- Joined
- Jul 26, 2003
I haven't read the whole thread.... however, I think the debate about whole package vs jumps can be summed up with the question, did all the 'greats'/past champions win only because of jumps or because they were well rounded skaters? IMHO, the honest answer would be that they had a well balanced assortment of skills - none relied on one skill(jumps) to win. They were enjoyable to watch because they did more than jump.
As related to the current ladies.... let's face it, Mao and Kostner have been at it for a long time without taking a break. It's gotta be beating on their bodies. In general, age slows down reaction time. When timing is 'everything' to perform a jump well, there will be a decline in their ability to land jumps, but they've had time to build skill sets in the in betweens.
The newcomers have the jumps but seldom much inbetween -gets kinds boring just watching them do jumps - may as well just watch warmups IMHO.
As related to the current ladies.... let's face it, Mao and Kostner have been at it for a long time without taking a break. It's gotta be beating on their bodies. In general, age slows down reaction time. When timing is 'everything' to perform a jump well, there will be a decline in their ability to land jumps, but they've had time to build skill sets in the in betweens.
The newcomers have the jumps but seldom much inbetween -gets kinds boring just watching them do jumps - may as well just watch warmups IMHO.