Ari Zakarian: “Malinin attempted seven quads and landed six of them. Instead of moving this sport forward everyone started looking for under-rotations, examining millimeters under a magnifying glass, looking for reasons to downgrade.”
Ari Zakarian about the judging of Ilia Malinin and popularization of the sport.
original source: Sport Express dd.19th December by Dmitri Kuznetsov and Sofia Shchudrina
In an interview with Sport Express, Ilia Malinin’s agent spoke about judging, how to find new sponsors and how to transform figure skating, from a stagnant sport into a show that engages the audience. Here’s a translation of his comments.
“Q: Let’s brainstorm some more ideas for the development of figure skating. Do we really need sponsor patches on the costumes?
Ari Zakarian: Right now, I’m watching the performance, and I wonder where we could place them without it looking vulgar or tacky… I don’t know, it’s unclear. They’ve already been approved, so we’ll see who does it first and how it looks. This is just a small part of attracting advertisers. For instance, if we announce a choreographer from the world of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ or other dance shows, we could attract a huge number of people and choreographers from different realms. Street dance is very popular right now.
Speaking of costume designers — the fashion field is inexhaustible, and for people, how they dress is extremely important. Yesterday, I watched the draw (at the Russian Nationals – ed.), which reminded me of a fashion show, and I felt a certain emphasis on the show. That’s cool. Our sport is different from any other in the world. There are so many tricks we can add.
Q: For example?
Ari Zakarian: One of my main ideas: at the start of the season, when an athlete is preparing, they work on their short, free, and exhibition programs — a total of three routines. The third program should also be fully prepared. Currently, there is a championship for show programs, but I’d like this to be at every major competition. Spectators come to the exhibitions; they should have a QR code at the entrance, and everyone can vote for the best performance. When you feel involved, you start following the process, and you wouldn’t even go to the bathroom because you might miss a participant. It’s technically very easy to set up; programmers can handle it quickly. Just like little kids play on the computer, adults can participate too.
At the World Championships in Montreal, there was an attempt to test this system but it was difficult; you had to enter your data. It must be made easier and more efficient, just one click.
Q: In Russia, they’re experimenting with new formats — challenges, jump competitions, show programs. Do you notice that the international scene wants to take a leaf from Russian ideas?
Ari Zakarian: It’s talked about a lot. For example, one of my proposals for the ISU was to create an All-Star Match-like event, similar to hockey. A masters’ show — contests for the best spin, the highest jump, the best step sequence. It could be turned into a tremendous show that would be interesting. I would gladly produce such an event; we would find out who is the best in each element. Our sport has unlimited possibilities, unlike running or swimming. We have a huge advantage over everyone else, but unfortunately, it’s not being used.
Q: I must ask you about Ilia Malinin and his seven under-rotations calls.
Ari Zakarian: I’m just proud that in my lifetime I have the opportunity to watch him live. I say this not because I’m his agent. People don’t understand that his success is backed by immense work and extraordinary talent. Need a back flip? He does it. Need jumps in the other direction? He does them. Need a twisting somersault? He executes it. He’s a person pushing this sport to new heights.
Q: Perhaps we should give bonus points for such elements? At least one for a back flip.
Ari Zakarian: I’d really like that. A person attempted seven quads in the Grand Prix Final, and he landed six of them. Instead of moving this sport forward and recognizing how cool it is, everyone started looking for under-rotations, examining millimeters under a magnifying glass, looking for reasons to downgrade. So, we don’t need the new iPhone 17. Let’s stick with the seventh. It’ll be beautiful and new, and progress — why do we need it?
It is impossible to stop evolution and the human aspiration for perfection. My point is: there was the great Yuzuru Hanyu, his retirement was a significant blow to our sport, and everything possible should have been done to keep him within the ISU system. Yuna Kim, for instance, created a super industry in South Korea, she’s a great name, I don’t know why she’s not involved in the ISU. She takes figure skating to another level. If you have a Michael Jordan in basketball or Usain Bolt in athletics, you need to hold onto them. People come not to see how he plays but to see with what record he wins.
Q: But isn’t there logic in the idea that watching competition is more interesting than watching one person win? For example, the battle between Verstappen and Hamilton is more captivating than either of their victories alone.
Ari Zakarian: Yes, but you shouldn’t artificially create competition. When Yuna Kim performed brilliantly in the short program at the Olympics in 2010, she was 20 points ahead of the second skater, and everyone knew she was almost the Olympic champion. And it’s fine. Show that a person is cool; you don’t need to artificially remove them to create competition. You can never fool the audience; after all, the audience is the ultimate judge. How do you know if an athlete is successful at the box office? If the entire hall stands up during his performance, then he deserves to be on top.”
Related topics: Ari Zakarian, Ilia Malinin
Leave a Reply