- Joined
- Jul 30, 2003
Sasha and Irina are an interesting comparison because the strengths of one are the weaknesses of the other. Irina's stroking, edging, speed and jumps are her best assets and these same things are Cohen's flaws. As I have said in the past, from the skate down Irina is a great skater and in the minds of some skating purists, that's all that matters. When you compare what goes on above the skate, however, Sasha makes Irina look about as graceful as a cow.
People will see what they want to see. Dick and Peggy always comment about the perfect position, line and amplitude in Sasha's spiral and don't mention that it is often slow and lacking ice coverage. But I've also seen some praise the power and depth of Irina's spiral and then downplay the importance of body position. If aesthetics are no longer important, then I will stop watching skating.
People will see what they want to see. Dick and Peggy always comment about the perfect position, line and amplitude in Sasha's spiral and don't mention that it is often slow and lacking ice coverage. But I've also seen some praise the power and depth of Irina's spiral and then downplay the importance of body position. If aesthetics are no longer important, then I will stop watching skating.
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