I am upset. When the first two OGM went to my favorites (pairs and men), I began to feel a little disheartened about the next two's chances. And lo and behold, they didn't get the gold. But they still won silver, at their first Olympics, and with beautiful performances at that. And I think this is not a bad outcome, as I strongly believe in their future. There are younger girls coming with strong technique and I like them too but you never know what will happen, that's the nature of this sport and life in general. I think it's good that Zhenya has such respect for Caro, as I can see her going into her footsteps, fighting and improving in her own way. And that's a very beautiful prospect.
For now tho, I have only watched Zhenya's skate and I think it will take me a while to get myself to watch other skaters' from tonight, even the ones I like.
This corresponds so much to how I felt that I just had to de-lurk (been snooping around this forum like a shadow for about a year now). The first two results really made my heart soar, but after Hanyu's gold I felt a twinge of anxiety; how probable is it that the four you're rooting for all make it? It was a harsh return to reality after that.
Reflecting on this though, the contrast between the P/C and Med situation allowed me to realise that while one might feel really aggrieved by the ice dance results (at least I have to say I find them incomprehensible, but this is not the place to be discussing them), this was more...palatable. I adore Zhenya, but there are flaws in there, and while Zag is certainly inferior artistically, she really jumps beautifully and brought as much elegance and grace to her performance as she could, so kudos to her. Rather devastated for Med, though obviously in absolute terms silver is great, and really wondering what the future holds for her.
I feel as you say, that the main area for improvement is skating skills, posture, body movement and upper body carriage. I'm really not satisfied with her arms, which can be quite distracting even when she's not jumping. I feel her skating could also be purer. Surely this can be improved upon by her choreographers and dance coaches? Carolina is obviously a great role model for her to have, at any rate. I hope she gives her tips! Artistically I could see her maturing to different kinds of works; even though the film soundtracks of the past few years have been great I feel she's ready for more demanding music (maybe like the Nepela FS from earlier this season or, even better, the Euros EX?). Also have to think about evolving performance- and acting-wise. Working on 4S would be great, though it does seem rather ambitious at her age. How many eighteen-yo skaters have successfully learnt quads? Then they're's the 3Lz, which really needs to be amended (how difficult this is, I'm not sure).
In short, so many things to work on! Should be an exciting next few months! I already can't wait to see her next program!!
Another question: is 3 the absolute ceiling for the number of participants from one country in GP tour and Worlds? Or can this be modulated/re-negotiated as a function of how the country's performers do in comps? Because it does seem that with Kostornaia, Trusova, etc. set to burst onto the stage, things could get a little crowded...
Lastly: thanks to all of you on this forum! When I discovered figure skating some time ago, it really came out of nowhere (I've lived in countries where it has absolutely no footprint, so much so I didn't know of its existence) - actually I think I just clicked a random link on YT and it was Medvedeva and she introduced me to this sport which I soon grew to love - and this forum was a wonderful place to be introduced to the complexities of it and learn to enjoy it even better.