James/Cipres seems like a weird choice for the exhibition....
The ISU channel typically has the gala, and sometimes is not geoblocked even if the rest of the competition is. Keeping my fingers crossed.
So bummed that the Shibs will not be in the gala.
I hate that skaters have to schlep their exhibition costumes (and props, if any) in their luggage -- without knowing whether they will place high enough to be invited (or will be lucky enough to be invited for another reason).
For example, I assume that the wonderful Shibutanis brought their ex costumes to Shanghai, hoping that they would need them.
But now the sight of those costumes in their hotel rooms is just an awkward reminder that the podium was out of reach this time. It's like rubbing salt in the wound that the costumes also have to be schlepped home unworn.
Seems like this tough aspect of figure skating is unique to the sport -- or at least is a rare phenomenon?? (Off the top of my head, I can't think of anything comparable in another sport.)
Similar salt in the wound for those who brought their FS or FD costumes, but failed to qualify ... like the Reeds or Korpi
hwell:.
OTOH, it's nice that some skaters -- such as James/Cipres -- are pleasantly surprised with invitations, even if they did not place very high.
The clock on the ISU channel is counting down to streaming of the gala. I will join Doris in crossing my fingers that the ISU will not geo-block it.
)
, although it was there (and working) several hours ago (long after the Men's FS ended).
