Jaws, thanks so much for posting the link to the CBC analysis, which was chiefly of Plushenko and Asada. For those of you who haven't watched it, the commentators, who included Tracy Wilson and Kurt Browning, were admiring of Plushy and extremely concerned about Asada. I agreed with everything they said, and most of you have echoed their words and worries.
I agree with a lot of you on two points: she should use the piano version of the Rachmaninoff (Mathman, I agree that she seems to be skating at her own funeral with the orchestral version!); and she should get a full-time coach in Japan. I don't know what Tarasova is doing for her (or to her), but Mao needs someone who is both at her side and on her side, someone who can speak to her with a firmer voice than the treacherous whisper that her fears are using right now. She's not just any old skater: by virtue of her talent, she's one of the best and most memorable ladies to come along in some time, and it's skating's loss if she just fades away. Like YuNa, she's a treasure, and she has a lot to give to the sport. We should all wish the best for her; nobody benefits if she founders.
On the happy side, I'm so thrilled about Ashley and especially Alissa! When she's on (and standing up), she's such a thrill to watch, so attuned to the music with every nuance of movement. Dare I hope that this is her year?
I agree with a lot of you on two points: she should use the piano version of the Rachmaninoff (Mathman, I agree that she seems to be skating at her own funeral with the orchestral version!); and she should get a full-time coach in Japan. I don't know what Tarasova is doing for her (or to her), but Mao needs someone who is both at her side and on her side, someone who can speak to her with a firmer voice than the treacherous whisper that her fears are using right now. She's not just any old skater: by virtue of her talent, she's one of the best and most memorable ladies to come along in some time, and it's skating's loss if she just fades away. Like YuNa, she's a treasure, and she has a lot to give to the sport. We should all wish the best for her; nobody benefits if she founders.
On the happy side, I'm so thrilled about Ashley and especially Alissa! When she's on (and standing up), she's such a thrill to watch, so attuned to the music with every nuance of movement. Dare I hope that this is her year?