But I bet Yagudin couldn't do a Nijinsky program at this level either, http://youtu.be/SEJXkfMYTX4
They are all unique on their own ways. Greatest skaters of all time!
Yagudin actually has 1 more world title than Plushenko, and depending on your views of the Olympic team gold each could be said to have only 1. So their careers are closer than one might think even considering Yagudin's much shorter career, which could seen as a huge plus in his favor. Basically with half as long a career he still won more individual Olympic and world events than Plushy did. It is worth noting during his rivalry with Yagudin, Plushenko was known for often choking in the big event- worlds and Olympics, skating super consistently like a machine all year, but failing at the big moment. That happened in a huge way at the 2000 worlds where Plushenko had an epic meltdown, allowing Yagudin to win with a subpar free skate. A past his prime Stojko fell on his quad attempt of every program and still won silver that year. Plushenko also faltered at the 98 worlds, 99 worlds, and of course 2002 Olympics.
I believe that is St Petersburg 300, it's a fan video to Edvin Marton's music, whom Plush often skates to, but not this time.
About the choreography... that is very interesting Plushenko's Godfather Olympic program was very hated here, but on Youtub were many videos of it and the people adored the program..The Godfather was more popular like Yagudin's Olympic program Man in the Iron mask..(Some weeks ago all versions of Godfather were blocked by the IOC!!!!!! 8 years after Turin!!)I would say that when they competed against each other they were very similar in terms of talent but Yagudin may have been packaged better, especially at the Olympics in 2002. I would credit this to his move to Tarasova. Both he and Zhenya were good jumpers (a testament to Mishin) but I think Tarasova's choreography made the difference in terms of people's perception of the two. I also would characterize both as "choking under pressure" at times during their early years but growing into fierce competitors as their careers progressed. I think Plushenko had the better overall career because of his longevity at a high level but in terms of who was the better skater taking longevity and coaching out and I think you have a toss up. I do think having each other as a rival helped to significantly elevate the skating of them both however.
About the choreography... that is very interesting Plushenko's Godfather Olympic program was very hated here, but on Youtub were many videos of it and the people adored the program..The Godfather was more popular like Yagudin's Olympic program Man in the Iron mask..(Some weeks ago all versions of Godfather were blocked by the IOC!!!!!! 8 years after Turin!!)
Personally I liked most of Plushenko's programs better than Yagudin's, and The Godfather was one of my favorite programs of his, but I think in general in North America at least, Yagudin was taught to have the better choreography even though I (and you also I'm guessing) do not agree.
So cute! What made the innocent boy became the men he is today?Can you imagine Yagudin can skate like this????? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1vHflKsyU0 and Plushy was only 16!!!
So cute! What made the innocent boy became the men he is today?
11. Yagudin isn't that nice guy what you think about him...He had problem with the alcohol, he is a "bitter man" who is envy of Plushenko's succes , fame, money. I can show you links but I do not want to destroy his image here...
They're both so impressive that I can't see the point of trying to make one look better than the other. Subjectively, I preferred Yagudin and lamented his brief career; he had beautiful technique and an emotional connection to the music and to the audience that seemed completely natural and unforced. By contrast, Plushenko's more flamboyant, in-your-face approach implied that we WOULD be drawn in because he said so.
But no one can contest Plushenko's technical quality, his masterful presence on the ice, and his competitive assurance and consistency. Some of his programs, notably Nijinsky, are among the greatest in history. Also, as some people have pointed out, Plushenko has excelled both under the 6.0 system and the CoP. There's no need to justify Plushy's position as a top skater.
We can't know how Yagudin's career would have gone had he remained healthy, but Plushenko has demonstrated that he was capable of sustaining a high level of excellence through a long, long period of time. In that aspect, obviously Plushenko has outdone Yagudin. But that factor in itself is no indication of which skater is "better." For me (and for many others), Yagudin had qualities that Plushenko could never equal. (As other posters have remarked, I go back and re-watch Yagudin's programs often but don't watch Plushenko's very much.) But one can also argue the reverse. Remember, there are people who prefer Grishchuk/Platov over every other ice dance team of their time and people who would take one Usova/Zhulin over a thousand Grishchuk/Platovs. Different strokes for different folks.
I agree.. this is what I'm saying Yagudin skated in American style..
Can you imagine Yagudin can skate like this????? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1vHflKsyU0 and Plushy was only 16!!!