Kwan, Slutskaya to follow in Cohen's direction?

[russell30]

It seems that both Kwan and Slutskaya could follow in the same steps as Cohen and aim for the 2009 season and one final shot at the olympic games in 2010, it is not beyond the realms of possibility??

It be great to see Kwan/Slutskaya and Cohen at the 2009 worlds, all 3 are still hungry, Cohen wants to achieve, Kwan loves competing and Slutskaya misses all amateur competitions, she misses the grand prix circuit. So I would not be surprised if all 3 made a comeback, and Kwan might come back next year?? and then there was all the hype sorrounding the French Federation to bring back Surya Bonaly?? but that seems to have fizzled out

 

[R.D.]

How about in 2009 the top contenders now mature, and we introduce some fresh faces? The time of the above three names has passed...unfortunate for their fans but it's true.

I don't think any of them will be back, though...Kwan seems to have taken the school/politics route, Slute's busy in Russia (not sure what she's up to), Cohen's attempting to get her big Hollywood break. No time for skating there. Plus MK and IS are getting up there in age as well. how many skaters have been successful- at a COMEBACK- in their late 20s? (for Irina, 30)

 

[russell30]

Well it happened in Lillehamer??? and like in most sports athletes continue well into their 30's and have a maturity about them.

Torvill and Dean claimed the Bronze in Ice Dance in Lillehamer 94 and lets say they were 'veterans' excuse the pun Jayne and Chris.

 

[Mathman]

I hope by 2010 Michelle is the U.S. ambassador to China, Sasha wins an Oscar and Irina is elected to succeed Pizeev.

I look forward to an Olympic showdown between the old-timers, Mao Asada, Yu-na Kim and Kimmie Meissner, versus the upstarts, Caroline Zhang, Mirai Nagasu and Rachael Flatt.

 

[jennylovskt]

Not again. Let them go please! Not that I don't want to see them skating, but for their own sake. Their era has past. There are plenty excitement coming in the ladies' figure skating. Look at the American sweep in the Junior World Championship this year. I think it's unwise to try to come back, even for Sasha Cohen. She got Olympic silver medal in 2006. That was the highest achievement she has reached. I don't think she could ever top that. Why should they come back if they know for sure that the road from here on would be down hill?

 

[R.D.]

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WELL SAID

ITA.

 

[R.D.]

also in regards to Cohen's silver, one only has to look at both MK's and IS's attempt to "upgrade" to gold in the next Olys after they won silver in the previous one.

 

[NJSk8Fan]

I'd have to agree with Jennylovskt on this one!
And agree with RedDog that Jennylovskt said it very well!

 

[attyfan]

also in regards to Cohen's silver, one only has to look at both MK's and IS's attempt to "upgrade" to gold in the next Olys after they won silver in the previous one.

But Michelle and Irina were both reigning world champs.

 

[gkelly]

I look forward to an Olympic showdown between the old-timers, Mao Asada, Yu-na Kim and Kimmie Meissner, versus the upstarts, Caroline Zhang, Mirai Nagasu and Rachael Flatt.

Well, that's not going to happen unless one of Meissner, Zhang, Nagasu, and Flatt changes nationality or the IOC and ISU change the rules about the maximum number of skaters one country can send to the Olympics.

 

[R.D.]

But Michelle and Irina were both reigning world champs.

Yes, but my point still stands- (recent) history has shown the attempt to step up from Olympic Silver to Olympic Gold pretty futile, at least for the Ladies. In Cohen's case though, you have a point in that she doesn't have a world championship unlike these two. I don't think she wants it badly enough, though- otherwise she'd be right in the mix still. But it's better that she isn't- more new faces, and an extra American- Alyssa Czisny- gets to go to worlds :yes:

 

[kittyjake5]

If Michelle and Irina were in their early twenties I would say it is possible. As far as Sasha is concerned age wise she would have a better chance than the other two ladies but I think she is done. JMO

 

[chuckm]

Looking at videos of Irina's recent skating, I see no hope of her ever getting back into competitive shape. Kwan isn't even skating exhibitions right now, so her chance of returning to competition at all is doubtful. Irina will be 31 in 2010 and Kwan will be 29. I doubt very much that either will return for the Olympics.

I don't think Cohen will either. She may start to train for the 2008-2009 season, but I have a feeling that will be an abortive attempt to return to competition. She wasn't a dedicated worker over the past few seasons, and she would need to be to get in shape to compete again. IMO, not going to happen.

 

[flying camel]

I just don't see it happening for them. There is just too much talent coming up in the US for them to even make the team let alone think about winning the Olympics. Why don't these ladies breathe some life into professional skating? They could make that competitive and fun to watch again.

 

[R.D.]

I agree with all the recent posts. It just won't happen. To think it's gonna happen is just wishful thinking or denial that their favorite is really through with skating (but hasn't announced "official retirement" yet). Cause let's face it- the only thing they haven't done is issue a statement of their formal retirement. Once they do they'd almost be laughed at by the die-hards because they knew it all along.

And I agree with chuckm on Cohen. She'll put some hours into it and then decide it's just not worth it. Why bother when someone in your own country can do the harder jumps necessary to square off against the Japanese?

 

[rain]

Yeah, much as I love these skaters, I have to agree with the majority here and say that their time is done. I could possibly see Cohen attempt a comeback for one more world championship event, but I don't see 2010.

 

[IDLERACER]

It seems that both Kwan and Slutskaya could follow in the same steps as Cohen and aim for the 2009 season and one final shot at the olympic games in 2010, it is not beyond the realms of possibility??

Enough is enough already. Frankly, I look forward to seeing all three of them following in the footsteps of Caryn Kadavy, becomming year-end Christmas show perrenials. Irina already appeared in one of those shows a couple of months ago, and I suspect we can look forward to seeing the other two follow suit this coming December.​

 

[yelyoh]

I would love to see all three agaln BUT they would have to earn their Oly spots and no medical BYEs. I doubt that we will see any of them again skating in competition.

 

[scorekeeper]

I agree with Jennylovskt. It's a nice fantasy, but seriously, isn't it time everyone just faced reality and admitted that the Olympic-eligible careers of Kwan and Slutskaya are over? And Cohen's, too, probably. While it's possible that Cohen could make a successful comeback, I'm very skeptical.

 

[Spun Silver]

Yeah well, I'm sure a lot of people wrote off Arakawa in years past too.