Not that it's even fair to say "only one world title" of course, but the Midori video in the Scheherazade thread (of her stunning '89 NHK LP) had me thinking of how remarkable it is, looking back, that one of the sport's best-ever jumpers and a generally incredible all-around skater just won the one world title.
Of course, figures (and inconsistency) were huge reasons why Ito didn't repeat, but I was wondering what other skaters really stuck out in a similar way for other folks -- skaters who probably stand among the sport's legends who, perhaps, had they had skated in a different era under different rules or had better luck injury-wise, etc., may have been one of those types that dominated a quad and won three or four titles?
A few other names that stuck out for me:
Usova/Zhulin ('93) -- lucked out by being Russia #2 to K/P then having to deal with G/P surging in '94, not to mention going up against the Duchesnays' innovation making mostly everyone look dull by comparison. I'd also argue they didn't always get the best material, too, ('94 FD). But surely one of the better Russian dance teams of all time, in my book.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imx7xxl0TK8
Denise Biellmann ('81) -- of course, figures impacted her career negatively, but I feel like her legacy extends far beyond one world title. Not only with her namesake spin, but also the longevity of her career and her eccentric approach to skating. No one takes risks like her anymore.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrI-L34_Jh0
Dorothy Hamill ('76) -- another sort of obvious one to me. Her spins and elegance (and classic hair style, of course) make her a clear legend. I'm not as familiar with this era, so I'm not sure why she came up short multiple times at other worlds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlenY92HjlA
Of course, figures (and inconsistency) were huge reasons why Ito didn't repeat, but I was wondering what other skaters really stuck out in a similar way for other folks -- skaters who probably stand among the sport's legends who, perhaps, had they had skated in a different era under different rules or had better luck injury-wise, etc., may have been one of those types that dominated a quad and won three or four titles?
A few other names that stuck out for me:
Usova/Zhulin ('93) -- lucked out by being Russia #2 to K/P then having to deal with G/P surging in '94, not to mention going up against the Duchesnays' innovation making mostly everyone look dull by comparison. I'd also argue they didn't always get the best material, too, ('94 FD). But surely one of the better Russian dance teams of all time, in my book.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imx7xxl0TK8
Denise Biellmann ('81) -- of course, figures impacted her career negatively, but I feel like her legacy extends far beyond one world title. Not only with her namesake spin, but also the longevity of her career and her eccentric approach to skating. No one takes risks like her anymore.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrI-L34_Jh0
Dorothy Hamill ('76) -- another sort of obvious one to me. Her spins and elegance (and classic hair style, of course) make her a clear legend. I'm not as familiar with this era, so I'm not sure why she came up short multiple times at other worlds.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlenY92HjlA
I think his last name starts with a P........
! Anyway I love all three ladies and I believe their basically 8 year dominance of the sport was well deserved. Who is/was the best is tough to say, they are all so different but incredibly good....anyway I agree that Carolina could have won more world titles but consistency issues really affected her career, though in 2008 I don't think her winning would have been a scandal!
