The Russian duet Victoria Sinitsina - Nikita Katsalapov brought the third gold medal to the national team. In the competition of dance couples, they beat 0.14 points of the discipline leaders, the French Gabriel Papadakis - Guillaume Sizerona.
For the first time in seven years, the domestic duet managed to rise to the highest step of the podium. According to Katsalapov, they did everything possible for this victory, but it is still hard for them to believe what is happening.
“We are just happy, today we left everything on the ice, rode in full foot from the beginning to the end. No words, I can’t believe it. To be honest, very strange feelings. It was especially shocking when they were waiting for an assessment. We worked hard, devoted a lot of time to the program, changed some pieces in the music. And as a result, we set out to go forward no matter what, ”Katsalapov shared his impressions.
At the same time, he admitted that in the free program, the couple wanted to speak for their own pleasure, and not to prove something to anyone.
“Gabriela and Guillaume have enormous potential that has not disappeared. It just happened that anyone could make a mistake. But we also intend to develop our data, continue to move forward. For this we work a lot, ”Katsalapov said at a press conference.
One of the most exciting moments of the evening was the announcement of the ratings of Papadakis and Sizeron. During their rental, they made a number of mistakes, and the judges for seven minutes could not decide on the points.
“A lot of emotions, still a little shocking. But we are very happy. This is an indescribable feeling when nothing depends on you anymore and you do not know what will happen. I would like to note that today there were many more people in the arena than yesterday, they saw Russian flags and fans, ”said Sinitsina.
At the same time, the coach of the Russians, Alexander Zhulin, stressed that he would be fully satisfied with his wards only when they won with perfect rivals. He added that before the March World Cup, their preparatory process will not change.
“We tried very hard to strengthen the quality of riding, speed, and it was practically possible. Maybe I wanted to ride more widely in the last 30 seconds of a free program, but overall I am satisfied. I want to say thanks to Vika and Nikita - they gave all their strength, ”said Zhulin.
Bronze went to compatriots Sinitsina and Katsalapova - Alexander Stepanova and Ivan Bukin. Skaters were also pleased with their performance.
“Emotionally laid out very strongly. Thanks to the great audience who supported and watched. We are a form of art, in dancing on ice there is more art than sport. Guys, sports couples, girls have technology, but we rather like it — don't like it. Yes, there are complex elements, support, but we are a little harder to evaluate, ”said Bukin.
The Russians managed to improve their position after the rhythm dance and from the fourth line to rise to the third. However, according to Stepanova, they did not count points and did not think about their chances of winning medals.
“I want to say many thanks to the public. I don’t know if we expected or not to hit the pedestal. They were second last season, and it's hard for me to answer this question. But today we have a very good rental. The coach was very pleased, the audience supported us great, ”said Stepanova.
The famous coach and choreographer Marina Zueva suggested that these two Russian duets will be able to compete with Papadakis and Sizeron at the world championship. According to her, the chances of a gold tournament are quite high, as the French sometimes show less stable skating.
“Vika and Nikita looked perfect both in rentals and in training, in dance this is one of the most important factors. The strength of European champions is Katsalapov’s talent. As for Stepanova and Bukin, they have many elements that no one has, they are innovators, and this is always appreciated. Olympic champions are those who have brought something new to their minds, ”the specialist summed up.
Another Russian couple Tiffany Zagorski - Jonathan Gurreiro took sixth place. They expressed joy at the success of compatriots and noted that they were not disappointed with their own rental.
“In general, we pulled ourselves up in the season, we have two good programs. Many noted that arbitrary is really markedly different. The audience likes the people clapping. And it’s great to ride her, ”said Gurreiro.
Interestingly, in the free program, the duo uses the same musical fragment as the world champion Alina Zagitova, who skips the rest of the season. According to Zagorski, the Russian woman is not only not offended, but also glad of such a coincidence.
“She even came to us for training at the Grand Prix stage in Grenoble. The choreographer offered us this music, and we immediately remembered Alina, ”said Zagorski.