- Joined
- Nov 12, 2012
I think Jason's comparison with Maia and Alex is very apt!
NNF, I don't know if you remember, but Alex actually suffered some injuries shortly after they won bronze at 2011 Worlds. I think combined with Maia's growth spurt -- I think people forget, OFTEN, that Maia was just 16 when they won that medal -- not to mention their journey to find their style/programs, really threw a wrench in their plans. It was actually because of their hard work and determination that got them through those dark years. They never gave up on themselves and try to do the best they could. I think you're right the people subject the circa 2012-2014 years when they express surprise at their success.
I think Jason's going through his version of what the Shibs went through in those years right now. The chorus is similar, he'll never win a medal, the sport has passed him, etc. etc. But like the Shibs, he's a hard worker and a gritty competitor. Honestly, if he does better than even I expect at Worlds and next season, I actually won't be that surprised.
hi

yes, I fully remember that Maia and Alex had this problematic time after their first senior season and this whole mismatch situation about their programs/material they had going for quite a long time, but what I'd like to point and what hit me the most about this situation is people's reactions, this lack of broader look, consideration over issues going for team/skaters, apart even from actual skating, but having an influence on it. Personally, I try to look at teams/skaters each season separately, yes - acknowledging their background, skill, style presented so far etc., but evaluating their CURRENT state they're in, CURRENT material, CURRENT style/skill represented.
In Shibutanis' case I am genuinely surprised by all those people being so surprised and baffled about their rise, successful strike now - I mean, there is really no big task to look at their execution alone, the level of quality of it and tell that this is a top-notch stuff...And then people are getting frustrated over politicking in FS/judges' games with PCS, GOEs etc., but at the same time they are frustrated with team like Shibutanis getting their scores and being a real deal challenging Tessa and Scott or (their beloved favourites) Gabriella and Guillaume. And regarding French team - same as people have a certain memo of Shibutanis as mediocre, technically solid, but unimpressive team, with no capability of scoring high and placing on top, they seems to have also a stagnated image already projected for Gabriella and Guillaume - always champions, always on top, the best skater, the best dancers.
Wish those ppl would finally realise that as hard teams are working to win and be the best, each of them has the same chance to do so.
sorry for

back to Jason - I'm on this side of 'not being surprised if Jason will finally hit this wall and succeed big time' too, and moreover - I'm on this side for many other skaters too
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I think you could have a pretty wild time with that dream squad! Let us know when it's going to happen.
, but it's better to spend energy for this kind of silly thoughts or cherishing the positivity of skaters like Jason himself than wasting it for constant rowing over things we have no influence on or not worthy of arguing as we are too different, with too different tastes, points of view of sentiments to always see eye to eye 

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My friends who just got back from a cruise said one of the things they enjoyed the most was the ice skating shows that were on board!

for posting!