Johnny has been doing the quad really well in practices based on the reports from people who were there. His problem was always putting the quads in during competitions, and that was an issue even when he was with TAT. I am not saying that there is no problem there. Obviously there is some kind of issue with the quad, be it a mental block or whatever. I am just bothered by the fact that Johnny is constantly being singled out about the quad and the inconsistency when most others are in the same situation. Lysacek, Buttle, Oda to name a few are also quadless wonders, Daisuke and Lambiel have been incosistent this season too. Why is no one is questioning their motivation?
Well, Daisuke had a kick butt performance at NHK - so questions about him are on hold; Lambiel - ill/injured? and like Weir began training late - and people are talking about it (even on GSF). People have talked about Buttle and the quad - some lively debate here last year about whether or not it was fair that he would throw it in 'knowing' he would fall (which led to debates about whether he 'knew' he would fall or not), and anyway, he's out with injury right now; everyone says Oda hasn't learned the quad yet - but wow can he jump and his team knows how to put what he can do in the right order to rack up points (i think the implication is that if he learns the quad and uses it, he's certain to set new pb records, and until then he's making the most of what he can do)...etc.
My point, it seems we talk about men and the quad often - and a range of men at that. Some people wish the quad weren't a factor; others want to see it given more value since it is so difficult and so on.
The reason, I think, that motivation comes up with Weir (and not, simply can he or can he not do it) is that many of us have seen him do beautiful quads and quad combos in practice sessions - i mean BEAUTIFUL ones. So, we KNOW he can. So, what is stopping him from just putting in every comp for a year no matter what the consequence, to get over the competition nerves/adrenaline that make it that much more hard to execute??? Perhaps this season the answer is what he recently said: i'm not trained enough (which, given the longer COI tour I totally believe as he, Lambiel, B/A and others are just behind schedule). Ok, but then what's the plan to get this out in comps and practiced in comps before the really big comps like Nats and Worlds? What about last season? There just always seems to be a reason for not doing it but to some people not a very clear or good reason - so questioning what really motivates him.
Anyway, I love Weir's skating (and many of his interviews too) and would just love to see him put down two energetic and clean programs. That would be a huge treat, quad or no quad. Based on some of what we are seeing from the men, he might need the quad if he really wants to medal at worlds.
