‘Preparing for the Final, I was surely wishing for a medal, but still the success came as a pleasant surprise to me’, Alena Leonova said. ‘I hadn’t expected that I could skate so well after the three GP events. Frankly speaking, I came to Canada feeling rather tired. That’s why I am so glad I’ve come in 3rd! It was only the second time in my career so far that I took part in the GP Final. I made two mistakes in the free skating: fell on one jump and doubled another. Otherwise I think I could have won silver.

A: I think it wasn’t. He had motivated me very well before I left. He said that I knew everything myself and I was able to do everything well without his assistance. So, I was sure that it was going to be all right. Lately I’ve become confident of myself and my skating. Many people are telling me so, too. When I come to the ice, it can be clearly seen that I am collected and ready to skate my program well.  

A: I had a conversation with Nikolai yesterday, and we decided not to withdraw. I told him I would compete. My injured leg doesn’t trouble me anymore, and I’m feeling much better now. Still, the injury hasn’t been cured completely, I have to take some treatment, and maybe I’ll have to undergo a surgery to be saved from the pain once and for all. A month ago I wasn’t able to skate at all, but now I’m feeling better, and we have decided to put the problem off till the end of the season.  

A: No, I wasn’t. Quite the contrary, I must go there and prove that I’m not scared of the little girls and am able to compete with them. For me, it is the most important event of the season, and my goal is to win it, of course. I will begin preparing for Nationals as soon as is in two days’ time, after returning from St. Petersburg, where I am currently staying with my family.