Impressions
from a day of training
Saint Petersburg, August 8 & 9, 2002
I
arrived at Sports Palace “Yubileyniy” on Aug,
8th at 12:30. Masha came outside to pick me up
short later, already dressed to go skating. She let me in
and showed me a bench where to sit during the training.
A few minutes later, skaters started coming on ice. There
were 4 couples training and among them Yulii Obertas and
Alexei Sokolov and of course, Masha and Alexei. Alexei came
to me and we had a small friendly talk before he started
training. This training lasted two hours and was focused
on synchronized spins, throws, synchronized jumps and lifts.
Even if Alexei told it wasn’t good enough, it was like
perfection to me. It was very impressing for they skated
at the same pace all the time and barely missed the figure.
I was very surprised as well to see how people are concentrated.
I was expecting some yells from coaches (I don’t know
why though) but it was none of that. Skaters skate spontaneously
and they know what they’ve got to do. At least, that
is what I felt. It seems that Masha and Alexei really get
along on ice. They spend some time chatting with their coaches,
then talk a bit together and give a try.
The
following day, at 8:00 in the evening, the training was
focused on a throw that needed a triple jump. Masha trained
herself alone on a triple jump before joining Alexei in
the throw. They almost succeeded it every time. After they
put the music on to train and worked on some amazing lifts
that just looked perfect. For one moment, they met trouble
with steps that needed to prick ice but a few times later,
it turned good! Their choreography is just great. Even if
I didn’t see it all, their program really looks terrific
and I just can’t wait! (By the way, I really
would like to thank Masha and Alexei for giving me the opportunity
to attend their training. It’s one of my deepest wish
that came true. They were so friendly and welcoming that
it went straight to my heart. I really wish them all the
best for this new season. Vcego khoroshevo!!)
Skating
photo © Koichi Nakamura |
