Compulsory Dance -

[aurora100]

I'm predicting the top 3 keep in the top 3, but switching first place in all programs (D/W in OD and V/M in FD). It's going to be an interesting event!

Also, love that the arena was packed for the CD. Not that common to see that...

Of course, this is Canada, we are hockey crazy with very informed and enthusiastic figure skating fans!!!

I can live with your podium prediction. I wouldn't have thought it before tonight but seeing how V/M skated, they are ready and they have fire in their eyes.

[MikiAndoFan#1]

Thank you, ImaginaryPogue and Cadiva!

[BigJohn]

DelSchoes had some timing issues. However, I loved their opening!!

I thought it was a bit much...

[bluelutz]

Sorry. this is a bit off topic, but I like to ask.
I wonder why Tracy is doing a commentor for the US coverage, not for the Canadian's.
Do not get me wrong, I love to have her for the US TV
as she is one of my favourite commentators.
And we do not have many talented ones for Icedace besides Susie whom I really like as well.
But Tracy definitely has more credential for the big games like Olympics
since she is one of a few North American Icedace medalists.

Then I wonder if it is simply because of money NBC offers to her is more than Canadian TV does,
or any other reasons?

I do not know who is doing the canadian TV coverage on Icedance now,
and do not know much about Canadian media in general either.
But I do kow Tracy does it for the Canadian TV time to time,
then why they let her go to NBC for this big game, hmmmmmm.
Can some Canadian skate fans enlighten me on this?

[jcoates]

Sorry. this is a bit off topic, but I like to ask.
I wonder why Tracy is doing a commentor for the US coverage, not for the Canadian's.
Do not get me wrong, I love to have her for the US TV
as she is one of my favourite commentators.
And we do not have many talented ones for Icedace besides Susie whom I really like as well.
But Tracy definitely has more credential for the big games like Olympics
since she is one of a few North American Icedace medalists.

Then I wonder if it is simply because of money NBC offers to her is more than Canadian TV does,
or any other reasons?

I do not know who is doing the canadian TV coverage on Icedance now,
and do not know much about Canadian media in general either.
But I do kow Tracy does it for the Canadian TV time to time,
then why they let her go to NBC for this big game, hmmmmmm.
Can some Canadian skate fans enlighten me on this?

Tracy has been calling the Olympics for US TV (CBS and NBC) since 1992. Her Canadian network (CBC?) where she is the lead commentator does not have the TV rights to these Games.

She is likely under a contract with her Canadian network that prevents her from working for another Canadian network and plus NBC probably does pay her a pretty penny.

[BigJohn]

In Canada for these Games, we have:

Kraatz, he's fine.

Jennifer Robinson, kind of meh when not annoying.

Rod Black, a generic sports guy, a mimbo, likes Elvis, used to have a sexy 70s pornstache.

I miss Wilson. She and Kraatz would have been great commenting together.

[museksk8r]

Sorry. this is a bit off topic, but I like to ask.
I wonder why Tracy is doing a commentor for the US coverage, not for the Canadian's.

Maybe she didn't want to share a broadcast booth with Jamie Sale? I don't blame her if that's the case!

[ademption]

I really appreciate the fact that Tracy Wilson does the commentating for NBC. Thanks Canadians for letting us borrow her. She really tries to educate people about the different dances and provides the positives and negatives for each skater. I find that she doesn't play favorites as much as other commentators on NBC. I hope the ice dance will be a nice respite in terms of commentary than the other events. Also, Tom Hammond didn't annoy me tonight. I was surprised he didn't make a cutting remark about Dom/Shab to carry on the Cold War theme that NBC has promoted for the last few days or so. Thank goodness for that. I will never forget how Tom Hammond's snide commentary about Anissina and Peizerat marred my enjoyment of their winning the gold medal in 2002. His comments about A/P disrespecting MLK with the use of his words for their free skate program was biased and inappropriate. I hope Tom Hammond keeps his snide remarks to a minimum so that I can at least enjoy this event free from the blatant bias of certain commentators.

[loop9497]

I am also grateful for Tracy Wilson. It's good to have an expert do ice dancing commentary.

[aurora100]

In Canada for these Games, we have:

Kraatz, he's fine.

Jennifer Robinson, kind of meh.

Rod Black, a generic sports guy, a mimbo, likes Elvis, used to have a sexy 70s pornstache.

I miss Wilson. She and Kraatz would have been great commenting together.

ITA Victor could be the biggest find for this Olympics. Who knew? Watch out Tracy (though I think she is the best commentator of all time). He should be asked to do more commentary dance or otherwise. Jennifer should be sent home after this one.

Rod Black is amazing. He has learned a lot about skating over the years. I think he makes it a point to study it. He's good commentating on a number of sports.

[demarinis5]

Great skating from the top teams. D/S were clearly the best. Their presentation of the dance was spot on and I could not take my eyes of them. I also thought the judging was fair tonight.

[aurora100]

Sorry. this is a bit off topic, but I like to ask.
I wonder why Tracy is doing a commentor for the US coverage, not for the Canadian's.
Do not get me wrong, I love to have her for the US TV
as she is one of my favourite commentators.
And we do not have many talented ones for Icedace besides Susie whom I really like as well.
But Tracy definitely has more credential for the big games like Olympics
since she is one of a few North American Icedace medalists.

Then I wonder if it is simply because of money NBC offers to her is more than Canadian TV does,
or any other reasons?

I do not know who is doing the canadian TV coverage on Icedance now,
and do not know much about Canadian media in general either.
But I do kow Tracy does it for the Canadian TV time to time,
then why they let her go to NBC for this big game, hmmmmmm.
Can some Canadian skate fans enlighten me on this?

By the way, Sandra Bezic is a Canadian too. Tracy did commentaries for all of GP series this year plus the Canadian Nationals. But her network didn't get the Olympics.

[Hsuhs]

Okay what was with the blankets for Dom/Shab, I am Australian, and cannot stand them and their racist attitude, they should have been banned from competition based on racist content. so really what was with the blankets? Was it some sort of PC marketing ploy to win over the judges? I cannot stand them if there is any justice, they will go home empty handed and end this Russian dominance for sure.

They met with the Canadian First Nations representatives few days ago. The blankets, I think, are the presents they got at the meeting. Linichuk also clearly said in the K&C: "Thank you for your support".

If you hate them on the grounds of their nationality, I think you're a racist yourself, and should be banned from this board.

[mycelticblessing]

Okay once again, this is why I cannot stand ice dancing, and it is truly fixed, the couples who have been around in the senior ranks the longest IE Del/Sch and the Kerrs, are underscored and upity V/M and D/W, honestly I do not see the big deal or what all of the hype is all about, the only time I actually enjoyed watching Tessa and Scott skate was back in 2004 their Swing, Rock 'n Roll, Jive, Blues combination OD. That's it.

I think D/S were hurt because they skated in an early group and the Kerrs had to skate in a group where all of the other teams were stronger CD dancers than they were. Where would you have placed the two older teams?

[Hsuhs]

Surprisingly (to me), I liked Tanith and Ben's CD today the best. They acted it the best, imo. The hard work (on the edges & lines & posture) showed, too.