Sofya Samodelkina's Ambitious Move to Train with Rafael Arutyunyan
Sofya Samodelkina, the former Russian figure skater now representing Kazakhstan, is set to try out with renowned coach Rafael Arutyunyan this October. This decision comes in the wake of Olympic champion Nathan Chen's retirement, leaving a significant gap in the coaching landscape. Arutyunyan, known for his successful tenure with elite athletes, has expressed a cautious interest in working with Samodelkina, contingent on her commitment and motivation.
Arutyunyan revealed that he had been approached by Samodelkina's family when she was seeking a new coach after leaving CSKA. However, the lengthy process of changing her sports citizenship delayed their potential collaboration. Now that the Astana Figure Skating Federation has officially contacted him, Arutyunyan is open to an introductory training session, emphasizing the importance of understanding the unique challenges that come with training in California, such as higher living costs.
The Path Ahead: Challenges and Expectations
Arutyunyan has a reputation for being selective about the athletes he trains, often turning away those looking for quick fixes before major competitions. He believes that true dedication and a strong work ethic are crucial for success. Samodelkina's ability to perform complex jumps, including a triple axel and potential quadruple jumps, makes her an intriguing prospect for the coach. However, Arutyunyan insists that he needs to see a genuine desire for improvement in her before committing to a full coaching role.
He acknowledges the physical demands of figure skating and the importance of balancing toe and edge jumps to prevent injuries. With an initial training period of about three weeks agreed upon, Arutyunyan will provide the necessary support while ensuring that Samodelkina takes ownership of her training journey. His approach underscores a fundamental belief: while coaching can guide an athlete, the drive for success must come from within.
