Evgeny Semenenko, the 2023 Russian figure skating champion, spoke after delivering his free program at a major Grand Prix event in Kazan. He noted that he did not focus on the performances of his rivals on the day, a stance that reflected his confidence and his approach to competition. The remark came through a correspondent who was covering the event for socialbites.ca, capturing the skater’s candid mindset in the moment.
When asked about his choice of music, Semenenko explained his shift to a Romeo and Juliet theme. He admitted that the music has not been overused in recent seasons, despite having gained prominence after the 2014 Olympic cycle when Yuzuru Hanyu skated to it the year prior to the Games. The expression of love for the music was clear as he described the routine as a small, self-contained performance. He emphasized that the piece lends itself to a four-minute showcase and that the technical team was supportive, which he took as a positive sign that the program could resonate well with audiences and judges alike.
The skater also weighed practical considerations in choosing his program. He teased a preference for a location with a strong rental and a good overall setup over simply a favorable rental in a weaker venue, joking that a bad lease paired with a good location could still be preferable if it served the broader goals of the performance. The lighthearted exchange underscored his practical approach to preparation and competition, balancing comfort with the strategic needs of a high-level event.
In discussing feedback from observers, Semenenko asserted that his own performance takes center stage. He noted that evaluating the competition belongs to the audience and commentators, but the core for him was the clarity and quality of his own execution. He reflected on his technical tools, his progression into the senior ranks, and the consistency of his form. He acknowledged a minor stumble during the day, yet he remained optimistic about improvement in follow-up events. He also commented on the nature of participant lists and the variability of preparation, suggesting that the exact lineup sometimes obscures the broader dynamics of the competition. He stated that he would bring his own vehicle and navigate whatever outcomes arose, signaling a measured, self-reliant mindset toward the days ahead.
Under the coaching team of Evgeny Semenenko, Alexey and Tatyana Mishin, the training base is in St. Petersburg. The Russian Championship, held in Krasnoyarsk the previous season, saw Semenenko finish first, even as the scoring mirrored the results of Pyotr Gumennik with a total very close to him at 295.07. In Kazan, the student of Alexey Nikolaevich took second place with a score of 266.24, trailing Vladislav Dikidzhi, who earned 287.4 and marked his debut in the senior Grand Prix circuit. The contrast between these performances highlighted the evolving depth of Russian men’s figure skating at the time and the emergence of new challengers on the international stage.
Earlier remarks from Semenenko touched on his views about judging at different levels of competition. He indicated that judges in international tournaments tend to evaluate performances with a certain fidelity that may differ from domestic Russian events. This perspective reflected a broader conversation about how figures of merit are weighed across various stages of a skater’s career and how consistency, artistry, and technical merit are balanced by panels with different expectations and pressures. The conversations around fairness and consistency continued to shape how athletes frame their approaches to preparation, strategy, and execution during a demanding season.