I can't speak for everyone, but I do agree that she can be polarising. I Like her sometimes, and not so much other times, so maybe I can give you some perspective: I like that she owns her choices and that she often doesn't hide what she is thinking, I respect her grit and that she was able to become a powerhouse in US figure skating, when many considered her a class B skater compared to Mirai, Caroline ect.....But sometimes she can be annoying: when she screws up and says she likes to be the underdog
, when she is over the top with the drama in the program while doing zero transitions and she expects all the PCS, when she is look at how good I am now I've fixed my flutz and my underrotation issues
Actually, I don't think she's said that. Whenever she talks about improving her technique, she says she's working on her issues and she's taking steps in the right direction. I've never heard her say she's fixed them. Also I've never heard her say she expects all the PCS. Her fans may say she deserves them; and it's clear the judges reward her interpretation and performance, particularly when she performs technically the way she's capable of.
But I really appreciate how well you balanced your negative impressions with your positive ones. Thank you!
I met Ashley a couple of years ago (with Gracie, ironically) at a SOI Meet & Greet. I was astonished at how short she is. Anyway, she and Gracie both were extremely friendly and stood for a long time while the line snaked past them taking pictures, getting hugs, etc. I saw nothing "icy" about either of them. They were both very warm and friendly and didn't rush anyone I don't know why a group dislikes a certain skater. Sometimes I think it's just because they can! The anonymity of the internet.
That may be the best answer to my question. Thank you!
What does bother me about Ashley is - as I've posted before - the "I am woman hear me roar" and sex kitten persona that she loves to perpetuate. I always think it comes off a little contrived and not truly who she is. But I don't dislike her for it.
That's interesting. I don't perceive either attitude that way. Maybe reporters have taken her answers and run with them, so to speak. I do agree that she clearly says she's committed to skating as a woman, and to her that means being strong and independent, and expressing her sexuality on the ice as well as other important ways of being.
Mostly agree with this, and also I think she makes too much of a big deal about her age and the age of her opponents.
I heard other people talking about Ashley's age before I heard her talking about it. So I think it's her way of taking a negative and making it a positive. But I take it differently, anyway. I see her, Carolina, and Maria Butyrskaya as positive inspiration for anyone who's ever been told they were too old, too late, or too untalented to keep pursuing their dreams.
She does have a reputation for speaking her mind. IMO, it's because she answers questions openly and honestly, and as the questions are presented. She's a military kid, and they tend to be raised to answer questions in a straightforward manner. I relate to this, not because I'm a military kid; I'm not. But in the family I was raised in, we were encouraged and expected to answer questions directly. This is in contrast to my husband's family, where everyone was/is expected to answer with a retort, clever or not so much, and then stick to that. I really admire how Evgenia, in particular I've noticed, is able to take a question, acknowledge part of it in a very positive and charming way, and take her answer from there, creating a whole direction that's what she wants to say. That's a cultural skill, somewhat like the the cultural differences between my husband's family (northern blue-collar) and mine (southern desk types); or the military sub-culture. (I've been reading Jack Reacher novels LOL).
Thanks to you all for your answers.
Have there been any recent updates on Debi? The latest articles I can find on her are from early 2016. I sincerely hope she will be able to get the help that she needs.
