Vincent Zhou

[lariko]

Well, I guess there was an underdog on the Americain team, it just was not spelled Chen, it was spelled Zhou despite what the media was saying. Grats, it was unexpected but earned.

 

[lyrichord]

Thrilled for Vincent’s first world medal! Vengeance for last year’s lost opportunity against an even stronger field this year. First half of the season was hard on him, but he worked so much to improve and the results paid off for him to be standing up on the podium.

 

[IloveFS]

Congrats to Vincent for getting onto the podium! Hard work pays off.

 

[hanyuufan5]

Congratulations, Vincent!

Now, admittedly, I have never seen Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and know next to nothing about Chinese mythology, but going solely by the title of the music, he nailed the interpretation very impressively! His skating was beautiful and delicate and restrained (the crouching tiger), yet powerful and commanding and attention grabbing (the hidden dragon) all at the same time. Honestly, I think his performance and interpretation scores were much too low.

I felt so bad for him at the press conference, though. What, did he get like one question...? His answer sure was adorable, though. Yes, you totally earned your spot there with "frickin' Nathan Chen and Yuzuru Hanyu", hun.

 

[lyrichord]

I felt so bad for him at the press conference, though. What, did he get like one question...? His answer sure was adorable, though. Yes, you totally earned your spot there with "frickin' Nathan Chen and Yuzuru Hanyu", hun.

Yeah, they could have at least included him when asking the question about the next Olympics, sigh.

Vincent himself is adorably over the moon at the result:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/BvWs_B5Hc0P/

Oh. My. God. Did that really happen? Am I dreaming?

This is more than I could have hoped for and I am so humbled to share the podium with these two incredible men. It's such a rewarding feeling for the countless hours of hard work and frustration that people don't see to pay off, and boy am I grateful for that feeling to return.

I'm also thankful for my supporters, family, coaching team, and friends back home. Additionally, the volunteers and audience here in Saitama were so kind and polite. For that, thank you so much. You all have a place in my heart!!! Now, it's time to start working on expanding my performance qualities for next season. See you at the gala, and wherever luck may find you next. Thank you again ~ ありがとうございました ~ 谢谢！！！

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/govincentzhou/status/1109462447738548225

Still can't believe that happened... To be on the podium with two of the greatest names ever in this sport and to have the chance to compete in Saitama with such an unbelievable audience is mind-boggling. I'm so grateful and humbled. Thank you so much

 

[Zenchio63]

Hello. I finally had a chance to get some sleep after staying up over 24hrs to catch the livestream. Still a little bit groggy but found some videos to share. Thanks lyrichord, for the links to Vincent's social media.

Videos:

No commentary FS video
Russian commentary FS video

Press Conference, men medalists: Starts at 28:30.
Like the posts mentioned above, they didn't ask Vincent any questions. The only thing he got to answer was the group question asking them how they felt having concluded the competition. His answer starts at 36:07. It's cute the way he was looking at the microphone, trying to determine if it's turned on, "testing". He was so happy & flabbergasted that he wasn't as eloquent as his usual self.
"To share the podium with freakin' Nathan Chen and Yuzuru Hanyu is unbelievable!"
Someone commented: Nathan is relieved. Yuzuru is disappointed. Vincent is the happiest.

ISU interview video - couldn't tell who the lady was that he was hugging with at the beginning
Q: Things he look forward to, any goals, thoughts for the future.
A: (2:00) I hope to just stay inside my own head. Focus on myself & focus on being the best that I can. Work hard through the summer and start the next season strong.
He also mentioned about this competition proving some of the doubters wrong. Poor Vincent, you will get the respect you deserve one day. I never doubted your potential and will continue cheering you on to the Beijing Olympics!

Wonderful interview with the lovely Meryl Davis from Olympic Channel: Vincent Zhou exclusive: "I have so much more potential"
@1:57, Meryl giving Vincent a high five!

Another great article from home town newspaper The Mercury News:
Zhou Puts on a Show at Ice Skating World Championships: Americans dominate with Nathan Chen first and Vincent Zhou third in Saitama, Japan
“It was incredible to skate like that at the end of my season after a very difficult season,” Zhou told reporters in Japan. “I’m so proud of myself and the effort that I put into my performance and my jumps. This is the culmination of all of the hard work I’ve been doing.”

“Still can’t believe that happened,” Zhou said in a tweet. “To be on the podium with two of the greatest names ever in this sport and to have the chance to compete in Saitama with such an unbelievable audience is mind-boggling.”

So happy and proud of Vincent for his hard work, perseverance, & determination to improve over the season and not let the scrutiny of the tech calls and critics deter him from reaching his goal! Please enjoy your moment to the max, soak in all the glory & happiness, Vincent! You truly earned your victory.

Vincent will tour with SOI starting April 18th, for a month. He will be performing his new exhibition number to "Slow Dancing in the Dark" by Joji. Hope he gets to do some R&R & take it easy for a while. Keep on shining bright!

 

[Zenchio63]

Looks like the gala exhibition already started at 3:00pm, Japan time. Vincent will be the 22nd performer, scheduled for 17:05:16. The gala exhibition schedule lists "Slow Dancing in the Dark" by Joji, as his exhibition number, and not "Take On Me".

 

[Zenchio63]

Sorry, but I am too tired to type this out neatly. Here are all the links to pics & video clips found on Twitter.

Getty Images.co.jp pictures
FS performance pics
FS Kiss&Cry reactions
Medal ceremony pics

Cute video clip of Vincent hiding/squatting down while Yuzu gets his pictures taken

During the Citizen watch ceremony, Yuzu helped Vincent open the box, I think. Couldn't understand the Japanese translations. What a helpful guy! Reminded me of the time he helped Shoma.

Picture 1
Picture 2
Blurry video

Getting group photo taken after press conference video clip
Small medal ceremony pics
https://twitter.com/AxelQuadruple/status/1109458633786417152
https://twitter.com/chunichi_denhen/status/1109454218417467392

Celebratory group photos with coaches. Too bad Christy Krall wasn't there to share in the glory.

FS performance photos from News.com
Cute pictures of Vincent and Nathan wrapped in the US flag during the medal ceremony

Medal ceremony pic: The flower/bouquet looks like something from autumn, with the paper fan reminding me of a turkey tail. Makes me think of a Thanksgiving decoration
Nathan getting the flag the other way around this time: picture , video clip

 

[formersk8ter]

Thank you for all this, Zenchio63. Our boy did it! So proud of him.

 

[Zenchio63]

You're so welcome, formersk8ter! Thank you also for all your support throughout the year. Vincent doesn't get enough love. Even comments under the various YT videos (which will probably get deleted soon) are saying the same thing. Us Vincent fans can finally rejoice in his well deserved moment of glory.

Thanks to Yuzu's popularity, a fan has uploaded the Small Medals Ceremony video

Starting from 8:02, after Nathan has been awarded his Citizen watch, Vincent starts to try and pull open the box, and Yuzu did the same. At 8:57 the ever so helpful Yuzu noticed Vincent's box is still not fully open to show the watch and went to help him. 9:59, Yuzu again tries to help Vincent figure out if the microphone is on or not. Vincent, if someone at the ceremony hands you a microphone, there is a good chance it is already turned on, given how detailed-oriented & professional the Japanese are. Question for Vincent starts at 10:38.

Gala exhibition video - "Slow Dancing in the Dark": You can tell this is still very fresh & Vincent will need time to grow into the program. Hope he finds a better & more suitable costume for the SOI tour. But he does look very cute, like a clean cut office boy.

Final group gala ex
https://youtu.be/cOYQWpayWcU


Pictures from group pose showing Vincent & Nathan
https://twitter.com/yobupp/status/1109744402384117760?s=21

FS program with B ESP commentary. Love how supportive the British uncles are (other than their butchering of the surnames & not getting their facts straight sometimes, lol) "Look so relaxed out there!" LOL, that's because Vincent is imagining himself "skating like he's in a beautiful temple" (Tom Dickson's advice). "That is a staggeringly good performance!", "It was just a dream of a performance."

From Canadian FS commentator, PJ Kwong's IG Video clip of Vincent answering question; the happy face of Vincent

 

[DSQ]

Thank you for all this, Zenchio63. Our boy did it! So proud of him.

I second this!

Vincent did so well this weekend and his quad Lutz triple Toe has never been better! People will see what they want to see but what I see is a skater with so much potential!

Very excited for next season.

 

[Zenchio63]

Thank you, DSQ! Good to hear from another Vincent fan.

Despite being extremely tired, Vincent was kind enough to record a video massage for his Japanese fans.

He posted a photo of his exhibition doing hydroblade on his IG, mentioning Kevin Aymoz as the inspiration for the move.

Lastly, Vincent got a big thrill when 88Rising, the record company of artist Joji, who sings "Slow Dancing in the Dark", uploaded his exhibition video on their YT channel. Many fans of the music praised his skating. Sounds like he gained lots of new non-figure skating fans.

Joji also tweeted how much he loved the performance. (Warning, foul language). Vincent responded like an obsessed teenage boy who's met his idol, LOL.

Rika managed to take a picture with Vincent at the banquet, posted on her IG.
Group picture of Team USA at Worlds closing banquet, from Ashley Cain's IG.

 

[Zenchio63]

NBC Sports: Vincent will be part of US World Team Trophy:

U.S. sending world medalists Nathan Chen, Vincent Zhou, ice dancers Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue to World Team Trophy

The event takes place this year April 11-14 in Fukuoka, Japan.

The U.S. is sending Mariah Bell, Bradie Tennell, Nathan Chen, Vincent Zhou, pair team Ashley Cain and Timothy LeDuc, and ice dancers Madison Hubbell and Zach Donohue, U.S. Figure Skating announced Thursday.

USFSA.org link

Added: Some photos from 2017 WTT. Vincent will need to show us his crazy side & have tons of fun. Funny glasses, hat or colorful wig? He'd better let his inner fun kid out.
https://twitter.com/nwcgold2019/status/1111383933759840256
https://twitter.com/yobupp/status/1111372098692210689

 

[ice coverage]

Vincent's quad lutz is among "Top 5 Figure Skating Jumps at Olympic Winter Games" (over history -- not limited to 2018 OWG), per newly posted video on Olympic YouTube channel:

https://youtu.be/TIR0QhZbXHY (Mar 29, 2:21)​

---

For the sake of completeness: Vincent is in this newly posted ISU video of skater fluff recorded at 2018 Worlds:

Who would play you in a movie? Vol. 2 #WorldFigure - Milano 2018

https://youtu.be/uDOZZDZ9c_k (Mar 29, 1:32)​

(Perhaps Vincent took the question a little too seriously -- did not show the sense of humor that we know he has.)

---

Speaking of sense of humor, someone at @ISU_Figure apparently has one.
I am still laughing (with appreciation) at the cleverness of this tweet from 2019 Worlds:

Vincent Zhou takes over the lead “Im still a bit like ‘Whou did that actually happen’. It’s the best skate I’ve had all season.”

https://twitter.com/ISU_Figure/status/1109427320299782144 (Mar 23)​

Zhou … Whou. Love the play on spelling.

---

… Group picture of Team USA at Worlds closing banquet, from Ashley Cain's IG.

The best part being these comments on the photo :yes::

kait_hawayek
Can we all take a moment to appreciate @govincentzhou power stance right now??

govincentzhou
@kait_hawayek sup​

---

Hope Vincent has a great time at his first WTT. :yay:

 

[yyyskate]

Thanks everyone for updating Vincent FF and kept it so neatly organized.:agree::luv17: @Zenchio63 that lady Vincent hugged in the beginning of ISU clip is Lady Lori, watch Vincent's SP k&c you will see.

I hope our Canadian Vincent fans can provide us with some links of Vincent's 2019 worlds CBC commentary videos, if it is already out there, please do let us know, Thank you soooo much.:luv17::luv17:

And never too late to say Congrats to Vincent here. 一切尽在不言中，芳芳加油！

 

[Zenchio63]

Thanks for the links to the latest YT videos, ice coverage. I'm just recuperating from a cold, so haven't had a chance to keep up.

USFSA IG: Throw Back Thursday (#TBT) post of cute baby Vincent from his 2013 US Junior Title win.
Tweet: #TBT to @govincentzhou winning the U.S. junior title in 2013! Now he's an Olympian, #4CC18 medalist and #WorldFigure medalist.
They grow up so fast!
Yes, they sure do! Even looking back at pictures from last year, you can tell how much Vincent has grown.

Great competition pictures from JSFResults

From Behindphotos.com:
Close up pic from the small medals ceremony when Vincent was trying to figure out if the microphone was on or not, with Nathan looking on with intense focus and Yuzu being helpful. There are also many nice photos from the medal ceremony.

Video clip of Nathan summoning Vincent over to take the group photo with the US Flag.
Nathan to Vincent: Hey, Vince, you don't need to fix the carpet. Just come over and take a pic with me.
Vincent: Whatever you say, champ!
That "Thanksgiving" bouquet is really bugging me, lol

Great series of GIFs of the guys trying to get the flag around each other for the pics.

Cute fan art of the flag pose

Precious video clip from gala, Nathan showing Vincent how to dance & groove

Japanese skater tweeted old photos of Vincent from 2013. Camden is in the second picture, with blue suitcase.

 

[livetoskate]

Enjoying all these throwback pics and videos of Vincent's career thus far. It's all the more amazing given his injury, missed season and growth spurt.

 

[TontoK]

I rarely post to Fan Fest threads, but Vincent really does deserve a whole lot of credit.

A year ago, there were vociferous (and wrongheaded) arguments that he shouldn't have even been selected for the Olympic Team.

Today, he's a world medalist.

It's a great story. Good guy just keeps his head down, works his tail off, and shuts everyone up with his performances.

 

[DSQ]

I rarely post to Fan Fest threads, but Vincent really does deserve a whole lot of credit.

A year ago, there were vociferous (and wrongheaded) arguments that he shouldn't have even been selected for the Olympic Team.

Today, he's a world medalist.

It's a great story. Good guy just keeps his head down, works his tail off, and shuts everyone up with his performances.

Amen!

Thanks everyone for updating Vincent FF and kept it so neatly organized.:agree::luv17: @Zenchio63 that lady Vincent hugged in the beginning of ISU clip is Lady Lori, watch Vincent's SP k&c you will see.

I hope our Canadian Vincent fans can provide us with some links of Vincent's 2019 worlds CBC commentary videos, if it is already out there, please do let us know, Thank you soooo much.:luv17::luv17:

And never too late to say Congrats to Vincent here. 一切尽在不言中，芳芳加油！

If I had a screen capture program I’d show you the BBC FS commentary for Vincent. Robin Cousins was very complementary.

 

[sheetz]

I have the entire CBC broadcast of the men's FS on my google drive.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fkzf29H8rsToMmiua0ENDa-rb70TQuM8/view?usp=sharing