Most skaters are classy
Thanks for restating what I said on page 1.
Most skaters are classy
Classy in everything they do: Maia and Alex Shibutani
Meagan Duhamel congratulating Aliona Savchenko after she and Bruno won the Olympics. Maybe someone else can find the video. From what I remember, Meagan said, "You did it! I'm so proud of you!" Or maybe it was "we did it." They had a long embrace/interaction and were both crying and happy for each other.
Yuzu and Javi had classy interactions all the time and were so supportive when the other person won.
but you know what is odd? Someone on this forum told me, "Yes, but have you EVER seen them sitting in the audience with the fans?" I understand wanting your own life, etc, but it is a nice gesture to sit with fans at least once in awhile...
I think, that Zenya simply repeated what Yuzuru Hanyu did at Skate Canada. He quieted the crowd before Nam's turn to skate. It was very touching and crowd responded instantly to Yuzu.
It does not take of course anything away from Evgenia- kudos to her.
I love Maia and Alex, dont get me wrong....they are class for sure....I miss them terribly. And they are very intelligent and interesting. And they came to most of the FOFS breakfasts and would actively participate and make the rounds and talk WITH you...but you know what is odd? Someone on this forum told me, "Yes, but have you EVER seen them sitting in the audience with the fans?" I understand wanting your own life, etc, but it is a nice gesture to sit with fans at least once in awhile...
I love Maia and Alex, dont get me wrong....they are class for sure....I miss them terribly. And they are very intelligent and interesting. And they came to most of the FOFS breakfasts and would actively participate and make the rounds and talk WITH you...but you know what is odd? Someone on this forum told me, "Yes, but have you EVER seen them sitting in the audience with the fans?" I understand wanting your own life, etc, but it is a nice gesture to sit with fans at least once in awhile...
... I think most skaters are classy people.
... ETA: Most skaters are classy people.
Most skaters are classy
Thanks for restating what I said on page 1.
Chris, my understanding of your post is that you are not saying at all that it is rare for competitors to sit in the stands ... but that it was rare to see the Shibs doing so. Although the Shibs would actively mingle at the FOFS breakfasts, which is an example of their class.
Belated thanks to Ic3Rabbit for restating what fzztsimmons had said in post #4 of this thread, more than a day before you said the same thing.
... It really doesnt make them less classy. I can understand skaters not wanting to be chased down and fawned over....
... On the Sunday night after the gala exhibition my friend and I attended the "party" and met with many of the skaters. All of them were polite and available for pictures, autographs, or just chatting. This was when they were supposed to be available. Jeremy Abbott, Adam Rippon, Mirai Negasu, Bradie Tennell, the Knierems, and yes Nathan, Vincent Zhou, all the dance teams, etc. etc. all were approachable and willing to chat. I think there is a time and a place when skaters mix with fans - but there's also a time to leave them alone. ...
Classy is not whining about the drama in your life. Classy is not displaying sour grapes when you lose to another Skater.
:agree:
Off topic, but ...
I do think that fans should be judicious as to when/where to approach skaters.
But I also will note that I believe that you are talking about the Olympic send-off party (or whatever it was called) that was only for fans who were able/willing to make a donation of something like $100 per ticket (IIRC?).
Please don't get me wrong: I have no complaint that donors at your level were rewarded with a special opportunity to hang out with the 2018 Olympians at an event planned for that purpose.
Just sayin' that this special opportunity was not within the reach of everyone.
For me, I could not justify a splurge of an extra $100 when I already had paid for travel to/from San Jose, hotel, event tix, etc.
... My level? Not sure what you mean by that. I saw it more as an opportunity to contribute to the USFSA rather than touchy/feely with the skaters. We've been lucky enough to get seats in the area where a lot of skaters and their families sit. Some talk to us, some keep to themselves and their friends. I don't think any skater owes me anything other than a good skate!
I don't think "sitting in the audience" is a good measure of classiness or much of anything else. We sat across from Nathan Chen and his Mom in San Jose at Nationals as he TRIED to watch the women's short program. He wore a sweatshirt with a hoodie and still there must have been 20 people clamoring around him, demanding autographs, selfies and attention - much to the annoyance of people sitting in the area. Nathan was gracious but you could tell he really wanted to see the skating. He and Mom finally got up and left. On the Sunday night after the gala exhibition my friend and I attended the "party" and met with many of the skaters. All of them were polite and available for pictures, autographs, or just chatting. This was when they were supposed to be available. Jeremy Abbott, Adam Rippon, Mirai Negasu, Bradie Tennell, the Knierems, and yes Nathan, Vincent Zhou, all the dance teams, etc. etc. all were approachable and willing to chat. I think there is a time and a place when skaters mix with fans - but there's also a time to leave them alone.
Classy to me is showing professionalism and being supportive of fellow skaters.
In Sasha Cohen's book , she seemed worried about that. It's good to know that a skater would not be disqualified for not wearing tights.
Classy is not whining about the drama in your life. Classy is not displaying sour grapes when you lose to another Skater.
Nathan is watching Jason and clapping for him
5:39 PM · Oct 18, 2019
Proud teammate post:
This was nathan chen a few hours before his long program. He has stayed at the arena all day everyday to cheer on his teammates. The support from the WHOLE team has been amazing here!
"Every skater can suddenly fall/lose - due to injury or mental problems, even top skaters are faced with such hardships sometimes. But I'm sure he will find all answers and will return."
https://twitter.com/rockerskating/status/1108577976658984960?s=20Yuzuru Hanyu and Nathan Chen bowed together after they finished their practice, Chen acknowledging Hanyu right at the end as they bowed - the crowd loved it
https://twitter.com/rockerskating/status/1108577976658984960?s=20Once again, Nathan Chen and Yuzuru Hanyu ends their practice session bowing together. Chen goes quickly and claps for Hanyu and lets him have the ovation from the home crowd