Am Russian to the Finish – ISU GP #6

This is the final stop on the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating circuit and the last chance for skaters to qualify for one of six spots in each discipline at the Grand Prix Final coming up next month.

I know you’re busy. So, let’s get right to who I think will rest on the top spot of the podium when it’s all said and done in Sochi at the Rostelecom Cup. I am predicting a Russian sweep – but what do YOU think?

Pj’s Podium Picks:

Men: Mikhail Kolyada RUS

The current Gran Premio Silver medallist is also the defending Rostelecom Cup gold medallist. I like Mikhail’s chances and he has lots of medals including three national titles and a fifth-place finish at Worlds that add to his cred.

Women:  Kamila Valieva RUS

Kamila positively dazzled at Skate Canada International and would seem to be the woman to beat in Sochi. That said – keep your eye on fellow Russian Elizaveta Tuktamysheva who is doing everything she can to build towards making the Russian Olympic team. I also want to mention Belgium’s Loena Hendrickx who went toe pick to toe pick with Russian women at the Italian GP; taking the short program – she will be in the mix here.

Pairs: Anastasia Mishina and Alexander Galliamov RUS

The World champions are my favourites to improve on last year’s silver medal at this same eventespecially since they are fresh off a win at NHK in Japan. On another note, I saw a post on social media from Canadian pair skater Kirsten Moore-Towers who is looking for #redemption along with partner Michael Marinaro after a disappointing outing at Skate Canada. I love a ‘Can Do’ spirit!

Ice Dance: Victoria Sinitsina and Nikita Katsalapov RUS

These two are the current World champions who have also won the last two Rostelecom Cups. The long game is a push to the Olympic podium, and strong results in the Grand Prix series help build confidence. Will they add another Grand Prix gold for this season after NHK? I rather think so.

Feel free to leave your own picks in the comments below ? Don’t forget to join Charlene Bailey, Mazin Thomas and me for another edition of 3Turn3 – I will confirm when on social media because I am travelling, and scheduling is tricky! Anyway – we will be on the Pj Kwong Facebook page and for the first time on my LinkedIn page (Pj Elliott-Kwong) and on Twitter @skatingpj and will post later on my YouTube channel.

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