Some thoughts about Patrick’s recent comments (you know which ones):
I also want to add that Patrick is not the first skater to voice an opinion about the direction of the sport (remember Joubert at 2009 Worlds?), nor will he be the last. I don’t remember if fans were up in arms over Joubert or Stojko when they made their comments, or if this outcry is amplified because it’s “big bad arrogant Patrick” striking again. Of course skaters are going to be in favor of getting the most points for what they are best at and/or the aspects that they appreciate most about figure skating. For Joubert/Stojko it was quads, for Patrick it is skating skills and intricate choreography. My point is, I think the press made a mountain out of a mole hill here and Patrick doesn’t have ill will toward any skater, no matter their strengths. I think this so-called “rant” is Patrick’s way of saying, “I will skate the way I want to skate regardless of what other skaters may or may not be doing.” Now, there may be ways for him to come across as more diplomatic about it, but I see nothing wrong with him expressing his opinion on this matter.
Thank you, VB, for sharing the wonderful quote by Alexis Carrel several pages back: “A few observations and much reasoning lead to error; many observations and a little reasoning to truth.”
Lastly, I’d like to share Jeff Buttle’s Ex from 2016 Nationals, which was at the top of the “Up Next” column when I was watching Patrick’s. Not only is it an ABSOLUTELY STUNNING program, but it is also very relevant in this particular discussion. There are no jumps at all and yet I was COMPLETELY MESMERIZED!!! I couldn’t look away. That spread eagle is to die for and the whole program gave me chills! A program doesn’t need jumps to be amazing (Katia Gordeeva’s tribute to Sergei is another example) but it takes a very skilled SKATER to pull it off. I hope Patrick does a program without jumps as a pro someday. He could definitely pull it off. :yes: David did this for Jeff, so he can do one for Patrick too! Lose yourself in this sublime program and be reminded why you love figure skating. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ab88Pz8gS4
:agree: I think this is also how he was taught from day one with Mr. Colson. Patrick wanted to show off his “cool doubles,” but instead Mr. Colson rebuilt Patrick’s skating from the ground up and wouldn’t allow him to jump at all until his basic skating was improved. In this article from 2011, Patrick said that “skating is what brings you to your jump.” To Patrick, skating has never been a jumping contest but instead a sport where jumps are part of the mood he creates. IMO, Patrick doesn’t really have particular elements that stand out because everything works together to create the effect of each program. With Jin and Nathan, it’s ONLY about the jumps right now. People are so quick to jump on Patrick just because they don’t agree with his opinion. :disapp: That’s why I’ve stayed out of those threads for the most part. In these “debate threads,” nobody ever wins. Whether it’s “Skater X vs. Skater Y,” “Program X vs. Program Y,” or “Quad vs. No quad,” people like what they like and little anyone else says will change that. That’s why I LOVE the Fan Fests. Here we have discussions, but not debates – there’s a huge difference.As for the article, I am so proud that Patrick said the word "art"!
Patrick, keep making your art!
I also want to add that Patrick is not the first skater to voice an opinion about the direction of the sport (remember Joubert at 2009 Worlds?), nor will he be the last. I don’t remember if fans were up in arms over Joubert or Stojko when they made their comments, or if this outcry is amplified because it’s “big bad arrogant Patrick” striking again. Of course skaters are going to be in favor of getting the most points for what they are best at and/or the aspects that they appreciate most about figure skating. For Joubert/Stojko it was quads, for Patrick it is skating skills and intricate choreography. My point is, I think the press made a mountain out of a mole hill here and Patrick doesn’t have ill will toward any skater, no matter their strengths. I think this so-called “rant” is Patrick’s way of saying, “I will skate the way I want to skate regardless of what other skaters may or may not be doing.” Now, there may be ways for him to come across as more diplomatic about it, but I see nothing wrong with him expressing his opinion on this matter.
Thank you, VB, for sharing the wonderful quote by Alexis Carrel several pages back: “A few observations and much reasoning lead to error; many observations and a little reasoning to truth.”
Oh my goodness, I had not made that connection, but you’re right! That’s really mind-blowing to think about. With that in mind I’m SO GLAD he grew up in Canada and not in China. And he has had just the right combination of coaches and choreographers in Canada to become the sublime skater he is today.Pardon my ignorance, but didn't someone somewhere mention that Hanyu revamped his programs and increased the number of quads before the GPF in part because he wanted to fend off Boyang Jin? So Jin (whose last name means "gold", by the way) seems to be a catalyst for the recent developments that are dismaying Patrick, and in a way he is Patrick's ultimate competitor.
Patrick probably doesn't yet realize the irony in all of this, but IMHO he is now being haunted by his China comments from five years ago; for Boyang Jin is who Patrick would have been expected to become had his parents never immigrated to Canada. When the Chinese get involved in a sport like figure skating, they are generally much more interested in winning by focusing on the moves that gain huge points, rather than on the actual skating skills that Patrick is so well-known for. Since Patrick wants to study international studies, I hope he realizes this and keeps an eye on developments in the Chinese men's figure skating program.
Misha Ge is the latest disclosed victim of quad training, in pain and withdrawn from 4CC. Patrick is well aware of the risks of quad training, especially for someone not having a slim body with very narrow hips. He has sounded the warning, getting accused of wishing injuries for his rivals, and is taking a careful approach himself. I'm glad he is staying with the cautious long term plan mapped out with his coach without succumbing to the pressure to rush more quads into his programs. Stay smart and careful, Patrick.
When I read someone's rage against Patrick, I feel sorry for what they are doing to themselves, but nobody can change or be responsible for another's foolhardiness in causing themselves harm. By the same token, I feel it's best for Patrick to just mind his own body, training, and competition. Truth and wisdom are not welcomed or appreciated but are to be trashed and bashed.
Stay healthy and happy, Patrick.
I agree with these posts, especially the bolded parts!Agree, and I wouldn't be surprised if his opinion was formed with significant input from his coach Kathy, who is a body movement expert. She probably knows exactly how his body needs to move in order not to be injured.
I believe that Patrick will take good care of himself and stay healthy. However, I don't think he's completely happy yet. He needs to stop being so hard on himself and enjoy making art on the ice.
Lastly, I’d like to share Jeff Buttle’s Ex from 2016 Nationals, which was at the top of the “Up Next” column when I was watching Patrick’s. Not only is it an ABSOLUTELY STUNNING program, but it is also very relevant in this particular discussion. There are no jumps at all and yet I was COMPLETELY MESMERIZED!!! I couldn’t look away. That spread eagle is to die for and the whole program gave me chills! A program doesn’t need jumps to be amazing (Katia Gordeeva’s tribute to Sergei is another example) but it takes a very skilled SKATER to pull it off. I hope Patrick does a program without jumps as a pro someday. He could definitely pull it off. :yes: David did this for Jeff, so he can do one for Patrick too! Lose yourself in this sublime program and be reminded why you love figure skating. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ab88Pz8gS4