine them than the athletes). Perhaps with commentary too (Ashley Wagner & Charlie White maybe?).

[@alenapons8804]

Does anyone have that Nathan 4A attempt video link?

[@purrformance]

I have no idea. When I search for it, it's non-existent!

[@susmus5034]

I have the link. It is a 4A

[@benbailey159bb]

@@susmus5034 Could you post the link then please?

[@susmus5034]

@@benbailey159bb I won't. If you search for it on forums you will find the video. Anyway, this Jacob skates person on twitter who leaked the whole thing is not the smartest dude lol. He said the video is a secret, he locked his account and DM'ed the video link to so many people that it already spreads quickly publicly. If Nathan doesn't want people to see the attempt then his fans should respect their favourite's wishes. But I guess narcissism if more important than respect for Chen fans.

[@benbailey159bb]

@@susmus5034 Ok so we'll just take your word that Hanyu's 4A is closer than Nathan's if you won't give us the link to see it for ourselves

[@iosebdzamukashvili5360]

Guys, a 4 Axel will never be exactly 4.5 rotations. One cannot jump without prerotation at least half a rotation. It's usually between 4-4.25 rovolutions. That's why it's called a quad axel and not a quintuple.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

We are saying his jump would get < at the minimum.

[@leeharry1565]

Yes,and you will have that kind of "lady ' quads" like now 😆

[@kikukoshinchi320]

Most rinks in Japan are old and look like that. They don’t dress them up for regionals and sectionals. It is not because of COVID, it is like that every year. The only difference is we see more of it because live-streaming was available this year because of COVID induced no audience policy. I’m sure rinks will look nice for NHK and Nationals.

[@Clara-yn4jb]

My final exams were happening right when the initial shutdowns were going on - I couldn't even study properly because there were talks of them being cancelled. I can't even imagine how summer Olympic athletes are training for an Olympics that may or may not happen.

[@denalihedgehog]

And some of the althletes had both to train and prepare for their final exams (like Zagitova, Boikova or Gumennik)

[@ddjr6673]

You must know you have many fans in London UK. THANK you for informing educating and entertaining. You guys are part of what is helping all of us through difficult times (and here, another lockdown).

[@letitiakearney2423]

Have you heard what they have in mind for the skating rinks...........google it and it’s not pleasant.

[@ddjr6673]

@@letitiakearney2423 I know. I have heard... you are right "not pleasant" is a British understatement - please God we never get to that. It would be the most terrible thing.

[@emeryrouette4933]

😍 wherein it is confirmed Jonathan Beyer's vase is worth more than the mechanical pully system that allows Galina Zmievskaya to dust her chandelier 😍

[@lindaallison5338]

Melbourne Australia (population 5 million) had just emerged from 3 months of lockdown. Curfew after 8pm, limited to only 3 miles (5km) from home, and only allowed out for essential shopping, medical reasons and 1 hour of exercise outside only. Masks compulsory. We went from a peak of 700 cases per day, and now we have zero. it was a huge sacrifice, and a long winter, but we got through it. We are watching US and Europe very closely. I can't see worlds happening 😢

[@letitiakearney2423]

Well done but unfortunately the UK never have a proper lockdown. There’s never been a curfew and people just go about their life as if nothing is happening. I wish they would follow the Australian model but our government are useless.

[@lindaallison5338]

@@letitiakearney2423 stay safe and hope it improves in the UK. I have family there.

[@Jontor11]

If Usacheva gets the 3A it will be a Kostornaia game changer. Why is Shcherbakova doing the 4F? I think she is working on her Lutz edge. She don't want another Cup of China. That's why her Lutz-Loop combo doesn't seem to work now. And that's why we haven't seen the 4Lz - yet.

[@kmt8528]

I believe they’re going for the “4F” since her supposed “4Lz” received ( ! ) last season.

[@yohanes2034]

She received ! for her Lz in 1 isolated competition in cup of china. I don't think that inspired Eteri & co to fix her edges. I reckon her inconsistency is caused by another reason.

[@Jontor11]

@@yohanes2034 Yeah, maybe you're right. I also suspect some growing issues. She's a bit taller this year.

[@hannibaljustincase9985]

I dont think Eteri even knows how to fix edge issues. Her only skaters to keep outside edge(such as Trusova) are 'natural' Lutzers, as they tend to struggle with using inside edge. The rest was/is either 'neutral', such as Zagitova or Kostornaia to some extent(usually pretty flat edges, or slightly correct) or flutzers- Lipnitskaya, Medvedeva, Shcherbakova, Usacheva etc

[@kmt8528]

@@yohanes2034 after reading this, it might be but there's no diff between her lz and flip technique though

[@thomertl2146]

Kolyada is the next Sasha Cohen-most gorgeous skating coupled with a fragile quality that mars his scores.

[@ehrenjw]

I don’t see the fragile thing. Cohen was quite literally starving for years and did not have the energy to sustain landing jumps under pressure. Kolyada is athletic and looks healthy... I don’t think being balletic and nuanced necessarily equates to being fragile.

[@thomertl2146]

@@ehrenjw can't pull it together during a competition. Just like Sasha seemed to do, too.

[@rop888]

Yeah, I'll be shocked if Kolyada actually does two clean programs back to back. He does good SPs and then always makes mistakes in the FS.

[@midoriyakyun9488]

I really hope that's not the case. Sasha bought her own hype, Mishin is working in silence with Kolyada and keeping him grounded. What he's done for his mental game, is astounding. I wish him the best.

[@Person-mh6xq]

Nah. Not even a close comparison with all the strange splats and contortionist falls Sasha was known for.

[@andreagoldstein4070]

Lilah and Lewis were so funny! My favorite part of attending competitions with Hanyu in attendance was seeing the tissue box in person lol. She did a great job in bringing the Pooh to life!

[@jabrams875]

is this on youtube? I haven't seen it

[@andreagoldstein4070]

@@jabrams875 I don't think so. I saw it on their Instagram account @lilahandlewis

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Fantastic!

[@pandaz1993himick]

As we go into another lockdown in London, we thank you for quality content!

[@ddjr6673]

I was just going to post the same thing. SO happy to have TSL in these times.

[@birgitangermair4483]

Dear Dave, dear Jonathan, thank you so much for your comments on Mikhail, I agree to both of you in 99,9 percent ( the 0,1 Percent left is the music to the short programm, it so typically a "Mikhail`s choice" and I really like it!)! I have often wondered what the issue with his mind is all about ... it seems at times that he forgets how good he really is. And that he has problems with being in the lead after short programms. His biggest meltdowns were mostly in the FPs after having won the short. I recall The Euros in 2018 in particular, but there were many more. In worlds it was quite the opposite. The SP was a nightmare - and then he fought back in the free in a really impressive manner: " Well, nothing to lose here anyway ....." What ya think???????

[@Helen-me1vn]

Whoever makes the Russian olympic team in ladies will need a 3A + 1/2 quads, or no 3A at 4 stable quads. So far, it looks like only Sasha has this, while Kamila is close (3A only in practice but not competition yet). If I have to make a prediction now, I'd bet on those 2. With Anna she really needs that 3A, and Alena needs a 3A and at least 1 quad. I don't really see Daria making the Olympics. There are rumours she is getting the 3A, but we haven't even seen a practice one yet. And then she'll need a quad. That's a HUGE ask for someone who is inconsistent and has big errors: falls, while "only" doing programs without 3A/quad. When was the last time Anna, Sasha, or Alena fell on a non 3A/quad/3Lz-3Lo combo? Close to never. For example, if all 3 downgrade their tech to just doing triples and 2A, they are much more consistent than Daria, and have better layouts (Daria doesn't have a -3Lo combo).

[@hannibaljustincase9985]

Kamila isnt any closer than Daria imo, they're both prepuberty, and puberty can hit Kamila like a cannonball(just like it happened with Julia). I agree that out of the 3A squad Sasha is the lock for the Olympics(as long as shes not injured of course). She's the only one who actually improved her jumps(her quad toe and axel are miles better). Anna is struggling with rotating her triples at this point, not even talking about her quads and with Aliona we havent seen much yet. I doubt Anna can keep -Lo combo until the Olympics, not even dreaming about any quads. Aliona on the other hand, I can see her going far even without any quads(as I also doubt she's fully capable of it). Even if Trusova gets 3A and all the quads, shes only consistent with her 4T, and internationally judges are going to favor clean Aliona with 3x 3A, than Sasha pulling all the stunts. In my eyes, Sasha and Daria are the most reasonable contenders for the Olympics. I have a feeling we'll hear about Kamila's spine injury before the Olympics and she wont make it. For the 3rd spot Im betting healthy Aliona, OR Liza if she gets all the quads shes working on.

[@Helen-me1vn]

@@hannibaljustincase9985 Yes puberty can hit anyone, but Kamila can do a 4T and 3A currently where as we haven't seen either from Daria. She's definitely closer. Daria can rarely skate a clean competition in *juniors* with only triples, no complicated combos, a very standard layout. This was not the case for any of the other Russian juniors - going back to Anna, Alena, Sasha, Alina, Evgenia, etc. You think her jumps will be stable post-puberty when she can't even go clean pre-puberty? And I'm not even talking about quads, 3As, or even -3Lo combos, but just solo jumps and 3F-3T, that's a huge ask for her. I don't have anything against Daria I'm sure she's a hard worker but doing consistent triple programs is the minimum requirement for any Russian female skater currently. Anna is struggling with the -3Lo, but so is Sasha so no lady has a stable one right now. Her 4F on the other hand is such more stable and rotated than the -3Lo.

[@hannibaljustincase9985]

@@Helen-me1vn Kamila's 4T is extremely unstable tho, and she's landing it very often on her inside edge. Yes, she can land those jumps now, but will she in a year or two? Look at Alysa Liu, she had 3A and 4Lz(even if often UR) last year and now she's barely doing a 3-3. You don't have to push your body to the limits as a junior to be a successful senior. Also, Eteris technique is not sustainable at all, so I'm not betting on Kamila staying injury free with all those crazy spins and overusing her upper back while taking off a jump

[@Helen-me1vn]

@@hannibaljustincase9985 Kamila's 4T is the biggest jump in ladies skating though (along with Sasha's 4T). Unlike Alysa's 4Lz which was tiny, that 4T has a lot of height and distance. Yes she needs to work on the landing but I think based on the height alone, it looks like it'll last. Unlike Alysa's jumps and even Anna and Sasha's earlier quads, it's almost always completely rotated. Her 3Lz is much more at risk than the 4T. Kamila doesn't jump with Eteri's technique, she got her technique from her previous coaches. The point is, even if Kamila loses the quad, her triples are still more stable than Daria's. Daria has made many more mistakes in her international competitions. If puberty hits everyone and they lose the quads and 3As, I do think Alena, Anna, Sasha, and Kamila will keep their triples (they have much more height reserve in their jumps as they're able to land quads). Maybe Sasha and Anna won't keep their 3Lz-3Lo as that is already unstable for both, but their other jumps look good enough to keep, imo.

[@dkadkins6545]

I am worried about the state of people's mental health if there is a second shut down. If the number of suicides escalates like they did during the spring shut down, this is going to be devastating.

[@tranquilitytranquility1407]

Especially through winter and Christmas period which is traditionally a time when mental health suffers

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I am worried too.

[@midoriyakyun9488]

I think Daria is also a strong Olympics contender. She's progressively gotten better season after another, and to me, still has more to give. I would love to see it come down to her and Kostornaia for 2022 (if it happens). They're both the most complete imo. I feel terrible for Kamila, but having thrown her out to the sharks the way they did, has only benefitted Daria / others who could take that spot they want her to fill.

[@Clara-yn4jb]

I love Daria as much as anyone, but I think that triple axel is what she needs to get her on that team. There are too many favorites with quads/3A. I actually think her inconsistency was a bit overstated last season - she skated clean in the short and free for her last three competitions, including nationals and worlds. Even when she messed up, it wouldn't be botched programs, just one or two mistakes.

[@sameoldsteph]

Love this! Thank you guys for keeping us in the loop during this weird season! Love your shirt Dave, and can't wait for Jonathan's next tv adventure!! xoxo

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Our pleasure!

[@ColonelGreen]

The soundtrack for Netflix's _The Queen's Gambit_ is now very high on my list of new music I want to see used for programs next year.

[@TravelingMan63]

Majority of the rinks are now open in the SF area,. I was told that the Oakland Ice Center reopened last week and Alysa Liu is back there training.

[@stulochealthdesipad4020]

aside from all of these, i m curious where all the korean skaters go ? like they completely disappeared after covid happened.

[@mix4715]

@BennetGirl when ? What kind of competition ?

[@biari8599]

Funny how everyone is so full of praise for Misha's new programs, the level of his skating and jumps, but somehow no one is talking about the fact, that he’s literally doing the exact same step sequence in both his SP and FS. Most other skaters would get so much flak for doing that… 😒🙄 Especially when they’re aiming to be at the absolute top of the men, which Misha surely is (and many already see him there because of his qualities).

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I did see that video on Twitter...

[@biari8599]

@@TheSkatingLesson Oh, there was a video? I didn't know, I just noticed it myself

[@TheSkatingLesson]

@@biari8599 Parabens!

[@biari8599]

@@TheSkatingLesson ?? I'm gonna guess you're not referring to chemicals and er, google tells me that's portuguese for 'congratulations'...? Also, now I'm offended lol, next time in polish or german please. XD

[@julia0aike]

honestly, I don't give a damn about it. I prefer to see 2x the same beautiful stsq of misha than the other 100 forgettable stsq this season

[@94onyx94]

I'm living for all the Galina stories.

[@troyroepke6071]

Kolyada could easily be my favorite international skater if he could just be consistent - sometimes he amazing and you're left in tears....the next time he half-asses the performance and it's a disaster.

[@susmus5034]

He has always been weak mentally. He is really a great skater but not the strongest competitor.

[@denalihedgehog]

Even his disastrous skates with Mishin are better than some of his 'good' skates previous coach

[@rop888]

The whole Nathan's 4A thing was hilarious because fan(yu)s were trying to convince themselves he would never do it and would never work on it and the video was fake because he said he didn't want to in presscons with Yuzu right there. Nathan isn't honest about what he's doing in practice if anyone hasn't noticed yet. Raf is a lot more honest about things, which is why he said Nathan was going to do a 4lo and now Nathan is doing a 4lo again. Raf said he was going to work on a 4A and guess what, he's working on a 4A.

[@hannibaljustincase9985]

I admire Yuzuru, and enjoy his skating a lot(even more than Nathan's to be fair), but people have to face the truth- Yuzuru is old, overworked, constantly injured- there's no way he can beat Nathan unless Nathan flops. And that's fine, that's okay. No one stays at the top forever, neither will Nathan. Even if Yuzuru somehow gets 4A to work consistently, it gives him just a few points, not enough to beat Nathan.

[@purrformance]

@@hannibaljustincase9985 He's not trying to beat Nathan with a Quad Axel per say. He set a goal to make history to land it. As for trying to beat Nathan, thats his life right there. He will skate until he is 30 to show he can still win gold medals as the better skater. Sound familiar? Besides, there's still worlds he could try to win.

[@hannibaljustincase9985]

@@purrformance Well, I can claim to be Snow White just for the purpose of entertainment, it won't make it true tho. That's how I see Hanyu's claims about 4A etc. He may want, to some extent, achieve this milestone for the sake of it, but at the end of the day it's about winning over others, at this point he has to even worry about Shoma

[@RakuRadio]

@@purrformance He will attempt the 4A because it is there. I think he may shoot for the threepeat at Beijing and challenge Grafstrom's long-standing record. If he is rested well this season and can find some mojo, who knows, he might even pull it off. I live in Japan but have heard nothing about Hanyu on the news, no idea what he is up to. Shoma can only challenge a weak Hanyu. Chen has the momentum, but Chen is also progressing as senior and graduate at college and must be pressed for time. Hanyu can skate full time with no worries.

[@susmus5034]

I wonder what's so super secret about that 4A attempt. If he doesn't want people to know about that he practices 4A, he wouldn't have tried it at Skate America practice, he would do it on the rink he practices every day then. It means Nathan wants people to know about it but doesn't want them to see the attempt. Is it a bit of a PR move after there wasn't much talk about him winning SA? It's a win-win situation for him because people talk about it but he doesn't get the criticism that comes with a video that is public. re Hanyu's 4A attempt at GPF 2019, the third try was actually clean with full 4.5 rotations. It's great given the fact he attempted in the last seconds of a very intense practice session after multiple jumps and his FS run-through.

[@MrChaseBlue]

Oh dear. There wasn’t much talk about Nathan’s win bc he was obviously expected to win fake Nationals, and he didn’t skate his best FS.

[@susmus5034]

@@MrChaseBlue had his performances been fantastic there would be lot of talk about them. Fake competition or not if a performance is great many people want to rewatch it. Onviously there wasn't enough interest in Chen's programs.

[@rop888]

Why does he need PR for a competition he won? It was a private practice. It wasn't supposed to be recorded. And Nathan keeps what he's working on pretty hush hush while everyone else is out there posting videos of their jumps they are doing even if they can only land them one time. He's not going to put in a 4A before he knows he can do it cleanly either.

[@susmus5034]

@@rop888 c'mon, even at a private practice there are people who are there with their cameras. If he really wants to keep it a secret he doesn't try it at a practice at a competition. Also he won SA but there wasn't much talked about it. He needs PR because we won't hear much about him until January.

[@rop888]

@@susmus5034 Whatever you say. He doesn't need PR since there are zero competitions coming up that should worry him in any way. Judging by your other Nathan comments, you are just an anti so not wasting my time with you.

[@JordanT711]

44:44 I died when they played explicit WAP during the kiss and cry! 🤣

[@JordanT711]

Thank God for the officials who can’t speak English who are choosing the music.

[@meltemt0245]

40:23 Jonathan is me when I see kolyada everytime 😂

[@sk8jdgca]

Ballet dancers bow/curtsy at the end of each class ( the men very similarly as to what you described.) To not only the teacher but also the piano player.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I like this tradition!

[@danielaguzmanramirez7960]

we all love klimova/ponomarenko. They're like wine; it gets better with age

[@crobicha1]

„That’s the shady doctor“ hahaha

[@elizabethlockhart8044]

"Is he trained in CPR?" "He's not a dermatologist." LOL!

[@crobicha1]

@@elizabethlockhart8044 such a Soap opera!

[@yyyyyendyc]

he’s not a dermatologist KILLED me

[@shelleyc853]

Just got cleared to skate from my ankle injury today and now the UK is back in lockdown Thursday. 2 days to get my feel for it at least so lucky there

[@daddygracestorytime6113]

I think I have vase-envy if that's a thing... Jonathan, your vase is so beautiful! 😅

[@sporeKAfan]

I have seen the 4A attempt by Nathan in practice video. He managed to do it but fell very gently on the ice, so he is definitely close to landing it or might have already mastered it by now. Nathan actually has the right physique (athletic build) and is in the most suitable age range (17-22 years old) to master it within a short time, compared to say older skater who might take years to learn or skater with a feminine build without enough strength to do the 4.5 rotations. It is a pity that he doesn't want to land it in competition.

[@julienixon2686]

Our ice rink in Edinburgh, Murrayfield, is now closed for the “foreseeable future”. The Kerrs trained there at one point. Really sad news.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

:( :(

[@hellsbellsmichelle]

1:14:00 That was my moment of the week. Love everything about Fear and Gibson

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@dennisjohnson7653]

Hot Chocolate with a splash of Gran Marnier. Let's do this. Thank you Dave and Jonathan

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Enjoy!

[@katecopley6371]

Okay can we just discuss the glow up! I was watching the 2018 US nationals video yesterday and guys you looked great then but incredible now 💗💗💗 both tsl and you as people 😂🥰

[@anaelivillarreal8830]

Why dont they do U.S. Nationals in South Texas in McAllen we have 2 arenas our covid cases have been lowering and its specious... They can convert the arena to an ice rink...Plus it can promote as in its not a common sport here .... We are 4 hrs south of San Antonio TX

[@megseggz]

The intro kills me every time!!!

[@zytolda]

I find that moment with Yana very crepy

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@Capulet89]

Re: Lambiel and Juniors: for now at the rink there's only the Icelandic girl training full time with him. But he has some Swiss juniors coming in regularly, like Naoki Rossi (who is bffs with Rika), since he is the national team coach. But no divas afaik

[@lovisa.carlsen]

I live in Sweden and it is more relaxed here. We never went into lockdown & I don´t think we ever will & many experts are saying our covid technique is working. Around a week ago they approved 300 spectators at sport events + seated shows (socially distant). With covid getting worse some regions (including Stockholm) have gone back to max 50 allowed aka no public allowed and hard to host events. I think it is very uncertain what will happen with worlds but if there is any country that could host it with all working out (no quarantine when arriving, the venue is HUGE 16k so sure possible to keep the distance) it is Sweden. The future will decide, how sport events with 300 spectators are working out, safe or not? and how covid will develop. I for sure hope they will at least host worlds worst case with no crowd or do it virtually. This 300 law is a good step towards worlds happening but not looking good atm with everything getting worse. Sure new cases in Sweden are not as bad as elsewhere but obviously it is not great here. Lets have our hopes up tho we never know. If covid cases gets lower as how it was say 2 months ago in Sweden I am pretty sure and hope worlds will be hosted as it is a very important event for Sweden to host. Just lmk if u have any questions with covid + Sweden :)))

[@tranquilitytranquility1407]

Yes! If any country is going to host the Worlds - it’s you, guys! I live in UK, but we went to Sweden two weeks ago for a dose of normality. I was amazed at how calm and normal life is in Sweden. Sure there is social distancing and hand sanitiser. But no masks and no hysteria. And much better numbers than the yo-yo lock down countries. I hope you will still let us in after we crash out of the EU. Sweden is my favorite destination now! ❤️

[@lovisa.carlsen]

@@tranquilitytranquility1407 let’s just hope for the best & stay safe :)))

[@yohanes2034]

I know that Sweden newer went to the lockdown route but I thought they mandate to use mask and physical distancing?

[@lovisa.carlsen]

@@yohanes2034 yes social distance but no masks are recommended idk why

[@twinklejelly123]

Gotta say, I prefer Usacheva to Valieva. Much more compelling performer.

[@strawberrylime33]

I honestly don't enjoy watching Valieva's skating as she is soooo more rushed than her teammates and she often looks terrified during her starting pose. she is still very talented but very overrated imo.

[@hannibaljustincase9985]

tbh I think Daria's programs are more appealing, and her jumps look more pleasantly. I have nothing against Valieva, but you can only go so far with overusing flexibility

[@corgeousgeorge]

I am living for how Dave gets a kick out of the abuse that Galina dishes out ha ha! I'm just picturing little Oksana Baiul at the rink in Neppopatrosk crying in a corner and she comes and says "stop crying, and do that doughnut spin!"

[@slipperyhardandcold7740]

By the way, did Galina and Oksana Baiul work out their dispute?

[@TheSkatingLesson]

No.

[@lisanewton7084]

❤Please can you tell me where I can view fear and Gibson that you spoke of towards the end of this video ? As i searched on youtube and nothing new for them on 2020 and i love them! She is soo cute:) their disco number 2seasons ago was awesome! * thank you 🙂💕

[@atankofclowns]

In britain, we are locking down but our top football league is still allowed to play! Pretty sure our ice rinks have been closed down though...

[@TheSkatingLesson]

It is a very sad situation.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Are the football teams in a bubble of sorts?

[@atankofclowns]

@@TheSkatingLesson loosely... many have been found to be breaking the rules 🙄 they get tested prior to all games.

[@atankofclowns]

Figure skating tried bending the rules last lockdown though... all the Scottish skaters temporarily moved to England to skate. Scotland and England have different lockdown rules, and England allowed skating to resume earlier.

[@DSQueenie]

Apparently the rinks can stay open. It’s not 100% certain yet.

[@mai3334]

I think it’s Dani G’s smug face that turns people off. It’s funny how Dudakov and Hot Sergei are responsible for the technique yet they don’t get any hate.

[@82gioccia]

I doubt Kostornaya will have her 3 axel back. She’s grown so much. Her FP jump posts looked sloppy and ur. Arms flailing and a lot of empty spaces. Eteri can show the best the skater has and hide flaws. Kostornaya might become just another Russian skater with Plushenko whereas with Eteri she could have still remained a Diva even without 3A. Kostornaya has nothing to win over Valieva, Trusova and Scherbakova if she doesn’t get her 3A back. No hate meant, just saying... I wish they would have WC, Trusova clearly deserves to have a world title taking into account all her accomplishments. You never know if there’s going to be any OG in 2022... and 2023, as you have said, can change the whole narrative.

[@dinkymagnuson1167]

Do you know why is Trusova so upset with Kostornaia? Just asking, I really do not know. I’m fairly new to this.

[@alexivins33]

Nathan Chen Quad Axel video posted on Instagram

[@benbailey159bb]

Who's instagram please?

[@sashad1475]

my Sunday evening ritual ♥️

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Love that!

[@BethH992]

Your point about rinks losing revenue in another lockdown is something we're definitely seeing here in the UK, unfortunately. I know of one rink that's already announced that they're closing permanently, and my coach says there are several others close to closing - and this was before we entered our second lockdown (which we're currently about a third of the way through). You might be a bit luckier in the US because figure skating is a bigger sport there than it is here, but it's a pretty grim situation all round.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Definitely a concerning situation!

[@grisgris6908]

No discussion of the renaming of the Mohawk and Choctaw by Skate Canada?

[@alexandraantonovitch428]

Why was it renamed?

[@benbailey159bb]

What?!?!?!?

[@hannibaljustincase9985]

@@alexandraantonovitch428 well, they may sound slightly racist? 😉

[@hannibaljustincase9985]

@@benbailey159bb they changed Mohawk to a C Step, and Choctaw to a S Step

[@benbailey159bb]

@@hannibaljustincase9985 Oh dear god, so ridiculous

[@vistaprime]

Where did Kolyada land the quad lutz triple toe? can someone post a link. thanks.

[@benbailey159bb]

It's on TSL's instagram page

[@TimSirin]

Yeay! Just in time to move my focus off the stressful election 🗳

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@sarahmcqueenie]

Lovely, jazzy, fun top, Dave! And personally I loved Liza’s short, and also Sofia’s, which is quite unique.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Thank you!

[@xiangnibian8473]

Hope the 14-day mandatory quarantine executed by many countries will be alleviated soon. So we can travel freely without 28-day (14 days locked in destination country and 14 days back in home countries) lock-up. Watching a competition overseas becomes such a trouble. Few would apply one month leave to their supervisor to see one day competition.

[@Cooltiger28]

I have a final for the semester in a two weeks. I love you two need to take the time off and rest the brine

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Good luck!!!!

[@Cooltiger28]

@@TheSkatingLesson Thank you

[@maria375s]

The highlight of my Sunday afternoon! Thank you!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Our pleasure!

[@lana_g17]

Where is our Skate America video, Tracy!!! 😆😤

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@angieortizurena3327]

I could tell you what for the shady doctor is there: to have his eyes nailed to every girl’s ass when they are waiting to take the ice, just ask Tuktamysheva, her arm hairs stood up too for sure!

[@tayaleary8879]

Thank you 🙌

[@slipperyhardandcold7740]

Maybe we could bring some figure skaters where I am. Centrally located, halfway between San Francisco and Boston.

[@raphouice4300]

I also used to bow to my staging coaches (in France) 😅

[@pandaz1993himick]

Return of the vase!

[@ASRIBEIRIO]

I'll be honest, I'm invested in the Nathan 4A primarily because the ensuing Fanyu meltdown would be extremely funny to me

[@susmus5034]

That's really rude of you to say. You don't see the athletic achievement but you only want to have a good laugh? It's fine if Chen practices the 4A, why not. He is known as a jumper after all, he is not known for his wonderful programs, artistry or skating skills.

[@ASRIBEIRIO]

@@susmus5034 Who am I being rude to precisely? A bunch of deranged weirdos on twitter?

[@susmus5034]

@@ASRIBEIRIO Fans of another skater. If you don't see what's the problem with your comment that's your fault.

[@MrChaseBlue]

@@susmus5034 I think many of his programs are great, but to each their own

[@il654]

@@susmus5034 um. if you think nathan doesn’t have good skating skills or artistry, i think you need some glasses. i want nathan to land it for himself but also all the fanyus, such as yourself, to understand yuzu isn’t the end all be all. to classify nathan as a jumper is to say he can’t do anything else and that is false.

[@troyroepke6071]

I think Gabby has the goods for Miss Uni/World pageants although she is a wee bit too short. Did Jonathan know Leanza Cornett, Miss America 1993? She was the first national title holder to adopt AIDS awareness as her platform. She died this week after a fall. Very tragic and sad.

[@elizabethm08]

Boikova/kozlovskii bow to Moskvina! You are not alone Dave!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

We appreciate our queens!

[@muziklvr6358]

Reason Trusova pics are not posted is because her father didn't give consent for posting, that's what Plyuschenko said

[@MADHAUSMARKALLAN]

Jonathan are you really 6’5”? way off point but was curious

[@jmonz2625]

It’s entertaining that Kostornaia seems to be Trusova’s Louann Donovan.

[@tracylatak2970]

Dave did you watch the u tube series deving gravity I really liked it curious of what u yhink

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I did. I am not sure how to respond. I liked some things. I get frustrated because Jessica from Gymcastic just said that 2008 was the first Olympics with 6-3-3 and that was not correct.

[@tracylatak2970]

@@TheSkatingLesson I like that it wasn't all negative they showed positive things alif the documentary focus on what's bad not what was great about the sport

[@LifeBeautifulMess]

I love Tonya Harding!

[@JO-kq1vb]

I haven’t finished watching yet so I’m not sure if it’s discussed, but is anyone else worried about how frail Mai Mihara looks? I didn’t recognize her at all at first. 😣

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Not going there because it is a no-win situation if we discuss it.

[@chocolateperfume752]

off topic, but it makes feel kinda bad all the shit dani G gets. yes his programs r cheap and kinda repeated but he is so nice to the kids. he always tries to calm them before competitions and tries his best to make them laugh when they r sad or nervous especially when a coach yells or is being too strict

[@angieortizurena3327]

Exactly, nobody is saying he is a bad person, only a mediocre choreographer...I don’t know the connection between criticizing her job and praising his relationship with the skaters. There is zero overlap between a behavior with your pupils and your ability as a choreographer.

[@elizabethlockhart8044]

Yay! Now it's Sunday, Funday.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Enjoy!

[@emilywhite3180]

Given how Sweden has had one of the more relaxed policies regarding covid (no lockdown and a higher death rate per capita), Worlds might go on. It would be a horrendous choice but if it would go on, Sweden and USA would be the countries to say "screw it, who cares about public health?" So unless the ISU cancels it, I don't know if the Swedish government would cancel it given their relaxed policies.

[@Jontor11]

The Swedish policies are not relaxed. There is a ban of +50 people gatherings, and that includes all sports events. I think the Swedish Federation is working towards a solution where there is no audience.

[@joshhalcyon1192]

Cmon now Dave, we real lambs all know that Mariah doesn't do the whole hand - she only traces the notes with one finger!

[@roddo1955]

Dave doesn't really 'know her either', I guess.

[@joshhalcyon1192]

@@roddo1955 LOL

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I am only a partial lamb.

[@joshhalcyon1192]

@@TheSkatingLesson LOL

[@gium3980]

I'm from the common sense side that until doesn't see doesn't believe. Honestly, being positive, we have until the end of 2021 (realistic 2022) to the things solve so ...until then, I will begin to get excited if things still are happening.

[@corgeousgeorge]

Facts on Facts on Facts. Dave came correct back when all that Nassar/ USA gymnastics/ Karolyi mess was coming out and exploded, Dave was all "Lemme look at my watch cause it's only a matter of time before something like this is gonna be blown wide open in FS, tick- tock MF'ers." . Aaaaand here we are, (allegedly).

[@FalvyPollard]

Nice shirt Dave, styling!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Thanks!

[@danieeccc]

Yeah I bow to my russian coaches as well. Just a Russian thing I guess 😂

[@lacynylons6317]

Liked!!!

[@noname-iz2gi]

this intro ☠☠☠☠

[@censoredyoutube4902]

Wut? Nathan's trying 4A? I remember he said not in the near future at one interview. I thought it's Hanyu's mission instead !!! Lol. Now it's all hyped up by Fanyus. There's one video just coming out of Hanyu's fan channel talking about his 4A.

[@matthewhines9787]

1:01:51 Yes. Doctors are trained in CPR.

[@CP-ww1nj]

come to manhattan! YOu two are so fun. we have a place for you!

[@anneramones2923]

Do the Zhenya one ♥️

[@TheSkatingLesson]

It will come!

[@chocolateperfume752]

what "zhenya" one?

[@insi4547]

Dave, is it true you are planning a joint video with Russian blogger Lena Rodina? I'm not sure you are aware that you will be giving a platform to someone who publicly threatened Zagitova (' her face deserves to be smashed''), has called Averbukh an idiot (after he gave her an interview, actually :D) and mocks Tarasova for having lost her mind (after she refused to have an interview with Lena:D). Just ask someone you trust and speaks RU to do some research for you!~ Cheers.

[@chocolateperfume752]

@S K good lord, wtf?? honestly every day i keep hearing some new shit about evgenia, i am just wondering why tf no one is talking publicly about her arrogant behaviour and how the hell is she still a "star" in figure skating with such a huge fanbase

[@JaneRosee]

@S K Evgenia told her? Any proofs? This is a serious accusation... you don't have to tell lies about a person you don't know just because you don't like her

[@JaneRosee]

@@chocolateperfume752 Evgenia is not responsible for what an adult woman says

[@chocolateperfume752]

@@JaneRosee did u read the comment? evgenia herself keeps liking comments of ppl who threaten alina but I've also seen some hateful ones too written by her fans and she liked them...unbelievable

[@ГалинаПугачёва-ф1и]

They want Rodina? Really? Wow.. looks like they're headed for change: from "blah-blah-blah".. to "blya-blya-blya" channel instead.

[@etherealtb6021]

Can we talk sometime about how Mirai and Ashley both live in Boston, but act like the other doesn't exist? Is Ashley mad that Mirai "copied" her life again? 😂

[@miriam3848]

That vase @_@

[@nostarsonsky6016]

я бы никогда не смогла бы тренироваться у Галины. Моя чувствительная психика бы не вынесла ее высокомерности. И так уже с детсва натерпелась от таких учителей в школе

[@letitiakearney2423]

Talking of rinks closing down because of Covid well the UK are going back into Lockdown and they are closing rinks and this is true and frightening but they are planning to use them as mortuaries if needed.