Daniel Grassl: “This was probably the most difficult competitions in my life. I felt all the pressure and hype, even the condemnation of my decision to change my training location and I was very afraid of the reaction of the audience.”
Italian figure skater Daniel Grassl commented on his performance at the 2023 European Championships in Espoo and his decision to train with Eteri Tutberidze.
source: sports.ru by Maya Bagriantseva
Daniel Grassl: Of course, after the short program, it was difficult. I was very disappointed because in training everything works out for me. I knew it was going to be tough for me here because I feel all the pressure and hype, even the condemnation of my decision to change my training location. It really hurts me to hear all this, but I’m still glad that I made this decision. I feel like I’m getting stronger and more mature.
I am glad that today [in the free program] I found the strength to fight. The road to the Olympics is long; I try to think about it all the time. I am already thinking about the new season; yes, there are still the World Championships and the World Team Trophy ahead, but my path is a long distance, I look to the future.
Where will I continue to train? Honestly, I don’t know yet what I’ll decide. But I’m definitely very happy that I decided to change something in my life. This is the right decision for my career. I want to progress and move forward. For me, it was an invaluable, amazing experience. Of course, it is difficult to achieve any visible changes and improvements in three weeks; more time is needed.
This is probably the most difficult competitions in my life. I did not know how the public would react. I was very afraid of the reaction of the audience. But you know, it’s easy to judge and condemn when you don’t know anything about an athlete, what drives them and what’s inside them. But I have to think about myself and my interests. Yes, any skater has ups and downs, but I believe that I will rise and be able to collect myself again.
In Moscow, we tried to work on the technique of jumps and skating, but there was not enough time. I believe that if I can train more there, I will improve in all aspects of my skating. Daniil Gleikhengauz helps me a lot with skating, but in general, the entire staff of Khrustalny works with me; they are always together in my training, and everyone helps, prompts, or corrects something.
Grassl also talked about the goals for the future.
“In the free program, I want to jump six quads. After all, Sasha Trusova jumps five quads. This will also be my goal,” said Grassl
Related topics: Daniel Grassl, Eteri Tutberidze, European Championships
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