posted Sep 23rd, 2005 - The NSL News visited the Malevsky Memorial Cup for the second consecutive year in July 2005. The comprehensive event coverage can still be found at the special event pages. The editor of "Skydiver", a skydiving magazine that is published in Russia and Ukraine, was interested in feedback from the NSL News after the completition of the 2005 event and asked the NSL News reporter in Russia, Kurt Gaebel, a few questions.

Skydiver: Kurt, what are your general impressions about the Anton Malevsky Memorial World Cup?

NSL News: It seems to get better every year. More competition categories, more teams, better teams, more money in the awards jackpot - it seems as if the words spreads that the Malevsky Cup is one of the prime events in skydiving. No surprise to me, it is the best organized and most entertaining event, in my eyes, and it is a very exciting competition at the same time. What else can you ask for?

Skydiver: Actually, it’s the second time you visit the cup, what’s changed comparing with the previous year?

NSL News: I already mentioned the major components of the progression, not only from 2004 to 2005 but also ever since the invention of the Malevsky Cup. The event organizers had these components already in place from the very beginning: professional meet management and the ever-successful combination of sports and entertainment. It almost seems as if they only had to wait for the word to spread in the skydiving world. The basic outline of the event has not changed much between 2004 and 2005, and there was no need for major changes, it was only about fine tuning and the details. I liked the Saturday night party at the drop zone with the fireworks and additional entertainment. From the view of the NSL reporter and as a competitor, I was excited to see and meet even more world class teams in each event. In fact, we really had the top of the world in Stupino this year.

Skydiver: Can you compare Malevsky cup with other championships?

NSL News: There is world class competition at other events, as well, and there is also good event management. However, the major difference of the Malevsky Cup is the combination of sports and entertainment. This is the key to success for any skydiving event since it brings out the spectators and the media to the competition site. Skydiving combines very well with general public and action loaded entertainment. It is very enjoyable and promising to travel to the Malevsky Cup and experience the success of this combination.

Skydiver: Did you enjoy the cup & what did you like the most?

NSL News: I personally enjoy the professional and the social part of the event. It has been very easy for me to do my job, thanks especially to Fyodor. i have received almost all the support i can imagine, and it has been a very friendly work environment at the same time. I know that there are a lot of security measures and efforts, in fact, it was amazing to see the personnel that was on site. However, it never got in the way of having fun for the participants and melted into the event. I also enjoyed seeing and meeting teams and competitors from all over the world. It is always a great feeling when the world becomes very small for a few days, and all the nationalities compete and celebrate together and with each other.

Skydiver: Do you think it’s possible to hold world championship in Stupino within The Anton Malevsky Memorial World Cup 2006 or 2007?

NSL News: There is absolutely nothing in the way to make this happen. In fact, i would hope that the officials who make these decisions will see the benefits of the Malevsky Cup concept and take advantage of it for the good of the sport. It would surely benefit the sport just as much as it might increase the value of the Malevsky Cup, if this is possible at all...

Skydiver: Formation Skydiving within the cup had the biggest number of participants. Do you think the European teams would be able to overcome the USA teams next year, especially in 4-way male? What European teams have more chances in your opinion? Why didn’t we see the representatives of the USA in 4 way female?

NSL News: It is still a long and expensive travel for US teams, with or without the prize money. The US skydiving association does not support its teams financially very well, and there is not much corporate sponsorship yet. The US teams look at their budgets and shy away from the expense. I am sure that they would like to visit, as well.

The European teams have always been strong in all events. France and the USA have dominated the 4-way Open competition for decades taking turns as the world champions. The teams in bronze medal positions were always from Europe. The USA currently have six world class 4-way teams, and the US national team will surely be the top contender for the gold medals next year. France does not seem to aim for 2006 medals in 4-way Open. However, Russia and Italy might become strong enough to give the US team a competition, maybe even Belgium.

It has been similar in 8-way, at least between Russia and the US teams in the past years. 8-way was dominated by the US teams for a long period of time. Russia began to make it a serious competition in 1999, and it has now become a real 3-way race in 8-way, including France. All three nations will probably have shot at gold next year.

The situation in the 4-way Women's event has not been much different. The UK team V-Max won in 2003, and Norway took the second place - both European teams. USA took it back in 2004, however, there was competition for Synchronicity in Croatia, and there seems to be more competition to come next year. France and Russia will surely challenge the US team in Germany 2006. The UK will probably once again have a competitive team, as well. Europe is competitive, and it almost compares with the Ryder Cup in golfing, where the European teams challenge the top US athletes. In any case, the competition gets tighter in each event, and that is very good for the sport.