The conflict between the honored trainer Tatyana Tarasova and three-time Olympic champion Irina Rodnina is one of the longest in figure skating. Relations between the mentor and the former ward have always been tense and over the years have not improved. Periodically, both legends find a reason to prick each other.
Last week, a new reason was found for mutual reproaches - the death of the Bolshoi Theater soloist and choreographer Elena Cherkasskaya in 2001. Rodnina commented on a recent interview with Tarasova, indicating that the coach reported allegedly erroneous information.
“I would advise Tatyana Anatolyevna to hit a little bit in history. If that moment is meant, then this is 1981. And Cherkasskaya died of cancer in 2000 (the choreographer died on November 12, 2001. - RT ). Do these words hurt me? It is not my job to comment on the words of Tarasova. Something needs to be argued. God will judge her, for a long time something has flown from Tarasova’s brain. And it’s dirty to talk about a person who is no longer there, ”cites Rodnina Sport24.
Meanwhile, in December 2001, the ex-skater in an interview with the media noted that shortly before her death, Cherkasskaya was in Australia.
“It is very difficult to lose loved ones. Especially so - quickly and unexpectedly. After all, in early September, Lena went to the Goodwill Games in Australia. For six weeks it burned down, ”Rodnina recalled.
Cherkasskaya collaborated with Rodnina for many years, although she initially began working in the Tarasova group.
According to Tatyana Anatolyevna, it was she who was one of the first to notice the deterioration in the health of the former ballerina and insisted that she consult a doctor. At the same time, Rodnina, according to Tarasova, made her work.
“Cherkasskaya did not see anything around. She had fourth-degree cancer, she couldn’t even drink water, and Rodnina sent her to compete in Australia, ”Tarasova told RBC Sport in an interview.
At the same time, the three-time Olympic champion repeatedly stated that the coach allegedly did not want to let Cherkasskaya into her group and that a conflict had begun between them.
“It can quickly catch fire and burn. But it also quickly departs. I am a completely different person. If closed, then forever. I would not call what was between us quarrels. Then we realized that. Just asked to let Lena Cherkasskaya work with me. Tatyana Anatolyevna was against, ”Rodnina said on the air of the program“ The Fate of Man ”in October last year.
Tarasova denied her words, noting that she calmly released Cherkasskaya, since she did not need her services. In addition, she emphasized that she was glad about Rodnina’s appearance of her group. At the same time, the former skater, according to Tatyana Anatolyevna, herself was never distinguished by complaisance.
“Ira is generally absurd. I worked so hard and joyfully with her that I had enough communication with her for the rest of my life. Therefore, I am completely free, this is not my girlfriend, not the person with whom I can share my joy or sorrow, ”Tarasova concluded.
Under the leadership of Tarasova, a couple of Irina Rodnina - Alexander Zaitsev won two Olympic golds and won four world championships four times. At the same time, the exact reasons for the deterioration of relations in such a successful alliance are not known for certain.
Rodnina criticized Tarasova for her work methods. In addition, the skater \ declared that the victory of Ilya Kulik at the 1998 Olympics (he was trained by Tarasova. - RT ) in Nagano was obtained by dishonest means.
In turn, Tarasova recalled the conflicts that arose between them during the period of cooperation. According to her, Rodnina constantly demanded increased attention to herself and for her sake she was ready to do a lot, and also repeatedly showed her egoism.
However, many assume that the coach was most offended by the fact that the former ward underestimated her role in her career and stated that the previous mentor Stanislav Zhuk had a greater influence on her. At the same time, Tarasova stated that she does not hold evil on the ward, but only regrets.