Alexei YAGUDIN: “I’M COMING BACK”

[Zanzibar]

His doctor was/is very reputable, but in the end, every physician knows it's up to the patient to determine how he's going to live his life.

 

[Dodhiyel]

I'd hate to see Yagudin return if it meant he injured his hip so badly that he would have problems just walking normally again. Hip replacements are a boon to those who have problems getting around, but they were never designed to withstand extreme athletic repetitive movements.

No reputable orthopod would tell Yagudin that he could return to competitive skating after a hip replacement.

This is scary. My big hope for him is that he be able to walk without pain. Articles from Russia used to sometimes have references to his walking, off the ice. It was always amazing to me how well he performed, given his hip situation.

Whatever his reasons may be for wishing to compete again, I hope most of all, that it does not lead to him having walking problems off the ice. I love to watch him skate, but most of all, I care about him as a person, so I am glad that he has investments, and can quit skating when he wants to.

 

[demarinis5]

I have to agree somewhat with Joe. I don't see the ISU reinstating Yagudin. They would not let Asada skate at Turin because of the age rule, why would they reinstate Yagudin's eligibility if it is against the rules.

 

[hockeyfan228]

I have to agree somewhat with Joe. I don't see the ISU reinstating Yagudin. They would not let Asada skate at Turin because of the age rule, why would they reinstate Yagudin's eligibility if it is against the rules.

The ISU has already has a precedent for reinstating skaters who became ineligible. It could take into consideration that when he turned pro, Yagudin had an injury that no one could have forseen could be repaired well enough for him to compete in eligible skating, but the circumstance and surgical procedures (and Galindo's example) have improved beyond expectation. As far as I know, there haven't been exceptions to age rules, apart from those skaters grandfathered or included as exceptions to the rule.

That said, I want some of what he's smoking.

 

[Zanzibar]

I'll have an interview conducted with him throughout the time period when he was here in New York for the surgery, up in the near future. Focuses mainly on the process of what he actually experienced, rather than a comeback discussion.

 

[Dodhiyel]

I'll have an interview conducted with him throughout the time period when he was here in New York for the surgery, up in the near future. Focuses mainly on the process of what he actually experienced, rather than a comeback discussion.

Looking forward to that interview, Zanzibar.

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

The ISU has already has a precedent for reinstating skaters who became ineligible. It could take into consideration that when he turned pro, Yagudin had an injury that no one could have forseen could be repaired well enough for him to compete in eligible skating, but the circumstance and surgical procedures (and Galindo's example) have improved beyond expectation. As far as I know, there haven't been exceptions to age rules, apart from those skaters grandfathered or included as exceptions to the rule.

That said, I want some of what he's smoking.

I think that was the one-time experiment in letting skaters return to eligibility for one night. That did not change the rule.

Few people talked about the Eligibility Rule until now but they were very vociferous about Mao Asada's age despite her prowess as a skater. Both Cohen and Slutskaya were in immediate danger of yet another teenybopper winning the Olys, imo. It was No Rules Should Be Broken. And no exceptions!!!

While I can sympathize and empathize with Yagudin, it will definitely open up a precedent and the whole concept of Eligibility would be gone. And btw, what would be a reason for an exception?

Joe

 

[hockeyfan228]

I think that was the one-time experiment in letting skaters return to eligibility for one night. That did not change the rule.

Skaters were able to reinstate through 1996. It wasn't just a one-time deal for the 1994 Olympics.

Few people talked about the Eligibility Rule until now but they were very vociferous about Mao Asada's age despite her prowess as a skater. Both Cohen and Slutskaya were in immediate danger of yet another teenybopper winning the Olys, imo. It was No Rules Should Be Broken. And no exceptions!!!

I think that's a cynical read of the objections to breaking the age-eligibility rule, which, BTW, would have applied to the skater who beat Asada in 2006 Jr. Worlds, Yu-Na Kim. Similar objections were raised when it was suggested that Kimmie Meissner be allowed to skate in Moscow in 2005, with many of the same arguments.

Any last-minute substantial change to the rules, provisional or permanent, made after the first 1-1.5 years into the Olympic cycle, is simply unfair to the skaters who've invested in the Olympic cycle, IMO. I personally objected to the reinstatement of professionals for the 1994 Olympics on that basis. 1998, announced in 1992-4, would have been fine, because then the skaters could have made an informed decision whether to invest their time and money in the 1992-4 and 1995-8 Olympics cycles (with the change to alternate Summer and Winter games).

I've always found it amusing that before 20005 GPF, I believe after CoC, Slutskaya remarked something to the effect that Arakawa was technically sound, but stiff, while she lauded "the little one." Until, of course, Asada beat her at GPF.

The assumption that Asada would have beaten Slutskaya or Cohen is an interesting one, since, under pressure, she lost to Kim at 2006 Jr. Worlds, and to Ando at 2007 Worlds, both of which she was supposed to win emphatically. Nerves of steel she has not, at least so far.

While I can sympathize and empathize with Yagudin, it will definitely open up a precedent and the whole concept of Eligibility would be gone. And btw, what would be a reason for an exception?

I think it was pretty clear in 2002 that with his hip condition, there was nothing that he could do to return to eligible, competitive form. It's also very clear, since he competed at 2003 Skate America, that he wanted to continue to compete in eligible competition, not skate in a show that made it difficult to remain in quad/triple competitive form, but that was not an option.

The medical landscape has changed. It's up to the ISU to determine if this is worth taking into consideration, or whether to remove the anti-competitive rule against pro competitions that didn't give a cut to the ISU, since there are so few.

The alleged reason for the age rule, pushed by the Japanese Federation, was to protect younger skaters from injury. Sadly, there aren't substantial element restrictions to support this in juniors, but in juniors the LP for example, is 18% shorter. The reason for the eligibility rule was to protect the ISU. I see a substantial difference here.

 

[Arianne]

I'll tell you why Yags should be reinstated...

Figure skating needs hype and publicity if it is going to stay on television. The ISU would be fools not to let any superstar who wanted to reinstate come back. Yags and Plushy both back will be a great rivalry that can be played up by the networks. Since pro competition is DEAD. Please ISU, cut out that stupid eligible rule!!!!

Arianne

 

[slutskayafan21]

I'll tell you why Yags should be reinstated...

Figure skating needs hype and publicity if it is going to stay on television. The ISU would be fools not to let any superstar who wanted to reinstate come back. Yags and Plushy both back will be a great rivalry that can be played up by the networks. Since pro competition is DEAD. Please ISU, cut out that stupid eligible rule!!!!

Arianne

You obviously dont think Plushenko will do very well on his return if you think he will be in a "rivalry" again with Yagudin. I can ensure you Yagudin will not do well if he does come back. You can quote me on that, bookmark it if you want, I am going to state right now if Yagudin does come back his "results" will be as much a dissapointment to fans who had any kind of hopes as Katarina Witt's were in her comeback, maybe even worse. Plushenko is more of a question mark, he might do great, he might not. However if Plushenko is really having a "rivalry" with Yagudin, then that will just mean Plushenko's comeback was also a bomb to be down where Yagudin will be if he comes back.

 

[attyfan]

Given that the pro competitions are dead, what would skaters have to do to lose their Oly eligibility (besides dropping GP events to do shows)?

 

[Arianne]

You obviously dont think Plushenko will do very well on his return if you think he will be in a "rivalry" again with Yagudin. I can ensure you Yagudin will not do well if he does come back. You can quote me on that, bookmark it if you want, I am going to state right now if Yagudin does come back his "results" will be as much a dissapointment to fans who had any kind of hopes as Katarina Witt's were in her comeback, maybe even worse. Plushenko is more of a question mark, he might do great, he might not. However if Plushenko is really having a "rivalry" with Yagudin, then that will just mean Plushenko's comeback was also a bomb to be down where Yagudin will be if he comes back.

Well, whether or not yags and plush will be successful is yet to be seen. They were old rivals and I believe they will be advertized as rivals again. Also, you cannot ASSURE me how any skater will do in a comeback. You have no idea, and I'm sure that Yags would not re-enter competition if he thought he would be an embarrassment.

The future is still yet to be seen. And however they do, I still think it would be great for skating publicity and that was my point.

Arianne

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

Skaters were able to reinstate through 1996. It wasn't just a one-time deal for the 1994 Olympics.

I know of the 94. Who got reinstated in 95, 96 and why there were no more? I'm not looking for an opinion answer but something official.

Also what are reasons for reinstatement. Can anyone say he/she feels like skating competition this year and would like a reinstatement? Kulic? Todd? Candeloro?

If the Rules had to be obeyed for Asada (who would have no pressure on her to skater her best) then if follows Rules can not be broken.

I'm not against Yagudin getting a reinstatement. I definitely want to know what the reason is for allowing a reinstatement. This way, in the future, skaters may be able to do the same. If it's a one-time exception it would be a dirty game play.

Arianne - Have you heard this is a done deal? that Alexi will get the reinstatement blessed by Cinquanta?

It will only be for 2009 because Plushenko will be the sole representative for Russia in Worlds 2008. unless you would like an exception to that Rule. too.

You all realize that there is no Amateur Skating and this could mean the end of Eligible Skating but then Cinquanta could say no more reinstatements after 2009

Joe

 

[slutskayafan21]

Well, whether or not yags and plush will be successful is yet to be seen.

Whether Plushenko will be successful in his comeback (if he does indeed comeback) remains to be seen. If Yagudin is I have a large bridge up for sale.

They were old rivals and I believe they will be advertized as rivals again.

Sure they will be. Kerrigan-Harding were at the 94 Olympics too. We all know what the competitive reality was though. Americans could advertise Meissner and Hughes to be in a 2-women fight for the World title if they wished to.

Also, you cannot ASSURE me how any skater will do in a comeback.

I believe I just did. Like I said if you want to, mark my comments, bookmark where I said what I did, and come back to me if I am ever wrong. I am beyond fully confident I will be (that is in the unlikely event he is reinstated and follows through on his comback which I doubt anyway).

You have no idea, and I'm sure that Yags would not re-enter competition if he thought he would be an embarrassment.

I would worry more about the damage he could end up doing his long term health then any embarassment factor. The potential for embarassment factor is small potatoes compared to what he could end up doing to his body.

 

[hockeyfan228]

I know of the 94. Who got reinstated in 95, 96 and why there were no more? I'm not looking for an opinion answer but something official.

Is Midori Ito, who was the 1993 Durasoft Colors World Professional Champion and who reinstated for the 95-96 season and finished 7th at Worlds that season, official enough?

 

[slutskayafan21]

Is Midori Ito, who was the 1993 Durasoft Colors World Professional Champion and who reinstated for the 95-96 season and finished 7th at Worlds that season, official enough?

I believe the reinstated pro rule still held in effect for just over a year until after the 94 Olympics though, and the final date before it was erased and returned to the old professional-eligible seperation was April 30, 2005, or something in there. I remember them talking about Baiul having to make her final decision about reinstating or not before that date, as well as Yuka Sato. Ito probably filed for reinstatement before that deadline.

 

[blue dog]

The last people to reinstate were Josee Chouinard and Midori Ito back in 1996. Ito finished 7th at worlds, and Josee didn't even make it out of Canadian nationals. The last person to say she was actively pursuing reinstatement was Oksana Baiul, who was denied. Of course, (this is the official part, Joesitz, are you reading?!) right around the time the ISU started offering more prize money (listed on San Diego Union Tribune's sunday paper sometime in March, 1999), Cinquanta called Baiul and Lipinski deserters, and that reinstatement will not be available.

I did not make the following up, if you have the time to look it up, go for it.

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

Is Midori Ito, who was the 1993 Durasoft Colors World Professional Champion and who reinstated for the 95-96 season and finished 7th at Worlds that season, official enough?

Apparentlhy, several people have left eligibility only to request reinstatement and receive it.

Well then, what reasons were given for the reintstatement of Midori? I am just as much perterbed about her as I am about Yagudin. I am not trying to harass Alexei. I am interested in knowing more about reinstatement because if getting reinstated into Eligible skating is easy what's the point of ever losing it?

Joe

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

The last people to reinstate were Josee Chouinard and Midori Ito back in 1996. Ito finished 7th at worlds, and Josee didn't even make it out of Canadian nationals. The last person to say she was actively pursuing reinstatement was Oksana Baiul, who was denied. Of course, (this is the official part, Joesitz, are you reading?!) right around the time the ISU started offering more prize money (listed on San Diego Union Tribune's sunday paper sometime in March, 1999), Cinquanta called Baiul and Lipinski deserters, and that reinstatement will not be available.

I did not make the following up, if you have the time to look it up, go for it.

I am reading the posts blue dog. Speedy is so diplomatic. Who knew Tara wanted to continue competitive skating? She did a lot of that Sunday afternoon stuff and made money on that. She didn't need the revised prize monies of eligible competitions.

However, as I am in the dark about reinstatements, can you tell me Why Oksana was denied.. I think one asks to be reinstated into the Eligible ranks; then the powers that be (whoever they are) mull over the request and arrive at a decision. Are reasons for acceptance and denials given, or are they confidential?

Joe

 

[SO2]

This is great news, although these comebacks are often uncertain. I'd love to see the competition of Plushenko, Yagudin, Lambiel, Joubert, Lysaceck, etc.