I Have Never Missed Michelle More Than I Do Now
- Thread starter kyla2
- Start date
ITA. Even I have the medical insurance here in US, but if I do need surgery or having serious medical problem. I'd fly to china to seek the medicine there. Even wiht the out of pocket money after insurance paid for, I could buy the best medicine and cares in china.kyla2 said:
Back to the topic. On one hand I do miss Michelle. Or even Irina or Arakawa, their presence just make the competetion in a higher level. But on the other hand, there is no endless party in this universe. Soon or late they will move on. By the time, just hope the new generation is ready to keep the amature FS interesting. So far I'm not that interested in Kimmie's skating yet......I'm not saying she won is not fair. Yes she skated her best, no one beat her today, she deserve her win under this system. But if she continue her winning streaks with this type juniorish skating. This is not what the figure skating originally attracted me into. I'm done with amature skating. I'll spend my time else where
I just don't see her(kimmie) has big improvement in presentaion dpt. Sure technical side (3/3s, spirals, spins, etc.), she improved a lot since her National Novice Champion. But artistry and/or presentation wise? still about the same level as I saw her first time 2 or 3 years ago she skated in National exhibition as a Novice Champion.
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- Joined
- Nov 26, 2004
Alsace said:
To tell you the truth. I like her better NOT skating than skating. But that interview was interesting. She seemed subdued, reflective, almost depressed. On the other hand, she seems maturing, really a lovely person now, knowing that whatever she does, she must execute it professionally. She owns a rink along with her dad doesn't she and so at least that is something grounding her. I thought she acted a little sour grapes but other than that, she is coming out of this dilemma probably with more grace than Sasha. Nnot saying that Sasha will fail and Kwan will succeed, not at all. Sasha might have more feistiness and a better work ethic than Michelle. Time will tell. As for the new girls, I'm excited to see the new girls come up through the ranks. Just wish Emily would take off about ten pounds . . ah well.
Everybody has a right to miss, love, and/or hate whomever they want for whatever reasons they want. Of course there are laws re libel, slander, and harrassment, but for the most part these are not "the way things are" here at GS. Certainly Paula and the mods make every effort, IMO, to balance free speech with suspending and/or banning those rare posters who cross the line occasionally.
I like Michelle's skating, but didn't miss her at Worlds or at any other competition all season. Early on I was very curious to see her Tarasova COP programs, and still am curious to see them in competition, but OTOH I enjoyed seeing other skaters get the attention many of them haven't gotten but have deserved, some for a number of years, some fresh on the scene. I'm not begrudging the adoration and attention Michelle gets, but personally I enjoyed the opportunity the media had to cover other skaters. Plus, it's not like Michelle hasn't gotten plenty of ink and TV all season re the "will she or won't she" skate at the Olympics.
But then I'm someone who, with one exception, has never been moved by Michelle's skating. For newer members, I was neutral or "blah" about Kwan until '03 when, IMO, she started skating differently with "Aranjuez." The only time I was moved by her skating was when she did "Winter," which Michelle choreographed herself to honor the brother of COI founder Tom Collins after he died. NOTE: Last sentence corrected thanks to MKFSfan.
Although I have no desire to, I could come up with reasons to snipe at Michelle the way so many Kwan fans have been sniping at Sasha, Irina, and other skaters for years, even sniping at skaters against whom Michelle has never even competed, such as Emily Hughes. But we all know "the way things are" at GS, and we have all been instructed that, in a nutshell, if we don't like it we are to "go elsewhere." But I don't like to play games, so I won't go there.
However, since another bashed Sasha and brought up the Olympics, I thought it might be okay with "the way things are" if I noted the following: As reported by The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, Cohen's website, and various blogs, "Olympic Silver Medalist Sasha Cohen has been selected for the U.S. Olympic Committee's 'Good Conduct' award." Excerpts from the story on Cohen's website read as follows:
http://www.sashacohen.com/torino06/news.shtml
Sasha impresses the USOC as a symbol of 'Good Conduct'
February 26, 2006
Olympic Silver medalist Sasha Cohen is among five athletes selected by the United States Olympic Committee to receive the “Good Conduct” medal at the conclusion of the XX Winter Olympics at Torino, Italy.
Sasha had the misfortune of falling on her opening jump in the freeskate on Thursday night but still got up and delivered a magnificent performance that earned her the silver medal.
It was Sasha’s typical never-give-up attitude and professional conduct after seeing a gold medal slip away that was so impressive.
“It’s our responsibility to be good role models and care about the way we make our country proud.” Sasha said. “It’s our responsibility to have other people respect our actions.”
Selena Roberts of the New York Times wrote of Sasha’s Olympic Spirit award: “Some like Cohen get it (i.e. the Olympic Spirit). True, she won silver, but she would not blame injury and would not not indulge in self-pity. No public tantrum or tears.
“Amid the disappointment of Thursday, Cohen stayed true to a high level of grace and refreshing perspective.”
Cohen has also received support from the US Military not only for her Olympic performances and behavior off the ice, but also for her support of the program "Soldiers' Angels." "Soldiers' Angels" is a charity in which individuals sponsor a soldier in Iraq with funds for the soldier and his/her family. An excerpt from one of the e-mails Cohen has received by soldiers in Iraq reads as follows:
http://www.sashacohen.com/military.shtml
"Your commitment to our men and women in uniform by simply sponsoring a soldier in Iraq is admirable and certainly a gesture of support that does not go unnoticed by that soldier and his family.
"You are truly a role model that I sincerely hope others follow! I wish more athletes had the respect that you so willingly show to our nation.
"I have two young boys of my own, David (8) and Christopher (4). I can only hope that they latch on to a dream that they want to fulfill and find a role model, like you, to inspire them to pursue that dream. Thank you for your support. Best of luck in your future endeavors."
Robert K. Bryan
Major, Field Artillery
Assistant Military Support Officer
As for Sasha going to an Academy Awards party, perhaps she was following her coach's instructions. Throughout the season, when asked about what he wanted Sasha to do more of in her training, John Nicks said in every interview I saw or read that he wanted Sasha to have "more fun." Maybe "having fun" at the party is what kept Sasha on the podium at Worlds and less than a point out of second.
Nothing will change the fact that once again Sasha failed to skate up to her potential and lost a gold medal that was hers for the taking, just like nothing will change the fact that Michelle could not skate at any events this season due to injuries--except for the popularity cheezefest--not even posting denigrating comments about Sasha and other skaters by people who apparently have no other way to deal with their disappointment over Michelle's plight this season than by attacking other skaters. That's just the way things are.
Rgirl
I like Michelle's skating, but didn't miss her at Worlds or at any other competition all season. Early on I was very curious to see her Tarasova COP programs, and still am curious to see them in competition, but OTOH I enjoyed seeing other skaters get the attention many of them haven't gotten but have deserved, some for a number of years, some fresh on the scene. I'm not begrudging the adoration and attention Michelle gets, but personally I enjoyed the opportunity the media had to cover other skaters. Plus, it's not like Michelle hasn't gotten plenty of ink and TV all season re the "will she or won't she" skate at the Olympics.
But then I'm someone who, with one exception, has never been moved by Michelle's skating. For newer members, I was neutral or "blah" about Kwan until '03 when, IMO, she started skating differently with "Aranjuez." The only time I was moved by her skating was when she did "Winter," which Michelle choreographed herself to honor the brother of COI founder Tom Collins after he died. NOTE: Last sentence corrected thanks to MKFSfan.
Although I have no desire to, I could come up with reasons to snipe at Michelle the way so many Kwan fans have been sniping at Sasha, Irina, and other skaters for years, even sniping at skaters against whom Michelle has never even competed, such as Emily Hughes. But we all know "the way things are" at GS, and we have all been instructed that, in a nutshell, if we don't like it we are to "go elsewhere." But I don't like to play games, so I won't go there.
However, since another bashed Sasha and brought up the Olympics, I thought it might be okay with "the way things are" if I noted the following: As reported by The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, Cohen's website, and various blogs, "Olympic Silver Medalist Sasha Cohen has been selected for the U.S. Olympic Committee's 'Good Conduct' award." Excerpts from the story on Cohen's website read as follows:
http://www.sashacohen.com/torino06/news.shtml
Sasha impresses the USOC as a symbol of 'Good Conduct'
February 26, 2006
Olympic Silver medalist Sasha Cohen is among five athletes selected by the United States Olympic Committee to receive the “Good Conduct” medal at the conclusion of the XX Winter Olympics at Torino, Italy.
Sasha had the misfortune of falling on her opening jump in the freeskate on Thursday night but still got up and delivered a magnificent performance that earned her the silver medal.
It was Sasha’s typical never-give-up attitude and professional conduct after seeing a gold medal slip away that was so impressive.
“It’s our responsibility to be good role models and care about the way we make our country proud.” Sasha said. “It’s our responsibility to have other people respect our actions.”
Selena Roberts of the New York Times wrote of Sasha’s Olympic Spirit award: “Some like Cohen get it (i.e. the Olympic Spirit). True, she won silver, but she would not blame injury and would not not indulge in self-pity. No public tantrum or tears.
“Amid the disappointment of Thursday, Cohen stayed true to a high level of grace and refreshing perspective.”
Cohen has also received support from the US Military not only for her Olympic performances and behavior off the ice, but also for her support of the program "Soldiers' Angels." "Soldiers' Angels" is a charity in which individuals sponsor a soldier in Iraq with funds for the soldier and his/her family. An excerpt from one of the e-mails Cohen has received by soldiers in Iraq reads as follows:
http://www.sashacohen.com/military.shtml
"Your commitment to our men and women in uniform by simply sponsoring a soldier in Iraq is admirable and certainly a gesture of support that does not go unnoticed by that soldier and his family.
"You are truly a role model that I sincerely hope others follow! I wish more athletes had the respect that you so willingly show to our nation.
"I have two young boys of my own, David (8) and Christopher (4). I can only hope that they latch on to a dream that they want to fulfill and find a role model, like you, to inspire them to pursue that dream. Thank you for your support. Best of luck in your future endeavors."
Robert K. Bryan
Major, Field Artillery
Assistant Military Support Officer
As for Sasha going to an Academy Awards party, perhaps she was following her coach's instructions. Throughout the season, when asked about what he wanted Sasha to do more of in her training, John Nicks said in every interview I saw or read that he wanted Sasha to have "more fun." Maybe "having fun" at the party is what kept Sasha on the podium at Worlds and less than a point out of second.
Nothing will change the fact that once again Sasha failed to skate up to her potential and lost a gold medal that was hers for the taking, just like nothing will change the fact that Michelle could not skate at any events this season due to injuries--except for the popularity cheezefest--not even posting denigrating comments about Sasha and other skaters by people who apparently have no other way to deal with their disappointment over Michelle's plight this season than by attacking other skaters. That's just the way things are.
Rgirl
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Basically the way I feel, too. Say what you will, but things are the way they are. The Kwanfans are going through withdrawal, the Sashafans are disappointed, some maybe even angry (but those are the fairweather "fans" and aren't true fans of her anyway). The few (?) Kimmie fans are very happy, and just about everyone else is on even ground.
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2003
This is a very wierd post!! I thought all of you Americans here at Golden Skate would be hailing Kimmie Meisner as the new Michelle Kwan!! Come on give the new kid on the block a chance - she is only 16 and let go of the Kwan skatetails. Michelle Kwan had her day - she can't compete forever. She is not exactly a spring chicken in the skating world.
- Joined
- Aug 4, 2003
I missed Michelle too. Her interview was the highlight of the broadcast. It must have been hard for her to watch the Olympics after being there. While I found Kimmie's performance enchanting. I found it almost the "Poor Man's Salome". i guess it was the lori Nichol Choreography.
First of all, love your name Lisadotdash.lisadotdash said:
Anyway, here's the transcript of what Michelle said during her interview as taken down by me off my video of last night. They only played Michelle's replies. If you didn't hear and see it, of course it's impossible to get the proper inflection, facial expressions, and body language into a transcript. However, I tried in two places to get at least some of the right inflection by using italics. No problem if others who heard/saw it disagree. Also, in the first paragraph were two words I couldn't hear well enough to understand, but I'm pretty sure what Michelle said would be synonymous enough with what I used in brackets. If anyone is sure of what she said there, please let me know so I can correct it. Also, in the second paragraph I put two words in brackets to make the written version read the way language works. There's nothing like transcribing to remind you of the difference between what works for speech versus what you need for something to work in writing. Anyway, I tried, lol.
IMO, the "sour grapes"--for those who felt there were sour grapes, which does not include me--would most likely be in the first paragraph when Michelle talked about how because of the NJS "a lot of skaters changed their programs" and that "these skaters are surprised that a five-triple program could win the [Olympic] gold medal." Even after having listened and watched the interview many times, these comments surprised me.
The COP has been around since fall '03, even though it was only used in the GPS and GP Final that season. It was used again in '04/05 when it was also used at Worlds. (I'm not sure if it was used at Euros and 4CC that season, and would appreciate that info from anyone who knows.) So, at least IMO, skaters who had been on the GP circuit since '03 had been "changing their programs" for two years prior to the '05/06 Olympic season, three years if you include '05/06. EDITED TO ADD: Prior to every Olympic Winter Games (OWG), some skaters either change parts of their new programs or scrap the new one and go back to an old program. That's nothing new. Others make no changes. Also, Michelle herself changed both her coach and choreographer of long standing in August '01 prior to the Nagano OWG.
EDIT CONT. For me, the point she was trying to make with her comments about the NJS and the Olympics wasn't clear and I felt a reasonable, neutral person could interpret them as sour grapes.
What bothered me about the remarks, "I know that because of the new judging system, a lot of skaters changed their programs. And these skaters are surprised that five triple jumps could win the gold medal" and "I could say a lot of things, like if I had compared one of my competitions and thrown it into [what happened] in Torino. And I don't think that's fair because anything could have happened," is that Michelle seemed, IMO, to want to imply what she really felt without actually saying it.
Of course I understand that all public figures have to choose their words carefully and not say things as directly and openly as they would in private or might like to in public. But these particular statements, just the ones I've used here, seemed calculated, too much like she wanted to say, "I won all my National and World titles with at least six triples. What's the deal!" or "When I did five triples at the '02 Olympics, I got the bronze." But I wouldn't call it sour grapes. I'd say Michelle hasn't yet come to terms with working so hard on doing one or more 3/3s, which may have caused one of her injuries in whole or in part--of course I don't know--and also with the "bendy girl" direction the COP has taken figure skating, which is something Michelle was never close to being, even as a spritely teen. I got the sense that Michelle, at heart, feels that she played by the new "rules" by working to do 3/3s as well as increase her flexibility so she could do more difficult spin positions and what did it get her? I think she feels the "rules" kept changing, and so not only did she get serious injuries for playing by the "rules," but at least some of those "rules" disappeared at the 11th hour.
However, as I said, I think you had to be "in the fray" over the last three years to get a sense of what was going on. The way I see it, the NJS has been like trying to play with a football made out of Jell-O. I think this would have happened no matter what the NJS consisted of. After any major change in the judging rules in a sport as complex to judge as figure skating, chaos theory will rule for a number of years. I think figure skating will be lucky if the NJS is "set" by 2010. I sensed frustration in Michelle, which is absolutely understandable. She'd be inhuman if she weren't frustrated! But for me, just the first part about the COP and the Olympics had too much of a sense of, "If five triples was all I needed to do to win the OGM, I could have saved my body!"
BIG NOTE 3-28-06, 1:19 AM: I started to do just a few edits on this and now it's a mess and I have to get some sleep. I stopped here so no one would get injured reading it. I throw myself on the mercy of the forum until, hopefully, I can fix this.
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I swore it was off to bed after my last giant post, but I so totally agree with your post, Lad. While I expected a lot of "If only Michelle..." posts, I also expected those same people to say, "But Kimmie was pretty great!"Ladskater said:
I thought Kimmie was really great! I thought her LP choreography was much improved--they took out almost all the super-angular arm positions so Kimmie could use her lovely long limbs to their best effect. I also felt she was absolutely genuine in her expression of the music and any characterization she used. I saw no mugging, ie, making faces in order to "look" emotional. A couple of her 3-combo jumps were on the sloppy side, but it looked to me that it was because she fought for everything, which I really liked.
Meissner doesn't have the ability to inhabit a character the way Cohen did with Juliet at the OWG, but Cohen just hasn't been able to get her jumps under control. Meissner doesn't have the mystery and mature elegance of Arakawa, but she's 16. She's supposed to have a bit of puppyish wildness in her. I found Meissner's performance quality completely disarming.
As I've said before, I like Kimmie's skating, especially after I saw her skate live with COI last spring. But not only am I liking her more with every skate, tonight, she got to me. All that youthful vigor and seeming impervious to pressure--especially with poor Sasha, Fumie, Joannie, and (at the OWG) Irina looking so stressed.
Sorry, I know I'm off topic, but during all of Kimmie's skate I kept thinking, "All those people who love Michelle's 'Salome' must have felt something like this while they watched it the first time. Surely Kimmie's skating and win will at least help ease the transition from Michelle's years of domination to that of the next generation," and there seem to be so many young skaters with great potential.
Finally, Michelle may be moving into a whole new phase of her career. I realize the timing was different, but Kristi really blossomed and gained depth as an artist when she stopped competing.
OTOH, if you love Michelle and need to feel just plain bad, often that's the only thing you can do. Although my similar situations have been personal, I can relate. I just hope those who need "the blues" don't also need to tear down other skaters until they feel better.
Rgirl
Ladskater and RGirl
There was nothing weird about this post, which you so rudely noted. Clearly you are not Michelle fans. What I miss is an adult presentation/artistry i.e. a truly complete skater. Kimmie (congrats to you) is not a complete skater yet. Michelle was the whole package and then some. I also would have been much happier with a Fumie win, but that was not to be. This is not a bash against Sasha, who I also love and had hopes that she would win. I like most skaters and dislike few. But Kimmie needs to mature and I was reflecting on how much I miss Michelle's mature and elegant skating. Why you have to turn this into a negative thing about Michelle or anyone else (i.e.Golden Skate-what the heck is that all about?) is beyond me.
There was nothing weird about this post, which you so rudely noted. Clearly you are not Michelle fans. What I miss is an adult presentation/artistry i.e. a truly complete skater. Kimmie (congrats to you) is not a complete skater yet. Michelle was the whole package and then some. I also would have been much happier with a Fumie win, but that was not to be. This is not a bash against Sasha, who I also love and had hopes that she would win. I like most skaters and dislike few. But Kimmie needs to mature and I was reflecting on how much I miss Michelle's mature and elegant skating. Why you have to turn this into a negative thing about Michelle or anyone else (i.e.Golden Skate-what the heck is that all about?) is beyond me.
Kyla2,kyla2 said:
I think that first there is a definition problem. "Post" refers to what one person writes in his little square. "Thread" refers to the group of posts relating to a single subject, more or less. Neither I nor Lad referred to your "posts." From here on I'll only speak for myself--Lad speaks for herself just fine.
What I referred to were the posts that focused primarily on bashing Sasha and Kimmie. Didn't see any that bashed Fumie. Each of your five posts was fine by me. In fact, in the third one, IIRC, you say something about, "Let's please not turn this into a Sasha-bashing thread," or words to that effect. I have nothing but good things to say about the way you've expressed your feelings about missing Michelle. I'm not a Michelle fan nor a Sasha fan, but I like the way both of them skate, most of the time. But I don't miss Michelle. Her skating "moved" me only once; it was a long time ago and I wasn't moved much. Sasha's skating has "moved" me, meaning affected me emotionally in ways words could not express, more often. I also prefer Sasha's personality as a "sports celebrity" to Michelle's. But that's just different strokes...etc. I like Michelle fine. I'm a fan of figure skating but not really a fan of any one skater. The skater I come closest to being a fan of is Ilia Kulik. It's the hair.
Sorry. Couldn't resist. But seriously, despite your intention to make this mature discussion about missing Michelle's elegant skating and, from other things you said, what her future might hold for her considering her injuries as well as other factors, a number of others, starting on p1 of this thread, did turn it into an opportunity to bash Sasha.
You have respect for Sasha and other skaters, but another poster used your topic as an excuse to attack Cohen especially, and to a lesser extent, Kimmie. Neither myself nor Lad "turned this into a negative thing about Michelle or anyone else." I think if you look at Panther2000's Post #5, the following may clue you into who first "turned" this into a "negative" thread and toward whom the negativity was aimed.
Panther2000 has every right to express her opinions about Sasha, just as I and others have every right to express our opinions about Michelle, Sasha, Kimmie, Fumie, and/or other skaters and also express my opinion about the opinions others have posted.Panther2000 said:
If the majority of the posts were like yours, Mathman's, Justafan's, Heyang's, and other's I can't think of right now, I would have perused the thread; thought, "This a group of posters who agree on the same thing, ie, that Worlds has reminded them how much they miss Michelle's skating and they're having kind of a grieving thread about it." Mostly likely, I would have then moved on to another thread without posting or posting something short and supportive.
The only thing I would question is the wisdom of starting such a thread as soon as the ESPN coverage of the ladies final had finished. IMO, the timing sends a message that none of the medalists were worthy of even the time to be congratulated. Nobody but Michelle may ever do it for you, but Kimmie Meissner won Worlds at her first Worlds at age 16, with a far more technically difficult program than Michelle did in '96. To me, the timing suggests, "Meissner's not a worthy champion." Just something to think about, although of course you have the right to start this thread anytime you want.
Anyway, you say myself and Ladskater turned this thread into a negative thing. But the Sasha bashing began in Panther's Post #5, long before either Lad or I posted. As for your question, "Golden Skate-what the heck is that all about?" go to the "Feedback" folder and read through the thread, "A Sad Skate of Affairs..." That should answer any questions you have about some of the more obscure references only I, and not Lad, made.
I think a thread in which people can express how much and why they miss Michelle is great. However, not everyone is head-over-heels in love with Michelle's skating, even fans of hers. I know you have no control over the kind of posts people put in a thread you've started. Like I said in the beginning of this post, I think it was a problem with definitions of "post" and "thread" that perhaps made you feel personally criticized.
It's too bad that certain other people initially turned this into a bashing thread. Sure, I could have said, "It's just the same old stuff Cohen and Cohen fans always get by the pound on GS. Just ignore it." That's what I did do, for years. A certain person with power took advantage of that. Now those who were willing to ignore aren't willing to anymore.
Don't worry, though. Many if not most who don't love Michelle with the passion required will be taking the "Nutshell Route" soon enough and GS can become whatever the majority wants it to be.
Hope that helps clear things up.
Rgirl
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- Joined
- Dec 27, 2005
Mathman said:
Sokolova and Meier sure did grab my heart!
Not to mention Nakano's sp..Of course Suguri was already in my heart...
RGirl, I couldn't have said it better myself>
And another thing, what is this thread doing in the World Championship's area., shouldn't that thread been put somewhere else. The last time I looked at the list of entries for Worlds, I am sure I didn't see Michelle's name on the list of skaters. Anyway, congradulations Kimmie on your gold medal performance, congradulations Fumie on your silver and congradulations Sasha on your bronze medal. I for one hope that Michelle comes back next year and see how she handles the pressure of the CoP and the new little jumping beans.
And another thing, what is this thread doing in the World Championship's area., shouldn't that thread been put somewhere else. The last time I looked at the list of entries for Worlds, I am sure I didn't see Michelle's name on the list of skaters. Anyway, congradulations Kimmie on your gold medal performance, congradulations Fumie on your silver and congradulations Sasha on your bronze medal. I for one hope that Michelle comes back next year and see how she handles the pressure of the CoP and the new little jumping beans.- Joined
- Mar 26, 2006
Red Dog said:
We know that Michelle would love nothing more than to come back again... and I hope her body will cooperate and allow for that, because no one deserves more than she does to go out on a high note. I am just not sure it's in the cards for her... it seems the new judging system and her body just don't get along. I suppose we have to just wait and see.
Now, don't get me wrong - there was a definite void in this year's competitions without Michelle. No one has moved me the way she can, and that's regardless of her jumps, btw. She can come in third or fourth and she'll still be my favorite performer that night!
However, I see something in Kimmie that I really like. Yes, she absolutely needs to mature some... and I suspect the confidence of her win last night will be a great motivator for that... but what I love about her is her "go for it" attitude. She won last night because she wanted to skate her best - and she did, too. It wasn't about winning a medal, but about being the strongest skater she could be.
Frankly, I think that's been one of Sasha's biggest issues. SHE feels she's failed if she's not perfect, or if she doesn't win gold. Forget the media, the problem is in Sasha's own psyche. People say maybe she's not athletic enough, but I don't buy it. She can land those jumps. They may not be as strong as some of the other skaters', but she doesn't need them to be - not with her artistic ability and extension on most moves (her ina bauer is a bit weak, which always surprises me).
Sasha fails because of Sasha. Maybe she won't ever figure out how to get past that mental block, but since I'm someone who has some mental blocks of my own (not related to skating), I hope she finds the strength and will. She's skated for so long, worked so hard... I have not always been a fan of hers, but I've always enjoyed her skating. She frustrates me, but I keep thinking, imagine how frustrated she must be!
I used to say that Sasha was the only skater in the world who might have, if she ever skated 100%, been able beat Michelle at 100%. I'm not sure if that's true, because despite her acting out the roles she takes on, I've never felt the same passion from Sasha that makes Michelle so special to watch... but I always wished I could see what would happen if Sasha and Michelle were both "perfect" in the same competitions!
Sadly, it wasn't meant to be. I have a feeling Sasha won't be back next year... maybe she won't officially retire, but I'd be surprised if she doesn't take some time off from skating. If she does, though, I fully expect she'll come back. She has unfinished business to attend to - and that is skating two programs without falling or making mistakes. She's capable, she just needs to believe it.
As for Michelle, I simply cannot imagine another skater giving me what she did - and it's hard to even put it into words, to describe it. There's just this feeling I get watching her - and it's so wonderful to see her happy and healthy. That's what I wish for her... if that means a comeback, that would be wonderful... if it doesn't mean that, I still have to believe she'll skate as a pro, and that will also be wonderful.
Kimmie, on the other hand, is at the beginning. I think she will surprise a lot of people (I think she already has!). She has all the qualitites she needs, and now she has a world title, too. A little "seasoning" added to that will only enhance her skating and make her all the more appealing. She matured a lot from last year, and I expect she'll make another big jump next year.
I didn't find anything "sour grapes" about the interview, but maybe that's cuz I'm a Michelle fan! 
I was a little confused by where she was going with that statement, how skaters changed and then were surprised a 5 triple program could win, but I think it was more that no longer is it mandatory to have 7 triples, but if youdo 5 and have levels you can win, which is different. I don't know. Who knows what the actual question was.
A correction-"White Horses" is actually "Winter" and it was a tribute for Tom Collins' brother who passed away and was a father figure/mentor to Michelle. I love that song and exhibition!!!
I was a little confused by where she was going with that statement, how skaters changed and then were surprised a 5 triple program could win, but I think it was more that no longer is it mandatory to have 7 triples, but if youdo 5 and have levels you can win, which is different. I don't know. Who knows what the actual question was.A correction-"White Horses" is actually "Winter" and it was a tribute for Tom Collins' brother who passed away and was a father figure/mentor to Michelle. I love that song and exhibition!!!
I'm really surprised this thread has turned into this discussion. As MM said, it was really just one poster who chose to go down that ugly road, and I frankly just skipped over what that person had to say after the first post.
I think kyla's timing with this thread was perfectly understandable, as she had just watched the competition and was clearly fresh in the "mood" of her feelings.
I miss Michelle too, but surprisingly not as much as I thought I would. I understand her competitive career is coming close to the end, and as much as I will miss her .... I will have to accept it and move on, too.
I saw nothing in her interview to suggest she was bitter about anything but the fact that her body had let her down. No, she didn't work with COP soon enough, but she made her choices and had to live with them.
I thought she was very straightforward about saying that no one could say how she would have done ... that she could have fallen all over the place.
And keep in mind, we never heard the questions. I hate this type of deal where they just show someone's responses ... and probably not even the complete ones at that!
I loved Kimmie last night. I know she has things to work on and I believe she will. But I loved her enthusiasm and her competitive spirit ... they will serve her well the next four years.
I think kyla's timing with this thread was perfectly understandable, as she had just watched the competition and was clearly fresh in the "mood" of her feelings.
I miss Michelle too, but surprisingly not as much as I thought I would. I understand her competitive career is coming close to the end, and as much as I will miss her .... I will have to accept it and move on, too.
I saw nothing in her interview to suggest she was bitter about anything but the fact that her body had let her down. No, she didn't work with COP soon enough, but she made her choices and had to live with them.
I thought she was very straightforward about saying that no one could say how she would have done ... that she could have fallen all over the place.
And keep in mind, we never heard the questions. I hate this type of deal where they just show someone's responses ... and probably not even the complete ones at that!
I loved Kimmie last night. I know she has things to work on and I believe she will. But I loved her enthusiasm and her competitive spirit ... they will serve her well the next four years.
nymkfan51 said:
I agree about what this thread has turned into. You can be assured that every thread about Michelle will turn into something like this. The title of the thread states "I have never missed Michelle more that I do now", if you are not a fan why come into the thread? I heard not sour grapes from Michelle either, just regarding her body letting her down. She had her programs done by TT, who has done very well with getting points out of COP, too bad her body would not let her compete this season. Even if she was there this season it would not have taken away from others being highlighted as some have suggested, look at Mao and Alissa. I did miss Michelle very much this season and hope she does what is best for her in the future.
I certainly miss MK, and think anyone who is comparing Kimmie to her is being a bit premature. But, I truly enjoy watching Meissner skate and think she was great last night. She'll only get better in her PC elements, but you cannot teach mental toughness and she's obviously got that. If only Sasha had even a fraction of the toughness Kimmie already possesses at an early age. Kimmie's enthusiasm is infectious but not in an annoying way, like Tara was (sorry for bashing Tara, I don't really mean it like it sounds, I guess I'm still pissed about '98).
I want MK to do whatever she feels like doing; if that means hanging around for one, two or even 4 more years, more power to her. I doubt she'll stay for that long, but predict she will try to compete next season, at least at Nationals and Worlds. I agree with Rgirl (still writing those opuses, huh? Nice to see some things never change) when she says MK may not truly understand how to adjust to the new system. But, it is true that in COP you can win with fewer tricks than in the past (Kimmie's 2 3/3s last night notwithstanding) if you skate a complete program (a la Arakawa in Turin). IF MK can get herself healthy and in skating shape (a tall order I know, but I don't think it's beyond her) I could see her winning again, bec her skating skills are so finished and pure. It's also true that the competition is a little sparse right now. If Irina and Arakawa retire, who is really out there? Kimmie, though great technically, needs to mature a litle more, Sasha will likely never get it together (I agree with Peggy, she's absolutely exquisite but has no head for competing), Asada is also unpolished. Who else really knocks your socks off? I liked Sarah Meier and thought she was undermarked so maybe she can develop inot a contender. Rochette is powerful but I'm starting to wonder about her mental toughness too. Kostner regressed this season, though I hope she comes back strong. Fumie is near the end, Nakano has that awful wrap, Ando regressed even worse than Kostner, you get the picture.
The bottom line is that the likes of MK will not be seen for awhile. If she sticks around, great, I just hope she's healthy. If she retires from amateur competition and sticks to COI and cheezefests, great also. Maybe she'll coach one day.
I want MK to do whatever she feels like doing; if that means hanging around for one, two or even 4 more years, more power to her. I doubt she'll stay for that long, but predict she will try to compete next season, at least at Nationals and Worlds. I agree with Rgirl (still writing those opuses, huh? Nice to see some things never change
) when she says MK may not truly understand how to adjust to the new system. But, it is true that in COP you can win with fewer tricks than in the past (Kimmie's 2 3/3s last night notwithstanding) if you skate a complete program (a la Arakawa in Turin). IF MK can get herself healthy and in skating shape (a tall order I know, but I don't think it's beyond her) I could see her winning again, bec her skating skills are so finished and pure. It's also true that the competition is a little sparse right now. If Irina and Arakawa retire, who is really out there? Kimmie, though great technically, needs to mature a litle more, Sasha will likely never get it together (I agree with Peggy, she's absolutely exquisite but has no head for competing), Asada is also unpolished. Who else really knocks your socks off? I liked Sarah Meier and thought she was undermarked so maybe she can develop inot a contender. Rochette is powerful but I'm starting to wonder about her mental toughness too. Kostner regressed this season, though I hope she comes back strong. Fumie is near the end, Nakano has that awful wrap, Ando regressed even worse than Kostner, you get the picture. The bottom line is that the likes of MK will not be seen for awhile. If she sticks around, great, I just hope she's healthy. If she retires from amateur competition and sticks to COI and cheezefests, great also. Maybe she'll coach one day.
