Are you a Michelle Kwan fan?

[Joesitz]

Re: Are you a Michelle Kwan fan?

It is obvious that GS has an abundance of MK fans - maybe - a majority. Some posters have been upset with the situation. GS has no control over who should be a member or not of GS - and should GS have that control?

The non-fans of MK, and there are many if not a majority are steadfast in their feelings. Nothing wrong with preferring another skater. It makes for a healthy outlook in the sport and gives GS a more varied perspective of figure skating.

I do not track down other figure skating forums. I luv figure skating but it is just one part of my life. So I would appreciate any recommendations of other forums which do not have a large group of MK fans.

Joe

 

[Glacierskater]

Re: Are you a Michelle Kwan fan?

Well put, REALTORGAL. I feel the same way. I have some skaters that I like better than others, but enjoy good skating in general.

 

[Germanice]

Re: Are you a Michelle Kwan fan?

No, I'm not, never was, never will be. I simply can't understand all that ado around her, she leaves me icecold. I've talked to a lot of skating fans in Europe during shows and competitions, and almost everyone feels the same. She's respected, but not beloved/adored here. I guess she's more or less an US-American matter (... and I really wonder if she'd have the same "meaning" to people if her name would be Michellina Kwanskaya? ).

Sorry, guys!

Anke

 

[mathman444]

Re: Are you a Michelle Kwan fan?

For some reason Michelle has never worried much about building an international following. She doesn't like to travel. When she skates in the Grand Prix she always signs up for Skate America and Skate Canada. One of the factors that convinced her to stay eligible and compete in the 2002 Olympics and the 2003 World Championships was that they were held in the U.S.

She certainly presents herself as an all-American girl. What could be more American than Disney and Chevrolet, her principal sponsors?

I guess she feels that you can't be all things to all people, and is pleased to be appreciated in her own country.

Mathman

 

[mzheng]

Re: Are you a Michelle Kwan fan?

I posted this in another thread. I think this is the right place so I cut/paste here again.

Michelle is very popular in China (include main land, Taiwan, Hongkong). Actually besides Peg, the FIRST figure skater they show (some exhibition number) back in 80s, Michelle is the next foreign skater (any country) they hyped on their TV and still hyping. Considering how big the population in China, you might safely say MK IS the most popular skater in the world.

 

[WindSpirit5]

Re: Are you a Michelle Kwan fan?

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>Considering how big the population in China, you might safely say MK IS the most popular skater in the world.[/quote] Are you sure that everyone there knows who she is, though?

As for 'foreign', Michelle's of Chinese descent, isn't she? That's a factor, too. <em>If</em> I remember correctly, her parents were immigrants (and came to the States as adults?), so she's the first generation born there. I'd say it's not enough for being really foreign, especially in collective cultures.

Btw, (to borrow from Kara Bear) I am a Kwan-neutral -- so I guess I'm not a fan. Funny thing is, the second choice in the poll does have two meanings: neutral and negative.

 

[mzheng]

Re: Are you a Michelle Kwan fan?

"Are you sure that everyone there knows who she is, though? "
Nop. Actually she is not even known by everyone here in US. The fact is no any athlete will be known by every one even in their own country. I just go by statisticly speeking.

"As for 'foreign', Michelle's of Chinese descent, isn't she? That's a factor, too. If I remember correctly, her parents were immigrants (and came to the States as adults?), so she's the first generation born there. I'd say it's not enough for being really foreign, especially in collective cultures."
Well, it might be a factor just like Sasha is more popular in Russia.

 

[Joesitz]

Re: Are you a Michelle Kwan fan?

germanice - While I disagree with your views of MK, I am happy to see you voice your true feelings. I kind of sense that others feel the same way you do but hide it with, I like MK but.... and they do not mention any other skater who might be the favorite. But it's not difficult to figure it out.

Anyhow, great post and hope you hang around.

Joe

 

[mathman444]

Re: Are you a Michelle Kwan fan?

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>"Funny thing is, the second choice in the poll does have two meanings."[/quote]I agree. Very confusing.<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/intl/aenglish/images/emoticons/ohwell.gif ALT=":\"> That's why everyone should vote for number one.

MZheng, to follow up on Michelle's poplularity in China, I know that last year Michelle went to Hong Kong for a Disney promotion. Other than that, has she ever been to that part of the world? Does her family ever get a chance to visit relatives from their homeland? I wonder if she would want to do the new "Cup of China" event, if she ever decides to participate in the Grand Prix again.

Are Chinese champions such as Chen Lu and Shen and Zhao well known in the general population, or just among figure skating fans? Are they as famous, say, as basketball player Yau Ming or as women's soccer player Sun Wen?

Mathman

 

[mzheng]

Re: Are you a Michelle Kwan fan?

mathman,

I don't think Michelle has ever been to mainland China. Actually I suspect Michelle is wellcome by Chinese Goverment there since Michelle said openly that she admired Dalai Lama (the Tibet spirit leader).

She is much respected and admiared by Shen&Zhao, Lu Chen and FS circle. The MK SP in SA clip I down loaded from the Nets was from China TV. The commentator called her 'Queen on the Ice' and give her a lot compliment.

Shen&Zhao,Lu Chen are the FS icons in China. But I wouldn't say they are as famous as YaoMing or SunWen. Seems Chinese now pay much more attention to FS than ever. The fact that they show MK SP in SA on TV shows how seriously they take the sports now. The sports was basically non exists before 80's.

 

[RealtorGal]

Re: Are you a Michelle Kwan fan?

<span style="color:navy;font-family:georgia;font-size:small;"><strong>mzheng, do you live in China? If so, where? Also, not to be ignorant, but who are YaoMing or SunWen?</strong></span>

 

[mzheng]

Re: Are you a Michelle Kwan fan?

RealtorGal, no. I live in US now. I used to live in China 14 years ago. Back then I only saw Peg's special on TV, it was from then I start to watch FS but not as addicted as now. I was from Shanghai, the city where YaoMing come from.

YaoMing is a basketball player. Now he is playing for some NBA team. He came from the same city, Shanghai, where I from. Thats the majore reason I know his name. I'm not a big Basketball fan, my husband is, I know YaoMing's name from him. SunWen, is a woman sorser player, woman sorcer was not that popular back when I was there. But I did watch men sorcer world cup then. I guess YaoMing is really popula in china there was sensor in Hongkong or China listed him as 2nd or 3rd most known people. And I saw a commercial of YaoMing in which he came to a store try to buy something but can't get himself understood by the staff there.

I think MK is the most popular foreign skater in chinese fs fans. I met couple of chinese fan at soulseek iceroom, one from ChenDu one from Dalian, both are colledge student they told me that they skipt their class just to watch Michelle skated at 2003 worlds. And skipping a class in colledge is a big deal in China. And MK is the most mentioned name if you go any chinese fs web page.

 

[mathman444]

Re: Are you a Michelle Kwan fan?

Zheng, did you mean to say that Michelle is NOT welcome to visit the mainland because she acknowledges the Delai Lama?

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>Skipping a class in college is a big deal in China.[/quote]*sigh* I wish it were so here!

Mathman

 

[mzheng]

Re: Are you a Michelle Kwan fan?

Things may a little loose there by now. As long as she keep her opinion of Dalai Lama to herself when she visist there, it shall be OK. However I think she is definitely wellcome by FS fans and figure skaters there. There was a suggestion on SinoSports that asking MK hold an ice show in china during chinese new year eve, the biggest holiday in china, and the biggest TV show in CCTV each year. Though I doubt they can afford to.

 

[SHINE2002]

Re: Are you a Michelle Kwan fan?

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>No, I'm not, never was, never will be. I simply can't understand all that ado around her, she leaves me icecold. I've talked to a lot of skating fans in Europe during shows and competitions, and almost everyone feels the same. She's respected, but not beloved/adored here. I guess she's more or less an US-American matter (... and I really wonder if she'd have the same "meaning" to people if her name would be Michellina Kwanskaya? ).[/quote]
What an open minded fan of this sport you make, eh?
I don't even want to start counting the number of skaters I've changed my mind about in the course of being a skating fan. I don't think I can ever make a statement like "never have, and NEVER will".
Thank you for sharing your ignorant, narrow minded view with us time and time again.

 

[Germanice]

YES, I'm NO Kwan fan!

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>What an open minded fan of this sport you make, eh?
I don't even want to start counting the number of skaters I've changed my mind about in the course of being a skating fan. I don't think I can ever make a statement like "never have, and NEVER will". Thank you for sharing your ignorant, narrow minded view with us time and time again.[/quote]
Am I "ignorant" and "narrow-minded" just because I don't like a certain figure skater? Am I a "bad", "unworthy" and "no-real" skating-fan if I'm honest enough to mention this will probably never change (... because I don't think "SHE" 'll ever change!)? And does it make me evil to state some uncomfortable facts about Kwan's status in Europe? What makes you so dogged, Shine? Would you've made the same kinda statement if I would've posted the same kinda remarks about Irina Slutskaya? Hardly!

SHINE2002, I've never claimed being political correct all the time. I'm just human, and in opposite to you I let everybody know my dislikes, even though it'll always get me into troubles and give me some real "nice" replies of some ohh-soooo-political-correct posters ... So go on picking on me as long as you like, I don't care. But instead of this it would be faaaar more interesting to know what YOU DO think about Michellina Kwanskaya's status in Northamerica? Would she also be the "greatest skater of all times" then ...??? Just curious!? So far nobody seems to have an answer on this!

Ohhh .... and if I ever change my mind about Kwan, I'll let you know first, I
swear!!! :lol:

Anke

 

[eltamina]

Re: Are you a Michelle Kwan fan?

Some people still haven't got over MK beating Lulu in worlds 96. Since that competition is in the book, and no one can change the results, I am sure some people's opinion about MK will never change.

MK has been to China shortly after she won worlds 96.

Cinderella on ice was shown in China, MK went there with her parents and family, skated the Winter program. She toured the great wall of China etc

She said in an interview that she loved the experience. I believe that one hour tape (about 40 minutes of Cinderella on ice skated by people that I couldn't recognize) and 20 minutes of MK fluff piece + her winter program may still be available for purchase. IF not I am sure Cherie and Springluv will be able to dup a copy for minimal fee

I think Michelle was very pretty at that age. She had the longest jet black hair, she wore that straight, and that suit her perfect symmetrical oval shape face, and those dark brown eyes

Anke we know how you feel about MK, over the years, we read that over and over

Going back to the respect part. Fumie stated in her official site, that Michelle is the skater she respects the most.

A few years ago, Ilia stated that Mk is his favorite female skater (I am sure Katia is his favorite female skater currently)

Yags praised MK's skating a lot. I guess respect from her is ultimate compliment. For all ye scientists here, all respectable publications are peer reviewed.

Do people in China know who is Michelle Kwan, I am sure yes and no. Even Binshu does not know who Lulu is LOL.

 

[mathman444]

Re: YES, I'm NO Kwan fan!

Oh, gosh. This business of being a moderator isn't turning out to be as much fun as I thought it would.

To all and sundry, near and far: please talk about skating and not about each other, OK?

About Michellina (Mikhaela?), I do think it's possible for Russian skaters to become popular in the United States. Gordeeva and Grinkov (and Katia after Sergei's death) were greatly admired in both their amateur and professional careers. Alexei Yagudin has a strong fan base, at least the equal of Todd Eldredge and stronger than either Tim Goebel or Michael Weiss.

But that having been said, yeah, sure, there is an element of patriotism when we cheer on our beloved champion, MK. Horray for the red, white and blue, and all that.

Also contributing to Michelle's poplarity in the United States is the fact that she has been in the public eye here from a young age. We have watched her grow, both as a skater and as a person. Her charm and grace, through triumphant victories and disappointing setbacks alike, have endeared her to us fully as much as her matchless skating performances. We should not expect that skating fans in other countries, who see her maybe only a couple of times a year on television in major events, would feel the same way as we do about "our girl."

Mathman

 

[eltamina]

I am sure we do not say thank you often

I am sure we do not say thank you often enough to MM the mod. If this is MKF, there will be a ton of group (((( hugs))) but GS is not MKF II, I guess we will have to use music to represent our thoughts. ( I will try to think of more music worthy of the worlds best Guaneri and Stradivarius later)

We can start here

www.towerrecords.com/prod...id=2557638

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>To all and sundry, near and far: please talk about skating and not about each other[/quote]

OK, lets frame this quote.

 

[mzheng]

Re: YES, I'm NO Kwan fan!

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>MK has been to China shortly after she won worlds 96.[/quote]
Seems, my info is out of date. Thanks, eltamina, it is really nice to know MK has been to China.

<blockquote><strong><em>Quote:</em></strong><hr>For all ye scientists here, all respectable publications are peer reviewed.[/quote]
Yes. Had been trained in scientific area all those years, I'd took the words from peer's and people who had the same professional trainning such as judges over the casual fans.