Figure Skating

[elie]

Way, way, way irrelevant, but is anyone here into figure skating? And by that I mean watching it on TV ;)
I am a big fan but I hardly ever find people who really enjoy watching it. Yesterday was the final day of the European Championships and needless to say, all four events were won by Russians. That's generally fine by me, but not when the victories are not well-deserved *cough* ice-dancing*cough

Anyway, looking forward to the Winter Olympics :woohoo:

[GODDESS6]

i love to watch figure skating & can't wait for the olympics to start!!!~

[ontheEdgeof17]

I like pairs and women's. The men and ice dancers are a bore.

[GypsySorcerer]

As a child, I was obsessed with figure skating. I still enjoy it, but don't follow it as much as I used to. I will watch the Olympics, though.

[skcin]

I LOVE watching figure skating, especially the Olympics. I prefer the women's competition, but I watch them all. The exhibition skates at the end are always awesome.

[Josh2003]

I'll be watching men's skating this year, to cheer on my Johnny Weir to gold! Such a queen, that boy...I love him!

[DavidMn]

I'll be watching men's skating this year, to cheer on my Johnny Weir to gold! Such a queen, that boy...I love him!What are you talking about? He's the "straightest" guy I've seen since I went to the Arnold Scwarzenegger fan club gathering last year.;) :lol:

[DavidMn]

I'm not bothered by Michelle Kwan making it at all btw. She's still going to have to prove that she can skate effectively at some kind of "Test" soming up in front of some kind of comittee. If she cant perform up to snuff then, she's already said she wont compete. Plus, the girl she'd be bumping off the team, Sarah Hughes sister, is only 16, so she'el have plenty of chances to make it in the future. Michelle's earned at least the right to see if she can compete in my opinion.:nod:

[jadegypsy]

I love figure skating, and am looking forward to the olympics. So happy Michelle Kwan is going, she deserves it, and I am hoping she gives a great skate at the olympics. Also am loving Tanith and Ben this year for US ice dance :) As for the men I am hoping for Plushenko to take the gold and as for pairs Shen and Zhou (sp?).

[Serrart]

Way, way, way irrelevant, but is anyone here into figure skating? And by that I mean watching it on TV ;)
I am a big fan but I hardly ever find people who really enjoy watching it. Yesterday was the final day of the European Championships and needless to say, all four events were won by Russians. That's generally fine by me, but not when the victories are not well-deserved *cough* ice-dancing*cough

Anyway, looking forward to the Winter Olympics :woohoo:

I am, or better I was, especially when Klimova - Ponomarenko where still on the ice. I haven't followed the European Championship but Russians' style is always my favourite, so I'm happy they won all the categories. Did they have a common trainer? Tarassova? Tchaikovskaya? Mishin?

Romy

[jannieC]

Figure skating is probably the only sport I do watch. I love it. I have always dreamed of being a figure skater. Sadly, I can't even stand on the ice in skates. I think the good ones are just so graceful and it looks so wonderful. Sigh.

[CelticGypsy]

I love watching it. I tried ice skating once. Was on my rump most of the time:lol: I tried skiing too and I could only do cross-country skiing. I guess I need to just stay on the ground without snow or ice.

Did anyone see Tai Babilonia wearing a Stevie cresent necklace the other evening on Access Hollywood or ET show? Can't remember which entertainment show. I believe she wears the necklace all the time and she is on the Celeb Skating show. Is nice to see Dorothy Hamill as one of the judges. She is one of my favorite skaters. I am happy that Michelle Kwan will be going to the Olympics soon. I think she has proved herself over the years that she deserves to go.

[Lee]

Yes, I've always liked figure skating though I've only been on ice skates once in my entire life & found it kind of challenging. I always watch skating on TV when I can & always watch the Winter Olympics as I especially like the figure skating. I like to watch the pairs & women mostly. Personally I think Michelle Kwan has had her day in the sun, & she should let the up & coming skaters have a shot at it. And I'm pulling for Sasha Cohen to get the gold & Kimmie Meissner for silver. :nod:

Lee :)

[jannieC]

Did anyone see Tai Babilonia wearing a Stevie cresent necklace the other evening on Access Hollywood or ET show? Can't remember which entertainment show. I believe she wears the necklace all the time and she is on the Celeb Skating show. Is nice to see Dorothy Hamill as one of the judges.
I've been watching that show, but was afraid to mention Tai wearing the crescent moon for fear of looking a wee bit too obssessed. :shrug: Anyway, she's been wearing it non-stop.

[gldstwmn]

Did anyone see Tai Babilonia wearing a Stevie cresent necklace the other evening .

I sure did. She skates beautifully.

[elie]

I am, or better I was, especially when Klimova - Ponomarenko where still on the ice. I haven't followed the European Championship but Russians' style is always my favourite, so I'm happy they won all the categories. Did they have a common trainer? Tarassova? Tchaikovskaya? Mishin?

Romy

Mishin is still Plushenko's trainer I think. Tarassova coaches some other skaters, not necessarily Russian. And on ice-dancing, Navka & Kostomarov have Alexander Zhulin (Navka's husband).

I don't mind the Russians, but I have read articles stating that their marks are sometimes inflated and they always get higher points than the next skater even if they don't do well, just because the Russian Team federation or whatever is very strong.
Personally I am a huge Stephane Lambiel fan. He's very artistic and seems like a nice kid. I don't care much for Plushenko, I think he's nothing next to what Yagudin was (anyone who has caught his Exhbition program on the 2002 Olympics will know what I mean). But still, he deserves the golds *sigh*.
As for ice-dancing, I really don't get the Navka/Kostomarov thing. Ok, they look good, but they 're very boring and predictable compared to let's say, Denvoka/Staviyski (I am HUGE fan) or the newer french team Delobel/Schoenfelder.

[DavidMn]

Mishin is still Plushenko's trainer I think. Tarassova coaches some other skaters, not necessarily Russian. And on ice-dancing, Navka & Kostomarov have Alexander Zhulin (Navka's husband).

I don't mind the Russians, but I have read articles stating that their marks are sometimes inflated and they always get higher points than the next skater even if they don't do well, just because the Russian Team federation or whatever is very strong.
Personally I am a huge Stephane Lambiel fan. He's very artistic and seems like a nice kid. I don't care much for Plushenko, I think he's nothing next to what Yagudin was (anyone who has caught his Exhbition program on the 2002 Olympics will know what I mean). But still, he deserves the golds *sigh*.
As for ice-dancing, I really don't get the Navka/Kostomarov thing. Ok, they look good, but they 're very boring and predictable compared to let's say, Denvoka/Staviyski (I am HUGE fan) or the newer french team Delobel/Schoenfelder.Ok I know I'm going to F**K up the spelling on this one but what happened to Gordeeva after her husband and partner died on the ice? I know she had that perfume thing for awhile.

[CelticGypsy]

Ok I know I'm going to F**K up the spelling on this one but what happened to Gordeeva after her husband and partner died on the ice? I know she had that perfume thing for awhile.




Katia is now happily married to fellow Olympic Champion Ilia Kulik. Together, they are raising two daughters, Daria Grinkova and Elizaveta Kulik. She still visits her family’s dacha in Moscow, which she considers her hometown. Katia continues to thrill a legion of fans, both young and old alike, that have come to embrace the angelic artistry that she embodies as a solo performer.

http://2005.starsonice.com/cast/cast_detail.asp?CastID=85

Sounds like she is a very happy wife, mother and is still has a great career. Daria is her daughter with Sergei Grinkov.

[Serrart]

Mishin is still Plushenko's trainer I think. Tarassova coaches some other skaters, not necessarily Russian. And on ice-dancing, Navka & Kostomarov have Alexander Zhulin (Navka's husband).

I don't mind the Russians, but I have read articles stating that their marks are sometimes inflated and they always get higher points than the next skater even if they don't do well, just because the Russian Team federation or whatever is very strong..

I don't think it's true, but they usually set the basis of the predominant style especially in Europe, so their exhibitions often are the most compelling, and find a mesmerizing balance between the technical and the emotional side.
I haven't followed with a big interest the last seasons so I haven't really favourites at the moment. Honestly Plushenko is great, really cold sometimes but I don't see others who can top him. I agree on Navka-Kostomarov, they're boring but Zhulin has been able to give them that touch of unpalpable class that he had with Maya Usova. Their exhibition on Vivaldi's Summer was unforgettable (even if Klimova - Ponomarenko were still the best:nod: ).

Romy

[DavidMn]

Katia is now happily married to fellow Olympic Champion Ilia Kulik. Together, they are raising two daughters, Daria Grinkova and Elizaveta Kulik. She still visits her family’s dacha in Moscow, which she considers her hometown. Katia continues to thrill a legion of fans, both young and old alike, that have come to embrace the angelic artistry that she embodies as a solo performer.

http://2005.starsonice.com/cast/cast_detail.asp?CastID=85

Sounds like she is a very happy wife, mother and is still has a great career. Daria is her daughter with Sergei Grinkov.Good. I'm glad she's happy. She seemed like a very nice person.:nod:

[elie]

Good. I'm glad she's happy. She seemed like a very nice person.:nod:

Yeah, and it was such a sad story...

@Serrart: Maybe I am overreacting with Navka&Kostomarov, I don't think they're bad, but it's just not what I expect to see in an ice-dance competition. I just prefer the Bulgarians, who, by the way, I hope will take part in the Olympics - though it doesn't seem likely.

By the way, the other day I watched again for the first time in ages, Torvill&Dean' Bolero (1984 Olympics). It seemed too easy in comparison to today's programs (not so difficult lifts etc), but still, I was like :shocked: WOW- what a beautiful thing to watch. The only thing that can make me so emotional is (now I don't know if anyone remembers that) a couple of years ago, the chinese pair Shen&Zao (sp) skating a flawless program to Turandot. Honestly, I still cry every single time I happen to watch it.

[Serrart]

Yeah, and it was such a sad story...

@Serrart: Maybe I am overreacting with Navka&Kostomarov, I don't think they're bad, but it's just not what I expect to see in an ice-dance competition. I just prefer the Bulgarians, who, by the way, I hope will take part in the Olympics - though it doesn't seem likely.

By the way, the other day I watched again for the first time in ages, Torvill&Dean' Bolero (1984 Olympics). It seemed too easy in comparison to today's programs (not so difficult lifts etc), but still, I was like :shocked: WOW- what a beautiful thing to watch. The only thing that can make me so emotional is (now I don't know if anyone remembers that) a couple of years ago, the chinese pair Shen&Zao (sp) skating a flawless program to Turandot. Honestly, I still cry every single time I happen to watch it.

If you have the chance,watch Duchesnays' long program at the World Chamionship in 1991 on Morricone's music (they were trained by Dean who was also Isabelle Duchesnay's husband) and Klimova Ponomarenko's program on Bach's music at Albertville 1992. They took my breath away.

Romy

[elie]

If you have the chance,watch Duchesnays' long program at the World Chamionship in 1991 on Morricone's music (they were trained by Dean who was also Isabelle Duchesnay's husband) and Klimova Ponomarenko's program on Bach's music at Albertville 1992. They took my breath away.

Romy
Thanx for the suggestions!
Maybe I 'll try on the internet? And by the way, is there a site where I can find old footage, like the ones you mentioned? My fiance found Torvill&Dean (after years and years of me talking about it!), but other than that, I don't know.

[Serrart]

Thanx for the suggestions!
Maybe I 'll try on the internet? And by the way, is there a site where I can find old footage, like the ones you mentioned? My fiance found Torvill&Dean (after years and years of me talking about it!), but other than that, I don't know.

Just few days ago I discovered this place
http://fsvids.9.forumer.com/
where ice skating fans can upload and download the videos of their favourite artists, it's really amazing and the reposts are almost non stop. You can find a lot of great footage here. About Duchesnay and Klimova - Ponomarenko (Unfortunately I have them only on vhs) I've just posted the requests in their threads. Hopefully they will appear soon. As soon as someone uploads them again I'll let you know.


Edit: that site is incredible, they already posted both:
Here are Paul & Isabelle Duchesnay:
http://s54.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1ZWX3IH2YXJ7Q13FFEN63RW73Y

Okay, a little explanation maybe is needed to understand better what they did. Here there is the 1990 World Championship program, called Missing (it's dedicated to desaparecidos in South America), and skated on Morricone's soundtrack for Mission. What they did was a real revolution in ice dance. Technically they weren't perfect as the Russians and they broke several rules so couldn't win the golden medal. BUt even being a big Klimova-Ponomarenko fan as I am, it was clear they deserved it for the emotions, the vitality and the modernity they brought thanks to Christopher Dean choreography and stunning vision. A year later at the world championship they presented Missing II, and since some rules had been changed in the meanwhile this time they won, but it was becoming clear their limit, the inability to change from a scheme. My Russians obviously were crashed by arriving second and risked to split. But luckily they decided to say goodbye to Dubova and took Tarassova as trainer. She was able to fuse the Duchesnay's novelty elements (they're very present in the Bach program) with a renewed harmony and close to perfection technique (besides the incredible intensity, that they had never reached at that peak before, their skating at the Olympic Games was mesmerizing, totally new also for the velocity and the incredible number of steps and their velocity), so Marina and Sergei's revenge took place at Albertville on Bach's Toccata and Fugue. :thumbsup: :
http://s52.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1I6C7UA5GGCOO2FUTA0ASBET6P

They've been able to win the golden medal in Duchesnay kingdom with this. You can feel the change of mood in the public from the start to the final. It still gives me the same deep emotion (at the time I started jumping around when they won )... incredible.

Gotta love Ice skating
Romy

[skcin]

By the way, the other day I watched again for the first time in ages, Torvill&Dean' Bolero (1984 Olympics). It seemed too easy in comparison to today's programs (not so difficult lifts etc), but still, I was like :shocked: WOW- what a beautiful thing to watch.

I don't think I've ever seen the '84 performance in full. I do have the later Bolero, they did it again for the exhibition skate in 92? 96? I can't remember. All I know is that it made me cry.

[Serrart]

I don't think I've ever seen the '84 performance in full. I do have the later Bolero, they did it again for the exhibition skate in 92? 96? I can't remember. All I know is that it made me cry.

They came back at 1994 Olympic Games in Lillehammer and won bronze. They were still a great couple but the medal wasn't really deserved, IMO.

Romy

[elie]

@Serrart: thank you so much! I will check it out when I get home, cause I just read your message and I am at work :distress:

As to Bolero: I think I have only watched the original performance but I guess it should not be any different than the exhibitions. Maybe a bit more emotional because it was the Olympics and all.
It disturbs me somehow to watch other couples doing Bolero - I know it shouldn't, but still, noone will ever live up to Torvill/Dean's program. Denkova herself (from Denkova/Staviyski) once said that they don't feel ready to do this particular piece of music and they may try in the future when they'll be more mature. Now that I would love to see...

[DavidMn]

Michelle Kwan made it!:thumbsup: ANd it sounds like she really did well in front of that skating committee.

[Serrart]

@Serrart: thank you so much! I will check it out when I get home, cause I just read your message and I am at work :distress:

As to Bolero: I think I have only watched the original performance but I guess it should not be any different than the exhibitions. Maybe a bit more emotional because it was the Olympics and all.
It disturbs me somehow to watch other couples doing Bolero - I know it shouldn't, but still, noone will ever live up to Torvill/Dean's program. Denkova herself (from Denkova/Staviyski) once said that they don't feel ready to do this particular piece of music and they may try in the future when they'll be more mature. Now that I would love to see...

I totally understand, and in fact one couple has to feel really ready to cope with that parcticular music, given the Torvill/Dean perfomance. By the way, I've decided to look with moe attention to thiese Olympic Games, hope to find a couple to really look at.

Romy

[skcin]

Did anyone watch last night? I was horrified when the Chinese skater fell, I swear her knee went sideways. :eek:

I agree that the Russian couple deserved the gold, but in general I was not that impressed this year. I'm holding out for the ladies and ice dancing to wow me.

OH! Does anyone else HATE the Olympic TV coverage? I can't stand when they keep skipping around. 1 hour of skating, then pop over to snowboarding for 20 minutes, then curling - wth! I can't keep up, not to mention that they're not even showing all of the medal winners' performances. I missed the other Chinese pair's skate & they won the bronze - did I miss it, or did they just not show it? :shrug: Oh well, I'll just keep checking the Canadian station.

[GypsySorcerer]

Did anyone watch last night? I was horrified when the Chinese skater fell, I swear her knee went sideways. :eek:

I agree that the Russian couple deserved the gold, but in general I was not that impressed this year. I'm holding out for the ladies and ice dancing to wow me.

OH! Does anyone else HATE the Olympic TV coverage? I can't stand when they keep skipping around. 1 hour of skating, then pop over to snowboarding for 20 minutes, then curling - wth! I can't keep up, not to mention that they're not even showing all of the medal winners' performances. I missed the other Chinese pair's skate & they won the bronze - did I miss it, or did they just not show it? :shrug: Oh well, I'll just keep checking the Canadian station.

That was one of the worst falls I've seen in skating. I was really glad they finished their program and ended up taking the silver.

Like you, I was underwhelmed, however.

Hope the women are good. Go Sasha Cohen!

[Patti]

OH! Does anyone else HATE the Olympic TV coverage? I can't stand when they keep skipping around. 1 hour of skating, then pop over to snowboarding for 20 minutes, then curling - wth! I can't keep up, not to mention that they're not even showing all of the medal winners' performances. I missed the other Chinese pair's skate & they won the bronze - did I miss it, or did they just not show it? :shrug: Oh well, I'll just keep checking the Canadian station.

They did show the other Chinese pair, the bronze medal winners, but they showed them very early. I agree with you about the coverage. I haven't liked it at all this time.

[jadegypsy]

:( For those who follow it's probably not breaking news, but Michelle Kwan has withdrawn due to injuring her groin again in practice on Saturday, she took a bad fall, and called the team doctor that night, the next morning she withdrew, citing she respected the Olympics to much to compete when she can't be 100%. Emily Hughes will be taking her place. As for retirment it has not been confirmed...Kwan is leaving and heading back home so "she will not be a distraction."

A class act if I have ever seen one, I soooo wanted the storybook ending for her, but even in her press conference she noted it's not about the gold, and she is okay if she never wins it. It makes me sad to think this is how her career might end...

[DavidMn]

:( For those who follow it's probably not breaking news, but Michelle Kwan has withdrawn due to injuring her groin again in practice on Saturday, she took a bad fall, and called the team doctor that night, the next morning she withdrew, citing she respected the Olympics to much to compete when she can't be 100%. Emily Hughes will be taking her place. As for retirment it has not been confirmed...Kwan is leaving and heading back home so "she will not be a distraction."

A class act if I have ever seen one, I soooo wanted the storybook ending for her, but even in her press conference she noted it's not about the gold, and she is okay if she never wins it. It makes me sad to think this is how her career might end...Here's the deal for me. Yeah it wouldve been nice to win gold, but she does have 2 olympic medals. For me, winning a silver or bronze at the olympics is different than say losing in the super bowl, where nobody remembers you. Winning a medal, and in Michell's case 2, is something to be EXTREMELY proud of. To me, her not winning gold is no big deal.

[jadegypsy]

DavidMn: I completely agree with you, for me I don't care if she doesn't have the olympic gold medal, she is the best skater I will ever know and has moved me more then any other:) Of course like you said it's not like her resume is laking, 2 olympic medals 5 world golds and 9 national titles, not too shabby:thumbsup:

[DavidMn]

DavidMn: I completely agree with you, for me I don't care if she doesn't have the olympic gold medal, she is the best skater I will ever know and has moved me more then any other:) Of course like you said it's not like her resume is laking, 2 olympic medals 5 world golds and 9 national titles, not too shabby:thumbsup:Look at it this way too, when she didnt win the gold in Nagano and Salt Lake City, it's not like she had a major ****up and fell on her ass a bunch of times, she just happened to get outskated. There's no shame in that.

[DavidMn]

Johnny Weir is second too after the short program. I'd love to see him win gold for the USA, but Plushenko looks insurmountable at this point.

[Serrart]

Johnny Weir is second too after the short program. I'd love to see him win gold for the USA, but Plushenko looks insurmountable at this point.


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I've just seen Plushenko and he was indeed on another planet. Weir chickened out, tried to go safe for the medal cutting out many difficult passages but judges can't stand who do that and in fact he went out of the podium. I can't say I'm really disappointed he isn't really an exciting skater.

Romy

[DavidMn]

I've just seen Plushenko and he was indeed on another planet. Weir chickened out, tried to go safe for the medal cutting out many difficult passages but judges can't stand who do that and in fact he went out of the podium. I can't say I'm really disappointed he isn't really an exciting skater.

RomyReally? so Weir didnt get a medal huh?

[skcin]

I've just seen Plushenko and he was indeed on another planet. Weir chickened out, tried to go safe for the medal cutting out many difficult passages but judges can't stand who do that and in fact he went out of the podium. I can't say I'm really disappointed he isn't really an exciting skater.

Romy


Ummmmmm, Romy? Can you warn us when you're going to post a spoiler next time? We won't get to see this in the U.S. until tonight - not that I need to bother watching it now...:p

[Serrart]

Ummmmmm, Romy? Can you warn us when you're going to post a spoiler next time? We won't get to see this in the U.S. until tonight - not that I need to bother watching it now...:p

Ooops :sorry: :o :sorry:.
I've been an idiot, I didn't think about that, I'm going to add a huge spoiler warning, even if it's a bit late I guess. Paula, give it a look anyway, it isn't over yet, but even only for Plushenko, it's a great evening.

Romy

[Serrart]

Really? so Weir didnt get a medal huh?

Sorry again David for telling it before you had the chance to watch it.

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It isn't over yet, but Weir is definitely out of the podium. He did a good program
but didn't risk at all on the jumps, and went a bit too safe for the judges. Now I'm hoping for Takahashi to go for silver.

Romy

[DavidMn]

Sorry again David for telling it before you had the chance to watch it.

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It isn't over yet, but Weir is definitely out of the podium. He did a good program
but didn't risk at all on the jumps, and went a bit too safe for the judges. Now I'm hoping for Takahashi to go for silver.

RomyDont worry about it. I'll still watch. Refresh my momory, did Plushenko win gold in Salt Lake?

[Serrart]

Dont worry about it. I'll still watch. Refresh my momory, did Plushenko win gold in Salt Lake?

No he lost to Yagudin (as ever), Plushenko has been waiting all his career for this moment.

Romy

[DavidMn]

No he lost to Yagudin (as ever), Plushenko has been waiting all his career for this moment.

RomySo, if I'm not mistaken, Katerina Witt is the only one to win gold at 2 consecutive olympics?

[Serrart]

So, if I'm not mistaken, Katerina Witt is the only one to win gold at 2 consecutive olympics?

I think so, in 1984 and 1988.

Romy

[skcin]

Ooops :sorry: :o :sorry:.
I've been an idiot, I didn't think about that, I'm going to add a huge spoiler warning, even if it's a bit late I guess. Paula, give it a look anyway, it isn't over yet, but even only for Plushenko, it's a great evening.

Romy


That's OK, I'll probably still watch. :xoxo:

[DavidMn]

I think so, in 1984 and 1988.

RomyShe was amazing, wasnt she? I dont know if I've ever seen a more dominating figure skater. Especially these days when someone wins gold and then turns pro.

[Serrart]

She was amazing, wasnt she? I dont know if I've ever seen a more dominating figure skater. Especially these days when someone wins gold and then turns pro.

She definitely was a magnetic and commanding presence on ice. Her Carmen as Torvill -Dean's Bolero, is one of the most electrifying and memorable programs ever presented.

Romy

[DavidMn]

She definitely was a magnetic and commanding presence on ice. Her Carmen as Torvill -Dean's Bolero, is one of the most electrifying and memorable programs ever presented.

RomyAnd Ive seen her do some commentating lately on TV. Quite the ambassador for the sport, which is nice to see.

[Erin]

I think so, in 1984 and 1988.

Romy
To de lurk for a moment. Actually Sonja Henie won three Olympic Gold Medals in figure skating consecutively 1928, 1932, 1936.

[DavidMn]

To de lurk for a moment. Actually Sonja Henie won three Olympic Gold Medals in figure skating consecutively 1928, 1932, 1936.Ok, and I looked it up, and Dick Button won in '48 and '52. But it's still very rare.

[Serrart]

And Ive seen her do some commentating lately on TV. Quite the ambassador for the sport, which is nice to see.

Absolutely, she's a really classy lady now and was a very generous skater. When she came back for 1994 Olympics she was the one to promptly help Bayul and Szewczenko after their collision.

Romy

[Serrart]

To de lurk for a moment. Actually Sonja Henie won three Olympic Gold Medals in figure skating consecutively 1928, 1932, 1936.

I had no idea, it's incredible, thanks for telling us.:) .

Romy

[DavidMn]

Absolutely, she's a really classy lady now and was a very generous skater. When she came back for 1994 Olympics she was the one to promptly help Bayul and Szewczenko after their collision.

RomyWhat's going on with Oksana Baiul these days? I know she really had some trouble there for awhile.

[DavidMn]

Romy, I'll tell you, for my money my favorite skaters ever were Goordeeva and Grinkov. Nobody better than them in my opinion. It was so sad when he died.:(

[Serrart]

Romy, I'll tell you, for my money my favorite skaters ever were Goordeeva and Grinkov. Nobody better than them in my opinion. It was so sad when he died.:(

Well, they were poetry on ice. It struck me deeply too when I heard the news of his death. I have a similar feeling for Klimova Ponomarenko, even after many years when I see their programs my heart jumps.

Romy

[DavidMn]

Well, they were poetry on ice. It struck me deeply too when I heard the news of his death. I have a similar feeling for Klimova Ponomarenko, even after many years when I see their programs my heart jumps.

RomySay, a couple of other related olympic notes for you. I was doing some looking ahead and found out the 2010 winter games are in Vancouver. Ive never been there, but that will be one of the best venues ever!!! A very cosmopolitan city right on the ocean. Cant wait for that. Then I was looking at the finalists for 2014, and one of the places was (And I know I'm going to misspell this) Kazhakstan. I was like, what's there that would make an olympic commitee consider it?:lol:

[Serrart]

Say, a couple of other related olympic notes for you. I was doing some looking ahead and found out the 2010 winter games are in Vancouver. Ive never been there, but that will be one of the best venues ever!!! A very cosmopolitan city right on the ocean. Cant wait for that. Then I was looking at the finalists for 2014, and one of the places was (And I know I'm going to misspell this) Kazhakstan. I was like, what's there that would make an olympic commitee consider it?:lol:

Who knows, maybe Kazakhstan is full of hidden beauties (they have some great filmakers though), but some how I doubt it will be chosen. ;)

About Baiul, I think her life is back on track after the disintossication program, she stills skates in professional shows.

Romy

[elie]

No he lost to Yagudin (as ever), Plushenko has been waiting all his career for this moment.

Romy

And rightly so, IMO. I can see how Plushenko gets the golds now that Yagudin is not competing anymore, but for me, Yagudin will always be the most exciting male skater.I still get chills if I happen to watch his exhibition program fot the 2002 Olympics (the one with the Michael Nyman music). Just the other day they showed his LP from the 2002 Olys on tv, during an intermission and OMG, that was what I call a glorious olympic moment.Plushenko is ok of course, but he gets on my nerves. I don't know how to put it, but if he were an actor I would say that he overacts. I sooooo prefer Stephane Lambiel. Ok, he is not that stable or technically perfect, but he's so sincerely emotional and a joy to watch..

Now, as to the pairs (since I didn't write for a while). Totmianina&Marinin's medal was well deserved, ok, but God, I hate this woman.Especially after her interview (for those who didn't watch, she pretty much openly said that the chinese pair got what they deserved-the fall- because they had been very agressive during the warm-up!!). Even if that were true, you don't just go on tv and talk like that!!! Sorry to say this, but I am glad that they won't compete again. And even more glad that my all-time favorite couple Xue Shen&HongBo Zhao got bronze:)

Anyway, enough with complaining..Looking forward to the Ice-Dancing tonight, even though I am bit disappointed about Denkova&Staviski. 5th place after the OD doesn't look promising..:(

[gldstwmn]

Did anyone see that poor girl fom Canada get dropped on her hip last night? Ouch. And what was with everyone falling?

[Serrart]

Did anyone see that poor girl fom Canada get dropped on her hip last night? Ouch. And what was with everyone falling?

Could you believe it? It's really rare to see people falling in dance, but yesterday was surreal, I'm starting to think they indulged too much with Barbera (typical, heavy bodied red wine from that part of Italy). The Canadians, Denkova Stavinski, both the Italian couples (and Fusar Poli - Margaglio who were in the first position, with that mistake lost almost all the chances for a medal) went down. The only good surprise was the American couple who is now second. Navka Kostomarov were perfect as ever but I found them boring, even if tonight I'm curious to see their Carmen Suite.

Romy

[gldstwmn]

The only good surprise was the American couple who is now second. Navka Kostomarov were perfect as ever but I found them boring, even if tonight I'm curious to see their Carmen Suite.

Romy

The Americans were great last night. And I agree with you about the Russians. They were technically perfect but not very compelling to watch.

[skcin]

Did anyone see that poor girl fom Canada get dropped on her hip last night? Ouch. And what was with everyone falling?


Yes! It was terrible - everyone falling for apparently no reason.

Did you guys see the look Fusar-Poli gave her partner after he dropped her & blew their first place spot? :eek: Talk about if looks could kill, I thought she was gonna smack him! She didn't move for, like, 30 seconds & just stared at him. I was scared. :laugh:

I missed my Bulgarian team (stupid NBC), I see they're in 5th or 6th - did they fall too? The Americans were really superb, the Russians were good but they were evaluating them on Canadian TV & they pointed out how far apart they were & that many of their steps were NOT in unison. So screw them. :laugh:

I hope it's Bulgaria, U.S. and, what the hell, I'll throw in Canada for the top 3. Of course, unless the Russians totally blow it, they're sure to medal.

[GypsySorcerer]

Yes! It was terrible - everyone falling for apparently no reason.

Did you guys see the look Fusar-Poli gave her partner after he dropped her & blew their first place spot? :eek: Talk about if looks could kill, I thought she was gonna smack him! She didn't move for, like, 30 seconds & just stared at him. I was scared. :laugh:

I missed my Bulgarian team (stupid NBC), I see they're in 5th or 6th - did they fall too? The Americans were really superb, the Russians were good but they were evaluating them on Canadian TV & they pointed out how far apart they were & that many of their steps were NOT in unison. So screw them. :laugh:

I hope it's Bulgaria, U.S. and, what the hell, I'll throw in Canada for the top 3. Of course, unless the Russians totally blow it, they're sure to medal.

I thought Fusar-Poli was going to belt him.

I really like the Lithuanian couple, even though they probably won't medal. If the US can medal in ice dance, that will be such a welcomed change. :)

[skcin]

I thought Fusar-Poli was going to belt him.

I really like the Lithuanian couple, even though they probably won't medal. If the US can medal in ice dance, that will be such a welcomed change. :)


I missed the Lithuanians too. Grrrr...all I caught was the final group. Tonight's the free skate, right? I will just have to sit through hours of other trash so I don't miss anything this time.

[JazmenFlowers]

I missed the Lithuanians too. Grrrr...all I caught was the final group. Tonight's the free skate, right? I will just have to sit through hours of other trash so I don't miss anything this time.
I know! the scheduling sucks. I don't understand it. I haven't watched nearly as much as I wanted to cause I'm not gonna watch 2 hrs of curling for 30 mins of figure skating

[Serrart]

Yes! It was terrible - everyone falling for apparently no reason.

Did you guys see the look Fusar-Poli gave her partner after he dropped her & blew their first place spot? :eek: Talk about if looks could kill, I thought she was gonna smack him! She didn't move for, like, 30 seconds & just stared at him. I was scared. :laugh:

I missed my Bulgarian team (stupid NBC), I see they're in 5th or 6th - did they fall too? The Americans were really superb, the Russians were good but they were evaluating them on Canadian TV & they pointed out how far apart they were & that many of their steps were NOT in unison. So screw them. :laugh:

I hope it's Bulgaria, U.S. and, what the hell, I'll throw in Canada for the top 3. Of course, unless the Russians totally blow it, they're sure to medal.

We have been seeing again that killing look by Fusar Poli in any news coverage :nod:. She was really angry and was right because Margaglio did the mess, was too slow for all the program and lost the balance.
Yes, Denkova Stavinski fell, and it was really strange because it wasn't a particular difficult passage, but as the Italians they were at the end of the program so probably it could have been an excess of confidence. I'm looking forward to their program on Albinoni's Adagio, the music is so beautiful. I definitely like them more than the Russians, and it's strange because I'm a huge fan of Russian School.

Romy

[Serrart]

I thought Fusar-Poli was going to belt him.

I really like the Lithuanian couple, even though they probably won't medal. If the US can medal in ice dance, that will be such a welcomed change. :)

I'm not making the same mistake I did a couple of days ago :o telling the results, but I'm just watching the free programs and the Lithuanians were wonderful... the Italians were great too (even if by their expressions they seemed just come back from a funeral) and even hugged at the end. :)

Romy

[GypsySorcerer]

I missed the Lithuanians too. Grrrr...all I caught was the final group. Tonight's the free skate, right? I will just have to sit through hours of other trash so I don't miss anything this time.

Yep, tonight's the free skate. I'm trying to avoid any results so I can be "surprised." I can't wait until the womens' competition starts tomorrow.

[amber]

Yep, tonight's the free skate. I'm trying to avoid any results so I can be "surprised." I can't wait until the womens' competition starts tomorrow.
Finally. :blob2:
I don't like pairs that much. But I thought the news last night was showing random falling clips from all time (the sound was off) but you guys say everyone was actually falling yesterday?! Bwahahahahaha!!! They showed quite a few brutal ones on the news. I can't believe that many falls in the olympics!

[skcin]

I'm not making the same mistake I did a couple of days ago :o telling the results, but I'm just watching the free programs and the Lithuanians were wonderful... the Italians were great too (even if by their expressions they seemed just come back from a funeral) and even hugged at the end. :)

Romy


Awww, Romy, you're sweet. :xoxo:

[Beachwood Mac]

Did you guys see the look Fusar-Poli gave her partner after he dropped her & blew their first place spot? :eek: Talk about if looks could kill, I thought she was gonna smack him! She didn't move for, like, 30 seconds & just stared at him. I was scared. :laugh:


She kept mouthing the word "puta" (not sure if I can write that?) while she was going to the seat to wait for the results. I had to google it to see if it had the same meaning in Italian as it does in Spanish. It does and she was pissed :eek:

Terry

[skcin]

She kept mouthing the word "puta" (not sure if I can write that?) while she was going to the seat to wait for the results. I had to google it to see if it had the same meaning in Italian as it does in Spanish. It does and she was pissed :eek:

Terry


I thought that was a bad word. Which one is it? :p

[Serrart]

I thought that was a bad word. Which one is it? :p

Well... just think to women who sell themselves for money. Actually I didn't even notice she was saying that, I guess I was too busy repeating " no, no, no"... and other words.

Romy

[skcin]

Well... just think to women who sell themselves for money. Actually I didn't even notice she was saying that, I guess I was too busy repeating " no, no, no"... and other words.

Romy


OK, thanks. I thought it was that or the "C" word. She was really scary, I would have turned around and ran, just as fast as I can.

[Serrart]

OK, thanks. I thought it was that or the "C" word. She was really scary, I would have turned around and ran, just as fast as I can.

You should have seen her when they almost fell (but won bronze) at the Olympics in 2002. But tonight, you'll see, she was less serial killer-like and showed her most fragile part.

Romy

[DavidMn]

Sorry to digress, but MacMan will you please clear your pm's.:)

[MoonChilde]

Say, a couple of other related olympic notes for you. I was doing some looking ahead and found out the 2010 winter games are in Vancouver. Ive never been there, but that will be one of the best venues ever!!! A very cosmopolitan city right on the ocean. Cant wait for that. Then I was looking at the finalists for 2014, and one of the places was (And I know I'm going to misspell this) Kazhakstan. I was like, what's there that would make an olympic commitee consider it?:lol:
David..Vancouver is a beautiful city with so much to see and do...and even in winter its great..for no snow .but lots of rain..of course there is snow in the mountains..and the skiing is the best..I can;t wait for them either..for we are all hoping our niece will be going there to compete..if she keeps doing as well as she is doing now in ice dancing..She was just in the junior nationals and placed 4th..So she has a few years of practice and then on to the Olympics..lol..Having lived on the west coast for many years I can tell you the Canadian Rockies and vancouver and vancouver island are so worth seeing..if you are serious about going ..be sure to book something well in advance though..sighhhh I miss BC...

[DavidMn]

David..Vancouver is a beautiful city with so much to see and do...and even in winter its great..for no snow .but lots of rain..of course there is snow in the mountains..and the skiing is the best..I can;t wait for them either..for we are all hoping our niece will be going there to compete..if she keeps doing as well as she is doing now in ice dancing..She was just in the junior nationals and placed 4th..So she has a few years of practice and then on to the Olympics..lol..Having lived on the west coast for many years I can tell you the Canadian Rockies and vancouver and vancouver island are so worth seeing..if you are serious about going ..be sure to book something well in advance though..sighhhh I miss BC...I've never ben there, but I wanna go someday. whats sport does your niece compete in? whats her name?

[MoonChilde]

you will love Vancouver..there are some great beaches there too..and Stanley park is quite nice too..
My niece..well actually its my husband's nieces' daughter..lol..got that?? her name is Emily..and she does ice dancing...she still has a way to go before she is olympic ready but we are all hoping!!
I'm going to be in Vancouver in August ..whoo hoo can;t wait...haven't been there in 4 years...so we plan on doing lots while there..and then head north...back to our old stomping grounds...LOL..

[elie]

Regarding Fusar-Poli:apart from the fact that their Compulsory marks were inflated, the look she gave to Margaglio (sp?) was just unprofessional. Period. I 've seen couples falling all the time (especially in the pairs competition) but have never seen anyone acting like this. It was hideous. I am not going to say I am glad they fell but they did not deserve to finish higher than they did.

I am not even going to comment on the Ice-Dance podium. It was ridiculous, once again. Not just because I am a huge Denkova&Staviyski fan (as of Delobel&Schoenfelder), but I just.can.not.stand. Navka&Kostomarov getting the golds anymore. How can such a cautious, oldfashioned and,sometimes boring, program win over fine art and innovation? I have always believed that Denkova&Staviyski are the only ones who could ever live up to the glory that was Torvill&Deans' Bolero, but it seems that the fact they are not Russian is a big obstacle nowadays:distress:
I am not saying that N&K suck, but I truly believe that the impact they have on the crowd is just superficial. They give the people (and the judges) what they want to see and they get away with gold, whereas talented people like the Bulgarians and the French put their heart into their programs and their dances actually mean something, stay out of the podium. To me, seeing the Bulgarians out of the podium is the same as it would have been if Torvill&Dean had not gotten the gold in 1984.

PS.I was happy about Belbin&Agosto though: their program was fresh and fun to watch.

[skcin]

ITA, Elie. I thought I was biased since I am Bulgarian, but I'm glad someone else thought they were robbed too. :( 2 POINT DEDUCTION for their lifts being too long? Come on, people FALL and they only get a 1 point deduction. That lift, where she was holding on to him by ONE FOOT was incredible. They were powerful, technically spot on but still very artistic. Stupid judges.

Fusar-Poli - you're right, totally unprofessional, very poor sportsmanship. Did you see the "behind the scenes" clips they showed on TV? She just kept staring at him, they said she wouldn't talk to him that whole night or the next day. Cold as ice right up until they skated the free skate.

I felt the most emotion from the Bulgarians, the silver-winning Americans and the Lithuanians. The Russians - eh, they didn't screw up or anything, but I just didn't "feel" them like I did the other teams. And the bronze-winning Ukrainians? Stiff, cold, and dull - and what was with their Las Vegas showgirl costumes? If they were my countrymen, I would be embarrassed that they were on the podium wearing that. :shocked: Fringe on her chest? She looked like a stripper.

Good competition, though, even though I personally wasn't thrilled with the results.

[Serrart]

Regarding Fusar-Poli:apart from the fact that their Compulsory marks were inflated, the look she gave to Margaglio (sp?) was just unprofessional. Period. I 've seen couples falling all the time (especially in the pairs competition) but have never seen anyone acting like this. It was hideous. I am not going to say I am glad they fell but they did not deserve to finish higher than they did.

I am not even going to comment on the Ice-Dance podium. It was ridiculous, once again. Not just because I am a huge Denkova&Staviyski fan (as of Delobel&Schoenfelder), but I just.can.not.stand. Navka&Kostomarov getting the golds anymore. How can such a cautious, oldfashioned and,sometimes boring, program win over fine art and innovation? I have always believed that Denkova&Staviyski are the only ones who could ever live up to the glory that was Torvill&Deans' Bolero, but it seems that the fact they are not Russian is a big obstacle nowadays:distress:
I am not saying that N&K suck, but I truly believe that the impact they have on the crowd is just superficial. They give the people (and the judges) what they want to see and they get away with gold, whereas talented people like the Bulgarians and the French put their heart into their programs and their dances actually mean something, stay out of the podium. To me, seeing the Bulgarians out of the podium is the same as it would have been if Torvill&Dean had not gotten the gold in 1984.

PS.I was happy about Belbin&Agosto though: their program was fresh and fun to watch.

I totally agree about Fusar Poli Margaglio, their behaviour was unprofessional and brought on a very negative vibe. The only excuse is their history at 2002 Olympics, they were looking for a new chance and totally missed it.

About Denkov and Stavinski, i think differently, they didn't deserve a medal this round: first they fell during their compulsory dance (edit: sorry I meant the original) and then gained a 2 points detractions during their free (people who fell and got only one point detraction was because they fell at the end of the step or jump, if you fall at the start you got a two points detraction). Even the comparison with Torvill Dean doesn't fit, IMO: Torvill-Dean, starting by a masterful technique challenged the rules with inventions, Denkov and Stavinski made technical mistakes, I guess because they were nervous and anxious to prove they were the best new thing.
I was a bit disappointed by them: they have definitely ahead a bright future full of victories, but they need to become a bit more focused. Actually I think Delobel&Schoenfelder did a lot better then them, and in fact their free ended second. They were innovative and technically impeccable, if their compulsory dance hadn't been dull, they would have gained at least silver IMO. The American couple was very good too.

About Navka Kostomarov, I don't like them really, and it was a bit like to see Carmen danced by Terminator regarding to Kostomarov, but he's technically a rock, and Navka is an excellent and very expressive skater. Actually it seems judges didn't love a lot their free (probably because they missed the elegance, musicality and artistic value of other Russian couples, like Klimova Ponomarenko, Grishuk-Platov, Usova-Zhulin) but they did it very well, and so, at the end, they deserved that medal, mostly for been the most reliable couple this time, IMO.

Romy

[skcin]

^ I know that the Bulgarians fell in their second routine, so all medal hopes were pretty much gone. But I think the scores were very, very low for their free skate. JMO.

As far as the Russians, there was a stumble getting up from one of their positions, but I guess the judges don't penalize for stumbling? :shrug:

BTW - I forgot to mention how heartbreaking it was that the Canadian couple couldn't dance due to her hip injury. So sad. Her partner skated during practice & touched the Olympic rings printed on the ice. Later, they asked him why he did that, and he got too choked up to explain. She then told them that she asked him to do that, because she had planned to touch the rings after their free skate. :(

[Serrart]

As far as the Russians, there was a stumble getting up from one of their positions, but I guess the judges don't penalize for stumbling? :shrug:

Actually there were two minor stumbles, but even with those, they managed to keep the synchronization during the sequence, I guess that's why they weren't penalized with a point.

Romy

[bikerchic]

I believe she wears the necklace all the time and she is on the Celeb Skating show. Is nice to see Dorothy Hamill as one of the judges. She is one of my favorite skaters.
What happened to Skating with Celeb's this week? Why wasn't it on? It was on last week, even with the Olympics on?

[bikerchic]

[QUOTE=skcin
BTW - I forgot to mention how heartbreaking it was that the Canadian couple couldn't dance due to her hip injury. So sad. Her partner skated during practice & touched the Olympic rings printed on the ice. Later, they asked him why he did that, and he got too choked up to explain. She then told them that she asked him to do that, because she had planned to touch the rings after their free skate. :([/QUOTE]


I saw that too, so sad. Gotta love those Canadians :D

[elie]

About Denkov and Stavinski, i think differently, they didn't deserve a medal this round: first they fell during their compulsory dance (edit: sorry I meant the original) and then gained a 2 points detractions during their free (people who fell and got only one point detraction was because they fell at the end of the step or jump, if you fall at the start you got a two points detraction). Even the comparison with Torvill Dean doesn't fit, IMO: Torvill-Dean, starting by a masterful technique challenged the rules with inventions, Denkov and Stavinski made technical mistakes, I guess because they were nervous and anxious to prove they were the best new thing.
I was a bit disappointed by them: they have definitely ahead a bright future full of victories, but they need to become a bit more focused. Actually I think Delobel&Schoenfelder did a lot better then them, and in fact their free ended second. They were innovative and technically impeccable, if their compulsory dance hadn't been dull, they would have gained at least silver IMO. The American couple was very good too.

About Navka Kostomarov, I don't like them really, and it was a bit like to see Carmen danced by Terminator regarding to Kostomarov, but he's technically a rock, and Navka is an excellent and very expressive skater. Actually it seems judges didn't love a lot their free (probably because they missed the elegance, musicality and artistic value of other Russian couples, like Klimova Ponomarenko, Grishuk-Platov, Usova-Zhulin) but they did it very well, and so, at the end, they deserved that medal, mostly for been the most reliable couple this time, IMO.

Romy

Romy, I understand that my view about Denk&Stav must have sounded a bit exaggerated and I didn't imply that they are as good as Torvill&Dean. What I mostly meant was that their performances are breathtaking and innovative and that is why they could potentially deliver a magnificent performance like Bolero some day. IMO they are the only couple who are capable of doing that . But they won't. Because, as you said, they are always too stressed to prove they are good while they don't actually have to. And IMO, this happens exactly because they are always underrated by the judges.
Delobel&Schoenfelder are great, but a bit more immature still, I think. They need some work.
And I would have to disagree with you about the deductions. 2 points is just too much and it was not even clear for what it was. Extended lifts, I think. But then, 2 points cannot be by any means justified, when that's what you get when you fall, which is a much bigger mistake.

Navka is fine, but I can't for the life of me believe that Kostomarov is a golden olympic champion, as was Gwendal Peizerat or Christopher Dean before him. It's too much.
When my mind goes back to the golden olympic performances I want to have something glorious and emotional to remember, something that still gives me the chills after many years-and Carmen just wasn't it. And apart from Bach to Africa, which was a Denk&Stav program that I didn't particularly care for, I can't think of any program that the Bulgarians did which was not memorable or exciting, to say the least.

[DavidMn]

you will love Vancouver..there are some great beaches there too..and Stanley park is quite nice too..
My niece..well actually its my husband's nieces' daughter..lol..got that?? her name is Emily..and she does ice dancing...she still has a way to go before she is olympic ready but we are all hoping!!
I'm going to be in Vancouver in August ..whoo hoo can;t wait...haven't been there in 4 years...so we plan on doing lots while there..and then head north...back to our old stomping grounds...LOL..
Here's hoping she makes it!:thumbsup:

[DavidMn]

How about the american pair getting only the second U.S Medal ever in Ice Dancing. Pretty cool.:thumbsup:

[elie]

I am sorry for the second post, but I just remembered. I have been reading forums all over the internet today (not a very busy day huh?) and I was surprised to see that many american fans are also disappointed by the results. Some even mentioned that Delobel&Schienfelder are so disgusted by the constant robbing that they might withdraw from competitions altogether, if they same thing happens at world champs. Now, I don't know if that's true and it would certainly be unpleasant (and sort of childish should I say), but I think that it is pretty much obvious to everyone that the podium is most of the times pre-planned.

DavidMn, that was cool! And it was well deserved, I think, at least they were rightfully above the Ucrainians.

[Serrart]

Romy, I understand that my view about Denk&Stav must have sounded a bit exaggerated and I didn't imply that they are as good as Torvill&Dean. What I mostly meant was that their performances are breathtaking and innovative and that is why they could potentially deliver a magnificent performance like Bolero some day. IMO they are the only couple who are capable of doing that . But they won't. Because, as you said, they are always too stressed to prove they are good while they don't actually have to. And IMO, this happens exactly because they are always underrated by the judges.

Elie, they are just a step apart from being the best. They just got nervous. The 2 points deduction looks really too high, and till now I've just found the scores on the singular elements of judgement, not the reasons for the deduction. Even though watching the program the extendend lifts are definitely there, and they shouldn't, especially if your opponents point almost everything on the skating quality. But Navka-Kostomarov aren't as loved as they seem, many judges don't appreciate them, and a quite obvious sign was their score at compulsory dances.

I agree on Delobel&Schoenfelder, they're very good but Denkova & Stavinski's class, talent and potential are much higher. I just meant the French couple managed to stay calmer. About Delobel&Schoenfelder being furious, they just have to watch again their original dance. Nobody could win a medal with a performance like that.

Romy

[DavidMn]

Elie, they are just a step apart from being the best. They just got nervous. The 2 points deduction looks really too high, and till now I've just found the sscores on the singular elements of judgement, not the reasons for the deduction. Even though watching the program the extendend lifts are definitely there, and they shouldn't, especially if your opponents point almost everything on the skating quality. But Navka-Kostomarov aren't as loved as they seem, many judges don't appreciate them, and a quite obvious sign was their score at compulsory dances.

I agree on Delobel&Schoenfelder, they're very good but Denkova & Stavinski's class, talent and potential are much higher. I just meant the French couple managed to stay calmer. About their being furious, they just have to watch again their original dance. Nobody could win a medal with a performance like that.

RomyDamn, you reall know your skating. I'm duly impressed.:)

[skcin]

Tacky, tacky, tacky. :shocked:

http://www.ifsmagazine.com/forum/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=465

[JazmenFlowers]

Tacky, tacky, tacky. :shocked:

http://www.ifsmagazine.com/forum/index.php?act=Attach&type=post&id=465
oh my stars:confused:

[elie]

As DavidMn said, Romy, you really know what you are talking about and I am very glad that I can finally share views with someone who is into ice-dancing:) . Personally I don't know anyone else..

I didn't catch the Original Dance so I don't know about Del&Schoen, but you 've got to be right and I thought that her reaction was sort of inappropriate. I am with athletes who accept defeat with grace (irrelevant, but that is why, in tennis, I absolutely love Kim Clijsters!) and I didn't like her reaction, even though I am a fan of theirs and I thought they deserved the bronze over the Ucrainians. I mean the same thing (sort of) happened with Petrova&Tikhonov in pairs and they didn't show any negative emotions, isn't that so?

@skcin: About the costumes- they are HIDEOUS!!:shocked: And I didn't care much for their program either.

[Serrart]

As DavidMn said, Romy, you really know what you are talking about and I am very glad that I can finally share views with someone who is into ice-dancing:) . Personally I don't know anyone else..

Well, thank you both but I've just been an avid figure skating watcher as some others of us for a certain period of time, now I still have to find someone who makes me a fan again.

I didn't catch the Original Dance so I don't know about Del&Schoen, but you 've got to be right and I thought that her reaction was sort of inappropriate. I am with athletes who accept defeat with grace (irrelevant, but that is why, in tennis, I absolutely love Kim Clijsters!) and I didn't like her reaction, even though I am a fan of theirs and I thought they deserved the bronze over the Ucrainians. I mean the same thing (sort of) happened with Petrova&Tikhonov in pairs and they didn't show any negative emotions, isn't that so?

I totally agree. That's why I'm disheartened for the Fusar Poli- Margaglio's reaction. We really gave a bad image to remember. For the Russians, when they lose (it happens sometimes), their discipline helps I guess. Certainly I'd like to see Kostomarov's reaction to a second or third place. :D

I hope you'll have the chance to see Delobel&Schoenfelder's original dance. For me it wasn't properly bad, but totally lacking of ambition and inspiration. It had written on it "wood medal".

Romy

[elie]

Certainly I'd like to see Kostomarov's reaction to a second or third place. :D

Romy

Lol! That would certainly be something to see...

Anyway, did you watch the Ladies' Short Program? I thought that Sasha Cohen was stunning - even though I am not a big fan of hers. But I think I want her to win. I was very sad about Carolina Kostner though, she fell in the combination and got 11th place (I think).

I usually skip the Ladies's competition since it is my least favorite , but this time it is going to be exciting. Sasha leads by 3/100 only and Irina Slutskaya is second. It's going to be a tough final at last! I hated the fact that I knew before the olympics who was going to get the gold in the Mens' competition

[Patti]

What happened to Skating with Celeb's this week? Why wasn't it on? It was on last week, even with the Olympics on?

The finale is on this coming Monday night, 8/7c.

[GypsySorcerer]

I am really happy Cohen is in the lead at this point, although it is so miniscule and her track record isn't the best in long programs anyway. It will be very close. I have never been a fan of Slutskaya. She skated with a lot of energy and speed (as she always does), but usually her performances lack a little something for me. Cohen is superior to the rest of the field artistically, IMO, and her positions/extension in the spirals and spins are just superb.

[gldstwmn]

I saw little Sasha for the first time last night. She is adorable and very flexible. :laugh: I hope she wins.

[skcin]

Slutskaya bugs me, I don't know why. I actually liked that she wore pants, though, kind of cool. Weird how that wasn't allowed until this year? Last year? Seems a bit archaeic to tell the ladies they had to wear skirts until now. :rolleyes:

I thought all the Americans skated beautifully. Bigtime kudos to Emily Hughes, who didn't even know she'd be skating at ALL until Kwan withdrew, then had to get her ass to Italy in a hurry. Nice going. Kimmie Meissner was a nice surprise too.

I think the standings are accurate, Sasha Cohen really was flawless. She's very elegant and has amazing balance, clean edges. I could really tell just how good she was when they did the (crap, what's it called? Figure 8? Where they go back & forth in different poses on one foot) - she was so smooth, so poised, so balanced. Others were kind of jerky or shaky at times. And where other skaters look awkward (or sometimes vulgar) in certain poses, she looks beautiful.

[jannieC]

Slutskaya bugs me, I don't know why.

Is that really her name??? Yes, me too- and I don't know why either. She's obviously had a rough time of it (lot of illness) yet still, her affect bugs me. I wish I could understand what she was saying to herself over and over before her routine. However, I thought she looked GREAT in the pants outfit. I just didn't think she skated as well as she apparently had been expected to. And what was up with her leaving before everyone was done skating? Maybe she was really tired? :confused:

I thought all the Americans skated beautifully. Bigtime kudos to Emily Hughes, who didn't even know she'd be skating at ALL until Kwan withdrew, then had to get her ass to Italy in a hurry. Nice going.

And even though she seemed annoying to me as well, it was cute how excited and happy she was over her performance.

[GypsySorcerer]

I think the standings are accurate, Sasha Cohen really was flawless. She's very elegant and has amazing balance, clean edges. I could really tell just how good she was when they did the (crap, what's it called? Figure 8? Where they go back & forth in different poses on one foot) - she was so smooth, so poised, so balanced. Others were kind of jerky or shaky at times. And where other skaters look awkward (or sometimes vulgar) in certain poses, she looks beautiful.

Her spiral sequence. It is flawless; one of the best I've seen. It really is all the connecting moves, the spins, the footwork, etc that add to the performance. I hate when all a skater can do is jump well. And, I just sounded like Dick Button there. :laugh:

[DavidMn]

Cohen would really have to screw up pretty bad not to get a medal now. I lvoe how its so close. It will make for a very exciting Thursday evening.

[skcin]

Her spiral sequence. It is flawless; one of the best I've seen. It really is all the connecting moves, the spins, the footwork, etc that add to the performance. I hate when all a skater can do is jump well. And, I just sounded like Dick Button there. :laugh:


Yes! Spiral sequence! Thanks, Mr. Button! :lol:

He's been driving me nuts - "even though she royally f*cked that up, she's really just a pleasure to watch..." or "what a pleasant program that was..." :rolleyes:


Cohen would really have to screw up pretty bad not to get a medal now. I lvoe how its so close. It will make for a very exciting Thursday evening.

Not really, it's so close that the littlest stumble could ruin everything. She's not consistent, she tends to make mistakes when under pressure. Hopefully the short program provided her with confidence so that she can stay relaxed & just skate her heart out Thursday.

[GypsySorcerer]

Yes! Spiral sequence! Thanks, Mr. Button! :lol:

He's been driving me nuts - "even though she royally f*cked that up, she's really just a pleasure to watch..." or "what a pleasant program that was..." :rolleyes:


He is a real pill. He's been commentating for as long as I can remember, and he can be so annoying. "She's just a delight to watch" or "his spins are really third-rate." He would be a good source for a book -- The Quotable Dick Button. :lol:

[Serrart]

Lol! That would certainly be something to see...

Anyway, did you watch the Ladies' Short Program? I thought that Sasha Cohen was stunning - even though I am not a big fan of hers. But I think I want her to win. I was very sad about Carolina Kostner though, she fell in the combination and got 11th place (I think).

I usually skip the Ladies's competition since it is my least favorite , but this time it is going to be exciting. Sasha leads by 3/100 only and Irina Slutskaya is second. It's going to be a tough final at last! I hated the fact that I knew before the olympics who was going to get the gold in the Mens' competition

It isn't my favourite either, but yesterday was really a beautiful evening. Sacha Cohen did a fantastic program, very clean, the only minor problem I remember was the saving on the double axel (I think) but she did it with great elegance and experience, and totally deserved the first place. Usually Slutskaya is more a 'war machine' on the free program, but if Cohen will cope with all the pressure she could make it, IMO. I was really impressed by Emily Hughes, she showed great class and wonderful jumps.

I was sorry too for Carolina Kostner, even if I liked how she reacted after the initial fall.

Romy

[amber]

This was my first chance to watch and I came in on the Italian girl. (sorry, behind the curve) what a doll. And it's so nice to see a skater with a bit of thickness and shape to her muscles. Did you see she was crying right after? Just lovely, so sweet. Did you see how fine her husband was? :laugh:
anyways...

Krista - I love when "all" a skater can do is jump well (I've never seen that be all one can do, but). Syria Bonali is still my favorite ever, I love superathleticism in the skate. Where's my backflips? Will no one ever do them again? I want my skatenastics!!!! :woohoo: Gah she was stunning.
Oh, I'm just gonna cry this whole time I'm watching, I can feel it. :o So amazing.
That Tugba girl's story is really inspiring.

All my fantasy outfits are these skating ones. Clothes I like resemble them...:laugh:

Yay, Tugba kicked it out! :blob2: That makes me happy cause she's the first from Turkey and her fam sacrificed a lot.

Jesus, that Finnish skater is gorgeous! :shocked:

[GypsySorcerer]

Krista - I love when "all" a skater can do is jump well (I've never seen that be all one can do, but). Syria Bonali is still my favorite ever, I love superathleticism in the skate. Where's my backflips? Will no one ever do them again? I want my skatenastics!!!! :woohoo: Gah she was stunning.
Oh, I'm just gonna cry this whole time I'm watching, I can feel it. :o So amazing.


Well, I like when they can jump well enough to not fall. :laugh: It just seems like most skaters are either artistic or technical specialists. I need to see the choreography between the jumps to be satisfied.

I remember when Surya did her backflip at the Olympics. An illegal move, but God bless her for doing it anyway. :laugh:

[amber]

Well, I like when they can jump well enough to not fall. :laugh: It just seems like most skaters are either artistic or technical specialists. I need to see the choreography between the jumps to be satisfied.

I remember when Surya did her backflip at the Olympics. An illegal move, but God bless her for doing it anyway. :laugh:

:blob2: That was like the coolest thing a skater has ever done. Her and her mom were always being all defiant. And member they said the judges were prejudiced? I wouldn't doubt it, but I think they were even more prejudiced about her athleticism. She could knock those jumps out like nothing, the kind people are doing now. I think she was much more graceful than they gave her credit for, I feel like they saw she was an athletic skater and automatically judged her not to be graceful enough or a good enough dancer - it's like they had cognitive dissonance..."great...jumper...couldn't...possibly...be...graceful...." :laugh: At least somewhat. I'm not saying she was the most graceful skater ever or anything, but you know.
I just started watching, so I haven't seen any yet who are all one thing. I always thought Michelle Kwan was boring, too "only graceful" or whatever. I mean, she could jump, but she rarely had much punch in my opinion. Judges love that usually.

The canadian lady just kicked out some super moves.

oooo, Sasha Cohen's red and gold outfit is hot! I really like her. i didn't realize how teensy she was.

You guys don't like Slutskaya?! i was pretty touched by her mom's illness then her illness.

[elie]

BIG HURRAY for Arakawa!!!
I thought she was sublime!! A totally deserved Olympic Gold Medal IMO. I was a bit sad for Cohen, I liked her choreography a lot, but I had not expected any different. But still, Arakawa was the only gold medal in the figure skating event this year that I was really happy about...

[GypsySorcerer]

:blob2: That was like the coolest thing a skater has ever done. Her and her mom were always being all defiant. And member they said the judges were prejudiced? I wouldn't doubt it, but I think they were even more prejudiced about her athleticism. She could knock those jumps out like nothing, the kind people are doing now. I think she was much more graceful than they gave her credit for, I feel like they saw she was an athletic skater and automatically judged her not to be graceful enough or a good enough dancer - it's like they had cognitive dissonance..."great...jumper...couldn't...possibly...be...graceful...." :laugh: At least somewhat. I'm not saying she was the most graceful skater ever or anything, but you know.
When she won the silver at worlds (or did she win it twice?), I remember she and her mom were very upset. I wouldn't doubt either that there was some prejudice involved, but like you say, I think it was more of her athleticism that did her in. Same thing with Tonya Harding....great jumper, but she wasn't petite and ballerina-like, so she always got marked down.

I just started watching, so I haven't seen any yet who are all one thing. I always thought Michelle Kwan was boring, too "only graceful" or whatever. I mean, she could jump, but she rarely had much punch in my opinion. Judges love that usually.
I am not a Kwan fan myself. She is an incredibly boring skating. Sasha Cohen is just as artistic, but never boring. :) I love her.

[DavidMn]

SO who's performance wasmore dissapointing, Slutskaya's or Cohen's?

[elie]

SO who's performance wasmore dissapointing, Slutskaya's or Cohen's?

I would say Slutskaya's. She seemd kind of "heavy" on the ice, not so energetic and I can't remember the last time I had seen her fall.
Cohen fell too, but from an artistic point of view (and also, the rest of her jumps), her program was a thrill, IMO.
And if I may be a bit cynical, I would add that I sort of expected her to fall (since she has a reputation of being incosistent in the finals), so I wasn't that surprised.
But Slutskaya, that I had not expected. And given that she was skating last, I thought that she would win anyway.

[DavidMn]

I would say Slutskaya's. She seemd kind of "heavy" on the ice, not so energetic and I can't remember the last time I had seen her fall.
Cohen fell too, but from an artistic point of view (and also, the rest of her jumps), her program was a thrill, IMO.
And if I may be a bit cynical, I would add that I sort of expected her to fall (since she has a reputation of being incosistent in the finals), so I wasn't that surprised.
But Slutskaya, that I had not expected. And given that she was skating last, I thought that she would win anyway.Well, at least they both got medals. And btw, if Slutskaya's career is over, she'll have exactly what Michelle Kwan ended up with, a silver and a bronze over 2 olympics. not too shabby.

[wondergirl9847]

Congrats to Sasha for the silver! :thumbsup: She has the biggest eyes.

Arakawa was spectacular and her outfit was stunning. I want it. I can't ice skate (roller skate, sure), but I want it. :laugh: Congrats to her for the gold! First Japanese gold medal for skating. :)

[gldstwmn]

BIG HURRAY for Arakawa!!!
I thought she was sublime!! A totally deserved Olympic Gold Medal IMO. I was a bit sad for Cohen, I liked her choreography a lot, but I had not expected any different. But still, Arakawa was the only gold medal in the figure skating event this year that I was really happy about...

She was. Her program was beautiful last night. And she won Japan's first gold in the entire Olympics. No one could touch her last night.

[DavidMn]

Not to get off the Women's topic, but after Plushenko won the gold he said he was for sure coming back for Vancouver 2010. He's only 23, so I think that's a very real possibility. If he were to win gold again there, that would give him a silver and 2 golds in olympic competition. In my opinion,that would put him right up there near the top of the all time list.

[elie]

Not to get off the Women's topic, but after Plushenko won the gold he said he was for sure coming back for Vancouver 2010. He's only 23, so I think that's a very real possibility. If he were to win gold again there, that would give him a silver and 2 golds in olympic competition. In my opinion,that would put him right up there near the top of the all time list.

There is a possibility, even though I don't think age really matters. Yagudin was stille very young when he withdrew *constant weeping:( * because of injuries.
Personally I don't like Plushenko at all, but I admit that he deserves the medals. I would have prefered if there were stronger competition in the Mens'field, though. It seems like if Plushenko withdraws, the discipline will be left without a true star.

[DavidMn]

There is a possibility, even though I don't think age really matters. Yagudin was stille very young when he withdrew *constant weeping:( * because of injuries.
Personally I don't like Plushenko at all, but I admit that he deserves the medals. I would have prefered if there were stronger competition in the Mens'field, though. It seems like if Plushenko withdraws, the discipline will be left without a true star.Dont you think Lambiel is a rising star though?

[elie]

Dont you think Lambiel is a rising star though?

Oh, yes, of course I do! He is my favorite! But he is kind of immature, loses his concentration easily (ok, now that can be fixed with some more experience) plus he's had a lot of injuries..There is something about him that makes me doubt it whether he can ever be an almost flawless skater (like Yagudin). The reason I am questionning that is actually Brian Joubert(!). I used tp think the same about him, that he's gonna be big someday etc however he tends to fall in rankings in the last competitions (plus he is cute!!!)

[DavidMn]

Ok back to the women.:lol: And speaking of the Japanese skaters, I'm really looking forward to seeing Mao Asada in Vancouver.:nod:

[elie]

Yeah me too. I am wondering about the Russians though. Who will they have when Slutskaya withdraws?? The same applies to the Pairs, Men and Ice-Dance. Isn't that strange?

And another question: do you prefer Michelle Kwan or Sacha Cohen?

[DavidMn]

Yeah me too. I am wondering about the Russians though. Who will they have when Slutskaya withdraws?? The same applies to the Pairs, Men and Ice-Dance. Isn't that strange?

And another question: do you prefer Michelle Kwan or Sacha Cohen?
I'd have to say its about equal. They're both very classy. Did you see Cohen give SLutskaya a hug on the medal stand?

[elie]

I'd have to say its about equal. They're both very classy. Did you see Cohen give SLutskaya a hug on the medal stand?

Yes, I saw that and I thought it was very cute! They were both very sad..:(
I think Sascha Cohen is classy and very beautiful. And she would make a great ballet dancer IMO. But Arakawa looked gorgeous too. She was so different than the teenage skaters, in a good way, I think.

[DavidMn]

Yes, I saw that and I thought it was very cute! They were both very sad..:(
I think Sascha Cohen is classy and very beautiful. And she would make a great ballet dancer IMO. But Arakawa looked gorgeous too. She was so different than the teenage skaters, in a good way, I think.I was really surprised at how big she was for a figure skater. Isnt she almost 6 feet tall?
Arakawa that is.

[elie]

Yes, she is. I don't know the american way of measuring (sorry!:sorry: ) but in european terms she is 1.66 , which is quite big for a skater at least.
(Well, I am 1.58:( ). But she had a smooth styly of skating, and I don't know if you noticed a gorgeous spread eagle thing she did, with her back bended (think it's called Ina Bauer).Breathtaking. By the way, I loved her choise of music as well. Turandot makes me cry everytime.

[DavidMn]

Yes, she is. I don't know the american way of measuring (sorry!:sorry: ) but in european terms she is 1.66 , which is quite big for a skater at least.
(Well, I am 1.58:( ). But she had a smooth styly of skating, and I don't know if you noticed a gorgeous spread eagle thing she did, with her back bended (think it's called Ina Bauer).Breathtaking. By the way, I loved her choise of music as well. Turandot makes me cry everytime.Dont worry bout it. np:thumbsup: Speaking of the all time greats, dont you think Katerina Witt is the best eoman ever. I mean she dominated when she competed it seemed.

[elie]

ITA. A trully charismatic athlete and a very beautiful woman. And I was very moved when I heard her whole story. About her parents not being able to see her live when she competed in the Olympics (because of the East German travelling restrictions) and then they saw her finally at her last performance (Lillehammer that was??? Sorry if I am wrong) where she had 7th place.

In a while I am going to watch the Exhibition Gala:blob1:

[DavidMn]

ITA. A trully charismatic athlete and a very beautiful woman. And I was very moved when I heard her whole story. About her parents not being able to see her live when she competed in the Olympics (because of the East German travelling restrictions) and then they saw her finally at her last performance (Lillehammer that was??? Sorry if I am wrong) where she had 7th place.

In a while I am going to watch the Exhibition Gala:blob1:Oh I didnt realize she competed at Lillehammer.Maybe it was Albertville? I hear shes a skating commentator for tv now, and does very well.

[elie]

Oh I didnt realize she competed at Lillehammer.Maybe it was Albertville? I hear shes a skating commentator for tv now, and does very well.

Yes, probably you're right. I don't think it was Lillehammer.
She also appeared in a couple of movies as well. Ronin (with Robert de Niro) is one of them.
I like it when athletes have a trully electrifying and unforgettable career that lasts. I am very disappointed when someone has a sudden hit and then withdraws or just doesn't do well anymore.

Later I will post some comments about the Gala. (nice talking to you DavidMn:) )

[elie]

I 'm taking a break from the gala just to say this; Please do not miss Johnny Weir's exhibition program to Sinatra's My Way, if it is shown later in the US!
I haven't been moved like this since Yagudin's paerfromances..Wow!

[estranged4life]

gala is on right at this moment...Should be a good show.

Speaking of good shows, check out this info for the upcoming tour:

John Hancock Presents Champions on Ice
July 7th

Fresh off their performances in Torino, Italy, the world’s figure skating champions will come to Oklahoma City on July 7, 2006 at 7:30 PM to bring their Olympic experiences direct to you, the fans as part of the 2006 John Hancock Champions on Ice tour.

The top skaters in the world, many of whom fulfilled their Olympic dreams by standing on the podium or participating in Torino, will be spotlighted in the tour, including five-time World Champion and two-time Olympic medalist Michelle Kwan, 2002 Olympic silver medalist Irina Slutskaya, U.S. Champion and two-time Olympian Sasha Cohen, three-time World Champion and 2002 Olympic silver medalist Evgeny Plushenko, three-time U.S. Champion Johnny Weir, reigning World Champion Stephane Lambiel, as well as other Champions from Olympic and World competition including Olympic gold medalist Victor Petrenko, Rudy Galindo and Surya Bonaly.

[tuigirl]

Wasn't the gala great! Everyone was way more relaxed (of course, you would be!) and looked like they were having a ball.Arakawa is very worthy of the gold medal, so graceful..we were wishing she and Plushchenko (isn't he fab) would do a spin together..haha..imagine those two, it would be mesmirising!
Sasha Cohen was good wasn't she..ok, no jumps but hey....and we really liked the Chinese couples..ones to watch for at the Worlds...a good evenings tele.

[elie]

The Gala was indeed very very good, it had a certain "olympic" air about it.
I especially liked Delebol&Schoenfelder, Johnny Weir, as I said before, Sasha Cohen and Shizuka Arakawa. Those two were so graceful.

[Serrart]

Yes, probably you're right. I don't think it was Lillehammer.
She also appeared in a couple of movies as well. Ronin (with Robert de Niro) is one of them.

No, it was Lillehammer. Her long program wasn't technically very challenging but enchanting artistically and sent a message against the War in Bosnia, I liked it.

About women, as you all said, Arakawa totally deserved the gold, but I was so surprised for Slutskaya debacle. She was stressed out, and totally exhausted at the middle of the program. Cohen instead after the fall reacted with a great courage and vitality, I'm glad she got silver.

Now I'm really angry for the gala. They didn't show it yesterday. Today, by chance I caught only Arakawa, Totmianina-Marinin and just before Plushenko, the cut it to let us see the special slalom to admire Giorgio Rocca falling after 35 seconds. :mad:

Romy

[wondergirl9847]

I miss people like Yagudin and Candeloro. I don't know if it's just me or what, but the figure skating just wasn't doing it for me this year. I mean, Sasha was great, Arakawa was magnificent, but where are the showmen/women? It seems like everyone's skating was exactly the same. Is it just me? :confused: They have certain thingys they *have* to do and that makes everyone's programs look too similar for me. I am watching some stuff on YouTube and DANG, I just miss the old school skaters, I guess. Candeloro and Yagudin were s*x on ice for me. LOL

[Serrart]

I miss people like Yagudin and Candeloro. I don't know if it's just me or what, but the figure skating just wasn't doing it for me this year. I mean, Sasha was great, Arakawa was magnificent, but where are the showmen/women? It seems like everyone's skating was exactly the same. Is it just me? :confused: They have certain thingys they *have* to do and that makes everyone's programs look too similar for me. I am watching some stuff on YouTube and DANG, I just miss the old school skaters, I guess. Candeloro and Yagudin were s*x on ice for me. LOL

I feel the same. I mean, there are some excellent skaters now, but emotionally I don't feel involved by them as I was by Gordeeva Grinkov, Candeloro, Bonaly or especially...:
<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/F29wbDGhIlE"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/F29wbDGhIlE" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>
:D

Romy

[tuigirl]

Oh yes!!! Candolero...I miss him(even though he was FRENCH), he was fab, so amazing to watch, a real showman, a bit like Pluschenko. You can see videos on youtube.com actually.There's a super one of Pluschenko doing "sex bomb"..hahahahahaaaa

[elie]

I miss people like Yagudin and Candeloro. I don't know if it's just me or what, but the figure skating just wasn't doing it for me this year. I mean, Sasha was great, Arakawa was magnificent, but where are the showmen/women? It seems like everyone's skating was exactly the same. Is it just me? :confused: They have certain thingys they *have* to do and that makes everyone's programs look too similar for me. I am watching some stuff on YouTube and DANG, I just miss the old school skaters, I guess. Candeloro and Yagudin were s*x on ice for me. LOL

I miss Yagudin too, as I have said a thoudand times!!
About everyone skating the same, it is not just you who thinks that..Actually it is true and it is mostly due to the new judging system. Even in ice-dance it looks like all the couples do the same things wiht small differences, which is very sad of course.

Romy, it 's too bad you didn't get to see the whole Gala, it was very good. :(
I was surprised about Slutskaya too, I can't remember seeing her fall before, but I really loved Cohen's and Arakawa's programs. At last, that was an exciting competition.

[DavidMn]

I miss Yagudin too, as I have said a thoudand times!!
About everyone skating the same, it is not just you who thinks that..Actually it is true and it is mostly due to the new judging system. Even in ice-dance it looks like all the couples do the same things wiht small differences, which is very sad of course.

Romy, it 's too bad you didn't get to see the whole Gala, it was very good. :(
I was surprised about Slutskaya too, I can't remember seeing her fall before, but I really loved Cohen's and Arakawa's programs. At last, that was an exciting competition.Why did he not compete in these ganes? did he turn pro?

[elie]

Why did he not compete in these ganes? did he turn pro?

I think he has stopped competing overall, due to injuries. (And, yes, he's skating professioanlly I think). It's very sad, because IMO,even Plushenko, who is by far the best male skater around, can not be compared to him. This is just my opinion, of course, because I know Plushenko has many fans. It would be really exciting if both of them competed now, I 'de be very curious about the results. In the past, Yagudin was usually first.

[DavidMn]

So anyway the games are over now, and I thought I'd offer this analysis of the Figure skating, mens and womens. I thought both were fairly anticlimatic. The wome's short program was VERY entertaining. However the free skate pretty much let one know ehere the finishes would be. Not too much drama. And as far as the men went, it was ok, but you knew who was winning. I guess overall on a 1-10 scale, I'd give this olympics about a 5 or 6.

[elie]

I bring this up again, since the World Champioship is over.
Have you watched it?
It was very exciting, however a lot of people were missing. Plushenko didn't take part, neither did Navka&Kostomarov. Now I 'm not going to say that I was disappointed, you'll know I'll be lying..My absolute highlight: Denkova&Staviyski winning gold and Dubreuil/Lauzon's performance.
Hope to hear some views..(Romy?sckin?DavidMn??)

[DavidMn]

I bring this up again, since the World Champioship is over.
Have you watched it?
It was very exciting, however a lot of people were missing. Plushenko didn't take part, neither did Navka&Kostomarov. Now I 'm not going to say that I was disappointed, you'll know I'll be lying..My absolute highlight: Denkova&Staviyski winning gold and Dubreuil/Lauzon's performance.
Hope to hear some views..(Romy?sckin?DavidMn??)I was very surprised, but pleasantly so that Kimmy Meisner won gold for the women. She will be a force to be reckoned with in Vancouver in 2010. I didnt see Mao Asada for Japan though, and that surprised me. I know she was too young to compete in the olympics but..

[skcin]

DAMMIT! I missed them! So Denkova & Staviysky took gold? That is fantastic! :thumbsup:

But I'm so mad I didn't see it. :mad:

[Serrart]

I bring this up again, since the World Champioship is over.
Have you watched it?
It was very exciting, however a lot of people were missing. Plushenko didn't take part, neither did Navka&Kostomarov. Now I 'm not going to say that I was disappointed, you'll know I'll be lying..My absolute highlight: Denkova&Staviyski winning gold and Dubreuil/Lauzon's performance.
Hope to hear some views..(Romy?sckin?DavidMn??)

Hi Elie,
I also thought the highlight was the gold to Denkova Stavinski, they totally deserved it IMO, they're the most complete team, technically and artistically, right now. Belbin Agosto should really work more on the choreographies,Shpilband is a very good coach but his/Zoueva trademark style becomes trite after a while and they still aren't elegant enough to compensate with personalities. In pairs, I would have preferred to see Petrova - Tikhonov gold, the two Chinese pairs were rather undistinguished in comparison this time. Lambiel could only win, but I'm also happy for Joubert, who needed such a result. Johnny Weir.... Johnny Weir.... a real pity. My favorite was Nobunari Oda, he was a fantastic Barber of Siviglia,:thumbsup: but chickened out in the LP.
About women, the competition wasn't really exciting, IMO.

Romy

[DavidMn]

Hi Elie,
I also thought the highlight was the gold to Denkova Stavinski, they totally deserved it IMO, they're the most complete team, technically and artistically, right now. Belbin Agosto should really work more on the choreographies,Shpilband is a very good coach but his/Zoueva trademark style becomes trite after a while and they still aren't elegant enough to compensate with personalities. In pairs, I would have preferred to see Petrova - Tikhonov gold, the two Chinese pairs were rather undistinguished in comparison this time. Lambiel could only win, but I'm also happy for Joubert, who needed such a result. Johnny Weir.... Johnny Weir.... a real pity. My favorite was Nobunari Oda, he was a fantastic Barber of Siviglia,:thumbsup: but chickened out in the LP.
About women, the competition wasn't really exciting, IMO.

RomyRomy I know youre quite the skating afficionado, DO you know why Asada didnt compete for the women?

[elie]

Hi Elie,
I also thought the highlight was the gold to Denkova Stavinski, they totally deserved it IMO, they're the most complete team, technically and artistically, right now. Belbin Agosto should really work more on the choreographies,Shpilband is a very good coach but his/Zoueva trademark style becomes trite after a while and they still aren't elegant enough to compensate with personalities. In pairs, I would have preferred to see Petrova - Tikhonov gold, the two Chinese pairs were rather undistinguished in comparison this time. Lambiel could only win, but I'm also happy for Joubert, who needed such a result. Johnny Weir.... Johnny Weir.... a real pity. My favorite was Nobunari Oda, he was a fantastic Barber of Siviglia,:thumbsup: but chickened out in the LP.
About women, the competition wasn't really exciting, IMO.

Romy

I totally agree with you. I was very happy about Joubert too, he and Lambiel are my favorite male skaters. I think it's time for Joubert too gain his confidence back. Weir is my favorite US skater, I think I like him more than Lysacek.
Unfortunately I didn't watch the Ladies and Pairs event, but from what I've seen and heard, Petrova&Tikhonov deserved to win. I don't like those chinese pairs. I love XueShen&HongBo Zhao, but since they were not competing I was rooting for the Russians.
I was sort of happy about Meissner, I think she is quite charismatic. Not the Sacha Cohen way, but I think she has more confidence and she could develop into a very good skater.
And the Ice-Dancing: I loved Denkova&Staviyski's Free Dance. I am usually bored of Albinoni's Adagio, but they are so creative and full of emotion that I totally forgot that. The last minute and a half of their performance is breathtaking. But I also loved Dubreuil&Lauzon. I almost cried when I saw their expressions when their perfromance was over, but Silver was ok, I guess. As to Belbin&Agosto, I agree with you. I would have preferred Drobiazko&Vanagas to win bronze (isn't she gorgeous??). Not the French this time, I thought their performance was a bit rough.

Edit to add: the Greek sportscaster kept saying that the French team is kept off the podium because the jugdes are not "ready" for their programs, which might be a bit too creative and unconventional for their (the judges') taste. I can see what he means, but I don't agree. The Bulgarians have always been creative and original (I'll never forget their "March of the Turkish Ceremonies" Original Dance!) and they have been rewarded for that (it may be the first time that they win gold but they have won silver and bronze in the past and even regardless of the medals they are considered one of the top teams). So, I don't think that's what keeps the french team off the podium. They are always exciting to watch, but I think there is something missing. Artistry maybe? Some technical abilities? I am no expert, so I wouldn't know, but I don't think that the reason is that the judges feel unconfortable with their choreographies..

[Serrart]

Edit to add: the Greek sportscaster kept saying that the French team is kept off the podium because the jugdes are not "ready" for their programs, which might be a bit too creative and unconventional for their (the judges') taste. I can see what he means, but I don't agree. The Bulgarians have always been creative and original (I'll never forget their "March of the Turkish Ceremonies" Original Dance!) and they have been rewarded for that (it may be the first time that they win gold but they have won silver and bronze in the past and even regardless of the medals they are considered one of the top teams). So, I don't think that's what keeps the french team off the podium. They are always exciting to watch, but I think there is something missing. Artistry maybe? Some technical abilities? I am no expert, so I wouldn't know, but I don't think that the reason is that the judges feel unconfortable with their choreographies..

I agree, the French team isn't kept out of the podium because of their programs, but IMO because their skating becomes rough and unpolished many times, and they miss most of the time that harmony that a real great team needs. Delobel and Schoenfelder should also show sooner or later the ballroom dancing quality of the sport, the importance to be as one. Denkova and Stavinski are definitely more original, artistic and their technical ability is far superior.

Romy

[DavidMn]

I agree, the French team isn't kept out of the podium because of their programs, but IMO because their skating becomes rough and unpolished many times, and they miss most of the time that harmony that a real great team needs. Delobel and Schoenfelder should also show sooner or later the room dancing quality of the sport, the importance to be as one. Denkova and Stavinski are definitely more original, artistic and their technical ability is far superior.

RomySo let me ask you this: do you think Meissner's win for the women isnt all that impressive?

[Serrart]

So let me ask you this: do you think Meissner's win for the women isnt all that impressive?

It's impressive but the whole competiton was dull, IMO. I'd like to see her coping with more motivated competitors. It would also help her to develop a stronger artistic expression in her skating.

Romy

[DavidMn]

It's impressive but the whole competiton was dull, IMO. I'd like to see her coping with more motivated competitors. It would also help her to develop a stronger artistic expression in her skating.

RomyWell, if you think about it, the Olympics werent all that scintillating either. I mean it was certainly interesting to watch, but not dramatic. I'm wondering if Meissner now vaults to the top of the list for the U.S Women. What do you think?

[Serrart]

Well, if you think about it, the Olympics werent all that scintillating either. I mean it was certainly interesting to watch, but not dramatic. I'm wondering if Meissner now vaults to the top of the list for the U.S Women. What do you think?

I guess everything depends from Sasha Cohen, if she really would go to Hollywood or not. She definitely looks fed up with competition right now. About Meissner I don't know, next season would tell if she has the stamina to cope with all the expectations.

Romy

[DavidMn]

I guess everything depends from Sasha Cohen, if she really would go to Hollywood or not. She definitely looks fed up with competition right now. About Meissner I don't know, next season would tell if she has the stamina to cope with all the expectations.

RomyYeah,I mean now she a world champion, and with that, it raises the bar way up.