Patrick Chan Parts Ways With Christy Krall

[Skater Boy]

I really hope we see him actually use this to improve but I fear the worst! I know money is a huge issue. I think I read somewhere his dad makes $160,000 a year which with Patrick`s training costs and by a lot of standards not that great (although he will get a good pension). Hence the Lewis clan was very happy that «petro Canada or whoever paid for the families of olympians to attend in Vancouver. Tessa Virtue`s dad is a very successful lawyer and can make over $300,000 to $400,000 plus she lives in a much cheaper city. No pension but that is not an issue right now. That kind of income is more helpful to cover costs. I think Tara Lipiniski`s dad was some big American executive and Sarah and Emily Hughes dad is a huge tie NY lawyer. You need money unfortunately to compete.

[SkateFiguring]

I didn`t know Chan was having such a rough time but I am afraid for him; if he loses Lori Nchol his programs which propelled him to the top will sag. Brian Orser or Doug Leigh who might be a bit long in the tooth now would be good choices. Brian can coach two top notch skaters and I have to say Brian owes his country (not because he blew Oly gold) but it wold be nice for him to put something back in not ironically coach skaters who cost Canadian medals YuNa and now Fernandez. I am afraid this could be the end of Patrick. What got him there was hardwork improved jump technique and great programs and to lose «Lori and Christy that would be a travesty. Sadly had Oly`s been in 2011 or 12 he might have gold; I fear he has burned out and we won`t see him on the podium in Sochi. Wow from world champ to...in two weeks. this is discouraging. I guess one can hope but I don`t find much good about this other than for Dai, Hanyu, Fernandez, Joubert, Kozuka, Abbott and all.

The rough time was self imposed due to his natural desire to grow instead of being satisfied and stagnant. I think he has found satisfaction in his achievements competition wise with his Guinness records and Worlds titles, with an OGM as a possibility and ambition. He is finding his own motivation and challenges, like moving goal posts, in order to continue. Patrick is such a complete package of extraordinary talents, grits, work ethics, learning attitude and aptitude, as well as strong parental support that he is not going to fall off his game because of a coaching change partly initiated by himself. This is his journey to greatness, not without some pain and drama along the way.

eta. I admit, there are times I put myself in his shoes and feel rather discouraged with all the negativity against him for all his lifetime of hard work and sacrifices from the whole family, as well as financial and emotional debts to bear. The public reaction to the China comments was particularly ugly and I admire how he faced it and kept himself together for the GPF. As I recounted earlier, he was so stressed at every competition this season that I picture few people could have survived with the kind of result he had to show. I hope he has a good time at WTT and enjoys some downtime after.

[tampro1]

Just like Kwan didn't need a coach because she was on top, too...

We all know how that worked out for what turned out to be her last opportunity to win the Olympics At least he has two years before the Olympics and not a few months. Also in this case, the coach resigned rather than the athlete left. Change could be good for Chan.

[figuristka]

Here was a profile on Patrick at his training base if it was missing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKBUMs9kkk8

I agree there seemed to be too much negativity towards him by some. Whether its Daisuke or Patrick or other top skater they have to be respected for all their hard work, and great talent. They must go through so much throughout the year. I think Patrick is improving as an artist and wants to improve that way. Hopefully its the right decision. We're lucky to have him in the sport.

[Jaana]

I hope that Chan would fully concentrate on his training and move to a place with his parents not too far off. "Constant" travelling from one country to another to visit parents must be very distracting considering anyone´s training. Especially if the goal is to become an Olympic champion, one has to make practical and wise decisions which will help one in reaching that goal.

[Ravensque]

Well, his skates won't have to travel so much to get sharpened. I'm all for the change if it means he can improve upon what is already awsome.

[SkateFiguring]

The mother is always to blame for many people, who don't have any inside track. Karen Chan does not speak much to the media. The only quote I know from her impressed me: "Patrick can excel in something else too." What I know of her came from her very grateful and appreciative son who credits her easy going, non-demanding way as calming and ultimately encouraging. While her devotion to her son is beyond question, she doesn't seem to be pushy but does everything she can for his success according to his changing needs.

I still see so much similarity with Patrick's split from Don Laws. He simply outgrows the training method and environment as he switches his focus in order to progress. Krall specializes in micromanaging the jumping techniques. While she has helped Patrick improve his techniques, it was Barishnikov dance videos from Johnson that gave him his epiphany and the quad break through. Meanwhile, as I speculated before based on her comment about his 3A technique, she probably put doubts and mental blocks into his head, turning it into his nemesis after he had been landing it beautifully for a couple of years. Eventually he overcame it by just going with his feelings instead of micromanaging it.

I think Patrick has reached such high level of technical skills that it's about the heart now. Like all skills at the highest level that they turn into art and second nature, it's about feelings and going with the flow, to be in the zone, in the moment. I think Patrick has realized that and his next challenge being the artistic expression had him value Johnson's input more over the nano second scientific analyses championed by Krall, who, like Laws before her, now feels diminished in her role and importance in his training and progress. He probably also needs a break from the kind of schedule that has his day planned to the every minute.

Young Patrick had elderly men as his coaches and then it has been women who have transitioned him into adulthood and a world champion. I'm interested to see who would be mentoring him at his current level. I think what is important is to find a good personality match that will keep him relaxed and motivated, a pair of keen eyes to spot the nuances in his skating, and an open mind to let him progress without limiting him with rigid methods. Patrick is not someone who needs to be whipped into working hard and into a program. He demands so much of himself.

I do have some concerns about his announced intention of still training mainly at CS. While the high altitude and Johnson's presence make the location desirable, much depends on Krall's attitude and how much ego was involved in her resignation, as he still needs a skating coach which Johnson is not. His plan may still evolve along with his progress.

[SGrand]

I posted this last night in the PC Fanfest thread, but it's probably better suited to this thread:

"Regarding Patrick's split with Krall, it seems rather sudden and shocking, but it happens and it kind of seems like he's on a path, one that included focusing on and mastering basic technique and skating skills, then onto conquering jumps and now it looks like he might be diving head first into upping his artistry. I look forward to this and I don't think he's afraid, he always seems up for a challenge and I think the response he's received from his gala performance has only lit a fire under him. It's sad about the split, but if the situation dictates that there must be a change, then so be it.

What I would like to see happen next year, since it will be a year of transition and (maybe) new things, I'd actually like to see him lose, at least once. Sounds crazy, and I'm not talking about losing all year, but I don't think he needs another undefeated season, and growth can only come with defeat and the lessons it can provide. Don't get me wrong, winning provides lessons too and it certainly builds confidence, but I'd like to see him lose if just to lessen the pressure that comes with what he's probably been dealing with lately; it's lonely at the top, right? I'm sure the naysayers will chime in here about his "17-fall cushion" lol, but you never know, and this world's was pretty close, regardless of the PSC controversy. I'd love him to continue to win worlds and go on to the OGM, but this next year will (again, maybe) be a year of trying out new types of programs and jumps etc.

All in all, I'm interested to see what happens and I wish both him and Krall all the best!"

[Bluebonnet]

It's like coming down from the sky and back onto the earth. Isn't that what you want? Patrick is practically walking into unknown future from some of your prediction of 9 - 10 fall cushions (even though I've never believed that Patrick has had this much cushion). But he did not lose the chance to win. He is now as equally competitive as every other top skaters in the world. Yes, he has lost his once winning formula: Krall + Nichol. But I thought that was all your Chan criticizers criticized him. You all wished that he could explore other choreographers besides Nichol. You all wished that he could emphasize more on artistry and performance instead of being "just a CoP technician". Now you've gotten your wish. Perhaps Chan people know perfectly what were going on among skating fans. They wanted to change.

Patrick is not afraid of exploring the unknown. Patrick thrives in challenges. Winning every single competition was simply making him feel bored and losing his focus. So he set up his own challenges. Now I come to think of it, parting Krall and Nichol is sooner or later inevitable. Might as well happen in the middle of an Olympic cycle. If Krall doesn't know how to stimulate her students other than dartfish analysis, it's time to change to different directions yourself. Patrick has been using Nichol and Nichol alone for how long? Even many of his fans are wishing him to change choreographer. Now he has.

To me, it's uncertainty and it's a little scary. But I'm not losing any hopes. I know Patrick and his people will do the best they can towards the biggest goal they've set - the Olympics gold medal.

[questar]

sorry

[Mathman]

So far my original idea of how this split came about seems to fit. Patrick is on his own path with his own goals....He has also grown from a keenly learning kid to a young man taking charge of his own destiny.

This.

[CAS]

Whatever the reason it seems a done deal. Patrick has the skills so if he remains motivated and wants this he should succeed. Hopefully it works out for him, he is too good not to see his potential through to Sochi.

[SkateFiguring]

We may never know all the real reasons. I believe Krall and Chan had a very good relationship. I also thought Krall was unselfish with a team approach even though she was a specialist herself. The reasons she gives is at least partly true as she could not have Patrick under micromanagement any more. It was possible to continue the relationship, evolved and modified, but as it is, it is terminated.

If the split is a side effect of Patrick's need for growth, then it is necessary. They both can continue on their separately successful careers.

[CAS]

You keep editing your post. I'm guessing it was probably best not to bring it up at all if you can't elaborate on your insinuations.

[silverlake22]

Well this certainly shakes things up going into Sochi, just going to make the odds better for Hanyu or someone else to take advantage of the situation, sneak in and snatch gold from Chan. I thought Chan would be staying with Krall until after Sochi. Anyways, I doubt he'll keep his winning streak up if he doesn't hire a new coach by the time the season starts. All skaters need a coach, I don't care how good they are.