Okay, am I the only one that feels like crying... I am so going to miss all of this during the off season
Men
Dice-K: showing us that a clown routine doesnt have to be gimmicky
Evan: for milking COP for all its worth
Plushy: you've got guts! I dont always enjoy your programs, but boy he got guts
Weir: despite all the trappings and controversy, I still see the pure/clean skater on the ice that I did years ago.
I enjoyed all your evaluations, but I especially like the way you worded the section about the guys, and I pretty much agree with it. That's exactly what I enjoyed about Plushy and Weir, especially. I don't think I'll ever forget Plushenko stepping out on the ice for the long program with no nerves at all. The guy is so stone-cold calm. I didn't love his program--I've seen better from him--but he remains an asset to skating. And Weir: so many people argued about his "flamboyance"--and he helped it along, I must say--but the fact is that his skating is not flamboyant at all. It's smooth and streamlined, like Scandinavian modern design. No false emotion, no flailing. It's what brings me back to him every time. Does anyone remember that lovely exhibition trio he did with Denis and Melissa?
And hooray for Daisuke! What a beautiful combination of style and substance. May he have as long a career as Michelle Kwan or Katarina Witt, so we can get to cheer him for at least another Olympic cycle.