Translation parts of articles from previous days
Evgeny Plushenko: I'm back, and this is already a victory
Olympic champion told us, why he goes to Vancouver ....."SP": - Evgeni, skating of your programs, caused exaltation in all who watched. how you can appreciate your Olympics "test skate"?
- I will not dissemble, and tell you honestly that I am very pleased with my performance. Of course, I had a small fault in the long program - I was a little hasty to enter in cascade, and could not resist on feet. But, this is working time. Everything has gone according to plan. And for correction of errors is still time.
"SP": - How much percentage you are ready for the Games in Vancouver?
- I think 70% prepared. For today - this is optimal. I assure you, that if you wish, I could increase the degree of my readiness, very soon. But I think, that not should force the form. Olympics will be in February. And to that, I should come in the best condition.
"SP": - What place in Vancouver, you feel it for yourself successful?
- Perhaps, I will now call the wrath of fans of figure skating in Russia, but I confess that I'm going to Vancouver, not for gold. My task will be skate worthy my long program, and not sully my name. Over the years, which I spent outside the competitive process has grown a whole pleiades of high-class singles. So, the battle for Olympic gold would be fantastic. And if I'm in honest competition will win, say, the bronze, I would be happy ....
... In the end, after all, surprises are possible. Let me just say, that he will win, who will perform the most pure qudruple jumps. And fact, that all contenders for the medals they will perform - I not even doubt it.
"SP": - And in your Olympic performances will be those jumps?
- Must. While I plan to jump in Vancouver two quad and three triple axel. Perhaps, closer to the Games, with my coach Alexei Nikolaevich Mishin we will invent something else. Much will depend on that, what to Vancouver prepare my rivals .....
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«Plushenko need to work on spins» ....
... - I am very pleased, that in all "test skatings", I performe quadruple toe loop and triple axel, - confessed Plushenko. - Error in the latest skating at triple Lutz - a consequence of a small decline. This is the result of accumulated fatigue from a large number of training, after which was followed three consecutive start. I am unaccustomed to such work ....
.... - You're back because of your own ambitions, or at the request of the federation?
- Nobody nothing asked, and no one suggested. Unfortunately, none support was. You know, when the famous figure skater Elvis Stoyko has decided to leave, Canadian federation gave him a certain amount, for that he can continued with competition. In my case, nothing was.
- That is, training is at your expense?
- 50 to 50. Now they have begun to pay for camps. Federation pays salary for my choreographer David Avdysh, masseur and trainer for the physical preparation. But this is not the salary, which deserve high quality experts. I paid four costumes, and music to Edvin Marton.
- How are your health?
- At the moment, all the same problems with his knee. But, fortunately, there is a Chinese doctor, treats with hands, just a unique specialist, and by the way, for him I also pay. 40 minutes - $ 100. Acupuncture, plus manual therapy. To him, I addressed and before. I had problems with the foot. Standard treatment did not help. And he lifted me up for 3 sessions.
Its stability in the past "test skatings", Evgeni showed that in few months, he went to that level, which other skaters not able reach....
... At the Games in Vancouver, from Russia will be able to performance two representatives in men's figure skating. It is clear, that one of vouchers objectively belongs to Plushenko. For the second place, battle wil be unfold in all subsequent tournaments, and especially in the Championship of Russia. The main contender is the two-time champion of Russia, Sergei Voronov. His coach,
Alexei Urmanov:
- ... At the moment no one can boast of an ideal form, even nor Evgeni. But there is still time. The Short program Plushenko performs well, but for Long, power is not yet enough. But, considering how little time was spent on training, I can say, that he goes with wide steps. Zhenya is a professional, and clearly knows, what he is doing. The main thing is that he really wants to win...
... In terms of psychological training, also we can be sure in Plushenko. Alexei Urmanov, which at one time trained and competed with him, about this occasion expressed unambiguously:
- Now in Russia there is no better experienced skaters. Over the years, during which Evgeni was in the elite figure skating, been failures, but they we can count on one hand. It speaks about his psychological stability.
Regarding jumps and iron nerves, we can not forget and the other elements, which the new judicial system gained considerable importance. Head of Technical Committee of the International Skating Union
Alexander Lakernik find weaknesses:
- For example, during the short program, Evgeni performed the first steps on the third level, but it can claim to the fourth, if it is energetically fulfill, and the final steps only on the second. In the steps are generally, very difficult get fourth level. It can, about once a year.
Last season, it has once Canadian Patrick Chan and Mao Asada, Japanese woman.
In addition, Evgeni should work at spins. And he knows it. One of the flaws - a low spin. This spin should be in a sitting position, that is, lower point of the buttocks was not above the top of the knee. But, if skater is in semi-squat, and this is noticeable even and common viewers, it is no low spin, and judges him are not counted.
Looking at that, with which speed Plushenko's is moving to set goal, we can say with certainty, that he will do everything necessary. And Russia's experts agree, that if Evgeni will perform two programs, how they planned, this will be enough for victory in Vancouver. It is only important, that the judges did not disappoint.
- I only worry for the objectivity of judging .... I want to skate with dignity. And, if I go in the top three - it will be a gift.