Da Kwan Remains Da Kwan!!!
- Thread starter Piel
- Start date
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2003
Congrats to Michelle. I have to hand it to her, she was great! 
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2003
Piel said:Maybe the USFSA is trying to hook up with Hooters as a sponsor?
http://us.news1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20040111/s/r1818295091.jpg
Michelle was absolutely awesome tonight, as she was last year, and I knew she would be. It's in her blood. She's like Lance Armstrong or Michael Jordan. Plus you could see it in her eyes before she even started: sheer determination. When it counts, she knows how to dig down deep and use both all of her technical abilities as well as her ability to use her full range and depth of emotions to make her skating transcendant. Michelle just has a special ability to harness the power within her that makes her what she is: the greatest skater certainly since Maribel Vincent and Sonja Henie and probably the greatest skater ever.
I was frankly surprised at how much Robin took out of Sasha's LP. Compared to what she did at Trophee Lalique, where Sasha skated brilliantly in the both the short and long, IMO, tonight's choreography was just gutted. I'm guessing the strategy was to take out the things added for the COP so Sasha could concentrate on her jumps. To her credit, she did three 3/2 combos. But she also had the fall on the 3tl, which is the easiest jump! and the bobble on another jump. I don't agree with Peggy that Sasha leaves her best skating on the practice ice, but I would agree that she has failed to bring it to Nationals. She has had some wonderful six-triple LPs on the GP circuit that were also performed with passion--though I would agree with Dick that we don't ever really see her joy. But at least at the last two Nationals (prior to that I don't think she had the technique to even come close to challenging Michelle), I feel Sasha has skated well below her ability in the LP. A couple of excellent SPs, but she's got to find a way to sustain herself in the LP, and I don't think the problem is Dick and Peggy's ubiquitous "can't focus." I think Sasha's proved she can focus in events like Campbell's and in many, but not all, GP events. Hopefully Robin Wagner will help her solve the problem in a consistant way. If she could skate at Nationals like she skated at Lalique, she still wouldn't have beaten Michelle--Michelle was truly unbeatable tonight--but it would have been a performance she could have been proud of.
BTW, I like Sasha but no way did she deserve a 6.0 for that skate. I had no problem with the other scores, but that 6.0 is an example of why I do not like the ordinal system and like the COP system. Also, if the COP system had been used, I think we would have seen better programs instead of programs that were chuggy jam with difficulty during the GP circuit but cut down for the ordinal system. JMO.
Not Jenny's best night either, but neither was it one of her meltdowns. Guess the men used up all the good program karma for the LP and the ladies used it all up for the SP, lol.
If they wanted to talk to Nancy about the knee whack, why didn't they do it on tape and show it during the pairs splatfest? Anything to get our minds off what happened there.
Anyway, as I said before, Michelle just seems to thrive on Nationals, getting better and better. She may have had the bobble and finished late in the SP, but I thought "Tosca" was better than "Arnajuez" and I thought "Aranjuez" was the best I'd ever seen Michelle skate! She truly looks as if she cannot fall out there, as if she wouldn't fall if you drove the Zamboni out there and tried to mow her down, that's how centered and determined she is. Turin, Michelle's a'comin' in '06! And I'm hoping she wins at least 10 National titles. If she wins next year and in '06 that will be 10 and she'll still only be 25--right? For Michelle, there's no doubt in my mind that she can do it. Things can happen, of course, but I think destiny is on her side.
Finally, congrats to Amber for her 4th place finish. Sad for Angela but not surprised. Same program from two years ago, same result. And something is just not right with AP. She looks heavy, and I don't mean weight, although she doesn't look in top shape, I mean down, as if she's depressed--not saying she is, just saying there's a "down" quality not only about her skating but about her spirit in general.
I also have no doubt that Michelle is headed for another World title this year. I think Sasha has filled in the spot Irina used to have--does well in the GP but can't pull it together at Worlds. While I don't think Michelle needs someone to push her, I think she's just that much better when someone like Irina or Sasha is there. Like I said, Sasha can skate a wickedly difficult LP on the GP circuit and just knowing that she's capable of it I think keeps Michelle extra sharp. Chasing Michelle seems to bring out the best in Sasha in the GP series, but Nationals belongs to Michelle and I think it's starting to psych out Sasha. Unless and until Sasha feels that she "owns" Nationals, she'll always be second to Michelle at this event.
Anyway, WAY TO GO SHELLY! She was truly magnificent tonight. Plus this means I got one of my podium predictions right, lol.
Rgirl
PS: MM--What did I tell you?
I was frankly surprised at how much Robin took out of Sasha's LP. Compared to what she did at Trophee Lalique, where Sasha skated brilliantly in the both the short and long, IMO, tonight's choreography was just gutted. I'm guessing the strategy was to take out the things added for the COP so Sasha could concentrate on her jumps. To her credit, she did three 3/2 combos. But she also had the fall on the 3tl, which is the easiest jump! and the bobble on another jump. I don't agree with Peggy that Sasha leaves her best skating on the practice ice, but I would agree that she has failed to bring it to Nationals. She has had some wonderful six-triple LPs on the GP circuit that were also performed with passion--though I would agree with Dick that we don't ever really see her joy. But at least at the last two Nationals (prior to that I don't think she had the technique to even come close to challenging Michelle), I feel Sasha has skated well below her ability in the LP. A couple of excellent SPs, but she's got to find a way to sustain herself in the LP, and I don't think the problem is Dick and Peggy's ubiquitous "can't focus." I think Sasha's proved she can focus in events like Campbell's and in many, but not all, GP events. Hopefully Robin Wagner will help her solve the problem in a consistant way. If she could skate at Nationals like she skated at Lalique, she still wouldn't have beaten Michelle--Michelle was truly unbeatable tonight--but it would have been a performance she could have been proud of.
BTW, I like Sasha but no way did she deserve a 6.0 for that skate. I had no problem with the other scores, but that 6.0 is an example of why I do not like the ordinal system and like the COP system. Also, if the COP system had been used, I think we would have seen better programs instead of programs that were chuggy jam with difficulty during the GP circuit but cut down for the ordinal system. JMO.
Not Jenny's best night either, but neither was it one of her meltdowns. Guess the men used up all the good program karma for the LP and the ladies used it all up for the SP, lol.
If they wanted to talk to Nancy about the knee whack, why didn't they do it on tape and show it during the pairs splatfest? Anything to get our minds off what happened there.
Anyway, as I said before, Michelle just seems to thrive on Nationals, getting better and better. She may have had the bobble and finished late in the SP, but I thought "Tosca" was better than "Arnajuez" and I thought "Aranjuez" was the best I'd ever seen Michelle skate! She truly looks as if she cannot fall out there, as if she wouldn't fall if you drove the Zamboni out there and tried to mow her down, that's how centered and determined she is. Turin, Michelle's a'comin' in '06! And I'm hoping she wins at least 10 National titles. If she wins next year and in '06 that will be 10 and she'll still only be 25--right? For Michelle, there's no doubt in my mind that she can do it. Things can happen, of course, but I think destiny is on her side.
Finally, congrats to Amber for her 4th place finish. Sad for Angela but not surprised. Same program from two years ago, same result. And something is just not right with AP. She looks heavy, and I don't mean weight, although she doesn't look in top shape, I mean down, as if she's depressed--not saying she is, just saying there's a "down" quality not only about her skating but about her spirit in general.
I also have no doubt that Michelle is headed for another World title this year. I think Sasha has filled in the spot Irina used to have--does well in the GP but can't pull it together at Worlds. While I don't think Michelle needs someone to push her, I think she's just that much better when someone like Irina or Sasha is there. Like I said, Sasha can skate a wickedly difficult LP on the GP circuit and just knowing that she's capable of it I think keeps Michelle extra sharp. Chasing Michelle seems to bring out the best in Sasha in the GP series, but Nationals belongs to Michelle and I think it's starting to psych out Sasha. Unless and until Sasha feels that she "owns" Nationals, she'll always be second to Michelle at this event.
Anyway, WAY TO GO SHELLY! She was truly magnificent tonight. Plus this means I got one of my podium predictions right, lol.
Rgirl
PS: MM--What did I tell you?
Last edited:
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2003
Nadine said:Hi Piel,
My gosh, I think the only titles she has missing from her resume are 4CC (btw I think she should do this just to add it to her collection) and a GPF Title (though she has a bunch of silvers as well).
She won the first GPF in 1996, when it was called Champions Series Final.
Wow, that record is mind boggling. I don't know how she does it year after year. Not a falter. Not a waver. A medal in every single major competition for 8 years. How does she do that??Nadine said:Hi Piel,
Yes, I too would (honestly) like Michelle to break all records.........
Her records & stats tell the story (i.e. has never placed lower than third since 1996 in any competition). Not to mention has medalled at both Olympics, has medalled at every Worlds since 1996 (five gold), eight Nationals Titles (two more silver), and a bunch of others as well.
Oh, and I think she'll win the gold in the 2006 Olympics. She's made every other headline, why not "Olympic gold, silver, AND bronze" or "Third time's the charm!"
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2003
boot markings and the battle of the swans
Karl Malone's autograph =) are the markings on her boots. Her Tosca cut is the same exact cut (minus 30 sec) that L/A of Canada use (same choreographer...maybe that had something to do with it?). I loved the footwork...it had the feeling of falling...
The two swans were OK tonight. I prefer Sasha's music cuts 3/4 of the program, and I like AP's final section- the last selection in the ballet the "dance of death," when Odette and Siegfried drown...
Congrats to all the medallists, and to Amber Corwin- this is her highest finish EVER at Nationals.
Karl Malone's autograph =) are the markings on her boots. Her Tosca cut is the same exact cut (minus 30 sec) that L/A of Canada use (same choreographer...maybe that had something to do with it?). I loved the footwork...it had the feeling of falling...
The two swans were OK tonight. I prefer Sasha's music cuts 3/4 of the program, and I like AP's final section- the last selection in the ballet the "dance of death," when Odette and Siegfried drown...
Congrats to all the medallists, and to Amber Corwin- this is her highest finish EVER at Nationals.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2003
Just got back from the rink. Poor Sasha! And Michelle now has 8 titles. And Jenny gets to go to Worlds' for the first time ever. And Amber gets a medal, even if it's only pewter, and Angela and AP are in the top 6 and will probably get to go the GP. Bebe can still do the JGP and Junior Worlds. So in ladies, things are working out fine (I think).
For those who are interested, here's what the other competitors did.
Suzy McDonald was up first, skating to Chocolat, in a dress reminiscent of Nancy Kerrigan's little cutdown wedding outfit.
She landed a 2A, a 3f2t, fell once and doubled everything else.
Erica Archambault skated to Dickson's Piano Concerto in a neat looking dress in red, with a black belt and shoulder to hem black strip with big silver studs on. Similar to Katie Orscher's dress in read and put on back to front. She did 3S, 3f, 1A, an anemic butterfly into a 2Lp, a droopy spiral, 1 lz, travelling layback and continued to droop to the ending.
Natalie Mecher was full of energy, skating to Memorial and to Tribulations, choreographed by Suzie Wynne. She had on a simple lavender spangled outfit. She had 3f, 3t2t, 3s (short of rotation), a long, long long combo spin, 3t, nice 3s (probably was supposed to be a combination), 2A, 3lp twofooted, straight line f/w to a 2a2t. If she had skated later, I feel she would have been better rewarded.
Felicia Beck skated to Cirque du Soleil (one of them) choreographed by herself and her coach in a little black long sleeved number with hot pink and aqua vertical spangle lines.
She started with a layback and then dropped her arms to her sides and her leg down. The program went down hill from there. She only landed a 3s and a 2a.
Lou Ann Donovan skated to On the Waterfront choreographed by Lori Nichols, music way too big for her, and Lori is definitely slipping. She fell on a 3 something, landed a 3t2t, had a scratchy 3lp, an awkward donut fell on a 3f, and doubled the rest of her jumps, ending with a sloppy combo spin.
Stephanie Rosenthal skated to the Mission, choreographed by Steward Sturgeon whoever he is. This is a powerful skater who can handle big music, . She did a 2a, a nice layback, 3s followed by some barrel rolls into a camel spin. She hit what I think was a smooth 3t3t followed by a 3s and 2lz to a split falling leaf to a sit spin. The music has a piece of silence which was used very effectively. She did a bad sit spin, a 3t followed by f/w into a 1a, she had this totally wow circular f/w going but tripped on a hole in the ice (which the arena people fixed immediately after her skate) and finished with a very cool spin which I wish I could describe.
Aanya Reiten skate to Piano Concerto in A Minor by Grieg in a little red dress with a scoop neckline filled with detail. She started with 2A2t, tried what might be a 3f, tried a 2z3t, the landing wiggly, a waltz jump, did 2 spirals and a Charlotte, a 2s, a 3lp (not bad), and a good final spin.
Andrea Gardiner skated to Turandot in another little red dress with silver spangly junk on the top. She did a 2footed 3flutz2t, a 2s, 3t2t, flying camiling 3loop and some kind of 3 with both a hand and foot down. boring.
Danielle Kahle is a 14 yr. old taking from Frank Carroll. She skated to a Charlie chaplin Medley, choreographed by Frank. And he had her turned out as the total reincarnation of Tara Lipinski, including the exact hair and a little pale blue over spangled dress that also reminds me of something Tara would wear. There is something very creepy about this. Frank is scripting Turin to have the winning rather than the 2nd place hand this time. She did a 2A, a 3S3Lp (yes, more Tara), a 3f that landed dead stopped, then tripped and fell, did OK spirals, a 3lp, a 3f with the hand down, a flying sit, a 3t2t that was kinda ugly into a good combo and scratch spin. Sound familiar?
Beatrisa Liang skated to Signs and the Mission again in a black spaghetti strap number with silver shiny lines on the skirt and one up the middle of the bodice. Really, there weren't too many costumes to charm the fashionistas at National ladies' this year. She can in 7th and finished 7th. She did 3s2t(wiggly landing), 3f2t, 3t, an illusion into a spread eagle to a 3s, the layback that goes into the legs and arms down, some shaky spirals, fell on an underrotated 3f, did a short Charlotte, fell on a 3f, 2a and a cannonbal to Y spin. I cannot tell Bebe's lutzes from her flips.
Jane Bugaeva skated to Les Patineurs, including the sections that Brian Boitano used for his 1988 SP. She was wearing a costume with an aqua skirt and bodice front and pale transparent blue everywhere else. She did 2a fell on a 3f, did a camel variation, a 3lz and a couple steps into a 3f followed by a 3lp2lp, another 3f, a 2s and a 3t into a spin. Very creditible for her first nationals, especially since she didn't make junior nationals last year.
Then Jenny Don skated in a low cut(of course the top is illusion, but you know what I mean dark navy number with sequins all over the bodice. What a powerful charismatic skater she is, but I don't understand why she can't get the more difficult jumps, given that she has all the tools. She skated to Butterfly and Graduation. She did 3t2t (huge), 3S to a spread eagle, a single axel, combination spin, another huge 3t, a 2lp, a backward spiral holding the leg up, a back spiral not holding the leg, and a front spiral into a not very good flying sit, followed by a 2f, a single axel, and finished with a foot to the head style spin, similar to Irina's. The audience really loved it and booed the low marks.
Alexandra Patterson skated to some Spanishy thing called Passionata in another little red dres with a spangle star on the skirt side. She had a pretty good list of tricks. 3t2t 3f2t sa 3s 3f 3s 3lp. She was boring and the person next to me fell asleep.
Alissa Czisny skated to Swan Lake in nice little white number with a v line neck with a black edge at the bottom. She skated badly to Swan Lake, falling on a 3lz, did a good spin, fell on a 3f, 1lp, Y spin, 3S two footed and spun out of it. Nice layback, charlotte, popped jump, a 3 lutz and a 2 axel.
For those who are interested, here's what the other competitors did.
Suzy McDonald was up first, skating to Chocolat, in a dress reminiscent of Nancy Kerrigan's little cutdown wedding outfit.
She landed a 2A, a 3f2t, fell once and doubled everything else.
Erica Archambault skated to Dickson's Piano Concerto in a neat looking dress in red, with a black belt and shoulder to hem black strip with big silver studs on. Similar to Katie Orscher's dress in read and put on back to front. She did 3S, 3f, 1A, an anemic butterfly into a 2Lp, a droopy spiral, 1 lz, travelling layback and continued to droop to the ending.
Natalie Mecher was full of energy, skating to Memorial and to Tribulations, choreographed by Suzie Wynne. She had on a simple lavender spangled outfit. She had 3f, 3t2t, 3s (short of rotation), a long, long long combo spin, 3t, nice 3s (probably was supposed to be a combination), 2A, 3lp twofooted, straight line f/w to a 2a2t. If she had skated later, I feel she would have been better rewarded.
Felicia Beck skated to Cirque du Soleil (one of them) choreographed by herself and her coach in a little black long sleeved number with hot pink and aqua vertical spangle lines.
She started with a layback and then dropped her arms to her sides and her leg down. The program went down hill from there. She only landed a 3s and a 2a.
Lou Ann Donovan skated to On the Waterfront choreographed by Lori Nichols, music way too big for her, and Lori is definitely slipping. She fell on a 3 something, landed a 3t2t, had a scratchy 3lp, an awkward donut fell on a 3f, and doubled the rest of her jumps, ending with a sloppy combo spin.
Stephanie Rosenthal skated to the Mission, choreographed by Steward Sturgeon whoever he is. This is a powerful skater who can handle big music, . She did a 2a, a nice layback, 3s followed by some barrel rolls into a camel spin. She hit what I think was a smooth 3t3t followed by a 3s and 2lz to a split falling leaf to a sit spin. The music has a piece of silence which was used very effectively. She did a bad sit spin, a 3t followed by f/w into a 1a, she had this totally wow circular f/w going but tripped on a hole in the ice (which the arena people fixed immediately after her skate) and finished with a very cool spin which I wish I could describe.
Aanya Reiten skate to Piano Concerto in A Minor by Grieg in a little red dress with a scoop neckline filled with detail. She started with 2A2t, tried what might be a 3f, tried a 2z3t, the landing wiggly, a waltz jump, did 2 spirals and a Charlotte, a 2s, a 3lp (not bad), and a good final spin.
Andrea Gardiner skated to Turandot in another little red dress with silver spangly junk on the top. She did a 2footed 3flutz2t, a 2s, 3t2t, flying camiling 3loop and some kind of 3 with both a hand and foot down. boring.
Danielle Kahle is a 14 yr. old taking from Frank Carroll. She skated to a Charlie chaplin Medley, choreographed by Frank. And he had her turned out as the total reincarnation of Tara Lipinski, including the exact hair and a little pale blue over spangled dress that also reminds me of something Tara would wear. There is something very creepy about this. Frank is scripting Turin to have the winning rather than the 2nd place hand this time. She did a 2A, a 3S3Lp (yes, more Tara), a 3f that landed dead stopped, then tripped and fell, did OK spirals, a 3lp, a 3f with the hand down, a flying sit, a 3t2t that was kinda ugly into a good combo and scratch spin. Sound familiar?
Beatrisa Liang skated to Signs and the Mission again in a black spaghetti strap number with silver shiny lines on the skirt and one up the middle of the bodice. Really, there weren't too many costumes to charm the fashionistas at National ladies' this year. She can in 7th and finished 7th. She did 3s2t(wiggly landing), 3f2t, 3t, an illusion into a spread eagle to a 3s, the layback that goes into the legs and arms down, some shaky spirals, fell on an underrotated 3f, did a short Charlotte, fell on a 3f, 2a and a cannonbal to Y spin. I cannot tell Bebe's lutzes from her flips.
Jane Bugaeva skated to Les Patineurs, including the sections that Brian Boitano used for his 1988 SP. She was wearing a costume with an aqua skirt and bodice front and pale transparent blue everywhere else. She did 2a fell on a 3f, did a camel variation, a 3lz and a couple steps into a 3f followed by a 3lp2lp, another 3f, a 2s and a 3t into a spin. Very creditible for her first nationals, especially since she didn't make junior nationals last year.
Then Jenny Don skated in a low cut(of course the top is illusion, but you know what I mean dark navy number with sequins all over the bodice. What a powerful charismatic skater she is, but I don't understand why she can't get the more difficult jumps, given that she has all the tools. She skated to Butterfly and Graduation. She did 3t2t (huge), 3S to a spread eagle, a single axel, combination spin, another huge 3t, a 2lp, a backward spiral holding the leg up, a back spiral not holding the leg, and a front spiral into a not very good flying sit, followed by a 2f, a single axel, and finished with a foot to the head style spin, similar to Irina's. The audience really loved it and booed the low marks.
Alexandra Patterson skated to some Spanishy thing called Passionata in another little red dres with a spangle star on the skirt side. She had a pretty good list of tricks. 3t2t 3f2t sa 3s 3f 3s 3lp. She was boring and the person next to me fell asleep.
Alissa Czisny skated to Swan Lake in nice little white number with a v line neck with a black edge at the bottom. She skated badly to Swan Lake, falling on a 3lz, did a good spin, fell on a 3f, 1lp, Y spin, 3S two footed and spun out of it. Nice layback, charlotte, popped jump, a 3 lutz and a 2 axel.
- Joined
- Aug 4, 2003
I am totally ecstatic for Michelle. I felt perhaps she skated the best I have ever seen her skate. Going into the free skate I was so nervous for her. However I had a feeling she would fight back after the short program. I can't wait to watch the competition again on tape to enjoy it more without feeling so nervous. I also wish she could have gotten nine 6.0's
I am speechless for Sasha until she fell I thought she had the competition. One thing I will say, after each defeat she certainly iis driven to bring upon more improvement.
I am happy that Jenny was able to capture the bronze. Also happy for Amber.
I think Angela's performance is what she needed to prove she is still one of the top U.S ladies. Whether or not the mistakes were mental or physical. Her performance was certainly an improvement from last year's. Plus her performance may earn her a 4CC assignment which if she places well enough will earn her some Grand Prix assignments.
I am speechless for Sasha until she fell I thought she had the competition. One thing I will say, after each defeat she certainly iis driven to bring upon more improvement.
I am happy that Jenny was able to capture the bronze. Also happy for Amber.
I think Angela's performance is what she needed to prove she is still one of the top U.S ladies. Whether or not the mistakes were mental or physical. Her performance was certainly an improvement from last year's. Plus her performance may earn her a 4CC assignment which if she places well enough will earn her some Grand Prix assignments.
Last edited:
If I'm not mistaken, Michelle either tied or broke Maribel Vinson Ownes' recored of most consectuive national titles. Marible won like 6 and 4. There was a break in the middle of her 10 titles.
As for tonight, it was thrilling to watch Michelle be Michelle. I have come to the conclusion that MK is a classic, she is a basic black dress and pearls. There may be those that sparkle more, but few as refined and simply elegant as Il Kwan. I believe Rafeal A will also challange her to be more than she is now. What is so apparent when watching her skate live is the secure oppositional push she gets from her blades. She will soon equal Yuka Sato as a "Skater's Skater" if she hasn't already.
Sasha was naturally a disappointment. Sasha has the problem that all bravura skaters face. She is so darned good at all the elements she does complete, it makes her mistakes look even worse by comparison. I also noticed Sasha slipping off her edges in some of her stroking. I hope Robin can help Sasha to achieve her highest level of competitive confidence. However, marvelous she is, I think there isn't ANY Ladies skater that isn't intimidated by knowing they have to compete against a living legend that has her game on.
Jenny has really started living up to all her "potential", whatever training she is doing is working well for her. Her presentation is WAY up and her speed across the ice has grown by leaps and bounds.
Congrats to my girl, Amber! Finally was marked according to the skate she put down. She will never have the fire power of a Kwan, or the sophistication of a Cohen, but a hard worker and someone who has kept the faith and shown that "sticking around" is a pretty good tact in the game of FS.
AP looks as if something is wrong with her skating. I think the injury may be affecting her far more than her coaches or publicists are letting on. Her presentation skills are still tops, but her jumps seemed labored where just last year they flowed like good wine.
As for Angela, only two words....You GO! Though not a stellar performance, it still demonstrates that Angela is a more interesting skater doing doubles that most women skaters who can do 3X3s. Elegance personified and good for her for fighting back to hold on. I sincerely hope that she can find a Russian coach. It just seems to suit her personality more.
Watch out for Jennifer Don...she is the REAL DEAL when it comes to the next wave of women skaters in the US. She has all the talent and goods that could be developed into a world class skater. Only thing I can see is her skating in two diciplines. However, she must be doing something right!
Also, someone to watch for the future...Danielle Kahle is a spitfire on the order of Linda Fratiane and Tara Lipinski. She has an arsenal of talent and abilities, now she just needs someone to mold her. Frank Carroll is her coach, perhaps he thinks he has another MK on his hands, JK..LOL
As for tonight, it was thrilling to watch Michelle be Michelle. I have come to the conclusion that MK is a classic, she is a basic black dress and pearls. There may be those that sparkle more, but few as refined and simply elegant as Il Kwan. I believe Rafeal A will also challange her to be more than she is now. What is so apparent when watching her skate live is the secure oppositional push she gets from her blades. She will soon equal Yuka Sato as a "Skater's Skater" if she hasn't already.
Sasha was naturally a disappointment. Sasha has the problem that all bravura skaters face. She is so darned good at all the elements she does complete, it makes her mistakes look even worse by comparison. I also noticed Sasha slipping off her edges in some of her stroking. I hope Robin can help Sasha to achieve her highest level of competitive confidence. However, marvelous she is, I think there isn't ANY Ladies skater that isn't intimidated by knowing they have to compete against a living legend that has her game on.
Jenny has really started living up to all her "potential", whatever training she is doing is working well for her. Her presentation is WAY up and her speed across the ice has grown by leaps and bounds.
Congrats to my girl, Amber! Finally was marked according to the skate she put down. She will never have the fire power of a Kwan, or the sophistication of a Cohen, but a hard worker and someone who has kept the faith and shown that "sticking around" is a pretty good tact in the game of FS.
AP looks as if something is wrong with her skating. I think the injury may be affecting her far more than her coaches or publicists are letting on. Her presentation skills are still tops, but her jumps seemed labored where just last year they flowed like good wine.
As for Angela, only two words....You GO! Though not a stellar performance, it still demonstrates that Angela is a more interesting skater doing doubles that most women skaters who can do 3X3s. Elegance personified and good for her for fighting back to hold on. I sincerely hope that she can find a Russian coach. It just seems to suit her personality more.
Watch out for Jennifer Don...she is the REAL DEAL when it comes to the next wave of women skaters in the US. She has all the talent and goods that could be developed into a world class skater. Only thing I can see is her skating in two diciplines. However, she must be doing something right!
Also, someone to watch for the future...Danielle Kahle is a spitfire on the order of Linda Fratiane and Tara Lipinski. She has an arsenal of talent and abilities, now she just needs someone to mold her. Frank Carroll is her coach, perhaps he thinks he has another MK on his hands, JK..LOL
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2003
Then the top 6 went to skate. And you all saw Sasha start beautifully, but her speed was not as good as in the SP. I don't know what went on wrong with the 3t to cause her splat flat. I really loved the way the spins are in this program, they seemed better in person.
Amber-I like Amber, skating to Book of Secrets. I would like her to hold some of her moves longer. I like all the little movements and hops that go on the high points of the music. She was skating faster than I have seen her before and the 3t3t looked fully rotated.
I was so sad to see Angela do her 3 jumps from the SP, fall on the 3t and then double everything. Just as when I last saw her skate in LA nationals 2002. However, a month or 2 ago she could only land her first jump. And she kept up the speed. This Giselle program was choreographed by Gorsha Sur.
Michelle- The first 3 minutes of the program were accurate, kind of slow and empty. The last 1 minute was absolutely great, starting with the footwork. Just super speed, tearing around the rink. You couldn't hear the music at all. I am not sure that the single go the whole length of the rink is a good choice...does anyone know how this scores under 6.0? In any case, now she has some time to beef this up for World's.
Jenny's Die Fliedermaus in last year's dress dyed blue. This wasn't as good as her SA performance, but I wonder if they have added some extra steps. It seemed a little less empty.
AP in the alien emerges from the Swan's breast dress. She did not look like the AP I have seen before. She seemed sorta unhappy even before she started. But finishing 6th, she makes the Grand Prix again, if she can get healthy again.
And now the week's over, and I can breath again.
Amber-I like Amber, skating to Book of Secrets. I would like her to hold some of her moves longer. I like all the little movements and hops that go on the high points of the music. She was skating faster than I have seen her before and the 3t3t looked fully rotated.
I was so sad to see Angela do her 3 jumps from the SP, fall on the 3t and then double everything. Just as when I last saw her skate in LA nationals 2002. However, a month or 2 ago she could only land her first jump. And she kept up the speed. This Giselle program was choreographed by Gorsha Sur.
Michelle- The first 3 minutes of the program were accurate, kind of slow and empty. The last 1 minute was absolutely great, starting with the footwork. Just super speed, tearing around the rink. You couldn't hear the music at all. I am not sure that the single go the whole length of the rink is a good choice...does anyone know how this scores under 6.0? In any case, now she has some time to beef this up for World's.
Jenny's Die Fliedermaus in last year's dress dyed blue. This wasn't as good as her SA performance, but I wonder if they have added some extra steps. It seemed a little less empty.
AP in the alien emerges from the Swan's breast dress. She did not look like the AP I have seen before. She seemed sorta unhappy even before she started. But finishing 6th, she makes the Grand Prix again, if she can get healthy again.
And now the week's over, and I can breath again.
Doris and RGirl, as always your comments and observations are amazing.........I'm awarding you both a gold medal for your participation in these events!!!
I really liked Sasha's skating tonight, despite the fall. She is breathtaking to watch, like a china ballerina atop a music box. She's had a very creditable season, with four gold medals and two silvers (I think that's right)........and it isn't over yet. She should be proud of her efferts.
And Michelle, well what more is there to say. I have followed her career since she was 13 and she just gets better and better. If she had won the Oly gold in 98 or 02, we may never have seen this marvelous transformation in her skating.......from a gutsy competitor to an icon in the sport of figure skating........42
I really liked Sasha's skating tonight, despite the fall. She is breathtaking to watch, like a china ballerina atop a music box. She's had a very creditable season, with four gold medals and two silvers (I think that's right)........and it isn't over yet. She should be proud of her efferts.
And Michelle, well what more is there to say. I have followed her career since she was 13 and she just gets better and better. If she had won the Oly gold in 98 or 02, we may never have seen this marvelous transformation in her skating.......from a gutsy competitor to an icon in the sport of figure skating........42
Just got through viewing the FS over here on the West Coast...
Here are my thoughts:
Sasha Cohen - omg, seeing it is so very different than reading it on the net......broke my heart, broke my heart.......my heart & soul go out to her for the first time ever. Never before until tonight have I felt Sasha's fragility ~ such despair ~ especially during the interview at the very end (just seemed to me like she's given up all hope, so sad to see). I just want Sasha to know that never before, in all my yrs. of watching skating since the days of Dorothy Hamill, have I seen one such as her ~ perfect toepoint, posture, carriage, spins, spread eagle, spirals, bravura attitude, spring in her jumps, super fast quick-twitch revolutions on the jumps, et al ~ and no matter how she places, she'll always be a favorite skater of mine (no lie). Gutsiness in spades, just like Steve Prefontaine, whom is considered the greatest long distance runner in American history. This despite never have won an Olympic medal ever in his short life.
Sad, Sasha is starting to remind me more & more of Nicole Bobek.....not in terms of work ethic b/c Sasha blows Nicole away in that aspect......but rather in terms of having so much natural talent but being unable to fulfill it (as well as both being aesthetically beautiful). But at least Nicole was able to capture a bronze medal at Worlds. However, I fear for Sasha in this regard ~ just doesn't seem blessed with the kind of luck that is also a necessary ingredient in winning Nationals, Worlds, Olympics ~ three silvers & one bronze at Nationals, 4th at the Olympics, and 4th at both Worlds. And in 2000 she failed to medal at Junior Worlds in order to go to Sr. Worlds, which would have provided her valuable experience. This all seems to me a pattern of bad luck, whereas champions are generally known to possess the opposite. I hope to God I'm wrong.
***Note: btw another stroke of bad luck for Sasha was the back injury she sustained in 2000. However, that also proved (once again) how gutsy she is.***
Amber Corwin - my hat goes off to this warhorse......she shows by example what perseverance & heart are all about.......still finishing in the top 5 at the age of 25! WTG!
Angela Nikodinov - what to say......nothing really.......however, she's come a looooong way from the shoulder surgery she had less than a year ago.
Michelle Kwan - nothing else to say, I said it all in my two previous posts ~ she has attained the status that she said she wanted ~ she's a living legend in her sport. And she proved that, once again, tonight. BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO!
***Note: not to take anything away from Michelle, but her 2000 & 2001 Worlds performances still remain my favorite eligible performances from her, especially 2000 where she skated to the "Red Violin" - had me in tears - and that has only happened twice in regards to Michelle (other time was "FOG" at 2002 Olympics).***
Jennifer Kirk - too bad about the fall, but she did land the 3T/3T, and she also earned herself a place on the World Team. Yeah!^)
A-P McDonough - another sad program in the sense that I felt that way about her. Also, throughout the program I kept thinking of Oksana Baiul & Adam Cooper, and how these two have skated (Oksana) & danced (Adam) to this same exact piece of music in the past. Overall, just a sense of sadness for A-P.
Peace & Love & Sadness, Nadine
Here are my thoughts:
Sasha Cohen - omg, seeing it is so very different than reading it on the net......broke my heart, broke my heart.......my heart & soul go out to her for the first time ever. Never before until tonight have I felt Sasha's fragility ~ such despair ~ especially during the interview at the very end (just seemed to me like she's given up all hope, so sad to see). I just want Sasha to know that never before, in all my yrs. of watching skating since the days of Dorothy Hamill, have I seen one such as her ~ perfect toepoint, posture, carriage, spins, spread eagle, spirals, bravura attitude, spring in her jumps, super fast quick-twitch revolutions on the jumps, et al ~ and no matter how she places, she'll always be a favorite skater of mine (no lie). Gutsiness in spades, just like Steve Prefontaine, whom is considered the greatest long distance runner in American history. This despite never have won an Olympic medal ever in his short life.
Sad, Sasha is starting to remind me more & more of Nicole Bobek.....not in terms of work ethic b/c Sasha blows Nicole away in that aspect......but rather in terms of having so much natural talent but being unable to fulfill it (as well as both being aesthetically beautiful). But at least Nicole was able to capture a bronze medal at Worlds. However, I fear for Sasha in this regard ~ just doesn't seem blessed with the kind of luck that is also a necessary ingredient in winning Nationals, Worlds, Olympics ~ three silvers & one bronze at Nationals, 4th at the Olympics, and 4th at both Worlds. And in 2000 she failed to medal at Junior Worlds in order to go to Sr. Worlds, which would have provided her valuable experience. This all seems to me a pattern of bad luck, whereas champions are generally known to possess the opposite. I hope to God I'm wrong.
***Note: btw another stroke of bad luck for Sasha was the back injury she sustained in 2000. However, that also proved (once again) how gutsy she is.***
Amber Corwin - my hat goes off to this warhorse......she shows by example what perseverance & heart are all about.......still finishing in the top 5 at the age of 25! WTG!
Angela Nikodinov - what to say......nothing really.......however, she's come a looooong way from the shoulder surgery she had less than a year ago.
Michelle Kwan - nothing else to say, I said it all in my two previous posts ~ she has attained the status that she said she wanted ~ she's a living legend in her sport. And she proved that, once again, tonight. BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO!
***Note: not to take anything away from Michelle, but her 2000 & 2001 Worlds performances still remain my favorite eligible performances from her, especially 2000 where she skated to the "Red Violin" - had me in tears - and that has only happened twice in regards to Michelle (other time was "FOG" at 2002 Olympics).***
Jennifer Kirk - too bad about the fall, but she did land the 3T/3T, and she also earned herself a place on the World Team. Yeah!
^)A-P McDonough - another sad program in the sense that I felt that way about her. Also, throughout the program I kept thinking of Oksana Baiul & Adam Cooper, and how these two have skated (Oksana) & danced (Adam) to this same exact piece of music in the past. Overall, just a sense of sadness for A-P.
Peace & Love & Sadness, Nadine
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2003
Ladies -- 2004 Nationals
Michelle -- what more can be said? As always, Michelle goes into overdrive at the big events. I've never seen a skater who can mantain such an outstanding level of performance year after year. Everything she does on the ice has such quality. But I also think that the quality of her performance was much greater than the quality of the program. Still, we will not see another like her in my lifetime. Bravo! She is now ONE U.S. title away from tying Maribel Owen's record.
Sasha -- I thought this event could have been her breakout but it didn't happen. She did land 5 triples including three 3/2 combos and had great spins, spirals and the overall package. But she also had a fall and a two-foot. It was a good skate but not a winning skate -- a quintessential 2nd place skate. The judge who gave her a 6.0, esp. when she was first up, was on crack. I agree with Rgirl that Sasha has inherited the "bridesmaid" status that Irina occupied until 2002 Worlds. Sasha always seems to be hovering somewhere inbetween greatness and disaster. But I love watching her perform no matter how many times she falls. I fearlessly predict that barring injury, she will medal at worlds this year.
Jenny -- I give her a lot of credit for skating while ill and completing a 3/3 to boot. She has great performance quality, although I thought it came out a little better in her short. Congrats on her first senior nats medal!
Amber -- I actually enjoyed her programs, something I usually couldn't say in the past. She still tends to have some "throwaway" moves and could use some polish. But definitely a skate she can be proud of.
Angela -- unfortunately she did what she almost always does -- made a mistake and then doubled all the rest of her jumps. I think her MITF rival MK and Sasha (no small feat). Lovely carriage, huge, beautiful jumps, and a wonderful ability to hold all her moves and make every one important. She just is NOT a tough competitor. I've come to just appreciate watching her great skating without developing expectations.
AP -- very sad, another meltdown. I was not surprised since she has been having them all season. I hate to be blunt but her performance was terrible and her program is weak. She seemed about as interested in skating as I am in getting a root canal. AP just screams unfufilled potential, I really hope she can regroup next year.
Michelle -- what more can be said? As always, Michelle goes into overdrive at the big events. I've never seen a skater who can mantain such an outstanding level of performance year after year. Everything she does on the ice has such quality. But I also think that the quality of her performance was much greater than the quality of the program. Still, we will not see another like her in my lifetime. Bravo! She is now ONE U.S. title away from tying Maribel Owen's record.
Sasha -- I thought this event could have been her breakout but it didn't happen. She did land 5 triples including three 3/2 combos and had great spins, spirals and the overall package. But she also had a fall and a two-foot. It was a good skate but not a winning skate -- a quintessential 2nd place skate. The judge who gave her a 6.0, esp. when she was first up, was on crack. I agree with Rgirl that Sasha has inherited the "bridesmaid" status that Irina occupied until 2002 Worlds. Sasha always seems to be hovering somewhere inbetween greatness and disaster. But I love watching her perform no matter how many times she falls. I fearlessly predict that barring injury, she will medal at worlds this year.
Jenny -- I give her a lot of credit for skating while ill and completing a 3/3 to boot. She has great performance quality, although I thought it came out a little better in her short. Congrats on her first senior nats medal!
Amber -- I actually enjoyed her programs, something I usually couldn't say in the past. She still tends to have some "throwaway" moves and could use some polish. But definitely a skate she can be proud of.
Angela -- unfortunately she did what she almost always does -- made a mistake and then doubled all the rest of her jumps. I think her MITF rival MK and Sasha (no small feat). Lovely carriage, huge, beautiful jumps, and a wonderful ability to hold all her moves and make every one important. She just is NOT a tough competitor. I've come to just appreciate watching her great skating without developing expectations.
AP -- very sad, another meltdown. I was not surprised since she has been having them all season. I hate to be blunt but her performance was terrible and her program is weak. She seemed about as interested in skating as I am in getting a root canal. AP just screams unfufilled potential, I really hope she can regroup next year.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2003
Re: Ladies -- 2004 Nationals
AnnPatrice seems to be one of those kids who was forced into skating by a skating mom (aka Julie McDonough). I love her skating, her moves, and she's beautiful, but I'd rather see her quit than do something she dislikes. Why do I get the sinking feeling she's going to get yelled at by her mom for this performance?
Her costume was scary looking. The sequins, and the shimmies hanging down...
Ogre Mage said:
AnnPatrice seems to be one of those kids who was forced into skating by a skating mom (aka Julie McDonough). I love her skating, her moves, and she's beautiful, but I'd rather see her quit than do something she dislikes. Why do I get the sinking feeling she's going to get yelled at by her mom for this performance?
Her costume was scary looking. The sequins, and the shimmies hanging down...
Thanks for the award, Show but it really should go to Doris and Sk8m8, who were there and went above and beyond the call of duty for posting after a VERY long day of watching skating. Hats off, as Dick says, to Doris and Sk8m8. Nothing like getting great reports from people who saw it live. As Doris noted a couple of times, certain things looked very different live. I know I've found that to be true for myself.
Also great comments from Nadine, Ogre Mage, Idle (quick and to the point
), and others. So many people said things that made me think, "Hmm, hadn't thought of (or noticed) that." And one of those is this comment by Doris:
Of course I don't know that Danielle will get injured and a skater can improve a lot in two years. Also, I didn't see her myself and of course I hope she stays healthy no matter what she does. Question for Doris: How did she look doing her jumps? How is her jump technique?
Interesting point, Show, about Michelle's Olympic experiences. Naturally we'll never know, but I wonder if any athlete could keep up the fire if she had two OGMs. I think it would be incredibly hard to push oneself year in and year out, and really dig down deep the way Michelle did after the '02 Olympics. I heard a comic the other night talking about how he thinks it's stupid to try to learn from "winners" because you never learn anything about yourself from wining. It's only when you lose to you learn about yourself. But who wants to listen to a loser?
It was funny, but like all good humor, it was funny because of the truth in it. Anyway, Shows comments about Michelle and the Olympics reminded me of that--although she hardly lost, she just didn't do what she expected and others expected of her.
I know the trend has been for a 15-, 16- or 17-year-old to peak right at the Olympics and beat the favorites, but I just have this feeling of destiny for an OGM with Michelle. Didn't feel it in '02, but after the '03 Nats and Worlds I felt Michelle had completely reinvented herself--and that takes guts, IMO.
Also, Nadine, I've always appreciated your point about luck. I've mostly been around dancers and writers, but it has been 30 years and I've seen too many great ones not get the breaks and too many mediocre ones either hit with something just at the right time (mostly writers) or be in the right place at the right time for the right role that turns their performing life around (mostly dancers) to NOT believe there isn't some kind of "X" factor that goes into making a champion of any kind, whether it be dancer, choreographer, writer, painter, musician, whatever. I have wondered about this with Sasha myself, that is, what is her "destiny factor" for lack of a better term? Goodness knows she's a hard worker and clearly, at least IMO, she's matured into a skater who listens carefully to her coach and tries to do exactly what she's told. OTOH, I've seen people who fail year in and year out and finally, it all falls into place. If things were different and Michelle had turned pro, Sasha would be at the top of US ladies skating, falls or no falls. Two years ago Sasha was a young and naive spitfire who was ready to take on the whole skating world. With maturity comes appreciation for reality and Sasha found out Michelle was not only staying in, she was building herself up to a whole new level. I know this is a cliche, but no matter what happens, you have to deal with the hand you're dealt. Whatever happens with Sasha, I hope Robin Wagner or someone can help her maintain and express her joy of skating because I do believe she really loves it and is just trying to balance the demands of training with maintaining that love. Both Michelle and Irina, in different ways, went through a time of questioning and came out stronger skaters for it. Others, of course, have questioned and couldn't find the key to staying in. We'll just have to see what happens.
Oh, well, always a lot of interesting issues brought up by Nationals. Seems to be a key event in affecting how fans feel about skaters, whether they live up to expectations or not, apparently depending on how they handle it or perhaps the "X" factor. We should start a thread, "The X Files" and evaluate how fate is affecting a skater's career. (Twilight Zone music, lol). Now the real question is: Tomorrow, why the heck did they schedule Scott Hamilton's special on NBC at the exact same time as the Nationals exhibitions on ABC? Crimeny!
Rgirl
but it really should go to Doris and Sk8m8, who were there and went above and beyond the call of duty for posting after a VERY long day of watching skating. Hats off, as Dick says, to Doris and Sk8m8. Nothing like getting great reports from people who saw it live. As Doris noted a couple of times, certain things looked very different live. I know I've found that to be true for myself.Also great comments from Nadine, Ogre Mage, Idle (quick and to the point
), and others. So many people said things that made me think, "Hmm, hadn't thought of (or noticed) that." And one of those is this comment by Doris:After all that has happened to Tara's hip Frank has Danielle doing a 3sal3lp at 14? I know it's not quite as bad as the 3lp3lp on the landing hip, but this girl, at least from the SP, looks as if she does not yet have the strength or the technique to do a 3/3 edge jump combo safely. Michelle explained this so well when she talked about doing 3/3s in that article--I think it's in a thread on The Edge. Michelle, who has such perfect jump technique her jumps look as easy as MITF, is preparing to do 3t/3t by doing 3t/2t/2t precisely so she can build up the strength she needs to withstand the pressure on the landing hip. I'm all for pushing the envelope, but not at the expense of an athlete's health. How many hips of young girls doing 3/3s have to blow and end their careers before coaches and skate boot makers get the message?
Of course I don't know that Danielle will get injured and a skater can improve a lot in two years. Also, I didn't see her myself and of course I hope she stays healthy no matter what she does. Question for Doris: How did she look doing her jumps? How is her jump technique?
Interesting point, Show, about Michelle's Olympic experiences. Naturally we'll never know, but I wonder if any athlete could keep up the fire if she had two OGMs. I think it would be incredibly hard to push oneself year in and year out, and really dig down deep the way Michelle did after the '02 Olympics. I heard a comic the other night talking about how he thinks it's stupid to try to learn from "winners" because you never learn anything about yourself from wining. It's only when you lose to you learn about yourself. But who wants to listen to a loser?
It was funny, but like all good humor, it was funny because of the truth in it. Anyway, Shows comments about Michelle and the Olympics reminded me of that--although she hardly lost, she just didn't do what she expected and others expected of her.
I know the trend has been for a 15-, 16- or 17-year-old to peak right at the Olympics and beat the favorites, but I just have this feeling of destiny for an OGM with Michelle. Didn't feel it in '02, but after the '03 Nats and Worlds I felt Michelle had completely reinvented herself--and that takes guts, IMO.
Also, Nadine, I've always appreciated your point about luck. I've mostly been around dancers and writers, but it has been 30 years and I've seen too many great ones not get the breaks and too many mediocre ones either hit with something just at the right time (mostly writers) or be in the right place at the right time for the right role that turns their performing life around (mostly dancers) to NOT believe there isn't some kind of "X" factor that goes into making a champion of any kind, whether it be dancer, choreographer, writer, painter, musician, whatever. I have wondered about this with Sasha myself, that is, what is her "destiny factor" for lack of a better term? Goodness knows she's a hard worker and clearly, at least IMO, she's matured into a skater who listens carefully to her coach and tries to do exactly what she's told. OTOH, I've seen people who fail year in and year out and finally, it all falls into place. If things were different and Michelle had turned pro, Sasha would be at the top of US ladies skating, falls or no falls. Two years ago Sasha was a young and naive spitfire who was ready to take on the whole skating world. With maturity comes appreciation for reality and Sasha found out Michelle was not only staying in, she was building herself up to a whole new level. I know this is a cliche, but no matter what happens, you have to deal with the hand you're dealt. Whatever happens with Sasha, I hope Robin Wagner or someone can help her maintain and express her joy of skating because I do believe she really loves it and is just trying to balance the demands of training with maintaining that love. Both Michelle and Irina, in different ways, went through a time of questioning and came out stronger skaters for it. Others, of course, have questioned and couldn't find the key to staying in. We'll just have to see what happens.
Oh, well, always a lot of interesting issues brought up by Nationals. Seems to be a key event in affecting how fans feel about skaters, whether they live up to expectations or not, apparently depending on how they handle it or perhaps the "X" factor. We should start a thread, "The X Files" and evaluate how fate is affecting a skater's career. (Twilight Zone music, lol). Now the real question is: Tomorrow, why the heck did they schedule Scott Hamilton's special on NBC at the exact same time as the Nationals exhibitions on ABC? Crimeny!
Rgirl
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2003
What a great night for skating!
Doris and Sk8m8 (hope I got that right) I would like to add my thanks for the time you took to give us such detailed feedback after each round of live performances. It certainly lends a different perspective on many things!
Rgirl, I also appreciate your commentary. You know the sport well and you also have great insight into minds of competitors.
There's not much more to say than what's already been said. Michelle is a truly amazing skater and competitor. It's a huge negative "X-Factor" for Sasha that she was born in the wrong year - having to follow Michelle around and sort of live in her shadow. I give Sasha a ton of credit for standing up to that pressure. I'm sure she was disappointed in her performance last night, but it seems to me that year after year she's slowly slowly getting better in terms of her skating and her ability to keep it together during performances. It will be an interesting match up if this trend continues over the next two years.
Although it wasn't Jenny's best performance (ala SA) I'm thrilled that she medaled and is on the world team. I'm also happy for Amber - what a fighter. And she just seems to love skating so much (either that or she's a great actress LOL).
Realtor Gal, I'm laughing so hard at the ta-ta pics. I've already said I love Michelle as a skater and athlete, so I make these comments in a good natured way. Like most athletes, Michelle is fit and trim and hence doesn't have much excess in the ta-ta department. (at least I never thought so until now!!) It's HILARIOUS to me that these pics are showing up all over the place!! If you TRIED to get a ta ta shot with Michelle in a studio, you'd need some serious help with undergarments and duct tape to create cleavage I think. There is now hope for "smaller" women the world over that if the right position can be achieved, a Cleav-A-Chievement is possible.
DG
Doris and Sk8m8 (hope I got that right) I would like to add my thanks for the time you took to give us such detailed feedback after each round of live performances. It certainly lends a different perspective on many things!
Rgirl, I also appreciate your commentary. You know the sport well and you also have great insight into minds of competitors.
There's not much more to say than what's already been said. Michelle is a truly amazing skater and competitor. It's a huge negative "X-Factor" for Sasha that she was born in the wrong year - having to follow Michelle around and sort of live in her shadow. I give Sasha a ton of credit for standing up to that pressure. I'm sure she was disappointed in her performance last night, but it seems to me that year after year she's slowly slowly getting better in terms of her skating and her ability to keep it together during performances. It will be an interesting match up if this trend continues over the next two years.
Although it wasn't Jenny's best performance (ala SA) I'm thrilled that she medaled and is on the world team. I'm also happy for Amber - what a fighter. And she just seems to love skating so much (either that or she's a great actress LOL).
Realtor Gal, I'm laughing so hard at the ta-ta pics. I've already said I love Michelle as a skater and athlete, so I make these comments in a good natured way. Like most athletes, Michelle is fit and trim and hence doesn't have much excess in the ta-ta department. (at least I never thought so until now!!) It's HILARIOUS to me that these pics are showing up all over the place!! If you TRIED to get a ta ta shot with Michelle in a studio, you'd need some serious help with undergarments and duct tape to create cleavage I think. There is now hope for "smaller" women the world over that if the right position can be achieved, a Cleav-A-Chievement is possible.
DG
Similar threads
