+ Elena & Ruslan +

Interview - after Trophée Lalique
Paris - November 17, 2002
by Sonja Wendl and Tanja Brand

“Why did you change coaches from  Natalia Linichuk& Gennadi Karpanossov to the Tatiana Tarassova camp?”

The problems of placement in the season 2000/2001 made them decide they need a coaching change. They asked Tarassova in the beginning of  the Olympic season, if she would work with them. They did not receive a reply and after Worlds 2002 they thought about quitting. Due to Tatiana’s health Nikolai Morozov started to work with them in the summer. They left the Linichuk team on good terms and mentioned their thankfulness to Natalia and Gennadi many times during the interview. Elena explained that without Natalia they could have never advanced in their skating being in the Ukraine. The step going to the US from the Ukraine was a big decision which they never regretted and now it was time to do another big step forward.

“How is working with Nikolai Morozov?”

The work with Nikolai is very different because now the coach is about the same age and is always on the ice himself showing them new steps, changing a little in the stroking technique and pointing out different problems immediately. Nikolai, due to his own good technique, skates different parts of the programs himself in order to show how it is supposed to be done. The choreography process was very interesting as Linichuk develops the program with moves and steps that come out of the skaters themselves, whereas Nikolai teaches his steps to the students. This makes it more difficult in the beginning for the skater because it is contrary to the way of the skating they are used to. This expands their skating horizon. Also, in the Tarassova team there are many coaches and each second of their practice they are monitored closely and work equally with all coaches.

“Is it confusing to have so many different opinions from different coaches and do they contradict sometimes?”

They explain that they substitute themselves very well and that there is never a contradiction. There is harmony and lots of input.

“Many people at Lalique noticed a change in style and compared it to Chait&Sakhnovsky (e.g. hair piece, toe and running steps..). How do you feel about that?”

They have not noticed the similarity in style but feel that this choreography suits the music very well. Certainly, the style of a coach is being portrayed in the students’ program. This is the same for each coach. They are always thankful for opinions on their programs from outsiders, because sometimes skaters are themselves too close in order to realize such things.

“How was it to learn the new compulsory dance, the Austrian Waltz?”

Ruslan explained that it was very difficult and frustrating. Sometimes Elena even cried but that is normal in the beginning if things don’t go fast enough. Meanwhile, they enjoy this dance.

“What do you feel you had to improve to be more successful?”

Nikolai told them right away:  “Guys, you already know how to skate, but we have to work on the presentation.” Particularly he meant not only on the ice but in each and every gesture, even how you open the door and carry your head before you step on the ice. Elena says with a smile she feels different on the outside of her appearance but on the inside she is still the same person and does not intend to change her character. He taught us to forget about old results from one competition to the next. They have to accomplish their placement every time again, like it is the first competition.. That is why they don’t want to talk about future results. Certainly they have their thoughts about gold but there is no sense in dreaming of something you still have to work for very hard.

“Is there a rivalry between the dance couples, particulary with Bourne & Kraatz during training?”

There is a tremendous amount of ice time between 8 am and 5 pm and they never really skate on the same ice.

“How is the relation to the other dance teams now, like Chait&Sakhnovsky and Lobacheva & Averbukh?”

They have been training together for many years and have made friendships. They see no reason why this friendship should end, just because they changed their training facilities. There is normal rivalry during competitions but off ice they call each other on the phone and talk a lot.

“How did your life change due to the move?”

Right now they are living with Tatiana together in one house, but want to move to their own place after the training site has been finally determined. They are looking forward to an own appartment, because they shared livings many years now in the so called “Russian House” in Delaware. Tatiana also promotes them at competitions and arranges interviews and exhibitions. Natalia never did things like that.

“Will you be competing at Ukrainian Nationals?”

They are from December 23-26. They would be happy to, but it depends on a pre-scheduled exhibition in the US that might interfere with the date and if they have to pay for the flight tickets themselves.

“Due to your success so far this season do you feel there will be more recognition in the Ukraine?”

First of all they are totally overwhelmed by the success at the Gand Prixs still. It is like a dream, which they enjoy from one competition  to the next. When the Ukraine split from the Soviet Union, all the skating tradition was left in Russia. The public interest in sport is mainly soccer and skating is hardly shown on TV and there are only a few ice rinks.

“How long do you want to continue skating amateurs?”

Ruslan said until 2006 Turin. Elena however mentioned they will go year by year but possibly till the Olympics 2006.

“Do you have any family and job plans for the time after skating?”

Elena would be happy if a professional career after skating amateur would be made possible. Right now she cannot imagine to be a mother yet. She also could imagine working as  a coach. Ruslan dreams of making his own TV sports channel some day. They both intend to stay in the US, even though they will miss their families back home. They believe the US has given them the chance to skate and will continue to provide possibilities to have a good future. After closing up the interview, Elena and Ruslan expressed again their gratitude to Natalia and Gennadi.

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