From Moscow with skates and a good knowledge of the Jewish tradition

Maxim Shipov: walking over to the ice rink duing the 2005 Skate Israel competition and wearing shorts and sandals was an unforgettable experience!

Born and raised in Moscow, Maxim Shipov, 19, has recently made aliya and is going to take part in the Israel National Championships at the end of August. Before he arrived in Israel, he had already learnt many things about this country:  matzo is the Passover bread, Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and Sabbath is the national day of weekly rest, to name just a few.
Already tanned by the omnipresent Israeli sun, Maxim is sharing his first impressions with us:

Q: Maxim, how old were you when you started skating?
A: I started skating when I was five. My parents introduced me to swimming when I was three, but later I switched to figure skating.

Q: What are the competitions you have taken part in so far this season?
A: My first competition was Skate Israel 2005, in which I was placed 5th. I have also taken part in the 2006 Cup of Russia final and was placed fifth as well. I was 10th in the 2006 Russian National Championships and 8th in the 2007 Cup of Russia final

Q: This is not your first arrival in Israel. What have been your impressions so far?
A: I came to Israel for the first time for Skate Israel 2005. It was so amazing to walk over to the training sessions and the competitions in the warm sun wearing short and sandals. It was unforgettable!

Q: How are you getting on here?
A: Pretty well. I have already learnt such words as "mazgan" (air conditioner), "monit" ( taxi) and "boker tov" ( good morning).

Q: Magnificent! Your survival Hebrew test has been successfully passed. Your first competition will be the Israel National Championships at the end of August. When are you more anxious – before getting on the ice or before the marks are announced?
A: Definitely before getting on the ice. The marks are already less unnerving.

Q: How many hours a day do you train?
About 5.

Q: What are your hobbies?
A: My hobbies are computers, driving and reading. I am also learning Spanish.

Q: Have you already tried the ice rink in Israel this time?
A: Yes, of course!

Q: We are wishing you a smooth start on it at the Nationals.
A: Thanks a lot.