Interview Maurizio Zandron
Q: How did you cope with the disappointment of
missing out on the World Championships? How did put that behind you?
A:
It was a major disappointment. I thought I would compete at Worlds.
But that story has become old now. I should forget about it and be
ready for the coming season. That's what's important. At first, it
was difficult to motivate myself, because something didn't feel right
for me. So I really had difficulties o overcome, but I've put that
behind me.
Q: Did you watch
the World Championships? Can you share your impressions?
A:
It's always a hard competition on a really high level. But it is a
competition that gives you a lot of motivation, that many people
watch and where there is a large crowd [in the arena]. The last World
Championships were held in Japan and
in Japan there is always more. Figure skating is really famous in
Japan. There are some really,
really good and perfect skaters and
the competition is getting tougher and tougher.
Q:
Looking back on your competitions last season, how do you describe
your developement as a skater?
A:
There was a period of time where I could not take part in
international competitions. But we did go to some smaller
competitions like the Championships of Tirol, Arge Alp, Alpenpokal in
Oberstdorf and the Icecup in Innsbruck. That was quite good
motivation, because it would have been much harder with no
competitions at all. I have also been to Russia in November. Because
there were so many good skaters, that was a really good experience.
We always need motivation, a push to hit on full speed. The first
part of the season went well up to Nationals and I was in a good
state of mind. After that I might have too many things running
through my head. It's much more difficult when your mind isn't in a
clear state. However, in my opinion, I did fight hard. In the
beginning, I had a few bad competitions. I competed in five ISU
competitions during the second half of the season, because I wanted
to skate well again. I concluded the season in a good way at Sofia,
where I won. And I also did skate well in the competition at
Innsbruck. I think, in the end, it was a good season all in all, even
if it was a difficult season. However, you can grow stronger and
become better through difficulties. I reflected on my experience and
tried to see the good in it looking forward.
Q:
Do you already have plans for the upcoming season? What do you
expect? Which goals did you set for yourself?
A:
Naturally, my goals are, as always, Euros and Worlds and National
Championships. I will start the season in September, skating at the
Lombardia Trophy. Right now we are building the new programs. We
already started with that and still have to work on them a lot.
Q: Have you found
music yet?
A:
I did, for the free skate. I still have to decide for the short. I
will play the role of the Mad Hatter in the free. It's a good thing
it's a normal season this year, not like last year, with all those
changes. The team, the rink and basically my whole life was changed a
bit. I think, I will have more stability now and that will help me to
work better. We did decide on some competitions already and I will
skate at two events in the Challenger Series and probably at three
ISU Internationals. In addition I have to skate well at the
Nationals. That's really important and I will be ready.
Q: What are you currently focusing on?
A: I currently
have to focus on choreography. We need to create two new programs and
it is a lot of work to decide on the music, cut the music, the steps.
Q: Are you cutting
and chosing the music yourself?
A:
I usually do, I learned cutting. We try out many times and change and
match until we are satisfied. I have help searching for music, but I
decide which music I use myself. I need to feel the music. That is
what is important.
Q: Who creates
your choreography?
A: Raffaella
Cazzaniga and Massimo Scali.
Q: What did you
plan for your preparation? Are you going back to Russia?
A:
I will fly to Russia for three weeks in August to work with Evgeni
Rukavicin. I go for the third time. It's a good place for me, where I
can work and practice with other good male skaters and skaters with
great jumps. I will go to Bergamo on July 21 to an ISU Seminar on The
Art of Components, where many important people will be present. Misha
Ge will be there, too.
Q: What about your
studies?
A:
I still cannot speak German well, but I have improved. I attend a
class for people from South Tirol that is held in both Italian and
German.
Q: Have you been
on a vacation yet?
A: Yes, I have spent a week in Tunisia three weeks
ago. I got to clear my head at the coast. After that I spent a week
in Italy with my family and friends.
Q: So you are
living on your own now in Innsbruck and have to cook for yourself?
A:
Yes, of course! (laughs) I have been doing all of that alone for six
years now, not just cooking, laundry, too. I do it all! It takes a
lot of time.
Q:
If you had to go to a deserted island and could only bring three
personal things, what would you bring with you?
MZ: Hm maybe a
book, a laptop computer and skates, why not, if there was
ice.
(Translation: Nicole Sättler)
