- Joined
- Jul 26, 2018
I certainly do not identify most closely with the skaters from my own country but then I am from the Belly of the Beast (one of the largest and most arrogant ones). My country's ridiculous predictions on TV and in the press that Nathan Chen had already won Olympic Gold in 2018 was so annoying. Yes, he was almost a contender but according to this country's press, it was done deal. So much so that I was relieved when he bombed out. Since then I have had a hard time wishing him well--although I work hard to be fair and open-minded and I do see his improvement. I was very excited about countryman Mariah Bell's performance at this past U.S. Nationals--but that was not nationalism but a triumph for the kind of skating I love--lyrical and artistic.
I do often root for the underdogs who come from not big skating countries--Donovan Carrillo stirred up an emotional response for me partly because he is from Mexico and partly because his enthusiasm and energy could move a stone. I also have a prejudice for skaters who come from countries that energetically support skating and make great audiences--like Canada and Japan. Javier Fernandez and Yuzuru Hanyu had it all for me. They check most of my subjective boxes and were/are totally terrific competitors and pushed the sport technically for years. Historically, I have always rooted for Russian skaters--liked the style--artistic impression and high skill level. But the upsurge in churning out disposal young girls has really tarnished that joy for me. I want a country to take care of its skaters and too many injuries caused by pushing athletes not yet through puberty feels gross to me. Like training gladiators for the ring, only they are young vulnerable girls who have known nothing else.
I do often root for the underdogs who come from not big skating countries--Donovan Carrillo stirred up an emotional response for me partly because he is from Mexico and partly because his enthusiasm and energy could move a stone. I also have a prejudice for skaters who come from countries that energetically support skating and make great audiences--like Canada and Japan. Javier Fernandez and Yuzuru Hanyu had it all for me. They check most of my subjective boxes and were/are totally terrific competitors and pushed the sport technically for years. Historically, I have always rooted for Russian skaters--liked the style--artistic impression and high skill level. But the upsurge in churning out disposal young girls has really tarnished that joy for me. I want a country to take care of its skaters and too many injuries caused by pushing athletes not yet through puberty feels gross to me. Like training gladiators for the ring, only they are young vulnerable girls who have known nothing else.