Mikhail Kolyada CONSISTENCY IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS

Mikhail Kolyada solidified his status as Russia’s top man internationally this season. With a second-place finish at Finlandia Trophy and two silver medals on the Grand Prix circuit, he was the only man to qualify for the senior Grand Prix Final.

Despite his success, he is often criticized by media and fans in his Russian homeland who tend to overlook the fact that no other Russian men have consistently medaled at major international competitions this season.

In all three of his outings leading up to the Russian Championships, Kolyada faltered in the short programs, but strong free skates kept him on the podium at every competition. “I don’t give that (moving up to second place) a special meaning,” said the 26-year-old.

“I always need to take something positive from a competition and move forward with it because that pushes me to continue to