I totally agree with you noskates. No one should count Johnny out! If Johnny got true quads, he is in for a good chance as anyone. I have always thought people places too much importance on past history instead of looking at the present and the future. If skating history taught us, is never count anyone out, and ice is a slippery game.
Johnny is a bona fide star who is capable of greatness and one of the last few at least attempt to reach new level of original artistry (regardless of whether it suit my taste). With his newly found personal happiness and fulfillment, i expect he can bring his mojo back and make a fresh new start. Yes 27 seems a tough age and he definitely faces an up hill struggle, but men's figure skating need someone like Johnny to rough the feathers a bit, otherwise it is too boring to watch. He makes up more personality for the entire USA team + Russia. With Plushy coming back, Evan arch nemisis too, Men's tournament is going to be super exciting next year. With the old guards vs the new crop of challengers.
I for one can't wait to see how Hanyu compete against him, and the degree of their subtle differences and similarity. It would be totally fun to comparing them! Original vs. New improved? Vs Johnny 2.0? Wish him the best and look forward to the showdown. I just want him to beat Evan regardless of medals.
Well said os168.
The thing for me is that Johnny has little to gain, from a financial standpoint, to coming back. He long built a brand for himself outside of skating — pretty much all my non-skater friends could identify Johnny but yet not know much about Evan, even if he's the current OGM in figure skating — so I don't see why Johnny would need to invest all this time in a comeback if there wasn't some desire to compete.