“This gives hope that if I do my work, lay the groundwork, and achieve my results, certain opportunities will open up.” Eva-Lotta Kiibus, Nataly Langerbaur, and Kristina Lisovskaja begin preparations for Olympic Qualification event
Eva-Lotta Kiibus, Nataly Langerbaur, and Kristina Lisovskaja begin preparations for Olympic Qualification event.
original source: sport.err.ee dd. May 11th 2025 by Anders Nomm
Following an outstanding season, Niina Petrokina earned Estonia one guaranteed Olympic spot and the opportunity to fight for a second. This serves as strong motivation for the skaters behind Petrokina, whose ages make them eligible to compete for an Olympic spot. Eva-Lotta Kiibus, Nataly Langerbaur, and Kristina Lisovskaja have started their preparations to secure a spot at the September Olympic qualification event. Here’s a translation of their comments posted on ERR.
The skater who qualifies for the Olympic qualification competition will be determined at Estonia’s domestic trial event, held in Tallinn from September 2–3.
“Of course, I’m interested. It’s already a set goal, and I’m training for it now. All adjustments have been made in advance so I can be ready,” Kiibus told ERR.
To ensure she reaches peak form unusually early in the season, Kiibus has been working for some time on new programs in collaboration with French choreographer Benoit Richaud. “We already finished one program in March, and the second one is nearly complete. Normally, we wouldn’t have programs ready this early. We typically don’t plan it this way, but this time, we consciously moved our summer plans earlier to ensure that we’re in perfect shape by the start of September.”
“I’m definitely interested, and the trial competition is a big priority for me. We’re working during the summer to ensure we’re ready by September,” Nataly Langerbaur said.
During the first half of last season, Langerbaur faced prolonged health issues. “Now I’m stronger as both an athlete and a person because I managed to overcome a tough season and ended it with strong results. That gave me confidence and belief in myself,” she added.
Langerbaur, who gained experience at major championships this winter, continues to be coached by Irina Kononova while balancing her university studies. “We’ll keep the short program from this past season, but the free skate will be new. We’ve already consulted with the choreographer, and the music has been selected. It’ll definitely be more challenging, especially as I’m studying at university. But the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences has been very supportive of my sports career.”
Kristina Lisovskaja, who endured a challenging season last year, has also started her preparations in Tallinn under the guidance of her mother and coach, Alina Skuleta-Gromova. “Kristina is definitely very interested, and we’ve already started preparing for the next season. One program is already complete. What we’re doing differently now is preparing earlier, not like last year,” noted her coach.
Estonia’s female skaters are particularly motivated for the new season, not only because of the Olympics but also other major championships. Niina Petrokina’s stellar performances last season secured three spots for Estonia at the European Championships in Sheffield and two spots at the World Championships in Prague.
“This gives hope that if I do my work, lay the groundwork, and achieve my results, certain opportunities will open up. It’s nice to keep that thought in the back of my mind. It gives me extra energy and motivation,” Kiibus said.
Related topics: Eva-Lotta Kiibus, Kristina Lisovskaja, Nataly Langerbaur
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