Ilia Malinin: “I was a bit surprised because some of the scores were a bit strict and harsh. But these are the judges, and you just have to accept it. Such decisions motivate me to improve the quality and work harder.”
Ilia Malinin about Grand Prix Final.
original source: MatchTV 10th December by Veronika Gibadieva
Ilia Malinin spoke with the journalists after Grand Prix Final, his comments were posted on MatchTV. Here’s a translation.
“Q: When did you decide for yourself that you would try to include all types of quadruple jumps in one program?
Ilia Malinin: I think the idea came about at the start of the season. I had been contemplating it since last year, but the priority then was to win my first World Championships. Now, with more freedom, I want to expand my technical capabilities and develop artistically, so the plan was to reach the Final with confident performances and then bring everything together in one go.
Q: How do you usually spend a competition day, and what was it like on Saturday during the free skate at the Grand Prix Final?
Ilia Malinin: After practice, I return to the hotel or home just to rest and clear my mind. I try to distract myself from the competition until a few hours before the start. I do something that can occupy my mind for a while — I might go on social media, watch movies or shows. Just a normal day, and it was pretty much the same that day.
Q: After the performance, when you saw the score breakdown, what were your initial feelings?
Ilia Malinin: I was a bit surprised because some of the scores were a bit strict and harsh. But these are the judges, and you just have to accept it. Such decisions motivate me to improve the quality, work harder so that there is no room to deduct points next time.
As I said, it was a kind of a test program to see what I need to improve and by how much, including stamina. I need to work on this to have a successful program.
Of course, I was nervous about trying it out at the competitions, but now that it’s all over, I really learned a lot. When I return, I’ll work on several aspects to make it easier for myself.
Q: You seem to react more calmly than Shoma Uno and his coach in a similar situation.
Ilia Malinin: I tried not to show too many emotions. When you don’t get what you planned for, it can be confusing. Therefore, it’s better to accept it, push off from the situation, and turn it to your advantage. In this case, as I said, I need to work on some aspects to make everything perfect.
Q: Do you feel that figure skating is gaining popularity, partly thanks to you?
Ilia Malinin: I think figure skating’s popularity is growing in general, and I’m glad about it. My goal as a skater, like other guys, is to try to contribute. Adam did a back flip last year, this year Mikhail Shaidorov performed a combo. It’s motivation for everyone; it allows people to enjoy the sport. Moreover, such moments allow each skater to reveal their uniqueness, and this again attracts more attention to figure skating.
Q: You have high jumps. Tell us about the specifics of training for them?
Ilia Malinin: When I was younger, a lot of training was off the ice, and now I only do them as a warmup, but the bulk of the work remains on the ice to improve my technique there. Only there can you really feel the speed. I think that’s the biggest factor — finding the moment and using the speed to the maximum.
Q: Do you have any unique physical characteristics?
Ilia Malinin: It’s all developed through training. But, I think the fact that I did gymnastics as a child helps. Perhaps the sensations I acquired then help me fully understand how to execute high and powerful jumps.
Q: In Grenoble, you mentioned, “Compared to last season, I feel more confident.” What gave you this confidence?
Ilia Malinin: I think the victory at the World Championships was one of the factors. Also, I feel that slowly but surely, I’m starting to find my place in this sport, to establish my uniqueness and my own style.
Q: Do you still play soccer? Do you use the ball for training?
Ilia Malinin: Since my first competition when I was eight, I’ve always had a soccer ball with me. Now it’s kind of a talisman. I use it for warm-up to get my legs ready.
Q: Do you have a family tradition for New Year’s, maybe a Russian one?
Ilia Malinin: No, not really. But there is a tradition before I start skating, to eat a chocolate bar (laughs).”
Related topics: grand prix final, Ilia Malinin
The judges were still way too GENEROUS with his PCS. He shouldn’t be complaining about fair calls, as he made several mistakes and was rewarded for skills he still has not developed. I hope he finds a new choreographer too, he deserves better programs.