- Joined
- Aug 23, 2003
I kind of agree with that, but only with the ladies. I think that a Jeremy Abbott in his Olympic season shape has the ability to put significant pressure on the international scene. In terms of skating skills, he is still right up there with Patrick Chan and Takahiko Kozuka (and definitely Daisuke and Nobunari). His footwork sequences and transitions at their highest caliber and technical difficulty are also very comparable to Chan's, IMO.
Even at his best, Abbott has never scored anywhere near what Chan, Takahashi and Kozuka have achieved. Jeremy lacks the power and command of the ice that the other three have. He never looks relaxed or confident on the ice, which Chan and Takahashi do with ease. Jeremy makes the difficult look difficult whereas, at their best, Chan and Takahashi make the difficult look easy.
I've seen all four skaters live, more than once and at the same competitions, and Jeremy Abbot is not in the same league as Patrick or Daisuke, even when he skates his best. Kozuka isn't quite there yet, but he's getting very close. I doubt that Abbott will be beating him again.