I happen (maybe I'm a split personality!) to be a fan of both YuNa and Mao, and I'm pretty much equally thrilled when either wins, especially when it means I get to see them skating at their best. But Daniel, I don't think you should ever need to apologize for being an impassioned YuNa fan. A lot of skating preference is subjective, but clearly both of these splendid ladies give an incredible number of reasons for being someone's top favorite. Any admiration of either one is well deserved.
In fact, what you just quoted yourself as saying about both YuNa and Mao are wonderful descriptions of the good traits of both skaters. You happen to prefer YuNa. Go for it!
As a Michelle fan now and forever, I understand. (I don't know whether that makes me a Michelle-bot, but I'd be honored to bear that name!)
Since I'm here, I'll put in my two cents' worth on the U.S. ladies. I'm thinking Rachael is looking ready to sail off in another direction, like Emily Hughes. If that's the case, I wish her the best. I'm sorry she and Mirai couldn't earn three U.S. spots for next year, but they both had the satisfaction of skating in the Olympics--and wasn't Rachael the World Junior Champion a few years back? Not too shabby for a skating career! She looks to be one of those people who uses skating as a springboard (is that a mixed metaphor?) to something even better in later life. I'm sure we'll hear from her again in some other field.
I'm glad to hear all of you praising Mirai as an important part of skating's future. It's been awhile since an American lady has been seen as the future of skating. It has a refreshing sound to it!
In fact, what you just quoted yourself as saying about both YuNa and Mao are wonderful descriptions of the good traits of both skaters. You happen to prefer YuNa. Go for it!
As a Michelle fan now and forever, I understand. (I don't know whether that makes me a Michelle-bot, but I'd be honored to bear that name!)
Since I'm here, I'll put in my two cents' worth on the U.S. ladies. I'm thinking Rachael is looking ready to sail off in another direction, like Emily Hughes. If that's the case, I wish her the best. I'm sorry she and Mirai couldn't earn three U.S. spots for next year, but they both had the satisfaction of skating in the Olympics--and wasn't Rachael the World Junior Champion a few years back? Not too shabby for a skating career! She looks to be one of those people who uses skating as a springboard (is that a mixed metaphor?) to something even better in later life. I'm sure we'll hear from her again in some other field.
I'm glad to hear all of you praising Mirai as an important part of skating's future. It's been awhile since an American lady has been seen as the future of skating. It has a refreshing sound to it!