He's not like old old by himself, but when its a pic with a young skater... Its actually quite an age for FS =S
And if he could be on podium on any competition as a bronz medalist I will be happy, and he will remain the King. I just hope his results won't be catastrophic.I kinda worry about the mental pressure...you are right. I also would like to see him on shows. But this is his decision. I'm his fan so I will support him in his decision to the end. And beyond.
The StSq in COP has a base value dependent on levels (1-4). To achieve levels (ideally, 3 or 4), the skater has to do a variety of turns, in both directions. I'm not nearly pro enough to analyze step sequences, but practically every set of 6.0 steps would get low levels, because the skaters would often repeat turns/perform fast toe-work/aim for speed/quality over quantity, none of which get you levels (they potentially get you GOE, but that's not enough to make up for lost levels). Sometimes, steps under COP look kinda sluggish/not fitting the music/similar to everyone else's--and no wonder, since everyone's trying to cram in the exact same turns. Of course, some people still do nice steps under COP (and some people did not under 6.0).What? That stinks! The COP can be such a fail sometimes.
The StSq in COP has a base value dependent on levels (1-4). To achieve levels (ideally, 3 or 4), the skater has to do a variety of turns, in both directions. I'm not nearly pro enough to analyze step sequences, but practically every set of 6.0 steps would get low levels, because the skaters would often repeat turns/perform fast toe-work/aim for speed/quality over quantity, none of which get you levels (they potentially get you GOE, but that's not enough to make up for lost levels). Sometimes, steps under COP look kinda sluggish/not fitting the music/similar to everyone else's--and no wonder, since everyone's trying to cram in the exact same turns. Of course, some people still do nice steps under COP (and some people did not under 6.0).
At least, post-2010, the ISU introduced a choreographic sequence in the LP--basically, "do whatever you want, we just score you on GOE based on how well-done/exciting it was." That section could be used to incorporate something like the Tango and Flamenco steps.
Just as an example (with Plushy's 2013 Nationals LP, since we're on his thread), here's the step sequence, and here's the choreographic sequence.
Oops, rambled again. Not sure if you're interested, but I thought it would be nice to talk about something that's not just (un)retirement.
Imo, definitely one of the better uses of the ChSq. Man, I wish that program had gotten more chances... if he'd skated it like how he skated at Europeans the previous year... *sigh*No that's really interesting! I had no idea what the difference between a choreographic sequence and a footwork one, so thanks for the YouTube video, now I see.
I love Plushy's footwork sequences! Hope he got decent GOE on that.
I'm too lazy to slog through the Russian to find the protocols, but I'm sure all the judges threw down +3s. 
Imo, definitely one of the better uses of the ChSq. Man, I wish that program had gotten more chances... if he'd skated it like how he skated at Europeans the previous year... *sigh*
It's Nationals.
Open test skating 2012.... Евгений Плющенко, ПП, Открытые прокаты 2012 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou6NmhHdf_M
Shall we start speculating about how black - and how C-through - they will be... or shall we save it up to have something to occupy us later?
one of the programs probably flamenco-maybe his costume will be black and red 
Thus the audience was ecstatic, I'm sure if he didn't do anything just shows one of his fingers, the crowd screeming..
hwell:
http://www.sport-express.ru/figure-skating/reviews/867149/
Vaitsekhovskaya's article about Plushy's comeback....
