Russian coach Alexander Zhulin suggested giving additional marks for the age of the skaters. His words are quoted by “Sputnik in Japan”.
“At 17 years old add one point, at 18 – two … The body changes with age. And I think that such a system will motivate the athletes to continue their careers, ”the coach said. He cited as an example the 24-year-old Russian woman Elizaveta Tuktamysheva, who took second place at the Canadian Grand Prix, completing the most difficult elements. Zhulin considered that Tuktamysheva should go to the Olympic Games in Beijing.
In the asset Tuktamysheva at the Canadian Grand Prix 232.88 points. Her compatriot, 15-year-old Kamila Valieva, won, setting two world records: in the free program and in total points (265.08 points). In third place is another Russian woman, 18-year-old Alena Kostornaya, who scored 214.54 points.
In December 2018, Zhulin expressed the opinion that athletes over 17 years old should compete at the adult level. He questioned the ability of juniors to keep the result at a high level after a few years.
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