“I don’t think about the people I compete with”: what did Zagitova say after winning the short program at the European Championships in Minsk

“Little things do not happen”

Immediately after the end of the short program, which ended with the success of the Russians Alina Zagitova and Sofia Samodurova, the girls were already waiting in the press conference hall of the Minsk-Arena sports complex. Not surprisingly, the most attention was riveted to the current Olympic champion, who scored 75 points and led the championship standings.

The first to take the floor were representatives of the European media, who decided to find out from the leader of the standings, how she built her training process on the eve of the Old World tournament.

“I worked out all the elements - there are no trifles. She worked on short and free program and choreography. Over all. I gave all the attention to these programs, ”explained Zagitova.

At the same time, the figure skater did not hide the fact that after the Russian championship in Saransk, where the current winner of the Olympics remained outside the top three, it was not easy for her to go back to the ice.

“After the championship of Russia, it was a little difficult to get back to training again, but coaches and relatives helped me. After the tournament, I almost immediately went back to myself, charged with positive emotions, and it was easier for me to go to the training both mentally and physically, ”Zagitova said.

Talking about support, Alina Zagitova recalled Tatiana Tarasova. According to the pupil Eteri Tutberidze, the renowned trainer of the USSR, who arrived in Minsk as a TV commentator, does not leave her skating without attention.

“Tatyana Anatolyevna very warmly supported not only me, but all of us, wished good luck. There was no more detailed conversation, ”said the Olympic champion.

At the same time, Zagitova did not spread about her competitors and stated that she considered herself to be her main rival.

“I don’t know what to say about my rivals,” I never think about the people with whom I compete. I have a new phone without social networks. And I only watch different shows in it depending on my mood, ”added the 16-year-old athlete.

After Zagitova told reporters about their New Year holidays. According to the athlete, she celebrated the holidays at home, with her family. At the same time, all native figure skaters in solidarity with the champion revised their diet.

“Well rested, plucked up positive emotions. I watched TV shows - I always do that. I have no favorite genre. I can turn on horror or comedy. It all depends on the mood. But for food, I always limit myself. This applies not only to the New Year holidays, but also to everyday life. I agreed with my parents that no salads with mayonnaise, sweets ... Even my father supported me, ”the young athlete shared the details of the holidays.

Continuing the theme of the New Year holidays, Zagitova admitted that several years ago she believed in the existence of Santa Claus. Recently, however, she revised her attitude to gifts for the holiday.

“Earlier, when I believed in Santa Claus (which was just three years ago), she was waiting for gifts. Then my parents told me that he was gone. I was upset. Then my parents calmed me, gave me a new phone. Now I treat gifts easier, it is important for me that the whole family be assembled. This is the best gift! ”The figure skater admitted.

"We must continue to show pure skating"

According to the results of the short program, Sofia Samodurova lags behind Zagitova by less than three points. In a conversation with journalists the debutant of the continental championship admitted that she was inspired by her result.

“The impressions are only positive, and the estimates are appropriate. Very happy with my rental. This is the fruit of hard work of the coach and the whole team. It is necessary to continue to show pure skating. To prove each time that you are worthy of such assessments, ”Samodurova analyzed her performance.

• Sofya Samodurova
• Reuters
• © Vasily Fedosenko

The Russian woman also noted that she does not intend to settle for silver and will make every effort to circumvent her rival in the person of Zagitova.

“Everything will be decided in an arbitrary program, we will fight,” said the debutante.

In addition to the Russians, Alexia Paganini attended the press conference. The Swiss figure skater finished the short program in third place, which she estimated as a pleasant surprise.

“I will try to save emotions and repeat the same in a free program. In preparation for the tournament, I focused on jumping, bundles. I think everything worked out well for me. Before the short rental I was a little nervous, then I tried to concentrate, and it helped, ”the 17-year-old figure skater admitted.