“I always wanted to join Tutberidze’s group because she is a legendary coach. Training in her group is drastically different from what I was used to at home.” Anastasia Brandenburg about training camp with Tutberidze
Translation of the interview with Anastasia Brandenburg.
original source: Championat dd. 31st July by Daria Kiryukhina
Anastasia Brandenburg (14) is a Swiss single skater who has Russian roots. Last season she debuted on the junior level and became sixth at the Junior World Championships. In the interview with Championat Anastasia told about training camp with Eteri Tutberidze. Last summer, the young figure skater participated in an internship at “Crystalny” and also choreographed a free skate program there. This off-season, the she also joined Tutberidze’s group for summer training. Here’s a translation.
“Q: Anastasia, you visit Tutberidze’s group training camp for the second consecutive year. Was it important for you to join specifically Tutberidze’s group or were you considering other figure skating schools in Russia?
Anastasia Brandenburg: I always wanted to join Eteri Georgievna Tutberidze’s group because she is a legendary coach. Luckily, circumstances worked out such that my dream was fulfilled. I hope our work with Eteri Georgievna will be long and successful.
Q: What were your first impressions of training in Tutberidze’s group?
Anastasia Brandenburg: When I first joined the group, I had mixed feelings. There was a bit of fear of making a mistake, but at the same time, I was joyful that I was training with such strong athletes and coaches.
Q: How does training in Russia differ from your regular training sessions in Switzerland?
Anastasia Brandenburg: Training in Tutberidze’s group is drastically different from what I was used to at home. In Switzerland, we train after school, and it takes at best one and a half to two hours a day. We only train full time on Saturdays and Sundays. In Russia, the training approach is more suited for professional athletes.
Q: Did you quickly adapt to the routine in Tutberidze’s group? Did you make any friends among the athletes?
Anastasia Brandenburg: It took me time to adapt to the different routine. But the people in the group are very friendly, and I’ve made a lot of friends.
Q: Since you came to the training camp for the second time, you must find it effective?
Anastasia Brandenburg: I really enjoy working here, I learn a lot, and I find it all very interesting. Every time, I am amazed by how resilient the athletes in the group are, how beautifully they perform elements, and how skillfully they execute their programs. And of course, I am grateful to Tutberidze’s staff for working with me and their patience.
Q: What improvements did you notice in yourself last season thanks to the training with Tutberidze?
Anastasia Brandenburg: My jumps have become more consistent. I performed well at the Junior World Championships. I hope my jumps will become even better now.
Q: What do you think of the new rink, or more precisely, the Tutberidze Figure Skating Center? Tell us about your impressions.
Anastasia Brandenburg: The new rink of Eteri Tutberidze is the dream of every athlete. It has two ice arenas, a gym, several choreography rooms, a swimming pool, a sauna, and much more that’s both useful and interesting.
Q: Last year, they choreographed one of your programs in Tutberidze’s group. Will it be the same this year? If they have already choreographed something, can you tell us which music you’ll be skating to?
Anastasia Brandenburg: Eteri Georgievna and Daniil Markovich just choreographed two new programs for me. I won’t reveal the music, but the short and free programs are in different styles.
Q: What are your goals for the new sports season?
Anastasia Brandenburg: This season, I want to perform well at competitions, to explore and realize my abilities in a new way.
Q: Would you like to compete against the Russian skaters?
Anastasia Brandenburg: Although I understand that Russia has very strong skaters, I would still be happy to compete against my Russian friends.
Q: Who among the Russian skaters do you like the most?
Anastasia Brandenburg: My ideal is Anna Shcherbakova. If choosing among today’s stars, I could mention each one from our Tutberidze group.”
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