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“We won the Team Spirit Award for a reason because we were creative and fun” [x]

- Lena, what do you think about your performances at WTT?

The short was good, the free - not so much. So I have to pay more attention to the free program next season.

- In the short you fought till the end.

It was easy, I really enjoyed skating it. In the free I was a bit tight, tried to nail every element.

- It’s isn’t your first team event. What do you think, is there more pressure because you compete for the team?

I love team events a lot, because you’re also responsible for the team, you can’t let the teammates down. Everyone fights for each other, it gives more strength. And this year our team was really good, we supported each other so much! Created a lot of stuff together to perform in K&C. And paid a lot of attention to the opening ceremony as well. We won the Team Spirit Award for a reason because we were creative, fun, and did it all together.

- You participated at WTT back in 2015.

Yeah, but this year our team was more united. It wasn’t the first time for some of us, so maybe it was the reason, we knew what to expect.

- How’s Ekaterina Bobrova as the captain?

She’s good at arranging things, very responsible - it was a right move to choose her.

- What do you think about your season?

It was not very good. There were always some difficulties to overcome but I hope to learn from mistakes.

- What mistakes?

Injuries, growth difficulties - everything affected my skating. I had to get used to my new body along with healing the injuries. I was sick in the beginning of the season, then the competitions started and there was not enough time… So it wasn’t a smooth ride.

- But you had bright moments as well.

Yes, I skated some decent programs. But I am used to always doing 100% so even one mistake means not a good skate for me.

- How difficult is was to overcome the difficulties?

Not easy. I’ve grown up lately, not by much, though. But even a small change affects the technique, you have to get used to it. When you are on the ice, it feels different. So I had to learn how to control my body. But what’s most important - to believe in yourself and not give up. It’s who I am. I think, everyone goes through difficult times and it’s okay. The ones who are strong can overcome it. Those who are not won’t be champions. There’s no way I gave up or lost hope. I’m moving forward!

- Who stood with you during those times?

My mom. She’s the most important person for me. And dad, of course. I’m very close with my mom, she knows everything about me and what’s happening in my life. She will held me up or push me, when I need it.

- You said you changed, grew up. Your skating looks more mature.

There’re pros and cons. I’m doing good at practice now, landing difficult combos. Now we are going back to Moscow, gonna make new programs. It’s an important process since the Olympics are coming. Then I want to go to the sea, have a vacation.

- What do you think you need to do to qualify for the Olympics?

Well, you need to skate clean all the time. Maybe learn something new. Improve everything: skating skills, spins… In other words, to work hard.

- What’s your best memories from Sochi Olympics?

Mao Asada’s, Carolina Kostner’s and Yuna Kim’s skates.

- Mao retired recently.

It’s always sad when such skaters retire. Mao made history, she’s a great athlete and will always stay in people’s heart. A lot of little skaters, me included, want to be like Mao. I watched her skate and always learnt something for myself.

- Carolina, on the other hand, is back and competing again.

I respect her a lot for it. It requires such an effort to return and skate good! Carolina is amazing, and I am mesmerised by her skating.

- Did you think what you’re gonna do after the Olympics?

No, it’s too far away. Now all I’m thinking about is the next season. Also I go to university, study a profession of a coach - my first one, so to say. Maybe later I’ll try to become an actress or choose something else. I don’t know how my life is gonna turn out, it’s hard to predict now.

- Thank you Lena, and good luck!

#Elena Radionova #fskateedit #interview #event: 2017 wtt #notes: 50