Joesitz said:I don't remember Dobrrin at Calgary? I did see him in Moscow. He looked a bit uneasy with his presentation. I don't think he will make a 'cossack'.
Griazev gets to me in spurts but nothing overwhelming. He has a high jump when he makes them.
I've never seen Lezin or Uspenski. Just don't know. I am looking forward to Varnoff.
How different the Russians are from the Americans. I can't imagine who ever it is at the head of the American team would interfere with the progress of a team member.
Joe
You don't remember Dobrin because after his showing at Euros 2006 where he was battling Klimkin for the second Olympic spot, he was canned for Griazev for 2006 Worlds.
Uspenski qualified last year for Worlds in Russia but didn't skate well at Junior worlds where he had the flu and was replaced by Dobrin. Originally Lezin was the 3rd Russian guy but when he couldn't get into the top 10 at Euros he was replaced with Uspenski and then Uspenki was replaced with Dobrin. I don't think the American team ever replaces anyone that easily and it's foolhardy to do this because no one ever develops the ability to compete.