Patrick Chan Parts Ways With Christy Krall | Page 5 | Golden Skate

Patrick Chan Parts Ways With Christy Krall

Ravensque

On the Ice
Joined
Dec 31, 2009
Well, his skates won't have to travel so much to get sharpened:laugh:. I'm all for the change if it means he can improve upon what is already awsome.
 

Violet Bliss

Record Breaker
Joined
Nov 19, 2010
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.
 
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SGrand

Final Flight
Joined
Dec 22, 2011
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

Record Breaker
Joined
Aug 18, 2010
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.
 
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CAS

On the Ice
Joined
Aug 24, 2010
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.
 

Violet Bliss

Record Breaker
Joined
Nov 19, 2010
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

On the Ice
Joined
Aug 24, 2010
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

Record Breaker
Joined
Nov 12, 2009
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.
 

deedee1

Record Breaker
Joined
Nov 14, 2007
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.

:thumbsup::agree::)
 
Joined
Jun 21, 2003
Poor Patrick. A week ago he was already pencilled in for winning Sochi with a ten fall advantage over the also-rans.

Today, his career is over. Cue the funeral march. ;)
 

Boeing787

On the Ice
Joined
Oct 21, 2011
what? You have already had a funeral for Patrick's career? I won't be so pessimistic. Now Patrick has mastered all the jumps, he just needs to maintain them which is not as hard as getting them. Just keep the muscle memory. I.e. practice daily, don't gain weight. With a controlling mom like Karen, it shouldn't be hard to do.:)

I remember Patrick said in an interview that he always trusted his parents' sixth sense. Although people told him he didn't have to listen to his parents, but it turned out his parents were always right. They know what is best for him.

Let's hope they are right again.
 

blue dog

Trixie Schuba's biggest fan!
Record Breaker
Joined
Dec 16, 2006
Patrick has switched coaches three times in his career (which, if you count the moment he first took lessons from his first coach to now is still a fairly lengthy career), and people are worried. I think Patrick knows his skating best, and is following what he needs to follow. And, if it doesn't end in Olympic gold, then, I hope Patrick will have no regrets (I certainly won't), because he did it the way he felt was best.

I sometimes wonder what this board would've looked like during the nineties when Nicole Bobek would switch coaches...or, even earlier, when the late Christopher Bowman or Tonya Harding would end up in the news (though not for their skating).
 

Bluebonnet

Record Breaker
Joined
Aug 18, 2010
Poor Patrick. A week ago he was already pencilled in for winning Sochi with a ten fall advantage over the also-rans.

Today, his career is over. Cue the funeral march. ;)

And then next season when Patrick wins Skate Canada - his first GP event, he will be back onto "ten-fall cushion" level.:laugh:
 
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Serious Business

Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 7, 2011
The biggest challenge to Patrick Chan's ongoing standing in the results is still how the ISU will change the rules/judging between this past season and the next one. Now I'm sure changing coaches is no picnic for Patrick in his private life. But really, his career has survived more dramatic coaching changes before. It's the inevitable rule/judging changes, ones that will be targeted directly at Patrick Chan as a result of the controversy and booing and bellyaching surrounding his scores, that will alter his career trajectory the most. If Patrick wants to continue to stay on top, he had best focus on remedying the top criticism leveled at him: his falling. It's very likely the scores will take a lot less kindly to it in the future. Focusing on his artistry is all well and good, but if he wants to win he best meet the haters head on.
 

let`s talk

Match Penalty
Joined
Sep 10, 2009
The timing is a little strange. He will have to skate at WTT in a couple of days. Of course it's just a fun event as some people might think. But I am sure this coach split news could have waited till Monday.
 

mikiandorocks

Final Flight
Joined
Feb 21, 2010
Patrick is an excellent skater. The only thing he lacks (at least to my eyes) is a bit more of artistry. To be able to touch the heart of the spectators. It's something that other skaters such as Lambiel or Takahashi are able to do. I'm pretty sure Patrick will be able to evolve artistically. His only 21! I'm sure he'll be able to do it.
Lori has been his choreographer for the past seasons (as far as I remember) and maybe it's time to change that. David Wilson would be an excellent choice.
Even with this coaching change, I don't think anyone can seriously say that he's not a favorite anymore...
 
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