It really just depends on what has happened and how much time has elapsed. Ando really only took one season off. Liukin was trying to comeback as of November of last year after 3.5 years off. Evans was off for quite awhile as well.
Come-backs sound glamorous but when it really has to happen few can do it in any sport. Nastia Lyukin was painful to watch. Janet Evans an amazing effort but not to be. An ex-Olympian always has that competitive fire, but time marches on.
What all these comebacks show is that even someone like Yuna who is in her prime years cannot just come back without at a couple competitions to get back into fighting shape.
Shen and Zhao did it after taking a few years off. Gordeeva and Grinkov, too. If we're going to cite current examples on other sports, why not Serena Williams? She took a year off due to various injuries and health problems (as well as depression, according to herself), and now she's worked her way back to two Wimbledon titles (one with her sister) over the weekend, and is a favorite for Olympic gold.
Nastia Liukin, by all accounts, was very under-prepared, and maybe she just lost her mojo. This sort of comeback isn't possible for everyone. It didn't happen for Nastia, but that doesn't mean it won't work out for Miki/Yuna/Johnny/Evgeny.
Plushenko took years off, came back last season for just two competitions, and won them both handily. Plushenko trained intensely behind the scenes, and was in fighting shape before he stepped back onto competition ice. Yuna could do the same. Of course, a few competitions would help any comeback skaters tweak their programs under the IJS, as well as get their minds back in the game. With Plushenko's health problems, though, it's understandable that he kept the competitions to a minimum. But I think all these skating veterans have a pretty good idea how to handle their bodies and how to gauge what they can and cannot do at this point. I won't hate on them for skipping the GP series.
His Euros score was third on the SB list, and at the time of Worlds was second; his total from Sheffield would have beaten Dai and Hanyu at Worlds. I imagine with some love from the judges, he might have even won in Nice. And just for fun: there is only one active skater who has beaten Plushenko, and it's not Patrick Chan.But those competitions were not at Worlds. He had next to no competition at the Russian Championships and didn't have to face Chan or the Japanese at Worlds.
His Euros score was third on the SB list, and at the time of Worlds was second; his total from Sheffield would have beaten Dai and Hanyu at Worlds. I imagine with some love from the judges, he might have even won in Nice. And just for fun: there is only one active skater who has beaten Plushenko, and it's not Patrick Chan.
I liked how Shen and Zhao handled their Olympic year comeback - no talk, no fuss, no endless speculation. Their names just showed up in the GP assignments in 2009, and then they came into the season fit and well-prepared.
His Euros score was third on the SB list, and at the time of Worlds was second; his total from Sheffield would have beaten Dai and Hanyu at Worlds. I imagine with some love from the judges, he might have even won in Nice. And just for fun: there is only one active skater who has beaten Plushenko, and it's not Patrick Chan.
And just for fun: there is only one active skater who has beaten Plushenko, and it's not Patrick Chan.
I enjoyed itYes, only one who has beaten Plush, and only one time. Brian Joubert in 2004 European Championships. That was a tragedy for me.
Actually, no. Shen and Zhao got their career achievement award in Vancouver, and I didn't enjoy them as much once they were Nicholized. I liked them better when they were a bit rougher around the edges. So I'm good with them staying retired; I just respect the way the went about their comeback.Yeah. I wish S/Z could come back again, don't you?
Plushenko has been lucky as he has competed against more or less inconsistent skaters in recent years. His scores have been very high, especially his reputation PCS.
Well, he has not been an active competitor himself the last two years and has not given Patrick Chan or anybody else outside Russia and Europe a chance.
SkateFiguring said:Well, he has not been an active competitor himself the last two years and has not given Patrick Chan or anybody else outside Russia and Europe a chance.
He went to COR in 2009. Patrick didnt. Kozuka was there. He also competed in the Olympics
I enjoyed it
I believe it was the ISU that did not give Plushenko a chance to compete for one of the past two seasons. Considering that he is pretty much held up with tape and string at this point, I won't hold his selective participation in events against him.
He went to COR in 2009. Patrick didnt. Kozuka was there. He also competed in the Olympics
Plush vs Hanyu is the most I m waiting next season. If Hanyu beats him, I m looking forward to both their reaction.
Oh no, I plan to go to EC since WORLD is out of question for me. But of course his health is the most important thing he should take care of first.Fingers crossed he looks totally healthy now, knee surgery and all. He does a tone of off ice condition these days. But yes, I believe they have a selective competition plan till 2014. I dont think he cares to add more GP experience, and my guess is he wont go to Euros this year. His goal is Sochi. But who knows..
I enjoyed it
I believe it was the ISU that did not give Plushenko a chance to compete for one of the past two seasons. Considering that he is pretty much held up with tape and string at this point, I won't hold his selective participation in events against him. But maybe he'll surprise us and claim the open host slot for Rostel - it could be quite instructive to see two great skaters face off (and two equally great politikking federations, too).
Jaana, luck has nothing to do with it; Plushenko is simply a tremendous competitor, and has excellent Mishin-taught jump technique. Which is why he's hard to beat even when off-form and struggling with injuries. And are you really suggesting that he is the only top skater who gets a reputation bonus, and none of your favorites ever do? That's either naive or disingenuous.
Actually, no. Shen and Zhao got their career achievement award in Vancouver, and I didn't enjoy them as much once they were Nicholized. I liked them better when they were a bit rougher around the edges. So I'm good with them staying retired; I just respect the way the went about their comeback.