“After so many years, Artem Kovalev is not just an athlete for me, but a piece of my heart” – coach Volkov

Figure skating coach Alexander Volkov told the secret of many years of successful cooperation with his student Artem Kovalev whom he has coached since the age of five.

Kovalev is the winner of the Volvo Open Cup Challenger (2019) and Russian Cup (2020, 2021) stages. At the last Russian Championship, Kovalev completed the top five.

– How do you rate Artem Kovalev this season?

— His first Grand Prix stage was a failure. There, psychological problems played a role – I was nervous. And technically, he was in good shape. But at the Perm Grand Prix, Artem pulled himself together and won a medal.

As for the performance in the Russian Championship, I will say frankly: I am very happy with this result. Artem showed himself worthy in the short program, he did everything almost flawlessly, he was very happy and scored the maximum points in his career. As for the free program: I’m happy that Artem managed to cope with the stress and finally showed what he can do. Too bad about the bow tie on the quadruple sheepskin coat, but I don’t think it spoiled the impression much. He skated without complex, with the heart, for the public and for himself.

It’s the second start in a row where Artem shows decent skating, and now I’m sure he’s figured out how to manage his head, it’s going to be hard to stop him. Artem is a very determined, hardworking and technically strong athlete. I’m very proud of him and the work of my coaching staff.

– Artem is your oldest student. After all, you’ve been training him since the age of five – a rare case these days!

– Yes, it comes from my very first recruitment, when my wife and I returned to Russia and started working at Khrustalny. 2008, it seems. Everyone says it’s an isolated case for an athlete to stay that long with a trainer.

I have always supported Artem in difficult situations. We’ve been through a lot together – both wins and losses. He is a skater in whom I have always believed and whom I will believe until the end of his sporting career. As if he were inside me. After so many years, Artem is not just an athlete to me, but a piece of my heart. I, as a coach, will do everything possible to bring him to the best result.