Long time reader, 1st time poster and parent of a competitive figure skater. You could have ended your post at "Flatt was an overachiever who had a very nice career for herself in international skating." All current/past competitive skaters and their family know what each skater and their respective family sacrifice for this sport/dream. Let's stop the negativity (ironic since I'm actually pretty bitter person). Imagine waking up at 4am every morning since you were 4~5yo 'til your 20's, eating in the car, changing for school in the car, doing homework in the car, no sleepovers (doesn't work when you're used to sleeping by 7pm), no playdates, friends, etc, etc. It's what these skaters sacrifice and do. I've read many posts here, there, everywhere, criticizing Nagasu's work ethics. Here's my take, I think she was burnt out. All those years of early morning, afternoon practices. All those lonely hours on the ice (it's not a team sport, it's got to be psychologically/mentally taxing). It all culminated to Vancouver Olympics where she, admirably, finished 4th (and many believe should have won the bronze). Where do you go after you've reached your dream, the olympics? Even the great Yuna Kim lost her motivation at the Worlds following the olympics. And Nagasu was a teenager. Let's cut her some slack. Perhaps she should be faulted for not taking a long break to refuel and to energize.
This is not an attack on pantongfan. I hope you don't take it that way.
This is not an attack on pantongfan. I hope you don't take it that way.