Show - I think it was that other posters were putting the blame on North America that Urmanov did not get the fame he should have. I think it's ok that fame is not universal. From what I hear from other posters, Michelle is not well known in Europe. Hard to believe but maybe they are correct.
Mathman - Yes, Urmanov is doing quite well in Russia and I and many others are happy with his continuation in figure skating.
Joe
It's not like Michelle isn't "well known" among those few in Europe who actually like figure skating. She's a 5-time-World-Champion after all! She's just far away from having the same "meaning" she obviously has in the US. Most of the European skating freaks simply don't get what US-fans seem to see in her, that's all.
Last edited by Ruby Tuesday; 10-13-2003 at 06:04 AM.
Gotta be Urmanov. He's already mostly forgotten. His Olympic "gold" performance really lacked passion, fire, energy, stamina, and emotion until the last second or two. And his spins TOTALLY SUCKED!!! What is it with male Russian skaters and spins? Most of them are mediocre at best the last, well, ten years or so. Is that a trend that's always been around? Anyway, he did have beautiful flow and line, and I think he will be more like the "Jimmy Carter" of Oly gold medalists....being more remembered for what he does after that time than before or during. From what I read he is doing well as a skater still, and I am sure he is a good coach, as he always seemed like a nice man.
Well I think it depends on if you're talking about the general population, or if you are talking skating fans. As far as general population goes, I'd defintely say Urmanov. For skating fans....well I guess I'd say Urmanov too. LOL. I know I always forget about him.
I don't even like Elvis StokjoHe was never forgiven for beating Elvis Stokjo
actually this American considers him awesome because he beat Elvis!!! and his world pro win(s?) is nothing to shun either... even if he did beat the more seasoned prosOriginally posted by curious
North America never gave Urmanov the opportunity to endear himself to the audience. He was never forgiven for beating Elvis Stokjo
but I have to say he's probably going to be the least remembered in the long run...
I'm American and *I* don't see what the Michelle Kwan fans see either... don't say US fans all love Michelle... cuz that just ain't true! LOLOriginally posted by Ruby Tuesday
It's not like Michelle isn't "well known" among those few in Europe who actually like figure skating. She's a 5-time-World-Champion after all! She's just far away from having the same "meaning" she obviously has in the US. Most of the European skating freaks simply don't get what US-fans seem to see in her, that's all.
I really thought he should have won (Urmanov) as Elvis just doesnt have the artistry. I think he is a great jumper, etc. but no artistry as far as I'm concerned. JMHO
It's a tie between Sarah and Alexei. For now, I am forced to say Sarah, because Alexei continues to be involved with FS. However, Sarah can still come back to a productive pro career (I don't beleive she will come back to eligible skating), so the jury is still out.
It can't be Alexei Urmanov. He is the first name that people bring whenever someone asks this LOL Honestly, everybody recognizes this name no matter if they remember his programs or not. They will always bring how he beat (fairly or unfairly) Elvis and how he is being forgotten LOL
Sarah HUghes will be remembered by the magical and surprising night, Oksana Baiul has too much of a background that makes it impossible that people forget about her and tara Lipinski had the rivalry with Michelle Kwan. It might sound weird, even to me, but from that list, I'd say Kulik has the most chances.
The least remembered Olympic champion is someone who nobody remembers. HOw many pairs and dance teams won Olympics and we don't hear their names for so long we don't even remember they existed? Maybe the best way to get a conclusion is actually grab a list with all Olympic champions and see what names we already forgot about.
Urmanov! I´ve never seen his Olympic program, but what I saw in a show on TV last year was deadly boring.
Sorry, but I think that this is complete BS.North America never gave Urmanov the opportunity to endear himself to the audience. He was never forgiven for beating Elvis Stokjo
I think there are two main reasons why AU is not uber popular:
1. Poor career choices/performances. The pro boom between 94 and 98 was phenominal. If he went pro after Lillehammer he could have done so many shows, given so many performances on TV, gotten the chance to beat Wylie and Hamilton, etc... Instead he stayed eligable and never made the podium ever again, sealing a fate of obscurity with each poor showing at worlds. Missing Olys due to injury just sealed the fate. How can you gain fans if you miss the most important and watched competition of all?
2. Style. Once he did turn pro he did a lot of comps. We've all seen his programs, pictures of which constantly show up during "Ugliest costume", "silliest routine" and "most OTT performence" type threads. He had plenty of chances to win over NA crouds, but didn't because he chose to do awful style programs. Well, maybe this one belongs under "poor career choices" as well.
NA gave him plenty of chances, he blew them all.
I'll never understand why people insist on lumping Canda, US and Mexico together under one big consensus of nationalism. Do you really think most US people give a hoot about if a Canadian was robbed? I don't. I may care if I think that a better skater lost to someone who wasn't as good, but that has nothing to do with nationalism. Do you think USers cheered and felt all warm and gooey everytime Elvis beat Todd? Wake up, we are rivals.
Sorry! You're right; of course it's too easy and not fair to lump all US-American skating fans together. But just have a look at all those skating boards! Considering all those posts and views on Michelle Kwan threads one simply cannot help to come to the conclusion that all US-Americans are automatically Kwan fans and all Kwan fans automatically US-Americans.Originally posted by Tonichelle
I'm American and *I* don't see what the Michelle Kwan fans see either... don't say US fans all love Michelle... cuz that just ain't true! LOLMy fault!
One really has to qualify this statment.From what I hear from other posters, Michelle is not well known in Europe.
Skating isn't popular in Europe in general, a fact that is obvious in the quality of their skaters. Sometimes I think that they should just rename the European Championships the Russian National Championships - part II.
Ladies skating isn't the most popular event in Europe (also evidenced in the quality of the ladies), Ice Dancing is.
So, I may be persuaded to believe the MK is not the uber-famous icon cum houshold name that she is in the US, but among people who follow skating she's plenty famous.
Example 1: watch a broadcast of skating from Europen TV. One doesn't need Dick and Peggy to hear OTT MK gushing. They even mention her at events she's not in.
Example 2: When I went to my first Euros, I was shocked to find not only the arena but bus stops all over the city plasted with huge images of MK. Apparently the Olympic museum chose her (a non OGM) as thier posterchild. Not Irina, not one of French gals, MK.
Fine, but where are the true Kwan admirers among European skating fans?So far I've never really met one! But wait - maybe it's just me and I'm scaring them to death? :D Sooo, p-l-e-a-s-e! - Kwan fans around Europe!, don't be afraid!, why don't you finally come out of your closets?
Anke
Last edited by Germanice; 11-14-2003 at 04:28 AM.
Yeah, European Kwan fans, be brave. We won´t bite your heads off, don´t we, Germanice? BTW, didn´t you recognize me, dear?Originally posted by Germanice
Fine, but where are the true Kwan admirers among European skating fans?
Anke
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