She's getting off the stage as a queen of the sport. Perfect exit. :clapper:
This is super unexpected, IMO, and I can't say I'm happy about it. Partially because it because depletes the field and makes everything less interesting. And I just don't like it when anyone on top decides to take a break. Just my opinion - nothing to do with Katelyn personally.
I also hope that everyone who is admiring what a smart and strategic decision this is would feel the same way if Evgenia and/or Alina decided to sit out as well.
(If either of them were to do so, I kind of think they'd be inviting the negative "oh look her career is over just like Adelina lol. look how afraid she is to lose to someone better." types of criticisms.)
It's kind of sad that with Canada hosting the GPF that none of the Canadians on the gold medal winning team will be on the Grand Prix because of a tour. I highly doubt Osmond had much to do with organizing the tour and there would be a hole without her. I don't really hold it against her(and I previously ranted about all the skaters skipping after Worlds/Olympics) and I doubt many in the ISU will either since Canada would be the one missing out for the home Grand Prix event.
Weaver and Poje are probably the default bronze medalists in ice dance, based on 2018 Worlds. So that’s one medal.Kaetlyn would have been the Canadian skater most likely to bring home a GPF medal on home ice.
Now the prospects for a Canadian medal are dimmed for sure.
This’ll be as good a shot as she’s ever had. If she can win SCI, especially, she’d be virtually certain to make it as long as she didn’t completely tank the second event.I was super looking forward to seeing Kaetlyn at the GPF, but I guess this is a good time to take a break for her. And hey, I can always start pinning all my hopes that this will be Gabby's year for the GPF. I might actually expire if she makes it and I can watch her live ...
Kaetlyn would have been the Canadian skater most likely to bring home a GPF medal on home ice.
Now the prospects for a Canadian medal are dimmed for sure.
Maybe Gogolev in the JGPF?
Weaver and Poje are probably the default bronze medalists in ice dance, based on 2018 Worlds. So that’s one medal.
If you’re including the juniors, any of the three notable junior men would be contenders, along with Lajoie/Lagha.
she will be doing shows.. please scroll up and read skaterboy ^^
Let's not forget skating in and some stroking perhaps with some of the greatest skating skills on the planet...Looks like someone is late to the party , and the opportunity to train off rink with Meagan Duhamel everyday, BONUS!
Let's not forget skating in and some stroking perhaps with some of the greatest skating skills on the planet....
Or some jump thoughts from the amazing Elvis Stokjo -- who doesn't want the regular coaching thing, but is keen to advise on a short term basis. New thought, creative energy, some monetary ease, and the chance to ponder next steps with other Canadian World Champions who, among them, have taken just about every possible path post success...
When looked at it this way, why wouldn't she jump on the opportunity...
We haven't heard from Plushenko on this or the tour, but I bet, as the creator of his own exhibitions, he'd say "Bravo" to them all for exploring a new way to bring figure skating to North American audiences.
I do think she has a serious opportunity depending on how the rule changes fall out.Does Gabby have a better shot at making the Final now???
......I think not, unless she ups her technical content. AND stops doing the layback spin (replace it with a different variation, one that’s more aesthetically pleasing and gets u more points)
Removing one major competitor inherently improves her odds, and beyond that, yes, it does improve things for her considerably. She’ll be one of the top two seeded skaters at Skate Canada next year; winning would virtually guarantee a spot unless she tanks the other event, and a silver would also be a big boost.Does Gabby have a better shot at making the Final now???
......I think not, unless she ups her technical content. AND stops doing the layback spin (replace it with a different variation, one that’s more aesthetically pleasing and gets u more points)