- Joined
- Jun 16, 2010
I agree with pangtongfan here. Going into Vancouver, it seemed like Joannie had a shot at the silver medal due to Mao's incredibly risky program layout that involved three triple axels across both segments of the competition. That season, Mao had also had a mediocre GP that involved one bronze medal and one fifth-place finish, while Joannie had medalled at both of her GP events AND 2009 Worlds. They were all trying to best Yuna, of course, who won her gold medal with leagues to spare -- the gap between Yuna and every other competitor, even Mao, was already evident. However, the point here is that Mao delivered despite the odds not entirely being in her favor; Joannie wasn't gifted the silver medal by the judges simply because she's Canadian.
I would still have a hard time picturing any Russian lady on the podium, but you're right about the 7th to 5th place finish or something similar. In fact, I think that if the wrong person won ANY color medal, there would be an uproar. For what it's worth, I'm predicting right now that all of the Big 3 will have to make at least three major mistakes across the competition to drop off of the podium.
Yeah I agree. I dont see the judges gifting someone a medal due to home ice. A higher placing amongst skaters who arent that far in ability yes, but not an actual medal. For a Russian lady to win a medal in Sochi, even the bronze, they will have to legitimately outskate either Asada or Kostner.