Natalia Lebedeva - 1990 European Figure Skating Championships Long Program

[nondescriptnyc]

I think the Soviet Federation broke her spirit when they chose to keep her away from two Olympics in a row. In 84, she won the Soviet nationals--then they sent Ivanova (based on her placement at 84 Euros), Kondrashova and Vodorezova (based on 83 Worlds). Lebedeva was told she would be given a spot in 88, if she continued.

Then, in 88, after placing 2nd at the nationals behind Ivanova, they gave up the 3rd spot and sent Kondrashova instead! But she wasn't allowed to retire... Poor Natalia...

[spenceAMS]

I remember watching this and just cringing for her. She'd been so solid the previous year.

[metsdudenj]

This explains why no European woman won a worlds medal from 1990 to 1992

[premierrules]

What a great shame. I was never a big Lebedev fan as I thought she showed no emotion on the ice and it always looked cold and clinical. However, she never had such a good chance at Gold here and she threw it away. The evening was the worst standard of Ladies Skating for a long time. Marina Kielmann was the best on the night, but was too far behind to get Gold. Grossmann played it safe and it paid off. Shame Joanne Conway was not here - the Gold was for the taking that night.