It's 2018 minus the black hearts. So I think he's feeling positive, but he's thinking everything through. He made the decision to pass on World's. Good decision, I feel. And he mused on that for quite a few weeks. He's scheduled for an extended period with SOI. That's coming up. But he's got to make a lot of decisions. His life is set up in Toronto, training at Cricket. Decision #1, does he stay in Toronto? If not, where does he go and when? Does he look for shows for the rest of the year? Does he take some serious time off and travel? Does he take some serious time off and hang out in Chicago for a few months? Does he consider continuing to compete on any level? Does he announce his retirement, or stay mute about that? It's not required. Nathan never announced retirement. He just did it. What opportunities are being presented to him? Will he coach? If yes, where? Does he want to advocate with USFS and the ISU for rule changes? The list could be endless. So far, he's made one decision public, not going to World's. But focus on that word Leap. He's considering major changes, which makes so much sense. 4 years ago, deciding to just compete at Nats and see what happens, made sense. He was 28, he was in superb shape, and he had no pressure on him. And he excelled. Things are different now. So what was a big toe in the water 4 years ago, is likely to be a big jump over the pond at age 32 with the past 4 years behind him. I don't think he's injured. But I think he doesn't feel in competition shape now, so what does that leap look like? Is it a leap of faith? Or is it a calculated leap into the next phase of his life? I kind of think it's the latter. I'm glad that he was willing to at least say that. He's not hiding, he's exploring, but not ready to make decisions yet.
Whatever he does will be wonderful (I love the Japan idea).
I think Jason only had one or two exhibitions to that, so a great blast from the past.
whereas Madi and Evan, for example, are not.
