http://chicagosports.chicagotribune...oll=cs-international-print&ctrack=1&cset=true
Has some noteworthy mentions, some of which are:
And here's one about Kwan:
Has some noteworthy mentions, some of which are:
It is ridiculous a triple toe loop jump cleanly executed can be worth fewer points than a triple axel jump with a fall on the landing. It makes sense to have a system so complicated it should defy efforts to cut the deals that have damaged the sport's credibility for decades.
The system clearly is a work in progress with inconsistencies, which makes it somewhat disconcerting to have it already used in major events like last week's world championships--and the 2006 Winter Olympics. Its current incarnation still leaves judges many ways to beat the objective of trying to prevent judging by reputation rather than performance.
And here's one about Kwan:
Kwan found out she no longer can make a big impression simply with the pure beauty of her edging--how the blades move across the ice--when it is added to solid jumps, captivating spirals and occasionally competent spins.
Kwan revealed herself to be a quick study by immediately finding one of the system's flaws. In assessing level of difficulty from 1 to 3 for spins and footwork, which becomes an important factor in the score, a poor quality of execution does not lower the level and does not have enough impact on the mark.
Kwan always has been too much of a competitor to back down from a challenge, but this is a formidable one. The new system forces her to redefine herself athletically the way she did artistically at 15, when the kid in the ponytail turned into a young woman who could be a sophisticated Salome on ice--and do seven triple jumps.
"I have to put my back against the wall and do it," Kwan said. "That's what they are asking for, and that's what I have to do."