TIME STAMPS 0:24 - Dave’s COVID and Jonathan’s surgery 4:22 - Duolingo 7:21 - Anabelle: assimilate into Russia, stylish 8:46 - Evgenia Medevedeva vs. Alina Zagitova: “coaching” 11:00 - Canadian vs. Russian traditions in practice 13:18 - Fun competition format and future modifications PAIRS 14:58 - Mishina/Galliamov vs. Boikova/Kozlovskii: M/G potential, Boikova’s determination 17:43 - Mishina/Galliamov: deserved win, better soul and emotion 20:10 - Scott Moir as head coach at IM 21:48 - Sui/Han at worlds? If not, Russian sweep LADIES 24:15 - Alena Kostornaia: Compete at RC final? 24:52 - Elizaveta Tuktamysheva: consistently okay 25:35 - Kostornaia: save herself for next season vs. not fall behind 29:51 - Tuktamysheva: weaknesses 30:40 - Russian ladies: 3A’s, juniors 31:43 - Kamila Valieva: 3A 32:31 - Worlds and Russian incompetencies during COVID 35:08 - Anna Shcherbakova: COVID effects, musicality 36:55 - Kamila Valieva: jumps, need new programs 39:37 - Daria Usacheva: form of musicality, needs better choreography 42:10 - Alexandra Trusova: fighter, improving, needs consistency 46:25 - Jump Event: Trusova technique vs. Valieva’s combos, Tuktamysheva’s restraint 48:05 - Danii G: bad choreography as seen in exhibition moves 49:53 - Alina vs. Evgenia: jumps 50:50 - Jump competition was fun 57:37 - Alina vs. Evgenia: Evgenia needs to emote more 53:17 - Group numbers 54:22 - Eteri and Tarasova styles, Judges MEN 58:30 - Mikhail Kolyada: easily overwhelmed, unique progression 1:01:46 - Mark Kondradiuk: energy, good performance and jumps 1:03:02 - Dmitri Aliev: need better music 1:04:45 - Sinitsyna/Katsalapov, Piper and Paul JUNIOR NATIONALS 1:07:40 - Junior ladies: Akatieva, Zhilina, Petrosyan, and Samodelkhina 1:10:09 - Junior men 1:11:27 - Ted Burton: Russian fan, pronunciation, lapses in logic 1:14:40 - Overview

I found this whole jump contest/team competition way more enjoyable and entertaining than I thought. The best of the best in all disciplines. Russia has definitely kept all eyes on them

Russian speaker is here: Alina and Zhenya had to pick their teammates. Starting in following order: dance pairs, men, pairs, women. Zhenya was given a right to choose first, because she is "older" (Yagudin called Ernst- director of channel one, and asked who should start pick first and Ernst said: "we love girls the same, but let Zhenya pick first, since she is older") . Zhenya started with picking dance pairs, then because of that Alina was given a right to choose first among men, and so on. Zhenya had stronger athletes in three groups: pairs, men and dance pairs, Alina had strongest among women (although if Sasha, Maya and Liza would deliver, the gap that the men have created would have made Zhenyas team to win). But during conference Zhenya started blaming everyone, she took it too close to heart. What was meant to be a light entertainment, she turned into some kind of conspiracy against herself (Zhenya seems to have hard time to learn how to lose), the entire conference was Zhenya complaining about things like: oh team was too weak (which was quite disrespectful of world class athletes that were working hard in her team), the organization was poor and etc etc etc. Like come on girl... just enjoy the spotlight and the endorsement!

I just rewatched the ladies event and Daria Usacheva’s 2A is just a thing of beauty, it’s so effortless and nearly looks like a pop with how much room she has before she lands

I’m not sure where this lovely Mark boy came from, but his Free Skate performance was my favorite of the entire event! Consistent and so much room to grow! Send him to Worlds I say!

I just watched that conference again and DAMNNN MY GIRL ALINA RAISING THAT EYEBROW🔥🔥🔥🔥😂😂😂😂 what a SAVAGE! guys seriously I've always liked alina but never was a fan, but todayyyy yeessss!!! When she said that at first I was like yeah she's gonna get extremely dragged for that and I was feeling sad for her, but now idk I'm kinda excited!! About damn time she got fed up with freaking medvedeva's CONSTANT "I'm a winner" and stands up for herself!! Excuse my excitement but she gained a true fan today🤣 yes girl keep that fire going🔥🔥🔥

Can you PLEASE have Jonathan turn his sound down when recording or have Dave turn his way up? I can barely hear Dave, have to turn the sound up, then get blasted when Jonathan speaks. It is tiring to have to continually turn the sound up and down. This is an easy fix. 🤷

Before criticizing Aliev, you should know he has just recovered from COVID. And so did Anna and Elizaveta.

Guys, it's not "KhromyCH", it's "KhromyKH". The first sound is the same as the last one. And the accent is on the last syllable - khroMYKH

Also why's NO ONE talking about that opening for medvedeva's team, two guys held her up and everyone else was just like.....kneeling and praising her with their hands wth. God forbid if zagitova did that

The message was clear, "this is what happens when you leave the Eteri camp at any point". I thought it was no coincidence that Sasha was in Zhenya's team. Whatever, the drama and the skating were entertaining. Better than the Super Bowl!

I give Maiia so much credit. She was a relatively last-minute replacement, and she has only done a few senior-level competitions this year. And she had the added pressure not only to skate well for herself... but also for her team! Talk about a lot of pressure!! I give her a lot of credit for coming back strong in both programs after making mistakes early on. I hope she isn’t too hard on herself for the mistakes.

It was so stupid of you to compare Trusova with Usacheva. They are totally different skaters . Trusova is super athletic and powerful while Usacheva is completely different

Praying for Liza to get to worlds.

Yesterday Eteri told on channel one that she hopes this event will continue in the future but as team Russia and team World

Mark Kondratuik for the worlds team anyone? He’s also got a quad loop. His weird swan lake remix would go down so well in a non-covid worlds crowd, it’s a pity that isn’t happening

Did anyone else notice how Kolyada seemed to be giving Evgenia the cold shoulder in the kiss 'n' cry?

This tournament was just fun and another chance for the skaters to compete, feel out the ice and get the crowd an opportunity to watch them as the season is approaching the end. They can look at what they need to work on, continue to practice and of course hope they make the team for the worlds. Too bad there are only 2 or 3 per event. :( so much talent in Russia. Wishing them all the best of luck. 🇷🇺🇷🇺

I am really worried about Anna Shcherbakova :C She look so exhausted after her performance.

To all non Russian speakers, please do not rush to judge Alina frim cut off clip. Medvedeva first selected her team, she chose all her friends and then after SP when they lost started complaining that she did not like the selection process. During the press conference she fist called herself s*t which will not stink if not touched (omg) . complained that she (the queen) was not informed of the selection in advance and she did not have time to work on her tactics and strategy. So basically she put her team down So Alina had to say that BOTH of them were in the same position not just medo. Then Medo said she is not accepting this loss and that she got viewers votes and people know who to vote for and winked. Then Medo and press secretary both started saying there are no winners or losers. At this point, Alina of course could not stay calm and she defended her team that there is an actual winner and it is them. And Medo was interrupting her that’s why Alina lifted her eyebrows. So Alina thanked medo’s team but yet again confirmed that her team won. Medvedeva showed again that she is a sore loser and even turned a fun event into her tragedy that she was not given the right ream. If she won, she would not have been complaining. I hope Alina will never agree to take part in any other projects with this toxic Medvedeva anymore.

I’m with Jonathan on the whole Kostornaya thing. I think it’s better for her to not show up at all than to show up and have a sub par performance. At least she still has the aura of consistency around her. Now if she does show up at the cup final with 2 more or less clean skates, I think rusfed will 100% send her to the worlds even without the triple axel.

My moment was when Mark & Mikhail skated ( I miss war horse music) and when the Russian pair team ( Skating to queen) , right before their triple toe, he slides on his knees and lean back right on the music was great. I like how the event points were the actual points (Olympic should change). Also, I’m glad I could watch 4 hours of skating continuously. My cringe moment was gross Yugadin picking up Kamala- 🤮🤮🤮. Can you image world team vs Russia, it’d would be good match up, I can imagine the world dream team.. Yuzu, Rika,

Eteri looked like a business lady of the big traiding company who was forced to attend the children's birthday party :-D

Kostornaia absolutely needs to do the final AND make the team. Liza is very beatable. She needs to prove that she still wants it. Going into next year with a world medal would do great things for her confidence and reputation. She does not want to go against Daria next year on an even playing field. She needs to not be that girl who was great that one year and too bad luck never got her any farther than Europeans.

I laughed out loud at Mikhail Colada, younger brother of cocktail Pina Colada. It's easy to dunk on Ted, but OMG. Even I, no Russian speaker, can manage most of the names once I've heard them said properly.

I loved Zhenya's tears over Kondradiuk's moment. Fake or not, she was reading the room and delivered!

OMG THANK YOU FOR GETTING THIS OUT ON THE SAME DAY

I agree, Kostornanaia must give all her best this coming Russian cup Final so that she can go to Worlds. It will be a deciding factor for her career. If she skips worlds, then Im afraid there wont be enough time to redeem herself.

The opening number with the white flags the skaters was swinging around and then threw away. Then Trusova falling over the white flags multiple times was hilarious and cute.

Mishina/Galliamov’s Esmerelda SP and Pavliuchenko/Khodykhin’s FP were the standout pairs programs for me

Thanks for the recap! Wishing you a speedy recovery, Jonathan!

I loved that Kamila actually had facial expressions during her FS, she gave FACE during the second half of her program

Have been looking forward to this all day! Glad to see you are feeling better Dave! Take care of yourself Jonathan!

the draw was not random; they were showing it live on channel 1 Russia as Alina and Zhenya chose their teams. Alina was the first one to choose among women. They also had this system where each category had 2 seeded competitors/teams. For women, Sherbakova and Trusova were the seeded competitors - so when Alina chose Anna, Sasha was automatically on Zhenia's team. Alina then chose Kamila, Zhenia chose Liza, Alina chose Daria, and then Maya was in left in Zhenia's team.

Kamila’s short program was insane!

Kolyada was mesmerising in the free. Even with the mistakes. I notice Anna’s poor technique much more this season. Very scary full blade assist. Daria is a dark horse. Great episode guys! Thank you

You two always make my Sundays a beam of light ..

Kamila Valieva’s performances were unbelievable. I have rewatched them more than I would like to admit, but just wow! She is possibly the best figure skater that ever lived - seriously. A couple of skills I would love to see her perform: lutz+loop combo and the cantilever.

The one program that saves my sundays! Good to see you feeling better Dave!!

YESSS It's -35 here and I have my heated blanket and a cup of hot tea. Thanks for making my evening a little more cozy and warm!

Guys, this was fast! Love ya!!! ❤️

Jonathan, your Get Up comment: "It's not just a blue pill or something" Hysterical!

Holy shit we need a US vs Russia event like this! Brilliant idea Dave. Alexa Knierem was born for events like this. “You’ve got your ladies, we’ve got Nathan Chen” 😂

I was waiting for it! 👏🏻

“Violas are the ice dance of the string community” is a perfect analogy 😂 Also, if I were to further compare string instruments to fs events... Violin 1 - ladies Violin 2 - pairs Viola - ice dance Cello - men

I almost spat out my water when you said Kostornaia could be replaced with Usacheva, so I went to watch Daria's skating again more closely and I guess I can begrudgingly see the potential. I find Usacheva completely forgettable at the moment, but if she continues to progress at this rate I think she could be the quiet one that surprises people in 2022. For 2021 Worlds selection, I think if Kostornaia shows up looking half decent she'll get the nod over Tuktamysheva, 3A or not. She has the PCS buffer, and Liza's hasn't skated clean all year with clean 3A's either. I do agree, if Aliona withdraws again, she will not get any help from the judges next year.

The perfect conclusion of the Channel 1 trophy 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

'Team of Firsts' is actually meant to translate to 'Age of Pioneers' (name of a Russian movie)

If you like Mikhail Colada. Great competition, so much fun to watch. Glad to see you are feeling better Dave and wishing Jonathan a speedy recovery.

The comments in the kiss & cry were so cringeworthy, I had to turn the sound off sometimes. Yagudin called Makar Ignatov "the figure skating world's sex symbol" three times. He talked about it for a good three minutes. And am I the only one who's put off by his interactions with Alina?

The top three ladies looked really good here - getting nervous for Kostornaia, I really want her to make the olympic team!

I will be so deeply saddened if Kostornaia never gets the chance to go to worlds or olympics just by chance of luck. She needs to prove that she still has it in her. She can’t just be another Eteri skater who thrived for a year but for her was never able to make it past Europeans, then regressed into another Yulia, Evgenia, and Alina who had one year on top, two for Evgenia, and then is forced to retire. She’s the one who is the entire package. I was a big Trusova fan in 2017 and 2018 within the 3As, and then I didn’t keep up with most of fs for the 2018-2019 and then 2019-2020 season for the 3a’s first year senior. I started keeping up again around the start of covid in 2020, expecting to be a full Trusova fan like I was before when catching up with the previous seasons. But Kostornaia was incredible. She had not only a consistent and amazing triple axel, but great technique especially considering she was an Eteri girl. And her performances were the most enjoyable to watch. Her skating skills are just as good as her technique. She truly had the entire package. Now Trusova is definitely still my favorite out of them but Kostornaia is a close close second. I swear if she doesn’t make a comeback I will be truly devastated. She has all the potential and talent to be an Olympic champion and world champion (and one who won’t retire literally right after. Unless she wants to retire like she’s expressed in the past. Very different from being forced to because your health has deteriorated and your body is destroyed

Yay I love TSL sundays!!!

one thing i don't agree with you guys is Anna's firebird. Her firebird is amazing. Going from calm to fierce. You just don't know the Russian fairy tales with Firebird in them. Her costume change was outstanding. The whole program was a masterpiece!

I also wanted to add that I really like your take on the pairs. I am getting very worried for BK because there are clearly problems both physically and psychologically, which I fear might bring them down. Interesting to note that for Tarasova and Morozov this might be the awakening they have been needing for a very long time now. I am starting to see them being more warm to each other and perhaps there is a chance to redeem themselves after the disaster in 2018. Mishina and Galiamov are great because clearly moving to Moskvina game them a good technical boost. Unless they get carried away with the theatrics (they need new programs badly!!) they are a real threat to BK and TM.

Nothing stops you two lol! Cant wait to watch:)

I was also excited to see Khudaiberdieva taking over the K+C for Alina's team...someone had to be the extrovert and she took the role like the queen she is! At this rate she'll be Olympic champion 2026 ahead of Annabellle

Guys, noone enters the competition or training session without testing for covid. same like all essential factories or high-risk businesses in Russia - they get tested for covid pretty much daily or so. That's why masks are voluntary, cause they cant catch it or pass it to anyone if they're negative for covid. if they were let inside the building - that means they've passed their clearance and don't have covid. Thats why Kostornaya and other girls were out and couldn't attend training sessions etc - because they identified they were infected immediately. Otherwise - the whole team, every coach and other personnel would have been in quarantine for months. I keep hearing this from foreigners how come they dont wear masks in the middle of the pandemic - yeah, they don't have to, they've tested negative and are not a threat to anyone. + Russia's been running free vaccination for some time (they now have 3 of their own local vaccines) and is far ahead of other countries in preventing/dealing with covid19, yet foreigners have no clue and only judge by their own horrible situation within their own countries.. it seems no matter what Russia does foreigners will find something negative to bash them for. Cmon.. If they have covid situation under control, why can't they relax their restrictions? We're here in Australia don't wear masks for at least 6 months, then why Russia has to and needs to be blamed for? If other countries can't get their crap together and manage covid situation - well it's not Russia's fault, is it.. it's their internal competition and they can do whatever the hell they like. They're all tested negative, they're not going anywhere overseas to make the pandemic worse or anything like that, so why blaming them for not wearing masks? people judge by the stereotypes forced you them by the media, but reality is very different to what tv is telling you about Russia. If they feel covid-safe in their own country then let them be.. Love your video anyway 👍

Been refreshing all day 💙

Sooooooo good to see your happy, healthy face, Dave! 💖 And do please look after yourself, Jonathan! 💖

Evgenia reminds me so much of the actress who plays marianne in normal people. Mostly the way she looks but also the drama

There was 25 points difference between teams, this equals Trusova's quad fall, Kormych's quad not landed, and Boikovas throw fall, if these 3 worked, maybe Evgenia would overcome Alina.

I really wish they would hire a commentator that can understand Russian. There were a lot of interviews going on and Ted would talk over them.

Did anyone else get the impression that Kolyada was ignoring Evgenia? Both after the SP and the FS, she came to greet him and he didn't hug her and barely even looked at her. Is there some animosity between them or is that just his general behavior?

The Danii G Special! That’s the move you’re talking about and I’ve noticed it in every single one of his programs. I literally think it is in every single one. It’s the Dani G signature special! 😂 I think it’s supposed to lol like a throwaway move? But you can tell it’s his favorite. So glad I’m not the only one!

About Kostornaia, I think the defining factor is that she is 17 and the real changes in her body change her gravity center and she has to unlearn and re-learn that 3A. Let's remember that Alina Zagitova effectively ended her career at 17, Lipnitskaya at 16. Whatever is going on at Eteri's it is not just work, work, work, as she is trying to present it. That said, I agree that Kostornaia has a lot to prove at the next Russian competition or be replaced by Tuktamisheva. She will be in an even tougher spot next year with Valieva and Usacheva becoming age eligible, but I think she can keep a stop on the national team, like Tuktamisheva did for many years and work on regaining the 3A and the rest of her weaker elements. If Plushenko manages to produce a medal winner from an 18 year old, whether it is Aliona or Kostornaia, this will be an achievement Eteri still has to show she is capable of. One last point I want to make is to warn against normalizing 14 year olds being treated as adult skaters. Kamila and Daria may be exceptional skaters today, but I don't want sport which is dominated by 14 and 15 year olds, who are replaced in a year or two by the next badge of skaters produced in the same factory and who also last a season or two before the cycle is repeated. This was the problem with Eteri and remains the problem with her. This is not bringing the sport forward, it is pushing it in unhealthy ditch and leaving it there.

Third year in a row watching y’all rather than the super bowl!

You guys rock! I love you! David, I so much agree with you and Jonathan I enjoy your comments!

Russia is on track for gold in Beijing

I said earlier that Zhenya made a tactical mistake and thus was responsible for her team's defeat but I was wrong: seeded skaters had to be chosen first, according to several comments; so she couldn't have chosen Valieva anyway. But I still think that the competition was quite fair, the two teams were more or less evenly matched overall. While watching the event before the ladies FS, I thought (or feared, lol) the blue team might win.

As for masks, in Russia a lot of people have had COVID-19 already, like people around me either have had it, or have been vaccinated, which may be the case for all the sportsmen and coaches. We’re not in lockdown. Schools and nurseries are open. As for antibodies, I had 198 in October now I have 76. Friends who have been vaccinated have more than 100. Apparently the smaller the number is, the longer they last. My mum had 25 both in May and in October. They last around a year I guess or more. More and more people have milder cases.

Okay so I have some thoughts. Is it known why Trusova and the Zhilina sisters fired Hot Sergei? He’s clearly not getting the recognition/attention he hoped for this season I bet. Since they fired him he has barely gotten to go to big competitions. Thinking if that move actually benefitted him, or if it did maybe money wise at least. I am bit worried for Veronika tho. Maybe it wasn’t that smart to fire hot Sergei. Thinking how that might impact her career technique wise. And was it the right move for Veronika to move to plushenko? Many interesting thoughts & I love your channel 😉

Yes for the Morozova name change idea! By the way, her FP dress was a “tribute” to Tessa Virtue’s Pyeongchang SP dress

Are you doing a junior Rusnats video btw?

Why isn’t this a podcast? I wish I could listen to this as a download instead of just staring at a screen as if we were on yet another zoom. Reckon there is nothing missing if transitioned to podcast form - there is no video edit for the subject matter being discussed. C’mon guys! 🍀

It wasn't a random draw. Alina and Zhenya picked in turns. Alina got to pick the first girl (Anna). Zhenya second (Sasha), then Alina (Kamila), then Zhenya (Liza t), Alina (Dasha) and then Maya went to Zhenya

Really agree on what u saying about Sasha (I think her skating skills are much, much better than last year, she is holding lines and movements too) My fav girl 💖

Sashas Combo in the Jump Battle #1 (that quad take-off)

Can someone please post the link to the jump competition?

Thanks for the shoutout, Dave!

If I was Kostornaia I would either come to Russian Cup Final with 110% or leave it and come back in fall with a Big Bang (3A, Quads, Skating Skills, even though I don't think that she will get there...) And please just send Liza to Worlds! (or Sinitsina?)

Regarding Sui/Han at Worlds, I was wondering the same, but if China wants to have three pairs spots at the Olympics they have to do it.

What language are you starting on duolingo?

- So who are you leaving at home out of those top 4? Galliamov? - Noooo! Hahahahaha that one got me 14:38

I personally believe Trusova is being underscored. While Valieva is being overscored.

I think trusova's 4lutz has been quite consistent this season though. Even in the jump competition, I think she did 2 clean and 1 with a hand down? It was actually the 4T giving her problems in the warm up. Super shocked to see her hit the 4T but not the lutzes. Also remember that she's injured and stated in the press conference that she is only allowed to do quad lutzes as of the russian nats. She had just picked the 4T and 4Sal back up recently. her lutz should've been her most stable jump going into the channel 1 cup. That's definitely why she's changing around the elements so much.

there's drama about that random draw bc it was supposed to happen but the girls found out live that it was a pick instead so they chose their friends by instinct. and Evgenia insinuated that Alina knew earlier than Evgenia that the random draw wasn't gonna happen

If those teams were “random” then i demand a recount!!! lol (also anyone amazed that sasha managed to salvage that euler-sal combo?!! She may not have it all yet but her athletic ability never fails to show)

Evgenia has always been a really savvy politician, even from a young age. She knows how to schmooze. The other girls, though fierce competitors and charming in their own ways don’t have the same street smarts Evgenia and Eteri seem to have.

The press conference afterwards was real.... now i inclined to believe Eteri side of the Olympic story more (about keeping Zagitova in juniors). What an embarrassing way to accept that you lost. Kind of like Trump - hope there will be no physical attacks of Med fans on Zagi 😲

Where do we watch these??

Where can you watch the competition in the US with English language commentary? I assume it is Ted? Who I have fortunately never heard as I’ve only watched Eurosport ( great apart from that one awful man who was a horse racing commentator?!) when I lived in U.K. or NBC with johnny and Tara (annoying)

Some ppl would prob miss the drama, but I’m so glad Alina refused to host ice age with med, it would have been a horror marathon to see these two together and not get along for an entire tv season.

Re Duolingo, my personal favourite from the French classes is about lesson 3 - the shark and the whale are eating a dolphin... I'm sure that will be really useful on our trip to the Dordogne...

Hey, tell me what do you think about Agneta Latushkina on Russian junior championships? I, personally find her absolutely amazing! She's training without a coach, ffs! She also seems to be amazingly mature in intervews

I hate that weird pull Valieva does in jump combos. I just don't enjoy her skating as everyone else seems to be. I am still rooting for Kosternaia. Let's not forget, she is at a age where Eteri's skaters would struggle + having had COVID + coaching changes + puberty.

Press conference after event for me was like master class from Zhenya how to lose respect in 30 mins. No wonder her team lost. If she was sitting there thinking her team is bunch of losers. If Alina and Zhenya switched the teams, Alina still would win. It is about vibes. And Zhenya still would end up complaining that Alina got better team.

Alina and zhenya picked their teams. It wasn’t a random draw. You could watch the girls pick their teams at the end of jumping event.

Did anyone peep eteri’s face to maia k. Fall in the short program on the transition into the double axel

I hope someone does time stamps.