Michelle Kwan

[Skate Sandee]

Well IIRC (because I'm not going to dig up the old articles), Frank knew she was going through something personal, but that there was no fight between them. She couldn't explain why she had to go her own way, but knew in her heart that it was the right thing to do. I seem to recall that she recognized that to others her decision was earth-shattering news, but to her, it made perfect sense emotionally for her to go her own way - whether viewed as independent or simply rebellioius. It was the classic, "It's not you, it's me" scenario. No mystery to me at all. Try defining emotions in an intellectual way. It's not easy to articulate.

Again, based on my own similar journey, I accepted her explanation, as well as Frank's confirmation that there was no disagreement between them and that Michelle was emotional about the desicion. Others who've made decisions based on emotion probably accept it too.

I'll be more than happy to take back my words and say I was wrong if we someday discover that her decision was motivated by something more defined. Maybe it was massive PMS run amok.

 

[antmanb]

Well IIRC (because I'm not going to dig up the old articles), Frank knew she was going through something personal, but that there was no fight between them. She couldn't explain why she had to go her own way, but knew in her heart that it was the right thing to do. I seem to recall that she recognized that to others her decision was earth-shattering news, but to her, it made perfect sense emotionally for her to go her own way - whether viewed as independent or simply rebellioius. It was the classic, "It's not you, it's me" scenario. No mystery to me at all. Try defining emotions in an intellectual way. It's not easy to articulate.

Again, based on my own similar journey, I accepted her explanation, as well as Frank's confirmation that there was no disagreement between them and that Michelle was emotional about the desicion. Others who've made decisions based on emotion probably accept it too.

I'll be more than happy to take back my words and say I was wrong if we someday discover that her decision was motivated by something more defined. Maybe it was massive PMS run amok.

I seem to recall a very touching articel at the time where they both confirmed the story and both said it was a very emotional teary goodbye.

Did Carol also give her a hug after her nationals performance the year they split?

There didn't seem to be any animosity at the time and there is none that i've heard of now either.

Ant

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

There wasn't any animosity in my 'amicable' divorce but neither was there any friendship left. But that doesn't anwer the reason which brought us to the divorce.

Joe

 

[flying camel]

I wish she would breathe some new life into professional skating. Maybe it would become popular again.

 

[Fossi]

Michelle was one of those rare skaters that people were calling "old" by the time she was 19. It's kind of hilarious, really.
I think she brought mcuh to the sport and 10 years from now people will still be talking about her. She wasn't one of my favs. but i could never deny that she was amazing and had star quality that will probably never be matched again in the US.
I agree that she would make pro skating popular. Just the mentoin of Kwan and tickets would sell.

 

[antmanb]

There wasn't any animosity in my 'amicable' divorce but neither was there any friendship left. But that doesn't anwer the reason which brought us to the divorce.

Joe

Presumably the poeple close to you do know the reasons that the divorce came about - friends and family and you don't particualr talk about it to strangers...that seems fair enough no?

I don't get it Joe - you jumped on teh poster when they sugested that you seem to think there is a "conspiracy theory" and then say you don't need an answer but you seemingly still aske dthe question...:scratch:

So once anf for all - do you not believe the story that kwan and carol put out as the reason for their split?

Do you think that there is another story behind the split other than the one both Kwan and Carol went public with?

Ant

 

[Mathman]

I think the reason that questions still linger is that neither Michelle nor Frank Caroll ever offered any explanation at all. Just Michelle's -- "oh well, I guess I'll try going it alone now," and Frank's response, "Hm, that was kind of surprising."

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

Presumably the poeple close to you do know the reasons that the divorce came about - friends and family and you don't particualr talk about it to strangers...that seems fair enough no?

I don't get it Joe - you jumped on teh poster when they sugested that you seem to think there is a "conspiracy theory" and then say you don't need an answer but you seemingly still aske dthe question...:scratch:

So once anf for all - do you not believe the story that kwan and carol put out as the reason for their split?

Do you think that there is another story behind the split other than the one both Kwan and Carol went public with?

Ant

I understand the amicable solution to the split between MK and Frank and Lori. Divorces, and this was a divorce, don't dally on the rationale behind the split unless there is something unresolvable about the situation and one gets a she said, he said. That didn't happen with what statements I read about the split.

What I don't understand are the events leading up to the split. My question(s) remain What provoked a decision to 'go it alone' just before the Olympics? As emma pointed out it is unusual to take such an action without a replacement for a coach.and so close to the competition.

I do believe there is more to the story than the public announcement that both sides are ok with this 'goning it alone'. It's just too simplistic for me.

I have no idea if others are curious to the events leading up to the split. I can assure you I am not a part of a conspiracy. It's just plain curiosity. As a card carrying Kwan fan I am not looking to debase her.

Joe

 

[Eeyora]

I think whether she will return or not is based on where she is in her life and how the surgery goes. I do think at the time of the surgery it was seen as her last hope. I would love to see her nail two COP's program preferably in an international competition but Nationals would be enough. She is still a legend regardless if she decides to compete or not.

 

[dizzydi7]

My gut feeling is that there is more to the Michelle/Frank story but I don't think we will ever hear about it. Michelle has always been very mute about personal matters and I don't see that personality trait changing. Most skaters with her reputation would write a book but I don't see that happening either. Even if she did write a book, I don't believe much of her personal story would be included. Even if some personal stuff were included they would be presented in a very guarded form. I'm not criticizing Michelle, I think she is a very private person.

Logic tells me that an Olympic gold medal hopeful doesn't suddently drop her life-long coach a short time before the potentially biggest opportunity of her career without drama of some sort.

Dizzy

 

[R.D.]

Unless either Kwan or Caroll decide to leak the "real reason", skating fans will never know what really happened. Anyway, this happened 5 years ago.

 

[demarinis5]

I am going to chime in. I never believed the explanation given by MK and Frank for the split for the obvious reasons that others have posted. I accept what they both said I just don't believe it.

 

[ladybug]

As much as it pains me to say it, I just don't believe that Michelle will be back on skates in any form. I think she will finish school and then continue with her new career, get married and have children.

She said she would be doing exhibitions but I doubt that also. As Dick Button said, I think she has moved on to the next stage of her life. I'm just glad I have so many tapes to watch because I think she was the best thing to hit the ice.

If she were healthy and wanted to work really hard, I believe she could be a winner again but I just don't see that happening. I don't see her ever making a formal announcement about retiring. She is very private so I think she will just fade away and that is very sad for her fans and for the sport.

The above is just my opinion and gosh I hope I am so wrong.

 

[Mathman]

I agree with Ladybug. All except the part about being sad.

I don't think it's sad for Michelle to be moving on to a new phase in her life. In figure skating, she's been there, done that. On to new challenges, new opportunities, new interests, new joys!

 

[nymkfan51]

I have a different view of things. While I agree that competing again is a real longshot, I cannot imagine Michelle not skating at all. I'm thinking she wouldn't do touring ... but I bet she would appear in some TV ice shows from time to time ... things that wouldn't take her from home, school, etc for any lengthy period of time.

And the sad part ... I know I will be!

 

[R.D.]

I don't think we've seen the last of MK. However, I DO think we've seen the last of her competitive streak. She's made bizarre decisions before though so I suppose I shouldn't be TOTALLY shocked if she decides on a comeback.

 

[Mad Hatter]

I think she's done.

 

[Fossi]

I agree that Michelle Kwan is done with figure skating. What else does she have to offer to skating? What else coudl skating offer her to come back? I think the usfsa will have to focus on Kimmie and Emily. Build up a rivalry, make it exciting.

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

I agree that Michelle Kwan is done with figure skating. What else does she have to offer to skating? What else coudl skating offer her to come back? I think the usfsa will have to focus on Kimmie and Emily. Build up a rivalry, make it exciting.

Unless Rachel hits it BIG at US Nats. If she does she will be the Lady-in-Waiting until we get Caroline next season and the fun begins.

Joe

 

[Spun Silver]

I agree that Michelle Kwan is done with figure skating. What else does she have to offer to skating? What else coudl skating offer her to come back? I think the usfsa will have to focus on Kimmie and Emily. Build up a rivalry, make it exciting.

They can't just MAKE it exciting, the skaters have to deliver excitement. Neither one does, usually, yet. A more promising strategy would be to start covering the juniors. The US has a phenomenal crop of upcoming talent there.