2025 Cup of China

[noskates]

I recognize all of that about Amber - have followed her for years. And I'm going to assume all elite athletes have aches and pains. Most of them don't exhibit it immediately following a skating program but my point is - you don't see any or many other skaters exhibiting like that following their programs. It's almost like she's laying the groundwork for an excuse if she doesn't get the marks. And I realize this isn't a popular opinion but I'll own it. When her back hurt a few comps ago it miraculously got better in the K&C when she scored well. She can be totally herself in all ways but the chronic drama really isn't necessary. Her skating has improved in leaps and bounds over the past several years and like I said in my post - it speaks for itself. (and now I'm cyber-ducking.......)

 

[museksk8r]

When her back hurt a few comps ago it miraculously got better in the K&C when she scored well.

And you know this how? So, you wanted her to continue on with the drama and the hysterics even in the kiss and cry over her back pain even though you just said it’s obnoxious how she reacts to pain immediately after a performance. Contradict yourself much?

I notice you are a Kurt Browning fan, as am I. You know, Kurt was also known for bringing the drama after performances. I recall a pro competition where he completely forgot his choreography and bailed out of elements and ended his program prematurely and was really embarrassed with himself and he continuously mouthed “I forgot” right after the performance and in the kiss and cry. He certainly didn’t play it off like nothing ever happened. Same with his unfortunate technical program at the 1994 Olympics when he placed 12th after falling on a 3flip and doing a single instead of double Axel. He was understandably devastated and famously said, “I need a hug” and he really was in his feelings for a very long time after the performance and in the kiss and cry. I would never fault him for owning his feelings. It shows he is authentic, really cares about his performances, and is passionate about figure skating.

 

[Mathman]

When her back hurt a few comps ago it miraculously got better in the K&C when she scored well.

A well-known medical prescription. Nothing cures ailments faster than high scores.

 

[Mathman]

To be fair, the skirt looked much better in the snippet than it looked throughout the program when it showed tendency to stuck in awkward places rather than wave dramatically.

To me, the skirt did seem a little heavy. Working one's skirt is a separate skill. Maybe if it were made of lighter-weight material?

 

[teddycat]

And you know this how? So, you wanted her to continue on with the drama and the hysterics even in the kiss and cry over her back pain even though you just said it’s obnoxious how she reacts to pain immediately after a performance. Contradict yourself much?

I notice you are a Kurt Browning fan, as am I. You know, Kurt was also known for bringing the drama after performances. I recall a pro competition where he completely forgot his choreography and bailed out of elements and ended his program prematurely and was really embarrassed with himself and he continuously mouthed “I forgot” right after the performance and in the kiss and cry. He certainly didn’t play it off like nothing ever happened. Same with his unfortunate technical program at the 1994 Olympics when he placed 12th after falling on a 3flip and doing a single instead of double Axel. He was understandably devastated and famously said, “I need a hug” and he really was in his feelings for a very long time after the performance and in the kiss and cry. I would never fault him for owning his feelings. It shows he is authentic, really cares about his performances, and is passionate about figure skating.

Lots of skaters grimace in pain after a performance, Amber's fans in particular probably appreciate that she doesn't hide her feelings. I recall that pro competition with Kurt Browning. He did seem genuinely upset (also at the '94 Olympics) and it was understandable and very relatable. They are only human.

It may have been a different pro event when Todd Eldredge was skating after Kurt, who lingered on the ice greeting the fans for a while. The camera panned to Todd saying something to his coach like "When you're done skating, get off the (expletive) ice". I was surprised that it wasn't edited out for TV, but I could understand Todd expressing his irritation when he was delayed while all ready to perform.

 

[noskates]

I also remember Todd Eldredge dislocating his shoulder in a fall and putting it back in place and finishing his program without fanfare. We all have our own opinions. I'm not sorry I expressed mine. I hope Amber continues on her winning path.

 

[TallyT]

Lots of skaters grimace in pain after a performance,

It's more prevalent - not all that uncommon in fact - in the men, where the harder elements and therefore more aches and pains of 3As and quads are de rigueur. Amber is one of the rare mature (or any) women doing 3A and I, who can kick up a truly astounding amount of woe-is-me over a stubbed toe and am at the age where waking up the wrong way can crick the neck something awful, do not blame her even the slightest for showing when it damn well hurts.

Stoicism has its place, the aftermath of what is one of the most gruelling sports at the minute ain't it. JMO.

 

[sworddance21]

I keep trying to watch the dance comp videos but there really is no one who seems to be grabbing my attention. I did like the Koreans. Everyone else seems to be so over-performing. Do I just not LIKE ice dance anymore? Is there something/someone I'm missing? Or am I just in a bad mood these days?

 

[Mathman]

Do I just not LIKE ice dance anymore?

I miss the ballroom,

 

[DizzyFrenchie]

To me, the skirt did seem a little heavy. Working one's skirt is a separate skill. Maybe if it were made of lighter-weight material?

A muleta could, but then it wouldn't be the same. I understand it's supposed to pass off also as a capote, which needs some stiffness. A real one can weight up to 4kg, certainly much more than Madison Chock's?

I would have liked a video, because she said she used capote more than muleta with this excellent bull, which wasn't killed:

Paola San Román Indulta en Aguascalientes

Paola San Román es la primera mujer en indultar en medio siglo de historia de la Plaza de Toros Monumental, en Aguascalientes.

labrecha.me

 

[throw_triple_flip]

Catching up on the men's free skate.

My main thought is that Cha's free skate does him no justice at all. He is just too good to be doing a generic Moulin Rouge program.

 

[throw_triple_flip]

drop of vinegar was Metelkina speaking Russian at the interview. Obviously, she spoke a language she could speak and the Chinese could interpret, but hm... If ISU bans the nation and its flag, why is it OK to use its language as an interview language? Be consistent: ban the language, music and people who take advantage of its facilities and heritage and play make believe they have nothing to do with it. As it is, it doesn't serve well to viewers on either side.

What on earth? Is this a joke?

 

[throw_triple_flip]

In general I'm finding the men uninteresting this grand prix series. Not entirely sure as to why.

I was impressed by Sui and Han, considering the circumstances.

 

[Anna K.]

I would have liked a video, because she said she used capote more than muleta with this excellent bull, which wasn't killed:

Paola San Román Indulta en Aguascalientes

Paola San Román es la primera mujer en indultar en medio siglo de historia de la Plaza de Toros Monumental, en Aguascalientes.

labrecha.me

I found a few YouTube shorts. Here, Paola demonstrates her capote:

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

Here is a bit of how it looks with a bull (no violence):

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

 

[DizzyFrenchie]

I found a few YouTube shorts. Here, Paola demonstrates her capote:



Here is a bit of how it looks with a bull (no violence):

Thank you! I really liked Madison Chock's torera attitudes.