That's been going on for a while. Maybe it's because I'm from the US that I saw it more here. They were already kind of pushing that prior to the Olympics thinking it would be a battle between those two for the gold. Didn't work out that way, but that was the assumption being made in the media.
I like both Nathan and Yuzu, but I think Nathan needs a bit more refinement, which will come with age. I guess I'm a traitor to my country, lol, but I'm a much bigger fan of Yuzu. Still, they are both very skilled. Nathan did a great job at nationals here prior to the Olympics, but then he kind of cracked under the pressure there. Like Yuzu, he had a ton of pressure on him from the media, but Yuzu, I think is a bit more used to the media. Nathan didn't start getting that much attention until really the end of last year, so it was a bit more new to him. In my opinion, even with all of his quads, Nathan doesn't come close to Yuzu's artistry. Plus, Nathan is not very consistent with his jumps and his landings can be a bit sloppy. Yuzu is great all around. He's the whole package. Nathan isn't quite there yet, but given a couple years I think he will be a force in figure skating. I do think the US is pushing this Yuzu vs. Nathan narrative because Nathan is considered the top in the U.S. and Yuzu is the top in the world. Nathan kind of crumbled, so I think they're wanting a comeback for redemption after what happened at the Olympics. I guess they don't think his win at world's was enough since Yuzu was absent. And in all honesty, that makes me feel a bit bad for Nathan. He's only 18. He may not be my favorite, but that is SO young to have the world on your shoulders like that.
Just my opinion of course. And he has beaten Yuzu in competition before. If Yuzu is off his game and Nathan is on, it's possible for Nathan to beat him. But when Yuzu is on his game, Nathan doesn't stand a chance. If Yuzu competes in this next season, and that's a big if, the two may go head to head, but we'll have to see. I wouldn't discount Shoma either. He's usually at the top of the pack as well.
(...his skating is beautiful, I miss it.)
