James/Radford announce partnership

[Tavi...]

I didn't say that, I don't see it that way, and what I said wasn't a statement of philosophy, old fashioned or otherwise. Meagan co-owns the skating rink and school. If I perceive anything correctly about her, it's that she would never let Bruno carry the bulk of the work himself. It's a fact that he's an established coach with a great reputation, and that's a substantial asset. But I feel sure that she does everything she can to do her part, whether that's coaching-wise, or administratively, or managing relationships with clients, or something else. I probably should have said all that in my earlier post, but I was trying to keep the wordage reasonable.

I just think it was reality. As Eric said, from 2019 and forward, he was happy for the stability she'd earned and established. While at the same time his own situation felt more fluid, more transition-like and transitory and ambiguous. (And anyone who's worked freelance can surely relate to how that feels unstable and often scary.) Depending on their temperament, some people can sustain that state for longer than others. He said he welcomed the opportunity to explore what he could do, and I believe him, but it's a fact that his income depended on whether Meagan said yes. His work with Vanessa was an extension of that exploration.

Anyway, that's how I see it. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to clarify.

Thanks for clarifying. I wasn’t trying to be snarky, and the point I was really trying to make is that Meagan and Bruno may rely on her show income every bit as much as Eric does on his, especially because Ontario has been under lockdown for large chunks of the year. Just to clarify, Bruno directs Skate Oakville’s competitive pairs program and coaches there, but Meagan does not. I haven’t heard that they own a school or rink. Skate Oakville is a big figure skating club in Ontario that operates out of Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, which is owned by the Town of Oakville.

 

[NanaPat]

Just to clarify, Bruno directs Skate Oakville’s competitive pairs program and coaches there, but Meagan does not. I haven’t heard that they own a school or rink. Skate Oakville is a big figure skating club in Ontario that operates out of Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, which is owned by the Town of Oakville.

Thank you for this. I don't know where the idea that Meghan and her husband own a skating school, let alone a rink, started. They have a contract with Skate Oakville and perhaps the City of Oakville to provide coaching. That doesn't mean they own anything, let alone a rink.

I almost said they were employees, but cities and skating clubs are very careful to avoid that relationship, as it makes them subject to labor and health and safety regulations.

Karen Magnesson got no compensation when she was poisoned by an ammonia leak at a North Vancouver rink because she was declared to be an independent contractor.

 

[ice coverage]

... I don't see the point of Meagan airing any of this publicly.

Agree -- especially in terms of when Meagan made the public comments that she did. The only possible motivations that I can think of do not reflect well on Meagan at all.

From what I remember, Caitlin Yankowskas was the height of professionalism when her partner was actively taking steps to become a former partner while keeping Caitlin in the dark (although friends of hers made her aware).
In contrast, Meagan's lack of professionalism is quite glaring, IMO. She has gone down several notches in my book.

---

I was happy to learn from Bev Smith's article that some members of Team Canada have welcomed Vanessa with their texting of best wishes.

 

[Tavi...]

Thank you for this. I don't know where the idea that Meghan and her husband own a skating school, let alone a rink, started. They have a contract with Skate Oakville and perhaps the City of Oakville to provide coaching. That doesn't mean they own anything, let alone a rink.

I almost said they were employees, but cities and skating clubs are very careful to avoid that relationship, as it makes them subject to labor and health and safety regulations.

Karen Magnesson got no compensation when she was poisoned by an ammonia leak at a North Vancouver rink because she was declared to be an independent contractor.

Ugh. Independent contractors often really get shafted, and apparently that’s true even if you’re a famous and accomplished skater.

OT but I was in Oakville a couple of years ago for ACI, and it’s a beautiful place and a really nice rink. Getting to see Kaitlyn and Andrew, Roman, Kevin, Jason, Yuzuru, Evgenia and a million others there (it was quite the star studded event) was a real treat! Hoping I can go back one of these days

 

[dcr]

Thanks for clarifying. I wasn’t trying to be snarky, and the point I was really trying to make is that Meagan and Bruno may rely on her show income every bit as much as Eric does on his, especially because Ontario has been under lockdown for large chunks of the year. Just to clarify, Bruno directs Skate Oakville’s competitive pairs program and coaches there, but Meagan does not. I haven’t heard that they own a school or rink. Skate Oakville is a big figure skating club in Ontario that operates out of Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, which is owned by the Town of Oakville.

 

[dcr]

When Meagan and Bruno decided to leave Montreal didn't she state that they had pair coaching opportunities at other locations, not only at the Oakville rink? I seem to remember that Florida was being contemplated but they decided against it in the end. That certainly would have made it more difficult for ice show opportunities with Eric don't you think?

 

[Skater Boy]

It seems like everyone is taking sides. I wish them both well. Life sometimes sucks. Everyone is out for themselves. That's life Vanessa wants an olympic medal and to go to another olympics nd put behind the Cipres mess. Radford is looking for his next meal ticket as is Megan. Skate Canada wants something to market It's all about "me" and someties interrests conflict ie perhaps having baby cut into Radfords income. Skating shows are not nearly as lucrative especially if you are relying on Canadian shows. With Patrick Chan done with skating it appears, Kaetlyn going to school, Virtue and Moir no longer skating Eric and Meghan had a chance to be the stars in Canada. with their olymic medals. Vanessa and Eric are going to have to really rock the pcs otherwise on paper this team is a lot weaker than Megan and Eric. SBS jumps team DR Throw jumps - DR Lifts DR due to experience Spins - DR due to experience PCs is the big one . I think Canada would have preferred a top notch lady if they had a choice. This team really is probably going to be at best 5th.

One aspect that I think has been somewhat neglected is that, as Eric stated, show skating is his primary income, whereas Meagan owns a skating school with her very successful coaching husband, and she also coaches. Eric said he understood her priorities and was happy for her success and stability, but his situation with shows, being dependent on her participation, gave him a feeling of being unsure of his own future.

Whenever Eric told Meagan about his experimenting with Vanessa, there was the possibility of Meagan feeling blind-sided. In fact it's nearly a certainty. When is the exact moment when it wouldn't have been a shock? Is it different for every person? And would it have jeopardized their skating partnership if he'd told her his uncertain thoughts earlier, before the possibility with Vanessa panned out?

Marissa Castelli said the minute Mervin Tran told her he was leaving for California for a tryout with someone else, their partnership was over. It was a shock to her in that moment, but he had to have been thinking about it for some amount of time. So when should he have told her he was thinking about it?

It seems to me that Eric did the best he could as the opportunity with Vanessa took shape. That's human, and it's not black and white or cut and dried. We all have to deal with ambiguity and even ambivalence to some extent.

I am not taking sides. But realistically show skating for Duhamel and Radford was dependent on them skating together as two time world champs and multiple olympic medals. Eric and Vanessa have no medals and lots of questions. Also, who knows how she will survive he Cipres thing which affects marketablility. I am not sure how this works but if this is about income is Eric not risking a lot. I mean does he hve sponsor???? Will lightning strike twice. We see in the US the quick rise of their Knerim led couple. Who knows???

 

[Amei]

Vanessa and Eric are going to have to really rock the pcs otherwise on paper this team is a lot weaker than Megan and Eric. SBS jumps team DR Throw jumps - DR Lifts DR due to experience Spins - DR due to experience PCs is the big one . I think Canada would have preferred a top notch lady if they had a choice. This team really is probably going to be at best 5th.

I am not taking sides. But realistically show skating for Duhamel and Radford was dependent on them skating together as two time world champs and multiple olympic medals. Eric and Vanessa have no medals and lots of questions. Also, who knows how she will survive he Cipres thing which affects marketablility. I am not sure how this works but if this is about income is Eric not risking a lot. I mean does he hve sponsor???? Will lightning strike twice. We see in the US the quick rise of their Knerim led couple. Who knows???

I admit that I'm not as aware of pairs competitive levels as with men's or ladies, but looking at last years Canadian nationals (since this years' was cancelled), but how 'deep' is the Canadian competitive field for Pairs? Based on the scoring sheets they've had 1 pair in the top 10 the last 2 Worlds and 1 other pair (the same pair) place 12th each year.

 

[Tavi...]

When Meagan and Bruno decided to leave Montreal didn't she state that they had pair coaching opportunities at other locations, not only at the Oakville rink? I seem to remember that Florida was being contemplated but they decided against it in the end. That certainly would have made it more difficult for ice show opportunities with Eric don't you think?

Since it didn’t happen, I’m not sure why it’s relevant?

 

[Amei]

Since it didn’t happen, I’m not sure why it’s relevant?

Well it can certainly speak to Eric looking at other partner opportunities

 

[anonymoose_au]

I have to say it's really the whole "She became pregnant so I had to look for other avenues" that really puts Eric in the wrong here.

I don't agree with him waiting to tell Meagan til the last minute, but thinking on it I can see why he felt that might be the best way.

His concerns about them living in different provinces and Meagan being a coach are also perfectly fair.

But making assumptions of her goals because she had a baby? That's a big no. Women have and alas continue to fight to be taken seriously in their careers after becoming mothers and it's rather depressing that Eric has bought into that mindset as well. Nobody's perfect, of course, but I hope he has some insight as to why that particular comment was offensive.

 

[skylark]

Thanks for clarifying. I wasn’t trying to be snarky, and the point I was really trying to make is that Meagan and Bruno may rely on her show income every bit as much as Eric does on his, especially because Ontario has been under lockdown for large chunks of the year. Just to clarify, Bruno directs Skate Oakville’s competitive pairs program and coaches there, but Meagan does not. I haven’t heard that they own a school or rink. Skate Oakville is a big figure skating club in Ontario that operates out of Sixteen Mile Sports Complex, which is owned by the Town of Oakville.

Thanks for this information. I believe now that what I remembered from 2019 was that they were starting a pairs school, or maybe a pairs program together in Oakville. I'll fix my earlier post.

 

[Kittosuni]

. Vanessa and Eric are going to have to really rock the pcs otherwise on paper this team is a lot weaker than Megan and Eric. SBS jumps team DR Throw jumps - DR Lifts DR due to experience Spins - DR due to experience PCs is the big one . I think Canada would have preferred a top notch lady if they had a choice. This team really is probably going to be at best 5th.

I don't think PCS is going to be an issue for this pair. With how Skate Canada is propping up them now despite the controversies I would think they will do their best to help this team which they should.

Just watch when skate Canada President Leanna Caron sit in the judges table at the local competitions where J/R will be competing (she is the reason why ISU banned presidents to sit in international competition when skate Canada kept doing it when V/M(deservedly won) was competing against the french) or the other members of the board where Eric is also a member. It is hitting the sbs and throw jumps that will matter.

 

[BearryBear]

I have to say it's really the whole "She became pregnant so I had to look for other avenues" that really puts Eric in the wrong here.

I don't agree with him waiting to tell Meagan til the last minute, but thinking on it I can see why he felt that might be the best way.

His concerns about them living in different provinces and Meagan being a coach are also perfectly fair.

But making assumptions of her goals because she had a baby? That's a big no. Women have and alas continue to fight to be taken seriously in their careers after becoming mothers and it's rather depressing that Eric has bought into that mindset as well. Nobody's perfect, of course, but I hope he has some insight as to why that particular comment was offensive.

It wasn’t an assumption though. According to Eric, Meagan had talk about growing her family and wanting more kids. Like it or not, kids change things. This isn’t a hire a babysitter while you’re at the office situation. She apparently expressed concerns about not wanting to do internationals shows, which severely limits their prospects. Not to mention the time off needed for pregnancy and having to retrain and get back into shape. In the article I posted a few comments back, Meagan confirmed that she’s not interested in competitive skating because she wants to have more kids instead. Those are her goals, Eric has different goals. Eric knows Meagan better than anyone here does, he has personal knowledge of their situation, it’s not like he was making assumptions based on a Twitter post or something.

 

[cisum88note]

It wasn’t an assumption though. According to Eric, Meagan had talk about growing her family and wanting more kids. Like it or not, kids change things. This isn’t a hire a babysitter while you’re at the office situation. She apparently expressed concerns about not wanting to do internationals shows, which severely limits their prospects. Not to mention the time off needed for pregnancy and having to retrain and get back into shape. In the article I posted a few comments back, Meagan confirmed that she’s not interested in competitive skating because she wants to have more kids instead. Those are her goals, Eric has different goals. Eric knows Meagan better than anyone here does, he has personal knowledge of their situation, it’s not like he was making assumptions based on a Twitter post or something.

I don’t understand how people are defending Eric who said a bunch of things about Meagan’s family and having another kid that Meagan literally denied this week. She tweeted that she had no intention of expanding her family at this time and she and her husband had not even discussed the topic, never mind discussing it with anyone else. Look at her Twitter feed for these comments.

Eric is the one who assumed (or claims) that Meagan was done with skating and would be pursuing other family obligations and more children in the immediate future. How you can claim Eric knows more about Meagan’s family plans than Meagan is beyond me.

also, she publicly said that she is not coaching at this time, so she literally had no other source of income right now except for the upcoming skating shows, which is no longer happening.

 

[solani]

I believe Eric when he says that he hasn't planned it.
I guess Meagan was shocked when he told her and it took her some time to process this.
I don't get her reaction. It sounds as if V&E want to compete in the Olympic season only. Unless they become Olympic Champions, Meagan and Eric will still be wanted in shows together. Burning bridges ... unless Eric has told her, that he doesn't want to skate with her ever again. Which seems very very unlikely.
His reaction to this PR disaster is a defense disaster. I hope they're able to stay friends after this mess ...

And I think Vanessa must know something and was maybe kept quiet by the French Fed. Good for her. And I wouldn't blame her for what her former partner hast done. She had to skate withe that a@#.

Vanessa and Eric look great together. Let's see what they can achieve in a single season.

 

[icetug]

I guess from the length of this thread that there hasn't been any drama in Eteri team lately

Eric and Meagan have different goals, and the common thing was to appear in shows. These shows will probably not be organized until the Olympics. Seriously, Meagan would like to keep Eric from competing at Olympics just because someday in a near-unknown future they could do shows?

I don't want to defend Eric because he should have discussed it with Meagan earlier. On the other hand, the whole thing arose before the partnership with Vanessa was officially confirmed. This looks like the case of Eteri and Evgenia, where a premature announcement by the social media unabled one side communicating their decision to the other side - who felt hurt. While it would be enough to make an agreement that when the shows starts, Meagan, not Vanessa, would be Eric's main partner.

 

[karne]

I believe Eric when he says that he hasn't planned it.

Bunk. Absolute pure bunk.

He was training with Vanessa as early as January and didn't even have the courtesy to tell Meagan until two weeks ago when Vanessa got her release. He planned it.

Eric and Meagan have different goals, and the common thing was to appear in shows. These shows will probably not be organized until the Olympics. Seriously, Meagan would like to keep Eric from competing at Olympics just because someday in a near-unknown future they could do shows?

Except that D/R were originally booked for SOI Japan, until foreign skaters weren't permitted, and had a commitment to do shows later in the year in Canada. Meagan had reason to believe there were plans that involved her and Eric skating together. He didn't tell her otherwise until he sprung this on her.

 

[Jeanie19]

I don’t understand how people are defending Eric who said a bunch of things about Meagan’s family and having another kid that Meagan literally denied this week. She tweeted that she had no intention of expanding her family at this time and she and her husband had not even discussed the topic, never mind discussing it with anyone else. Look at her Twitter feed for these comments.

Eric is the one who assumed (or claims) that Meagan was done with skating and would be pursuing other family obligations and more children in the immediate future. How you can claim Eric knows more about Meagan’s family plans than Meagan is beyond me.

also, she publicly said that she is not coaching at this time, so she literally had no other source of income right now except for the upcoming skating shows, which is no longer happening.

Great first post. Welcome to Golden Skate.

 

[Seven Sisters]

Not wanting to wade into the he said/she said aspect of this, but I have a question about a tangentially related topic.

I had assumed that even in the Before Times skaters did not get paid all that much for SOI tours, shows, and the like, and that retired competitive skaters could not really rely on those opportunities to make a living. I’m sure anything earned from these opportunities is a help, but in fact, just how lucrative are these tours and shows? For example, do they pay enough to enable a skater to live on their tour earnings, until the next tour comes around?