Дарина wrote: http://www.trud.ru/article/26-01-2011/2 ... nervy.html
Георгий Настенко
Евгений Плющенко: «Победит тот, у кого крепче нервы»
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translation...
Evgeni Plushenko: "Will win that, which has stronger nerves"
In the absence of Olympic champion Evgeni Plushenko's, looks totally unpredictable tournament in the men's figure skating (European Championship 2011). "Trud" spoke with a famous figure skater.
"To Joubert not should advance to give the gold"
- You will miss the championship. What you do now? Keep sports form?
- Right now, literally before your call, I just finished a training that lasted more than two hours. My disqualification will end in the spring, but I try not to lose my sports conditions and now daily I am engaged in the gym, or on the ice.
- Whether, In your opinion, Russian figure skaters compete for medals in the absence of Plushenko?
- I believe that for the Russian national team now at the European Championships will perform two very worthy competitor. Worked well in the championship of Russia in Saransk, Petersburger Konstantin Menshov. With him is engaged Evgeni Rukavitsyn - a great coach. So, Menshov's the program is very good, including jumps with four turns, that he already knows how to perform. In my opinion, if Menshov not thinking about which places he must to take, and calmly work out his program, he is able to show good results. After that - the case of judges. The same I wish and to another Russian - a young Arthur Gachinsky, who has a good chance to prove himself in Switzerland.
- Did your long-time rival Brian Joubert can not be called the main favorite of the tournament?
- Among the contenders to Russian skaters, I really can not name one obvious favorite. There is not a figure skater, who, in my opinion, skates much better than others. And even to the experienced Frenchman Brian Joubert, I would not pre-hung on his neck a gold medal.
- Whom you more can consider to the category of skaters from which we can expect a successful performance in Switzerland?
- Very strong is now two Czech skaters - winner of the Grand Prix Tomas Verner and his compatriot Michael Brezina. I should also mention the Swede Christoffer Berntsson, Frenchman Florent Amodio and Italian skater Samuel Contesti. However, I repeat once again, that none of these mentioned athletes I did not give preference in advance - in Switzerland will be a very hard fight. Who has stronger nerves, he will have higher the chances for the final victory.
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"It's a pity, that Sotnikova is still too young"
- What would you say about the chances of our single girls?
- Women's single skating, I honestly confess, do not watch so closely, as a male. But in general I have to regret, that young, very talented Adelina Sotnikova, which winning the Championship of Russia, has not yet allowed to participate in the European Championships. The whole point is that Adelina is only 14 years old, and by the rules of competition to her is forbidden to participate in them. Although, even at such a young age, in my opinion, she would have very high chance for successful performance.
- And to whom can we count on the European Championship?
- It is hope, that during the current season greatly improved their class Alena Leonova and Ksenia Makarova. Moreover, parents of Ksenia - famous skaters in past, Larisa Selezneva and Oleg Makarov - before the season gave his daughter to Evgeni Rukavitsyn. I hope, working with this master, talented athlete will progress, and be able to eventually compete for a place on the podium at the European Championships in Switzerland.
- And who, in your opinion, will be the main rivals to Russian skaters in Switzerland?
- Among the opponents of Leonova and Makarova is distinguished by its record list, experienced Italian figure skater Carolina Kostner. But still, I would not nor her, nor anyone else from participants advance to give preference. All will be decided in a most persistent struggle.
