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I should say that while Albena Denkova and Maxim Staviiski were skating, I was left breathless... They did a great job and I was really proud! But still I cannot close my eyes and ignore several truths. Sadly enough, Albeana Denkova and Maxim Staviiski practise with two Russian coaches. Thus, it is not Bulgarians who have trained and led them to the first place and the golden medals at the World Championship. Moreover, I think that we should not forget the fact that Maxim is a half Russian. I am certainly not trying to underestimate their great success and the efforts they have put. Furthermore, as Little L has mentioned, their achievement is unprecedented and it brought so much joy to the Bulgarians. I just wonder when we will have an entirely Bulgarian couple, trained by Bulgarian coaches. When will we be able to raise our heads proudly and say "We won, the two Bulgarians won". Do not take me wrong, I do not have anything against Maxim or the two Russian coaches. On the contrary, I think they have done a great job, really great. I just have this dream that Bulgaria will prove once and for all that there are really talented people here. And this does not apply only to sports. I do not say that it is bad that Russians train Bulgarian ice skaters. This phenomenon is observed everywhere. Actually, most of the American ice skaters are trained by Russians. Rather, I claim that sports in Bulgaria should be encouraged and supported by the government. Besides, as you have probably heard, Albena and Maxim said they would retire and start thinking about a family and children. So, this was their last championship and all our hopes for future medals will die with them??? But should it be so? I do not think so. That is why, I suggest that the Bulgarian government invests time and money in our sports, so that we can all enjoy many breathtaking moment!
by hitchhiker on Mon Mar 27th, 2006 at 03:43:29 PM EST
Sure, good financing is essential.

I personally don't have anything against the couple being trained by Russian and Staviski being half-Russian. You cannot expect it to be otherwise as we do not have traditions in this sport like we have, say, in gymnastics or wrestling. And a golden medal (even with a little help from the Russians) IS a good start, isn't it;)?

I can resist anything but temptation.- Oscar Wilde

by Little L (ljolito (at) gmail (dot) com) on Mon Mar 27th, 2006 at 05:36:28 PM EST
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Certainly, it is:))) Actually, it is more than a good start! I hope that these golden medals will have a positive effect on our other ice skaters. I hope that they will gain confidence and what is more - they will be motivated to achieve even greater success.
by hitchhiker on Tue Mar 28th, 2006 at 04:38:55 AM EST
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