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Galit and Sergei have won the first medal for Israel in international skating events – bronze in the 2002 World Championships. Our most celebrated ice dance duo has taken part in 3 Winter Olympics, and has been on the podium of Cup of Russia, Skate Canada, Skate America and Cup of China. Galit carried the national flag of Israel at the opening ceremony of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin. The skating has always been characterized by dazzling artistry, technical boldness and precision.
Unfortunately, they have missed out on the last skating season due to Sergei's foot injury. However, they are maintaining their busy life and training routines. I was able to catch up with Galit after her training session:
Galit: I would love to coach a team representing Israel
- Galit, when I first spoke with you today you were about to get on the ice. Does this mean that you are training for the new season?
- Today when we spoke I was getting ready to get on the ice for work. I am teaching now, as well as skating.
- Do you remember how you felt during your first major international skating event? What was it? And what is the most vivid impression of a skating event you have ever had?
-I don't remember our first competition; I think it was in Switzerland. The most vivid moment was in France at the world championships. The atmosphere was electrifying; it was like a soccer match. The crowd was wild. I had such a rush of adrenaline because it was the first time we were in the top 5. The crowd was cheering from the beginning till the end of the program. That was the first one; the second was when we were 3rd at the world championships in Japan. Winning the first medal for our country was amazing!!!!!
- Surely there is before-the-performance anxiety. How do you usually cope with it? Your skating seems so effortless and electrifying. You never hold in.
-I always get a little nervous before competition, but that is normal. As soon as the music starts I just get into the program and perform for the audience.
- About your skating routines: are you working on new ones at the moment? Do you have any music preferences? And how do you choose your costumes – do you "cast the deciding vote?"
- Our coaches always make a decision with us about costumes and music, we like to get input about what they think, my parents were also always given the music to listen to. It was a team effort.
-You were in Israel a few months ago working with kids in Metulla. Does this mean you have already begun your coaching career? You told me last year at the Israel Nationals that you would want to take on a young Israeli ice dance couple and turn them into Champions. Is this goal still on your agenda?
-I would love to coach a team representing Israel, and help them win a medal at the world championships, and Olympics. That would be very exciting. This is definitely on my agenda, and I am ready to work towards that goal.
- On March 31st you took part in the "Stars on Ice" show in Tel Aviv, in which ice skating amateurs were performing alongside the world's most renowned skaters. To your mind, what kind of a message was sent to the general public by this show?
-The show in Israel was a success!! I think skating is becoming very popular, And Israel needs to have more events like that going on.
- In your opinion, what makes figure skating so beautiful?
-Figure skating is a beautiful sport because it involves artistry and athleticism. You are able to express your emotions, and alongside that do the technical elements, and that is why it is so interesting. Thank you for your compliments!
Sergei Sakhnovsky: It is important to look each other in the eye to make the right artistic impression and to look in the same direction with the coach
Sergei joined us about two weeks later:
-Sergei, the first question is naturally "How do you feel?"
-I am fine. My foot is OK for getting on with daily routines, but, of course, not fully fit for the major physical stress of skating. I am just back into training. We will see.
-In any couple there is a leader- that's off the ice. And on the ice? Is there a leader in your ice dance couple?
-That's a provocative question! Technically I am the leader, but we decide on all the major things together.
-A diplomatic response. And what is more important in an ice dance couple – to see eye to eye or to look in the same direction?
-It is important to look each other in the eye to make the right artistic impression and to look in the same direction with the coach.
-Our diplomatic corps have surely missed out on a valuable team member! Another question: You have been skating together for 13 years. How has your perception of your own skating changed over these years?
-I have certainly gained more experience, both technically and emotionally, but the burden of all these years has definitely had its toll.
-I see. It was unnoticeable, however, either at the last Olympics or at the March ice skating show in Tel Aviv.
-At the last Olympics I was skating with a 40 degrees fever. I don't even remember how I managed to hold myself together. It actually shows the level of readiness for a competition. If an athlete falls ill during or immediately after a major competition, it means that all the resources have been utilized just for that event.
-That's the effort behind the dazzling performances the best skaters produce. Speaking about the major events, what was your most vivid impression of them?
-Our first Olympics in 1998. It was delightful!
-And the last question for now - what, to you mind, makes figure skating so beautiful?
-The beauty is for the viewers if the skaters have managed to convey it to the public. For the skaters it is tremendous effort and hard work.
-Thank you for your answers, Sergei. Get well and fit, conveying your skating maturity to the public.
-You are welcome.
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