What Plushenko's coach Alexei Mishin said about Miki Ando???

Question

I recall a little section on Evgeni Plushenko's webite where his coach Alexei Mishin is asked about Japan skater Miki Ando's famous quad jump....

On Japan junior skater Miki Ando becoming the first female to land a quad:

"Without a sparrow in hands, they are striving to catch a crane in the sky (old saying). They (Japanese) don’t have average achievements to hold onto."

What exactly does he mean by that???

Answer 1

At the time, they didn't have a history of success, even though they have produced great skaters.  This quote was said before any Japanese female had won Worlds or the Olympics (which they now have won both) and to me seems to refer to the fact that they are doing incredible things, going above and beyond what is required, but had no awards to show for it.  It seems to hint at respect while taking a jab at what had been perceived as a general lack of all-around talent and more focus on jumps by Japanese, which now is no longer entirely true.

To say the "old saying" in other words, they didn't have the basics of what is necessary (the sparrow in hand), but were still attempting to go far ahead of anyone else (catch a crane in the sky).

Since that time, with the end of the era of skaters who had gotten their start in Soviet training camps, Japanese skaters have now filled a void and have ushered in a new style and era in figure skating.

Answer 2

he means they (japanese) over-achieve but her other skating isnt as good and in skating, especially with the new system, other things like spins and footwork are an even bigger part of the program. so she may be doing a quad, but it doesnt mean she is winning.

thats how i interpret it.