- Joined
- Jul 26, 2003
euterpe said:The greater the hype, the more pressure, and for Sasha, that just contributes to loss of concentration and more mistakes in performance.
What is your source for the idea that the "last spot is given to the champion" wrt to the USFSA's year in review feature? I honestly have no recollection of what (if anything) was done for the 2001-02 season, but this year the reviews were presented in reverse order of Nationals podium standings: the gold medalists were first, beginning with Mike Weiss, then the Haydenettes, followed by Lang & Tchernyshev, Scott & Dulebohn, and then Michelle. Then came all the silver medalists, ending with Sarah Hughes and finally the bronze medalists, again ending with the lady. If this order is somehow "revealing" then it also means that Ryan Jahnke, Inoue & Baldwin, Gregory & Petukhov, and Team Elan are all being similarly being "pushed" by the USFSA. Sorry, but I just don't buy it.euterpe said:What is most revealing is that Sasha's year was the LAST to be reviewed. Usually, that spot is given to the champion.
The USFSA is clearly 'pushing' Sasha as the next best hope for the US.
OK, giving Sasha the "place of honor" as "closer" for the reviews was carefully planned by the USFSA in the spring. They also achieved a subtle way of telling the current champions that perhaps its time they move on -- and evidently L&T got the message. I guess I just don't see things the same way as others, but have it your way -- the best is saved for last, so they had the "worst go first."chuckm said:Ever hear of 'saving the best for last?' I agree with euterpe. Putting Sasha's year last is more or less giving her a boost.
skatingfan5 said:OK, giving Sasha the "place of honor" as "closer" for the reviews was carefully planned by the USFSA in the spring. They also achieved a subtle way of telling the current champions that perhaps its time they move on -- and evidently L&T got the message. I guess I just don't see things the same way as others, but have it your way -- the best is saved for last, so they had the "worst go first."
Mathman said:This is a quote from Sasha's official web site, presumably written by her public relations people:
"Sasha finished in fourth place for the second year but almost pulled off an upset when she finished third in the free skate. Based on Fumie Suguri's winning her easier qualifying group and placing ahead of Sasha in the short program, Suguri was awarded the bronze medal."
Mathman said:Sasha had a fabulous year. She seems poised now at the threshold of what we all hope will be an impressive string of podium finishes, honors on and off the ice, and major championships.
About her 2002-2003 season, the only thing that disappointed me was the attitute of "team Sasha" after Worlds. This is a quote from Sasha's official web site, presumably written by her public relations people:
"Sasha finished in fourth place for the second year but almost pulled off an upset when she finished third in the free skate. Based on Fumie Suguri's winning her easier qualifying group and placing ahead of Sasha in the short program, Suguri was awarded the bronze medal."
First, you cannot go into an important competiton with the attitude that it would be an "upset" if you manage to get third place. You are there to WIN!
Second, you cannot blame the skate gods if you have to skate against the top people. If you want to be the best, you have to skate against the best and beat them, not hope to get a "bye."
I hope that her victories, especially in the Grand Prix, will give her the boost of confidence that she needs to take it all the way to the top this year.
Mathman
registered said:IMO it's not about Fumie, it's about Sasha. She was 3rd after the LP, and they had to explain, why she ended up in fourth, over all. Qualifying rounds was a big part of it, and it's a fact that one group had stronger skaters, than another. They did acknowledge, that Fumie bet Sasha in the SP.
http://www.fumiesuguri.com/en_snaps/img/19/13s.jpg
rtureck said:They can explain that without dragging in Fumie. People can do the math, SC placed third in QR that was worth 20% etc.......... , Of course they have to acknowledge Fumie beat Sasha at worlds twice in 2 years, it is in the records.
registered said:Not everybody follow the sport closely and know how the rules work. They've done nothing wrong by mentioning Fumie. And if you're objecting to them "dragging in Fumie," than why would you suggest they need to mention, that Fumie bet Sasha twice in 2 years? First, you're not being consistent here, second it has nothing to do with last year's World's. Besides, I believe Sasha have bet Fumie more than 2 times in the course of the past 2 years.