Daniil Gleikengauz: “I hope that they will give us one spot and an opportunity to qualify for the Olympics. At least one athlete in each discipline. If that happens, it would already be a success.”
Interview with Daniil Gleikengauz.
original source: MatchTV dd. 21st October by Vladimir Pushkarev
In the interview with Match TV, Daniil Gleikhengauz spoke about pair skating, Boikova/Kozlovskii and suspension of Russian athletes. Here’s a translation of his comments.
“Q: At the upcoming Grand Prix stage in Magnitogorsk (Russian Grand Prix series – ed.), there will be four pairs competing. What does this tell us?
Daniil Gleikengauz: These pairs were supposed to include skaters who suffered injuries during the off-season. Because of this, their numbers have dropped. But there are many stages, as well as many excellent pairs. Boikova and Kozlovskii, Mishina and Galliamov are especially high-level pairs. I think they would be taking first or second places everywhere if they were currently allowed to compete internationally.
Q: Do Boikova and Kozlovskii plan to continue attempting the quadruple throw in competitions?
Daniil Gleikengauz: It’s a very complex discussion. I would note that the base value of this element is very low, it does not correspond to its difficulty. Even if performed, but poorly, it will cost less than a well-executed triple throw. So, until the ISU raises its value, there is no sense in it.
Currently, this element reflects the desire of the athletes themselves. They jump it and perform it during training, and showed it at the show. There was a desire to do it in the competitions. Since we showed this element at preparatory competitions, it’s not a big deal that it didn’t succeed. Now we have the Grand Prix stages, the Russian Nationals — we will think whether it is worth the risk.
Q: Do you not exclude that, despite its low value, attempts at the quadruple throw will still be made at competitions?
Daniil Gleikengauz: Yes. It depends on the list of the participants and the form of the athletes. If we’re not risking anything, then why not try?
Q: Recently, Tatiana Tarasova stated that there are no athletes today who will be remembered for centuries. Do you agree?
Daniil Gleikengauz: It wasn’t long ago that we had the 2022 Olympics, where our girls made history. Nathan Chen was outstanding there. And now there is Ilia Malinin, who jumps a quadruple axel — an element that no one has ever done before. I wouldn’t say that there is a complete absence of such athletes. Let the season pass and the Olympic year come — then we can compare who will remain in the history of figure skating. Our suspension also influences this opinion.
Q: Were you surprised by the ISU’s decision not to review our suspension?
Daniil Gleikengauz: Absolutely not, it was completely expected. I hope that they will give us one quota and an opportunity to qualify for the Olympic Games. At least one athlete in each discipline. If that happens, it would already be a success.
Q: Is there hope for the juniors to be admitted?
Daniil Gleikengauz: I don’t think so. If they are admitted, I would only be glad. It’s not up to us here.
Q: How has the level of figure skating in Russia changed since the suspension?
Daniil Gleikengauz: As we see, pair skating is completely fine. The boys have only improved. There was a slight dip with the girls, that’s the impression from the test skates. We’ll see how it goes during the season. I think by the Russian Nationals the level will be high.
Q: How has your work changed?
Daniil Gleikengauz: Not drastically. It’s become a bit calmer: there’s no race. We understand that we need to gradually bring athletes to the main competitions. And then — just waiting for the ISU decisions. The plans and desire to perform at the Olympics are there.
Q: How is the world of figure skating changing without us?
Daniil Gleikengauz: In every discipline, it’s individual, because interest drops in the absence of competition. Ice dance exists fine without us. But in pair skating, we are missed: the level is not as high. When our 3-4 pairs compete at the Grand Prix, any of the stages look stronger. If we talk about the girls, of course, we don’t see any ultra-C elements, and for the audience, this works as a minus. The audience drops.
Q: You recently started working with a group of adult skaters. What are the main differences compared to training professionals?
Daniil Gleikengauz: It’s my outlet, I enjoy working with adults: they come to training maximally focused, with a desire to gain knowledge and skills, they ask about every movement. It helps me switch greatly.
Q: How did you come up with this idea?
Daniil Gleikengauz: I worked so much in the summer with Eteri Georgievna, we spent dozens of hours on the ice. When the staging period was over, I thought that working a little bit more once a week wouldn’t be difficult for me.
Q: What are you like outside of work? What are your hobbies?
Daniil Gleikengauz: My wife and I love to travel and see sights. I also love movies and sports. I follow football in different countries, I’m into esports. Sometimes I play Dota 2 (a video game, — note “Match TV”).”
Related topics: Daniil Gleichengauz
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