Alexander Enbert, a silver medalist from the Pyeongchang Games, reflects on the 2018 season in a detailed interview. He commends the fresh short program performed by Alena Kostornaya and Georgy Kunitsa, a choice inspired by Max Richter’s Departure and conveyed through angelic imagery that lends the program a delicate, almost celestial quality.
As the Russian Championship approached, the pair adjusted their training schedule and posted a ninth-place finish with a total score of 200.15 points. Kostornaya is widely recognized for the Take Off program, a routine she has continued to skate on a single blade, while also setting a world short program record with music that carries light, angelic motifs. These elements contribute to a signature style that fans and judges alike associate with her evolving artistry on the ice.
Enbert observed that the schedule change did not dampen the spirits of the young skaters. He suggested that shifting plans, even on the eve of a major national competition, could strengthen their confidence as they work to translate creative ideas into competitive execution. The duo remained at the frontier of innovation, and Enbert described this ongoing exploration as inherently risky, yet essential to their momentum.
There was ongoing curiosity about how Kostornaya and Kunitsa would reinterpret this well-known program. The music has become closely linked with Kostornaya for its light, airy, memorable character, offering a fresh emotional lens in pair skating. Time constraints meant the pair could not realize every facet of the original concept, but the potential for a more powerful presentation as the season progressed remained a compelling possibility, capable of elevating the emotional resonance of their performance.
Discussion around expectations for Russian skaters circulated in light of recent developments within the national team and the broader international circuit. The conversations highlighted the pressures and competitive dynamics that young teams face on a high-profile, global stage, underscoring the importance of resilience, artistry, and precision as they pursue top results on the world stage.