- Joined
- Sep 12, 2013
I feel very bad for Jeremy- obviously he has overwhelming competition anxiety. He possibly has ADD. All that he's tried to control with psychological help.. the medications to treat are not allowed in competition. I do believe he has done everything he can to try to control the anxiety- but sometimes it just can't be done. His nervous system was just not cut out for what he wants to do with it.
So it is an amazing accomplishment to get the the 4x Sr National Champ.
The media has never been in his corner.
The US just hasn't had any male skater to come along this Quad and be able to be atop the podium at Worlds. It's not Jeremy's fault no superstar has come along. Sometimes I think Jeremy is attacked not only for his deficits, but for the deficits of the US Men's program in general.
Thank you for your compassionate and insightful post. I'd never heard that about ADD before, but overwhelming performance anxiety absolutely. Have any of you read Susan Cain's QUIET- about introverts and performance anxiety- or Scott Stossel's MY AGE OF ANXIETY? Both of them discuss the many medications available to treat performance anxiety. and it had never occurred to me before that of course Jeremy wouldn't be allowed to take anything. "his nervous system was just not cut out for what he wants to do with it"- that is so astute, and kind.
I don't think the media as a bloc dislikes Jeremy- in fact, it's really Christine Brennan who hates him- as she hates all "chokers" and anyone who doesn't have nerves of steel. Lynn Rutherford of Ice Network has tweeted about how gracious Jeremy is with interviews and behind the scenes reports always describe him as especially thoughtful and kind. Dave Lease of TSL gets frustrated by Jeremy but gives his skating and his character high praise.
I agree also that winning 4 National Titles espec with the nervous system he has is an unbelievable accomplishment. Does anyone have any theories as to why he has been able to compete so well nationally??- 4 titles, a few silvers, a bronze, a pewter- on the podium seven or eight times total, I think.