Jason Brown

[Bookseller]

Good interview. He's much more candid now than he used to be. This doesn't really cover new ground, but the comment on the cursed short program was interesting. He's lifted the curse. Not sure he'll go back to that program, though, based on his track record. But SL maybe will be considered for a repeat. I hope so. I think he has a lot more to give to that program.

 

[karne]

Doris - that early film was adorable. He skates out to start his program and falls on his behind. Too cute. I wonder how old he was there.

Hard to tell, because Jason was always very small and young-looking even in his teens, but my guess would be no older than five or six, since he's doing singles but not Axels.

How's everybody doing being pretty stuck in their houses? I haven't been out the door except to get the mail for about 7 days. Family is working from home, had to upgrade the bandwidth on the internet, and granddaughter is taking her college classes online. Quite a situation we're all in but looking at old Jason Youtubes is something to look forward to every day.

Working from home (posting in the Jason thread on my break, haha!). Have been to the supermarket twice in the last week and a half, otherwise that's mostly it. Hermiting. I think not seeing my family members is actually hitting me hardest. We usually have dinner every weekend at someone's place. But we can't do that now.

That is hilarious! What exhibition is that? He's at least 16 or 17 at that point. He's definitely growing up. That outfit is really fun! So silly!

Seventeen here. This is Can't Touch This and he wore this ex out...and this was also the start of the string of "I wish he'd get a new ex...oh no the new one is worse abort abort abort!" exhibitions.

Good interview. He's much more candid now than he used to be. This doesn't really cover new ground, but the comment on the cursed short program was interesting. He's lifted the curse. Not sure he'll go back to that program, though, based on his track record. But SL maybe will be considered for a repeat. I hope so. I think he has a lot more to give to that program.

I think a repeat of SL is more than acceptable in the circumstances and I'd love to see it too. A perfect SL with a quad would about top it off for me. Perhaps in Sydney...?

 

[el henry]

Can never get too much baby Jason. I also can never get too much "Can't Touch This", I love that exhibition.

Our county was issued a full blown shelter in place today. Just learned today from our veterinarian what @fzztsimons already knew about masks; wearing them without glasses or goggles doesn't work. I'm still going out maskless once a week to shop for groceries and as needed to the drugstore (which is quite a bit for us old folks ) and of course the veterinarian. Also trying to keep local restaurants alive with take out orders.

My oldest niece did one of those "We Stay Here so You Stay at Home" photos with all the nurses on her floor, they are a cardiac ICU at a major teaching hospital in Philadelphia. Challenging times

 

[Tavi...]

Can never get too much baby Jason. I also can never get too much "Can't Touch This", I love that exhibition.

Our county was issued a full blown shelter in place today. Just learned today from our veterinarian what @fzztsimons already knew about masks; wearing them without glasses or goggles doesn't work. I'm still going out maskless once a week to shop for groceries and as needed to the drugstore (which is quite a bit for us old folks ) and of course the veterinarian. Also trying to keep local restaurants alive with take out orders.

My oldest niece did one of those "We Stay Here so You Stay at Home" photos with all the nurses on her floor, they are a cardiac ICU at a major teaching hospital in Philadelphia. Challenging times

Colorado stay at home order issued today by governor. Goes into effect at 6:00 am tomorrow. It won’t really change what I’ve been doing but it’s very sobering- as if any of us needed to be more sober about this. @fzztsimmons bless you for all you’re doing - I’m thankful you have your parents with you and are able to take a little time to recharge by getting a little exercise and visiting the Jason thread!

Doris, as has been said, washing your hands frequently for 20 seconds, trying not to touch your face, and social distancing are key. Don’t let lack of a mask keep you from taking a walk outside as long as you can stay 6 feet from others. And I hope you know that a lot of stores have special hours for seniors and high risk people so they can shop more comfortably.

Okay. Jason! Since there are a few for this year - Nats, JWC, and JGPF - I will space them out. These are the same programs we saw at the 2011 JGPF, except I guess this is a senior version of the FS. Thoughts? He looks a little taller to me in the FS than he did at JGPF, which was about 2 months earlier.

2012 Nationals SP - I think Elbkup already posted this: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=t2H-dV6aww4
2012 Nationals FS: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GlOSHctjKKU

 

[dorispulaski]

Thank you all.

The senior hours at the grocery are packed-so not a good option. I tried Peapod delivery, but the hamburg, chicken, cheese, eggs, yeast, bread flour, and bread were not delivered. I did get the Brussels sprouts, asparagus, cabbage, and vinegar though.

So I guess I will have to cruise around until the grocery parking lot is relatively more empty, after I run out of odd things to eat on my shelves. I do not use the carts. I use two shopping bags instead. It is impossible to clean those carts up with wipes.

 

[noskates]

Yes, the senior hours at the grocery store don't do us any favors, that's for sure. I'm fortunate in that I live with my son and daughter-in-law and my son has been doing the shopping for all of us.

I was at Nationals in San Jose, CA in 2012 and saw both of these programs "live!" There was such a buzz about Jason and such anticipation for his programs. We talked to him at the practice rink and he was so humble and so almost shocked that people were interested in him. I think he's a little more used to his "devoted followers" (sounds so much more personal than "fans") but he hasn't lost that humility and appreciation for those who follow him.

The picture I cannot get off my phone (it's in a weird folder - must ask granddaughter) was one taken 2 years in a row by a good friend of mine, He goes to the practices and takes pictures of the skaters. The first year he has Jason holding a handmade sign that says "I am Sue W.........'s biggest fan!" The second year he sign said "I am still Sue W......."s biggest fan." When Worlds was in San Jose I went up to Jason, asked him if he remembered those pictures and introduced myself - we both got a good laugh and I got a good Jason hug. Nice memory.

 

[Bookseller]

Can never get too much baby Jason. I also can never get too much "Can't Touch This", I love that exhibition.

Our county was issued a full blown shelter in place today. Just learned today from our veterinarian what @fzztsimons already knew about masks; wearing them without glasses or goggles doesn't work. I'm still going out maskless once a week to shop for groceries and as needed to the drugstore (which is quite a bit for us old folks ) and of course the veterinarian. Also trying to keep local restaurants alive with take out orders.

My oldest niece did one of those "We Stay Here so You Stay at Home" photos with all the nurses on her floor, they are a cardiac ICU at a major teaching hospital in Philadelphia. Challenging times

Trying times indeed!

 

[Bookseller]

I haven't been to senior hours yet, but those who have reported quiet stores. That may change. Going in bad weather seems to be good strategy. Going to the less popular or slightly more expensive stores seems to help also. I plan to drive a distance to a less populated area for my big shopping trip next week. We'll see if it works.

Am about to watch the first of those videos. Baked cookies and am going out for a walk with a friend (6 or more feet apart!) in a little while.

 

[elbkup]

So I swear I’ll comment on all the videos soon! In the meantime, I have a quick, somewhat random and vaguely Jason-related thought.

While I’m teleworking at home (for the foreseeable future) and while the skating rinks are shut down, I decided I’d try to at least get in a brisk half hour walk most days. It’s better than nothing, right? I live in kind of an odd area that probably didn’t exist five years ago, and it’s a mix of newish apartment buildings, some minor retail, and a few tech companies. I was happy to discover that despite appearances, there are actually some sidewalks and pretty landscaping where I can walk safely. For the past couple of days my walk has taken me past what appears to be a big flat empty parking lot. It looks perfect for roller skating and I’ve actually been toying with buying some roller skates!

I know that Brian and Tracy have probably given Jason a training plan, but I’m really curious as to whether he and other elite skaters are scratching their itch to skate with roller skates or in lines, or if it would mess with their technique too much. Anyone know - @karne, any thoughts?

I’m a terrible skater so it can’t possibly mess with my technique.

Great idea Tavi .. my Dad was an excellent roller skater and used to skate in the house when my Mom wasn't home... (don't tell your mother!!) I had the metal roller skates as a kid.. the kind that adjusted to fit my shoes with a skate key I wore around my neck on a cord... Mariah Bell is roller skating according to her instagram story..

 

[Tavi...]

Great idea Tavi .. my Dad was an excellent roller skater and used to skate in the house when my Mom wasn't home... (don't tell your mother!!) I had the metal roller skates as a kid.. the kind that adjusted to fit my shoes with a skate key I wore around my neck on a cord... Mariah Bell is roller skating according to her instagram story..

OMG, I was reminded by the story about your dad that years ago, when I was a young artist at a huge opera house, I used to roller skate back stage until I got caught by the general manager and told to stop because their insurance didn’t cover out. I was so disappointed! The theater was really big, so there were these really long concrete halls that were really smooth, painted with oil based paint, and perfect to skate on. So funny I haven’t thought about that in ages.

 

[elbkup]

OMG, I was reminded by the story about your dad that years ago, when I was a young artist at a huge opera house, I used to roller skate back stage until I got caught by the general manager and told to stop because their insurance didn’t cover out. I was so disappointed! The theater was really big, so there were these really long concrete halls that were really smooth, painted with oil based paint, and perfect to skate on. So funny I haven’t thought about that in ages.

Sounds like fun!! But the practical side often wins the day.. Darn..

 

[Bookseller]

I watched the two 2012 Nationals programs. I knew where Jason ended up, so I was surprised watching the FS that it seemed to be so solid and then he had that little slip on the choreo sequence and he clearly lost his focus. Wow! But before that slip, the program looked good. It was Jason! The last part of the program was someone else. That was hard to watch. The SP was well done, score was very reasonable, but it pointed up the fact that Jason needed to up his tech. The SP kind of looked like he was "not ready for prime time" but then the first part of the FS looked like a skater on the rise. He still had to learn how to handle the unexpected and move on. I really liked the FS for him. It was a shame that it didn't play out better. Jason has certainly had a mixed bag of results at Nationals over his career! Thanks Tavi for posting these.

 

[Ross74]

Slightly off-topic, but for fans of dance, I'd really recommend a 2005 documentary film called "Ballet Russes".

Had to thank you again for this. We watched last evening and loved it! Even my husband enjoyed it. I had no idea about the origins of these companies, as well as NYC Ballet. And seeing Bat Girl!!!
I'm amazed at how many of our current favorite shows on Netflix/Amazon have come from skating boards recommendations.

 

[Ruthypegs]

Had to thank you again for this. We watched last evening and loved it! Even my husband enjoyed it. I had no idea about the origins of these companies, as well as NYC Ballet. And seeing Bat Girl!!!
I'm amazed at how many of our current favorite shows on Netflix/Amazon have come from skating boards recommendations.

You're very welcome - I'm glad you enjoyed it - I really loved it. So here's another recommendation - "First Position" from 2011 - another wonderful dance documentary film.

 

[fzztsimmons]

I watched the two 2012 Nationals programs. I knew where Jason ended up, so I was surprised watching the FS that it seemed to be so solid and then he had that little slip on the choreo sequence and he clearly lost his focus. Wow! But before that slip, the program looked good. It was Jason! The last part of the program was someone else. That was hard to watch. The SP was well done, score was very reasonable, but it pointed up the fact that Jason needed to up his tech. The SP kind of looked like he was "not ready for prime time" but then the first part of the FS looked like a skater on the rise. He still had to learn how to handle the unexpected and move on. I really liked the FS for him. It was a shame that it didn't play out better. Jason has certainly had a mixed bag of results at Nationals over his career! Thanks Tavi for posting these.

Completely agree @Bookseller , you could really see him get stuck in his head after that slip, but before that he looked so confident and assured! Some really excellent spin positions and transitions but that stumble really seemed to get to him. Minus the lack of the triple axel, the SP looked good, I enjoyed the music and choreo but omg all i could think was please SHUT UP JOHNNY!!!!

 

[noskates]

The more I see of these early programs the more I wish Jason had left Kori earlier than he did. Super missed opportunities. I think Kori is one of those nurturing coaches who was perfect for him when he was young- and any other skater who is learning and developing - but when it came to the finer points of technique and quite frankly the packaging for an elite skater - I think it stopped being effective with Riverdance. Just my opinion, but I can't help but wonder what his development would have been. Hindsight is 20/20 I know but......

 

[Bookseller]

The more I see of these early programs the more I wish Jason had left Kori earlier than he did. Super missed opportunities. I think Kori is one of those nurturing coaches who was perfect for him when he was young- and any other skater who is learning and developing - but when it came to the finer points of technique and quite frankly the packaging for an elite skater - I think it stopped being effective with Riverdance. Just my opinion, but I can't help but wonder what his development would have been. Hindsight is 20/20 I know but......

It is clear that there were coaching issues by 2012, but Jason kept advancing to the Olympics in 2014. So changing coaches wasn't obvious. But he was unprepared for the Olympics and it bit him. To be fair. if he had left Kori after 2012 where would he go? Orser wouldn't have been on his radar (though he might have been on Tracy's radar after 2013. So really, it should have been after the Olympics in 2014. That's really when the trouble began. But Jason was so loyal. She had gotten him to the Olympics and the skating program in Monument was flourishing. It was beginning to become clear when Mariah left for Raf. But I can't see Jason with Raf or training with Ashley, Adam and Nathan. So most likely it would have been with Frank Carroll and Gracie. Would that have worked? Maybe? He did seem to work well with Carroll. And Carroll did seem to understand him. But would he be the Jason we know today and would he still be skating? I remember being shocked when at SKAM 2016, my friend said to me that Jason needed a new coach. I came to realize that she was right. But the injury happened. I think after the injury healed and the second injury happened, he had decided to change coaches, but decided to wait until after the 2018 Olympics. He alluded to that after the Nationals disaster of 2018. The big decision that he had to make was whether to keep skating or not. He already knew he had to leave Kori. And that was also killing him emotionally. But he pulled up his skating socks and did what he needed to do. He stayed in competitive skating. And got himself good coaches and great training mates. So maybe it all played out for the best. Jason grew up because of that experience and he needed to. Now he's amazing! Still Jason, but better!

 

[Ross74]

You're very welcome - I'm glad you enjoyed it - I really loved it. So here's another recommendation - "First Position" from 2011 - another wonderful dance documentary film.

I saw that one when it came out! Very good as I remember. Have you watched Danseur? It's a recent documentary about male ballet dancers and issues that have faced pursuing their passion. It's now available to watch online for a fee. I know one of the dancers featured and plan to watch today.

Regarding whether Jason should have switched coaches earlier, I always remind myself that his parents weren't typical skating parents and that family is paramount for them. Graduating early and moving away in early 2013 was about as soon as they were going to let that happen. And it's not as if nothing was being done to try and help him. I'm sure Jason and his parents saw the movie to CO as making a major change. How often does a COACH move for a student? But that's also probably the reason that no other coach was considered for a while. She moved for him. She was like family. There's so much loyalty involved in that whole arrangement that would make it difficult to walk away from the familiar. He also may not have considered himself mature enough to start over with something new until he was forced to do it.

 

[noskates]

Agree with Book and Ross on all points. I think the fact that Jason's family isn't your typical skating family (whatever that is) and are more concerned with their son's welfare than medals (supposition on my part but would argue that point) plus Jason's loyalty to Kori just didn't play well with the success growing his technical ability would have brought in the 2013-14 timeframe. I imagine Jason was also concerned with Kori's coaching career when Mariah left. But you know, I think he would have done well with Frank. And skating on the same ice as Denis Ten wouldn't have been a problem I don't think and Frank always struck me as a father figure to his skaters. For some reason I can't see him with Raf. I think Jason likes that "mothering" style coaching support like with Kori and now Tracy. He responds well to that kind of family atmosphere. But again I will say - this is all supposition because our household revolved around rugby , butterfly bandaging and "be sure and wear your mouthguard!" I remember telling my son if he got his front teeth knocked out I would break his leg. MUCH different than sewing sequins on a shirt or picking out music. But I love both sports .

 

[Bookseller]

I saw that one when it came out! Very good as I remember. Have you watched Danseur? It's a recent documentary about male ballet dancers and issues that have faced pursuing their passion. It's now available to watch online for a fee. I know one of the dancers featured and plan to watch today.

Regarding whether Jason should have switched coaches earlier, I always remind myself that his parents weren't typical skating parents and that family is paramount for them. Graduating early and moving away in early 2013 was about as soon as they were going to let that happen. And it's not as if nothing was being done to try and help him. I'm sure Jason and his parents saw the movie to CO as making a major change. How often does a COACH move for a student? But that's also probably the reason that no other coach was considered for a while. She moved for him. She was like family. There's so much loyalty involved in that whole arrangement that would make it difficult to walk away from the familiar. He also may not have considered himself mature enough to start over with something new until he was forced to do it.

The story that Jason and Jordan told is that Kori came to them and told them that she was planning to relocate to Colorado. She had her sights on Broadmoor, which ultimately denied her coaching room, but she was coaching in many rinks in Chicago driving from rink to rink daily, and wanted to consolidate her business. Jordan and Jason were both graduating or had graduated high school, and both decided to move when she did. It was just like going off to school for them. Jason enrolled in the U of CO in the Springs. But there was nothing indicating that she was moving for Jason. Jason made the decision to stay with her. It was what he wanted. I know that earlier in his competitive years, his family was advised to change coaches, but they decided against it. I don't remember how old he was at that time, but his parents made that decision for Jason, no doubt talking to him also. He was just really comfortable with Kori and happy so they saw no reason to change things. She was a second Mom to him. It's tough to leave your mom. I think that by the time he was 22, he realized that the time was coming for a major change, but made the decision to wait until after the Olympics. But ultimately, he went through a really tough time, his first real career failure, and came out stronger and more determined. And it's paying off. So despite hindsight, maybe it all worked out for the best in the long run.