2018 Olympic Figure Skating Team Event Day 3 | Page 102 | Golden Skate

2018 Olympic Figure Skating Team Event Day 3

You act like Mirai didn't have a lot of down years before this, and that she has no flaws in her skating. Get real. I'm very happy for her but I am absolutely certain that there are a half dozen Russian girls at the very least who will have great comebacks just like her. Russians are hardcore.

Wasn't sure where to put this but I found this from Leonova interesting:

https://rsport.ria.ru/winter2018_figure/20180212/1132439682.html

How funny, if keep making things up is the only way you can reply, you shouldn't bother. Where have I ever said anything about she has no flaws? no downer years? Hm... you have got to be kidding me.

The Russian ladies I like are Slutskaya, Lipnitskaya, Pogorilayao, Radionova, Tuktamysheva (especially the early years when I defended her scores on multiple boards because i like big true lutzes) and yes that includes Leonova. I have been pretty consistent in all my track record. In fact been very complimentary towards Leonova's programs past 2 seasons. One of the prime reason is they have rarely been gifted and developed their scores organically like how it should be (Unless you count Olympic season bonus for Yulia - 1 season only, or the season where Liza had the 3A but some how affect her PCS biggly, even hated her 3t3t sp approach). They earned their score, and continue to fight against their deficiencies. I don't expect skaters to be flawless, to be perfect, but I do believe in earning and developing one's craft to earn the rewards, not through gifting or inflating. What you are able to show and improve, you should be scored. Not who you are, and who federation deem you to be, and what you are supposed able to do.

Despite the flaws, you can't claim Mirai was ever gifted at age 15, as US Jr, Sr champion, 2 times WJr medalists. Her last Olympics was at Vancouver for example where her PCS was 60.56 only, despite skate the lights out, at one of those best of life skating moments - full of charm, delight and all the je ne sais quois, clean, spectacular spins and jumps better than Alina.

Can we stop putting down teenagers to prop up veterans? Is it impossible to enjoy both Alina and Mirai for what they are? I think they both represent what the sport is about.

This is the seniors, i love how the only defense is you couldn't criticise someone because of their age. Sport is all about comparison, especially at the top regardless of age.
 
They just showed Patrick’s FS again on NBC!! I’m so happy for him. Glad he finally got that well deserved medal :yay:

Honestly I’m enjoying the Figure Skating a lot and have seen some great performances but the way some of y’all can grumble on about the same thing from event to event has me kind of ignoring these threads.

My favorite moment of today was from snowboarding. When an American girl won a gold medal (I’ll leave the names out for spoiler purposes) and a Canadian athlete ran out to hug and congratulate her! That’s the spirit I’m talking about. Medals matter but the heart of the games is coming together and celebrating each other’s achievements.

Marai’s 3a was pretty bomb though and seeing so many ladies deliver so well in the team event has been really inspiring. I watched with a group of experienced skaters and some casual fans but the overall consensus was a sense of pride and awe with how far the sport has come all across the board. So many people can deliver the goods and heat things up :hap85:

Anyone else really enjoy the team event as much as I did?

Yes! I think I may even like the team event more than the individuals because of the added strategy and drama. I only wish more countries could field competitive teams. I think it's coming though; I expect China to be a bit like Canada and really put their best effort into winning team gold in four years.

As for the moaning online, yeah, there's a lot of complaining. I can't help noticing it, but that's how it goes on most forums devoted to a specific interest. People focus so much on their own opinions that they lose sight of how the athletes themselves feel about their sport and their fellow competitors. There's a lot of love and respect between athletes from various countries. Rivals and training mates often become the people in each other's wedding parties, reliable friends for life.

Win or lose, most Olympic athletes are never going to become rich or famous. They, and their families, pour time and money into something they love for what often only matters, save for a blip of outside attention every four years, within the tiny world of their shared sport. They all cheer for each other. In figure skating, unfortunately, that's usually hidden because most of the other skaters are out back preparing during competitions. One appealing aspect of the team event is how the skaters celebrate each other's victories, and not exclusively those of their own teammates. Marchei and Hotarek, Mirai, Bychenko - they had 'moments' and how nice for that to happen when there were loads of fellow skaters at the boards to share the excitement with.
 
How funny, if keep making things up is the only way you can reply, you shouldn't bother. Where have I ever said anything about she has no flaws? no downer years? Hm... you have got to be kidding me.

The Russian ladies I like are Slutskaya, Lipnitskaya, Pogorilayao, Radionova, Tuktamysheva (especially the early years when I defended her scores on multiple boards because i like big true lutzes) and yes that includes Leonova. I have been pretty consistent in all my track record. In fact been very complimentary towards Leonova's programs past 2 seasons. One of the prime reason is they have rarely been gifted and developed their scores organically like how it should be (Unless you count Olympic season bonus for Yulia - 1 season only, or the season where Liza had the 3A but some how affect her PCS biggly, even hated her 3t3t sp approach). They earned their score, and continue to fight against their deficiencies. I don't expect skaters to be flawless, to be perfect, but I do believe in earning and developing one's craft to earn the rewards, not through gifting or inflating. What you are able to show and improve, you should be scored. Not who you are, and who federation deem you to be, and what you are supposed able to do.

Despite the flaws, you can't claim Mirai was ever gifted at age 15, as US Jr, Sr champion, 2 times WJr medalists. Her last Olympics was at Vancouver for example where her PCS was 60.56 only, despite skate the lights out, at one of those best of life skating moments - full of charm, delight and all the je ne sais quois, clean, spectacular spins and jumps better than Alina.



This is the seniors, i love how the only defense is you couldn't criticise someone because of their age. Sport is all about comparison, especially at the top regardless of age.

I didn't say you couldn't criticize skaters. I said to not put down teenagers to prop up veterans. Of course, there are things that Alina can work on, but there are things Mirai could work on, too. I think there are very few skaters out there who are perfect, which is why I say that we should like skaters for what they are good at.
 
There were good performaces and not so good ones but the event was enjoyable overall. Even so, I hope the team event will be dropped entirely in the next Olympics (as I assume it is very difficult for skaters to maitain their condition for an extended period of time like this. In this respect, I have great respect for the skaters who competed in the team event, especially those who skated both SD and FD). Or I hope it will be held after all individuals are completed because there are 4 years for the ISU and the Olympic host country to come up with a way to change the schedule.
 
I didn't say you couldn't criticize skaters. I said to not put down teenagers to prop up veterans. Of course, there are things that Alina can work on, but there are things Mirai could work on, too. I think there are very few skaters out there who are perfect, which is why I say that we should like skaters for what they are good at.

How am I putting down skaters by remarking something that is true? Although I totally agree with the bold part, why is Alina being marked like she is beyond perfect? 75 PCS for a junior program/interpretation. When the flaws and deficiencies are in plain sight.

I have remarked Alina is an amazingly talented girl at her debut (could be more talented than Evegenia) with enormous potentials, just like Evegenia when she first debut, but the scoring are quite another, it is not only hurting the sport but also hurt them as a figure skater. It is a vicious circle, they have potentials, but judges are marking them like some bitcoins... betting on their future, which actually removes any motivation to improve. As of today, Evegenia's PCS should be well above Alina's but what happened? Russia new number 1 name tag reigns its ugly head again in the PCS department, everything BS I hate about PCS fake judging. Politics, federation judging, inflation to the scale we have never seen before.... worse than Sochi I'd say.
 
Due to forum access issues for me, I focused solely on watching live feed - yes, succeeded with staying up at 2am two nights in a row and sitting now at work (just after coffee), with open eyes and functioning brain (I hope:)). I think it will only get better/easier for me now, after Team Even is completed and there will be subsequent days of individual competition with only 1 day break (like today's). Apologies for this side note, but I am really feeling good and satisfied with myself that I manage to wake up AND actually stay up and excited over stream, not falling asleep in between like it was many times before during night watching:).

Some of my thoughts...

- from Men's final FS Adam and Patrick were absolute highlights for me, no question about it. To each on their own - Adam for me really represents a mature, grown-up and conscious take on presentation and performance, but still keeping it somehow fresh, youthful and interesting to observe and watch with affection of some sorts. This program is definitely my fave one from him, because it represents both his powerful and sensitive sides of how he skates, performs, perceives music and movement; there is for me an unique, intricate sense of delicacy, 'sensuality' and fragility in a way the program is constructed and how Adam is interpreting it all through his body. And by his body, I mean ALL of it: in my opinion he's one of those skaters that integrates upper body part, hands, arms, head into overall skating so seamlessly and in engaging way, especially in such program like Birds-themed FS, he impressionates the character to be portrayed, but not that obviously and in a harsh way to see. Yes, I totally see that his skating is two-footed a lot of times and it is not that 'evenly sped up'/balanced in terms of 'skating skills', but I still can appreciate how stylish, refined his presentation overall is, especially with such custom-fitted program like FS he has; for me, Adam is a wonderful, sensible 'colourist' of moods and music, getting very 'personal' with his interpretation and particular over his own expression, projection over audience, which is quite unique and rare in reality where mass-projection, producing stuff that judges will perceive in profitable way is often the most important notion to follow. I really have no wonder over positivity and amazement of those commentators/TV coverage that praised Adam, because he shines like a jewel and carry his skating way beyond strict/direct competing experience, being courageous, bold, honest about it. It's truly amazing to see such all-around commitment and confidence radiating from Adam. And that 3F-3Lo combo was FAB, along with layback spin (as usual)!
Patrick - while I get the criticism over Axels and uneven technical content, its execution, the thing is that he cannot lose a signature that is ingrained deeply inside his skating identity: the magnitude of general skating skill that keeps the flow creates a space to appreciate this aspect of skating/performing that makes it so easy and effortless to perceive, yet is probably the hardest thing to achieve, develop, improve and continue to happen in my opinion. While his jumps may or may not be in money condition, his body, feet, arms are adapting to the music and movement design in organic, natural way, making up a definition of understated quality that is just there no matter what; a quality that grew along his experience and sings in its own voice to the people who do notice technical challenges, who may question his attitude/mind-set, but at the same time see what still sets Patrick from the rest of the pack competing in Team Event. I think it is a pretty powerful testament to Patrick's skating impact in general, not really fusing over competitive power, because it is a totally different animal to tame these days and evolves too quickly, while the statement-like way of skating seems to stand the time. I personally adore the simplicity and 'stripped'-like design of Patrick's program, wish he would go at least with one classical program, but then both songs, the mood of them really goes along with this nostalgic, sentimental note I'm watching Patrick with this season; aside of Yuzuru and Misha Ge, he is the only skater that makes silence to sing and move me in its own strange rhythm, every pause, stop, look in this Hallelujah FS has some kind of weight, significance to it, despite being often overlooked and treated as an afterthought. At this point I just hope that Team Gold and some kind of technical 'redemption' (to certain extend of course) in FS will spur him into motivation mode for individual event, to improve his own material, regardless of what will happen alongside him.

- Ladies are shaping up to be the highlight of the FS events and the most exciting of them all I think - and that comes from someone who have a very little knowledge of singles' skating and no clear faves (my main focus is on programs and performances). The most emotional moment - Mirai's personal triumph of course. The skate itself was incredibly driven, poised, controlled, yet it felt relaxed and at ease, for me she was never a queen of expression or exuberance and the strength of impression she made was all about powerful execution put into her Olympic situation context, a comeback after 8 years, getting a chance to prove herself to all people in the Team Event when aside of a strong skate, a strong commitment and spirit should be represented - and this was exactly what Mirai did in my opinion. She really triumphed over a lot of things by this skate, making a statement of persistence and will being successful. Carolina's skating, like Patrick's, was a delight to watch and feel out by various senses - hopefully she will skate the best version of that FS in the individual event.

- being back to Pairs a bit, I have to say out loud my deep respect and gratitude for Meagan and Eric for going for things they want with poise, determination and competitive drive like no other. From both their performances, it just felt that they want a Team Gold and they want to get a grip on it - Meagan's grit is second to none. What stroked me in their FS (btw 'Hometown Glory' was a great call to bring back it seems, so fitting into Team victory and a strong vehicle) is an incredible maturity and camanderie between them, this sense of being so in synch and so together into raising to the occasion (similarly to Tessa and Scott). Despite this sense I have of them both having a different attitudes/characters, Meagan is yin to Eric's yang on the ice, there's just the same level of being affectionate towards the program and engagement brought into it; Eric's subtlety perfectly balances out Meagan's exuberance and energy.

- Ice Dance was overall a delight to watch (except maybe Chris' unfortunate fall:() - definitely dig FD changes made by Maia and Alex, call me stupid, but even Maia's hairstyle made somehow more sense to me;), I really sensed more 'casualness', realness factor input into choreography, musical arrangement, their energy given to the performance. I mean, there is an outlier to different audiences and with that FD, this version of it I feel that they aim to the casual viewer who may want to experience something like pop concert, something close and relatable to reach and feel, with no drama or 'artistic' visions/concepts proclaimed in advance. The remodelled finale really stands out: there is a joy, exuberance, energy, thrill, a climax of experience happening between them and brought to the people around watching; the important notion that I saw (and felt) was bringing the feel, emotion, interpretation to the outside, not making it intimate, closed or 'secretive'. It is definitely the most 'joyously honest' FD from the all, dance that brings a variety of colours to the picture, but most of all - brings out Maia and Alex's personalities and efforts to shine and light out the rink.
Tessa and Scott - gold-worthy performance that really stood out in the field, with such a sound response from the audience. Scores being scores - not much to talk about, since it is nothing new to witness about scoring that particular FD, being not 'judges pick'. Good, valuable thing is to see the program still evolving though, pushing its own boundaries, accommodating more and more personality than just pure design.
 
They just showed Patrick’s FS again on NBC!! I’m so happy for him. Glad he finally got that well deserved medal :yay:

Honestly I’m enjoying the Figure Skating a lot and have seen some great performances but the way some of y’all can grumble on about the same thing from event to event has me kind of ignoring these threads.

My favorite moment of today was from snowboarding. When an American girl won a gold medal (I’ll leave the names out for spoiler purposes) and a Canadian athlete ran out to hug and congratulate her! That’s the spirit I’m talking about. Medals matter but the heart of the games is coming together and celebrating each other’s achievements.

Marai’s 3a was pretty bomb though and seeing so many ladies deliver so well in the team event has been really inspiring. I watched with a group of experienced skaters and some casual fans but the overall consensus was a sense of pride and awe with how far the sport has come all across the board. So many people can deliver the goods and heat things up :hap85:

Anyone else really enjoy the team event as much as I did?

I totally agree with this.

And I'm very happy Patrick won his gold and did so well himself too :agree:
As for Mirai... what can I say? What a boss!
 
Mirai's FS is not empty. And the has quite good choreo... Not worse than Kaori for example...

You thing that if there is no billions of linking steps and footwork - the program is empty or not a program at all?

No, absolutely not. I would prefer beautiful difficult transitions that look effortless and don't take away from speed (Patrick Chan, Mao Asada, Jason Brown or Carolina Kostner style) to an Eteri program. (or Sakamoto's program because I feel like her long is trying to give Eteri's girls a run for their money). But, I don't see the transitions in Mirai's program. And, she could be skating to anything in terms of her intrepretation and choreography. I think the PCS was fair even slightly generous.

Now, I do think almost all the other girls should have lower PCS. (especially Alina- her SS leave a lot to be desired-- I would have her at 68-69 PCS) Kaori too, that program is terrible and weird I would have her only a point or two ahead of Mirai.(she is cute and adorable though) Daleman's program really suits her but her SS are not that great either so I would drop her score down a few points too. But, I don't see how their PCS could really be lower than Mirai's. She was focused on the jumps and she landed them and made history. Good for her! But, in terms of artistry , it was a zero. At least for me, you obviously are allowed to hold a different opinion.
 
I totally agree with this.

And I'm very happy Patrick won his gold and did so well himself too :agree:
As for Mirai... what can I say? What a boss!

With no nomination and support, Mirai appointed and showed herself to the the boss. Any objection?

By Mirai, I include Team Mirai.
 
once again i watched the whole thing with the turned off sound, because of chen and sotnikova awful commentaries on match tv.
in mirai's case it's even hard to tell that she's not on the warm up anymore. she doesn't even bother to wave her arms on a rare occasions. it's just a lot of skating around from jump to jump, and nothing more. all on two foots and with a serious face of course
 
It will be interesting to see if Medvedeva is ready for silver. Because that's what will happen if Zagitova makes no mistakes. Or if she will fight for gold and increase her technical content.

Would be interesting if Medvedeva increase her technical content. It's the same since 4 seasons and imo her tech has nothing special or exciting. Zagitova has more technical merit.
 
I mean the fact that some of the movements are sloppy and her skating doesn't fit the first part of the music is true, you don't need to be a ballet teacher to notice it.
Nonetheless at the same time, the second part which is all jumps and arms timed with the music is why they give her those high marks for performance and interpretation.
I'd say also the idea of starting a program with the choreo sequence works and i hope more skaters will do it in the future. (even if the don't have all jumps in the 2nd half)

her skating doesn't fit the first part of the music - it's not "the first part of the music". Have you ever been to the Ballet? D'You know the difference between pas de deux and Grand pas de Deux? I'm afraid you have not read:coffee:the novel of Romanian:reye:writer Théophile Gautier "Don Quixote":cheer:.
 
yeah I feel bad for the dance team that didn't get to compete. It's a big difference between going home with a medal and going home without it. They really need to change the rule to allow more substitutions.

That would be nice, but no matter what there are 3 ice dance teams and 2 slots, so someone would go without a medal even if more substitutions were allowed.
 
Evegenia's emotions waiting for Zagitova's score = :noshake::confused2::no::sad46::hpull:
Evegenias emotions after realizing Zagitova didnt beat her personal best = :yahoo::rofl::hap57::cheer::thank:
 
I dare any of the Russian 'young champions' come back in 8 years time and putting down an 8 triples program in the FS including the 3A with no cheap backloading and tano to the moon

I'm not going to comment on anything except this.

Calling tanos and backloading "cheap strategies" as if any skater could do them. No, they don't do them because they are difficult to do, not because they are cheap and easy.

Ok, I get it, you don't like it. Your favorite skaters lose points because they aren't doing it, but don't let that cloud your judgement and and say silly things like doing all jumps in the second half of a FS is an easy thing to do.
 
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