Ekaterina Kurakova: “Unfortunately, we have a sport where it’s easier to succeed at 15, 16 or 17 years old. I’m 21 and it’s definitely harder for me than before. However, I do everything and fight to improve my results.”
Translation of Ekaterina Kurakova’s comments after competing at the Warsaw Cup.
original source: sport.tvp.pl by Mateusz Gorecki
Here’s a translation of Ekaterina Kurakova’s comments about this season and her goals in an interview for TVP Sport.
“I was really tired because at the weekend I was taking part in the Chinese Grand Prix, which I had not planned, but I received an invitation after one of the competitors withdrew. So I was going from one competition to another. It was very difficult, but I am incredibly happy. I did everything I could, despite the stress and little sleep lately. To be honest, I’m always nervous whether I’ll be selected to take part in the Grand Prix on the same date as the Warsaw Cup. This is my favorite competition. There are no fans like here anywhere. I’m always excited to come here,” Kurakova said
Answering the question whether it puts additional pressure to perform in front of the home crowd, Katya said “I try not to think like that. Of course, I keep in mind that fans would like to see the best programs possible. But… they probably love me for better or for worse, right? Now, after the competition in China, I was exhausted and weak. If it were any other competition, I would probably withdraw. But I knew these people were waiting for me and I wanted to repay their support.”
Reflecting on the current season, Kurakova acknowledged both health and mental challenges. As a 21-year-old athlete in a sport where success often comes at a younger age, she emphasized her determination to progress in all aspects of her performance. “For now, things are a bit difficult physically and mentally. Unfortunately, we have a sport where it is easiest to succeed at 15, 16 or 17 years old. I’m 21 and it’s definitely harder for me than before. However, I do everything and fight to improve my results. I am aware that I have to make progress in everything and reach a higher level. That’s why we work on spins, jumps and skating itself. Basically… on everything.”
Starting this season, Kurakova has been working with two coaches, Angelina Turenko and Brian Orser. “I came back (to Canada) after a break of almost four years. I was welcomed very nicely, everyone there missed me. Unfortunately, my current coach, Lorenzo Magri , left the training center in Milan, so I had to look for a new one. I was in Canada in the summer, for a two-week camp. We talked to Brian and it turned out that we still have a very strong bond and we have a lot of trust in each other. We thought it might be a good idea. An additional advantage is the fact that this year’s World Championships will be held in Canada, so we can arrange cooperation between me, Brian and Angelina, who also deserves great words of appreciation. She is a wonderful person and I am happy to be under her wing.”
With an eye on the future, Kurakova dreams of making to the next Olumpic Games in Milan, although she does not hide that it will be a challenge for her. “I know it won’t be easy, judging by the results of this season. But I dream of taking part in the Olympics again. I’d like to rock out in Milan. I do everything to the maximum and focus on what I want to achieve. When I’m having a hard time, I think a lot about my fans. They give me energy and now I skate mainly for them.”
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