Daniil Gleikhengauz on Alysa Liu: “It’s hard for Russian figure skaters to be so relaxed and enjoy themselves – the whole country expects them to win.”
Choreographer and coach Daniil Gleikhengauz on the performance of American Alysa Liu, who won gold at the 2026 Milan Olympics.
original source: Sport24
Daniil Gleikhengauz commented on Alysa Liu’s relaxed approach to competition, noting that Russian skaters find it difficult to be as carefree due to cultural expectations and intense domestic competition. Here’s a translation of his comment.
“Q: What did you think of the women’s event overall? After Adeliia’s performance, did you have the energy to watch the others?
Daniil Gleikhengauz: Honestly, it was hard for me to feel any emotions or follow the rest. I watched, but in the skate lounge, waiting for the bus, without much emotion. I congratulate all the girls. They’ve worked for this for so many years.
Alysa once again proved that her vibe – coming to every competition saying she doesn’t need medals, that she’s here to enjoy herself – brings her victories. I think it’s cool. There’s something special about it. She’s had such an interesting career, and I think she deserves it.
Q: Is it possible for our athletes to catch that vibe? Or does the Russian mentality prevent them from fully relaxing?
Daniil Gleikhengauz: At Alysa’s level – impossible. I think it comes with age, experience, and the number of competitions, that kind of relaxation and enjoyment of the process.
But when you’re still a very young girl, the only one representing your country, and the whole country expects not just for you to enjoy yourself, but for you to win, it’s hard to be so relaxed and just have fun.
So the only way, I think, for Russian athletes is to skate for many years. But that’s always difficult, because we have huge competition. If you relax and lose at our nationals, you won’t go to Europeans, Worlds, or anywhere. I think it’s a bit harder in our system.”
Related topics: Alysa Liu, Daniil Gleikhengauz, Olympic Games
Leave a Reply