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Javier Fernández came into Marca’s editorial place after receiving a heartfelt homage in el Palacio de Hielo of Madrid. The tiredness was evident on his face. He barely slept after landing, coming from Minsk, at 1a.m in the morning from Sunday to Monday. Not like the night before after claiming the title of European champion for seventh time in a row. A chapter of Frank de la Jungla allowed him to avoid it and sleep. The next day he gave a grand finale to a career full of successes. Without losing his usual smile for even an instant, he went over the emotions he felt in these twenty one years since he tried his first skates when he was six years old.   How did you prepare in such a fast way for this Europeans? 

It’s not the same to start [training] from zero as from 20%. Before the pre-European training sessions, I had been skating in the shows. I hadn’t lost so much depth and it helped me when I flew to Toronto and started training one hundred percent for the European championships.

Your rivals were in top shape and even so you, with so little time to prepare, still got to win…

My coaches told me to not to look at others skaters that had been training every day during the last four or five months. We have to be patient, even more when it comes to jumps, to quadruples. Since Japan Open, I basically haven’t done any. I have been prepared for everything that my coaches said, they have calmed me down when and in other moments they have to push me when they had to.

After the short program, you complained about the judges’ scores.

I might have said something or even complained about the ice [condition] before, but it was the first time that I've been complaining directly about a score. When I see something unfair and it wasn’t a judge but three… it didn’t sit right with me because I’m very objective about my mistakes. I know when I commit them, but when you see that there wasn’t a mistake you don’t digest it well. And it annoyed me because the first thing I said was: “I don’t know what happened in these ten months but there’s something I don’t understand.”

Why do you think it happened?

There might be 300.000 reasons why it happened, but I saw the landing on the ice. I might think it was a mistake or that they saw it from another perspective. I don’t think so. If I think the other way around, I think they might want to push the others skaters so the European Champion has more momentum going into the Worlds Championships. You might think of 300.000 ways possible. That we were in Belarus and the technical panel, that wasn’t all Russian, but it was from the area… One way or another, in the end I won.

Your rivals used to get lower scores in the components (the artistic part) and now [they] were basically the same as yours.

A lot lower. Kolyada’s short program, with steps level 3 because it had ‘body movement’ and they told me I didn’t have ‘body movement’ in the short program. Brian, my own coach, looked at his short program’s steps and mine and said it was a lie. Plus, judges said to be careful with steps in the long program because the same thing might happen when I’ve never gotten level 3. They can get stricter but not only with me. It happened in my components, in my jumps, in the short program’s levels… from getting 90 and something points you’re left with 91 and the other with 100. It is 9 points you have to overcome.  

Did you check your short program?

No. Only the jump I was told it was lacking [the quadruple salchow]. I saw it on YouTube in slower motion and with the replay in even slower speed. The jump wasn’t perfect, but it wasn’t lacking less than a quarter to finish it. If it’s more than a quarter, you’re lacking of rotation and that wasn’t my case. I saw exactly how I landed on the ice. It wasn’t perfect but it was lacking less than a quarter.

How did you manage that frustration until the long program?

I was annoyed the first day but more than one person in this little world send me a message and told me to not worry and to do what I have to do. I am skater that has been one hundred percent loyal to the sport. I have never done something to cheat and I don’t want it to happen to me.

What did you think before going out for your long program being your last competition?

I had it in mind but in the moment of competing those things just go out of your head. I was more nervous during the short program than during the long because I had more time without competing [with it].

How did you follow Kolyada’s performance?

I wasn’t nervous before it started because there was nothing I could do. When I saw he fell I knew he was going down the ranking. And when he fell for the third time, even more. I would have gotten angrier if it wasn’t like that. He was fighting to survive during the whole program.

You already saw yourself as champion?

Yes and no, because until I see the scores I don’t want to take it for given, but I knew it was more likely.

How would you like people to remember you for?

As a complete skater. That people say: ‘I want to be like Javier Fernandez’ but not because they want to be the same as me, but because they want to have the same personality on the ice or for being a chameleon with every music and for bringing a good program every year with different styles.

Is it impossible to have another Javier Fernandez?

It's not impossible. Difficult? Yes. But we have to try to up that percentage. How? More ice rinks, more help… There has to be a good project for figure skating of high performance level where skaters aren’t lacking anything. The difference between being in the top skaters is on the details. Instead of training at 7 of the morning you could train at 12. Or instead of training at five degrees, you could do it at 10 or 15. Having the ice in good condition… are minimum details but they are essential.

You placed Spanish skating on the map but investments in this sport are lacking.

Who should fight for the help of athletes? That’s the big question. I am one hundred percent willing to give everything to get whatever it is for those athletes. Now our athletes are living outside of Spain. In the future we want them to be at home. They are living badly and at the same time they train they have to work. The family of the couple of one of the skaters is having to pay their expenses. If you are an athlete, you should not be thinking about having to work to pay for the championships. There should be more help and money.

Where is Javier Fernandez’s future going?

I want to be a coach, but not right now, I prefer to keep going with the seminars and the summer camps, that are less often because I have a lot of shows around the world. If you want to be a coach and have a school, you have to be every day with your students. We really want to domore Revolution on Ice, taking the show to China or Japan in 2020 with a fusion with flamenco.

What was your best moment in skating?

Everything. I can’t choose a medal, nor a championship nor an experience. Everything is part of me, from beginning to end.

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In 2011, at Grand Prix Skate Canada, Javier Fernández won a silver medal. It was his first Grand Prix medal. It was in his new home, in Canada, after a few months training with Brian Orser. After that medal he became one of the favorites for the 2012 European title, but he finished sixth in a competition in which Plushenko returned. For the last eight years, Javi Fernández’s sporting career has been developed in Canada, alongside his second father, his coach Brian Orser, who reflects on LaLigaSports on his Spanish pupil. 

How’s life in Toronto without Javi?

You know what? We miss him, a lot. It was quite funny because the day he came back to prepare for Europeans I had to pick him up where he was staying. In his defense, we had to start skating at 8:25 in the morning and I’d pick him up at 08:00. When I arrived to the house, he was still sleeping. I started screaming: "Javi, wake up!" It was a fun way to start. We went on the ice, he was getting ready and before he put his skates on, Tracy came. As soon as she saw him she burst into tears. And Tracy doesn’t cry much. Everyone was really happy to see him, especially Yuzu. He really missed Javi.

There was a day in summer when we were in class and everyone was in a group, except Yuzu, who was standing there alone, looking up. He was looking at the Spanish flag. I went to him and I didn’t realize he was looking at the Spanish flag, I just saw him with his head up. And I saw he was in tears. I asked him: "Are you okay?" And he said: "I really miss Javi." It was great, it was really nice, he just missed having Javi there. 

Seen from outside, it seems crazy to have the two best skaters in the world training together.

It’s unusual but it worked. I have to say that it really worked for them, but I don’t recommend it for other elite athletes. They also have two very different personalities, they cannot be more different from each other. 

Which differences have you seen in Javi from the one who arrived in Toronto to nowadays Javi, eight years later?

Listening to him speak at press conferences, perhaps his English has improved a lot. From his first press conference up to now... He only used to say: "I’m just so happy." But I’ve seen him grow up and become responsible. There are some things he always forgot and I would ask: "Did you send a photo or an email to this person?" waiting for a no as an answer, and he would say: "Yes, I sent it yesterday." Wow, okay. "You got your skates under control?" " Yeah, I already gave them to X." Wow, when before I used to be the one who had to handle it. He has taken all these responsibilities, even for his shows (Revolution on Ice), the camps... There were some days he had to come early to practice to teach kids and there he was. He is more punctual when he is a teacher than when he is a student, for the children he arrives on time.

What was your most important competition with him?

I don’t know. There are many for many different reasons. The first European title was amazing, very special. I knew what a challenge it was for an athlete to win Europeans. Taking part in the European Championships and winning them is huge. I remember when I was skating as a kid watching Europeans to find out who was going to win the competition. You always knew who the European champions were and that they were incredible skaters, so you knew how important it was for him to win that first one. Also, the first medal in Skate Canada, everyone was crying. 

And he has always been grateful. He has always been grateful to his family, to the team, always said nice things about us, about Tracy and David. In fact, we have the same team from the beginning, that has always remained the same, who is organizing everything. Planning the programs, the music, the costumes... I usually gave him ideas related to the songs and the costumes. And I know I could have put a garbage bag on him and he would have carried it. He has always believed in us, and we have always believed in him. That’s why it has worked. We’ve been together for eight years and he is the student I’ve taught the longest. It’s been seven years with Yuzu. Javi could have fired me... but not anymore because it’s over, so I’m fine, we’ve overcame it.

Seven consecutive Europeans, one Olympic bronze, two World Golds.

It’s amazing, isn’t it?

Everyone knows Javi in Spain.

Really?

I think so.

You know what? The year he won his first Europeans, no one knew who he was. Nobody knew who Javier Fernandez was, nobody knew he was a skater and nobody knew we had a skater who was an European champion. And now they know it. But for that, first of all, he has had to be consistent with the European titles. And then he has the two World titles and the Olympic medal. And I think that’s enough to make his name known. In addition of lots of work, from the media supporting him. It’s a complete effort.

What advice do you give him for his next stage?

You’re on your own, buddy (Brian jokes). Stay yourself. He has all the tools to succeed in everything he does. Javi already knows what it’s like to work hard, organize, lead people... He can go on his own, counting on people. I’m always going to be there for him, Tracy is always going to be there for him. Sometimes he comes for advice and I’ll always give him my opinion, I’m happy about that and I hope it can continue. But now he has all the tools to get on with his life.

Do you think he can be a good coach?

I think he’ll be a great coach when the time comes. I don’t think he has to get into coaching now, because he still has the athletic level to go on skating for entertainment. I told him: do that as long as you can and then you can get into coaching. And he’ll be a great coach. 

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Javier Fernandez // Malagueña (European Championships 2019)

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Javier Fernández → x7 consecutive European 🥇 #HIS7ORY

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“I’m glad to be with you, here, at the end of all things” (many thanks to TinyLorando on Twitter for sharing this documentary)

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javier fernández in the backstage of minsk 2019 “we’re supposed to have more and more skaters that last longer, skaters that are very complete. it’s not just about the jumps, and not just about the skating, you have to be complete. and i’ve seen in this competition more than one skater i’ve been proud to watch, just because i got the same feeling. like this french boy, he’s amazing, unbelievable, and that’s what i’m talking about.

and so, i hope i left that in the field of skating.”

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[190128] What we didn’t see of Javier Fernández’ seventh (and last) victory in Europe

Javier: Being the last competition is a pity, a bit of a pity but well, I’m also used to competing and I think it’s important to do well, to try to do the best possible to say goodbye with the right foot. 

Twenty-one years of skating, on one side wanting to end my sports career but also a little bit sad. But there’s a big change right now in my life and I think I’m ready but I will always miss it.

[Talking about fans in the arena] Well, they always try to get a photo or an autograph. Yes, it’s because in this area people really like skating. 

Brian Orser: I'm really proud of the work we've done with Javi. I'm proud of his career, of the great contribution he's made to men's figure skating. 

After placing third in the short program, Javier Fernandez manages to overcome and wins gold becoming European champion for the seventh time.

Brian Orser: Miracles happen! I'm just overwhelmed, amazing! 

María José Rienda: It has been impressive! That he got the first place is historic because Javier is historic.

Javier: We made it! I’m happy, very happy. It took a little effort but we made it. In a short time but we did it.

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Javier Fernández, Prometo | 2019 European Championships (Photos by Joosep Martinson).

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Javier Fernandez, EX Prometo || European Championships 2019

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[190128] Javier Fernández’s farewell speech.

“When I was six years old, I was accompanying my parents to pick up my sister Laura, when she also started skating. And one day the question of whether I also wanted to skate arose. And of course I said yes. Two years later I started my first competition, with some second-hand skates. Shortly after I had a dream, an impossible dream that has now come true. Could a guy from Cuatro Vientos stand out in a world as different and complex as we are used to in our country? And I dared to dream and I pursued that dream. Last Saturday, as you know, was my last performance and I come back home with seven European Championships titles, two World Championships titles and one Olympic medal. All these championships, sporting successes are so important... I take the enthusiasm from the fans, that's for sure. The affection with which you, the media, have always showed me and the support of the institutions and sponsors. Today I want to start by thanking my family, my parents and my sister Laura, who had to make great sacrifices so that I could develop my life as a skater. I could never thank you enough for everything you have done for me. It must have been very difficult to leave only a 17-year-old boy, who hardly spoke English, to travel across the world and go to another country. I went to live in the United States at age 17 with a coach named Nikolai Morozov whom I met at a summer camp in Andorra. He suggested to my parents and I that I go train in New Jersey and be part of their training team. They accepted, I accepted and that's where everything started. Later I moved to Toronto to train with Brian Orser, who became a model for me, a second father. Brian had to suffer with the personality of a Spanish teenager who did not have the discipline that I have now. Brian understood my way of being and brought out the best in me. How I'm going to miss Brian too, that way of being he has and that embrace that coaches give you before going out to compete. Nor can I forget Tracy Wilson, who has been by my side in many and many of my trainings. Choreographers have also played a key role in my career. I have had the pleasure of working with Antonio Najarro, the one who created La Malagueña, who has given us so much joy. And of course, the Canadian David Wilson with whom I had the honor of working in the last 7-8 years. Those who know me know that I am not the most organized person in the world. I have already arrived at some competition without my skates, I have already forgotten my costumes, but I am who I am. I also want to apologize to the people who have suffered from my mistakes, especially to Jorge Serradilla, with whom I have shared many adventures first in the schoolyard and then all over the world. I apologize. The support of institutions and sponsorships has also been essential in my career. Gloria Estefanell, María Teresa Samaranch supported me from the Spanish Federation some time ago, and later it was Frank González and his entire team. I want to publicly thank the support from LaLigaSports, whose president, Mr. Tebas, is here with us. I have also received the support of the Spanish Olympic Committee, in particular Alejandro Blanco, who is also here with us. And I can not forget also our beloved Miguel Cardenal, who has also suffered some of our pranks. And of course, María José Rienda, current Secretary of State for Sport. The media have also always shown a very special affection for me, as for example Saturday's broadcast with Paloma del Río showed, who after 30 years as a commentator was was moved to tears at the end of my performance. You (the media) have been there and have always lived my successes as if they were yours. Thank you all for that affection. I leave these last words to my girlfriend Marina, who has suffered my absences and has been the inspiration in my last successes. To finish I want to make an call to all people who have a dream, whether they are children or adults. I encourage you to pursue your dreams: as impossible as they may seem, dreams are often fulfilled. And there are even times when reality goes beyond what we dreamed, as it has happened to me. Thank you so much everyone.”

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Thank you, Javier.

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[190128] Javier thanks fans for all the support they have given him during his career.

“I'm Javier Fernandez, and from here I want to thank all the fans and all the people that have been following me during all this time. Without you, it wouldn't have been the same and it would have been much more difficult. Thank you”

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[190127] Javier in the cover of MARCA.

Javi Fernández retires in a big way: Seven-times European champion.  An end that matches his legendary career. “I’ve achieved things I’ve never imagined I could achieve” 

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javier fernandez shares a hug with coach brian orser after his free skate performance || 2019 european championships

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Javier’s press conference after the FS

From ISU’s website.

Javier Fernandez (ESP), 2019 European Champion:

(On whether he expected his win) I think when I was younger, seven years ago I didn’t know was going to win my first European title. I didn’t know I was going to be here today, I didn’t know it was going to be Europeans in Minsk or somewhere else, but I’m glad it was here and I’m glad I competed.

(On whether he felt relief at finishing his career) Not relief, I think it’s a bit sad of course because it has been 21 years training for competitions, but it was the time to retire. I will skate for other things but not for competitions. But at the same time I was happy I’ve done a great career and I was able to accomplish much more than I thought I could accomplish.

(On atmosphere) Before my program there was good energy on the ice, he (Alexander Samarin, RUS) skated great and I could hear. But you know what, I’ve skated forever and done so many competitions and been in so many different atmospheres that at some point you know what you have to do. If you skate after Yuzuru Hanyu in Japan that teaches you a lot and you can use that in other places. I was confident in myself; I trained great in a short period of time but it was efficient and I was sure I was going to do well.

(On his legacy) I think it’s good for the world to know that not only skaters from strong countries can appear. I’m from Spain, I’ve got a friend here at my side from Italy and another from Russia, everyone has his own story to tell and it’s good that everyone does not come from a strong figure skating country because that means more stories to tell to everyone. I hope I can develop skating more in my home country to try and make it bigger, but I hope with the work I was able to do I’ve made history and in 20 years some people will still recollect my name. Maybe not, we’ll have to see, but I’m proud of what I’ve done and still have a lot of work to do to make it even better in my home for figure skating.

(On what he said to the judges at the medal ceremony after his marks for the short program) I said I’ll miss you guys. I think that’s the right thing to say. I wasn’t mad. Yesterday I was mad with life, not for any reason but I like everything to be right and I know my mistakes and if it’s right I don’t want it to be a mistake. It’s not about being first or last but the little details I like to be right. But even if I did the program today and I was fifth, OK, it is what it is, but everything needs to be correct and right. But at the end of the day I’m here and still talking so it doesn’t matter what was in the short or free program.

(On being a consistent champion) I think you need to understand the person you are and the kind of athlete you are. Pretty much the people around you will tell you that. At the end of the day a skater has to be complete, and that doesn’t mean five or six quads in a program but being complete. At the start, you [should be] growing yourself with time, not when you’re a really young teenager and then your body changes and everything goes wrong. Little things are involved, a lot of things are involved. It’s hard to say. I’m not someone who can tell people to do anything, I don’t know, but that’s what I’ve seen over many years. But figure skating has changed from 20 years ago when all skaters lasted 20 years – now it’s just three or four. But that’s a question to ask someone smart enough to answer it - I can’t.

(On his best memory) It’s so hard to say. When you achieve so many things- I won Worlds twice, Europeans seven times and a bronze medal at Olympics it’s hard to choose. This one is special also because it’s the last one, but is it more special than Olympics? I don’t know.

(On what he did before Europeans) I only did Japanese Open back in September/October then went straight to Europeans because I was really busy back at home doing a lot of work, a show in Spain that needed my time.So I was really putting the focus on that, then tried to be ready for Europeans. It was a little complicated because I was so busy doing a lot of things. But there were no injuries and no mental things, just a lot of work. That was the reason. I needed to do that after Olympics, I think it was the time.

(On any possible comeback) No. I am not coming back. Maybe like a pro competition or Japan Open, maybe I’ll think about it, but no, I’ve achieved everything, I’ve set goals and I’ve done [them]. I set the goal for this to be my last competition and I did it. I’ll be skating, doing shows, teaching, doing a lot of other things, but not competing.