Jason Brown

[Bookseller]

I am sure that the decision wasn't easy for the selection committee. But with Ilia poised for gold, they feel that they can risk the other two spots. And it's a controversial call to pass up 2nd and 3rd finishers for Jason in 8th place. If his 3A was still solid, I'm sure that he would have been on the team. Butit was not and they really had no choice. They wanted Jason for many reasons, not the least was his longevity and his consistency. Plus he represents so well. If he had been 4th or 5th, he probably would have gone. But behind that is tough. I will not be watching Men's figure skating at the Olympics, because frankly, I don't care at this point. That Nationals coverage was awful. I liked Ashley and Ben, but half the time I couldn't hear them because the audio was so bad, (a blessing in the case of Tara and Johnny) and the commercials were dreadful! I pay extra for no commercials on Peacock and I was still bombarded by them. I'm giving Peacock a rest. If Jason does go to World's I'll definitely watch. But I just don't know if he'll go. I hope he does, actually, because I know he's still got good skates in him. The treatment of Tomoki is a whole other conversation. I hope he kills it at 4CCs! I can watch ISU feed for World's.

 

[cc07]

Good afternoon, JB fans. I've poked around on the GS forums for awhile, but felt compelled to finally create an account to share my observations because I was at Nationals.

I saw Jason rip off clean 3A's in the 6 minute warmups on Thursday and Saturday. Whatever happened in the programs was definitely mental and not lack of physical ability. Maybe it was the pressure of bringing back a classic program, coupled with doing such a personal program, stacked on top of an Olympic year. I personally know how hard it is to do a program like Say Something. I myself compete in an artistically inclined sport, and I chose to do a piece that was really personal. I got so far into my head, that on competition day, I biffed it. And I didn't have Olympic pressure breathing down my back. I can only imagine how Jason was feeling. It was absolutely gut wrenching watching his heart break in real time. What the broadcast probably didn't show is that after the scores were read, several folks in the audience stood up again and applauded him as he walked out. That is how much he is loved, and I hope he felt that.

He mentioned he'd be speaking with a sports psych, and I hope he's able to feel better for worlds, if he wants to do it. I agree with the comment made that perhaps Say Something should be tabled. Not sure it would be wise to choreograph a new free vs go back to something like Spiegel, but he did say it was super cathartic to do Love is a B after the 2018 disappointment. And if the rumors about the federation putting pressure on him are true, it would be fun to see him put out a similar style program and absolutely knock it out of the park, and then sashay into his show career or whatever he decides to do next.

 

[DizzyFrenchie]

Exactly my sentiment.
Everyone saying he shouldn't be picked but if the two guys will not do great at Olympics and Jason would go and do well at Worlds, all of a sudden people would say how it would have been better to send Jason at the Olympics. How many times have we seen skaters do well at Nationals and then nada... How many seasons have we seen Jason be around top 5 at Worlds (after injury, after concussion, after boot problems, while only training for half a season): every time... Those two won't get better scores than Jason would have (most likely)...

But then, after an Olympic medal, it's Worlds placement that matters, to retain the three spots for the next year; and that's where Jason Brown is essential.

 

[kan01]

It's true that USFS had their hands tied because of their own criteria (which I think they should put the emphasis on body of work as opposed to one high pressure competition-and for their own good).
Olympics is seen as the superior competition compared to World Championships, so it's no consolation for Jason unfortunately.
Jason seemed particularly nervous throughout, it must not be easy to compete knowing it's your last season and you won't have more possible redeeming ones (if that makes sense).

 

[Skating47]

Like all of us, prayers up for Jason. He has been thorough this before, sadly, so I have faith in his ability to navigate.

I can't imagine Jason going to 4CC. At first, to be blunt, my attitude was to heck with Worlds also, but now I think it might be good for Jason to hear the crowd one last time on competitive ice.

Maybe unpopular opinion: if he does go to Worlds, I don't care how much "Say Something" speaks to him, replace it. Bad juju.

I had a feeling that Jason wasn't going to 4CC because it is way too soon after Nationals. I think that he will go to Worlds because he will not want Nationals to be his last competition. Also, he would want to say goodbye to his fans. Moreover, Jason just might have to fill in at the Olympics so, he does have to practice for about four weeks. I agree that he should kick Say Something to the curb and do Spegiel Und Speigiel again at Worlds, if he goes to Worlds. It is a beautiful program.

 

[Skating47]

I think that is what all of us who are fans are hoping. I was gutted for him as were most here, but also did not believe he should be named to the Olympic team. I am thrilled for Max, mixed on Andrew because of his comments this fall. So unnecessary of him.
Jason has provided so much joy to so many for so long- truly a gift and I hope he is able to feel that.

I am happy that Max made the team. However, I am annoyed that Andrew made the team after what he said this fall directed at Jason, not called for at all. What is interesting to me is the US skaters for the team event were supposed to be announced Monday. Then, about 1 pm on Monday, Jackie Wong said that there would be no announcement of the team on Monday . Also, there is no time frame on when the team for the team event will be announced. My thought is that USFS is trying to convince Ilia to skate both segments for the men. Poetic justice would be if Jason Brown had to replace Andrew or one of the other men and was asked to do the team event.

 

[Bookseller]

Good afternoon, JB fans. I've poked around on the GS forums for awhile, but felt compelled to finally create an account to share my observations because I was at Nationals.

I saw Jason rip off clean 3A's in the 6 minute warmups on Thursday and Saturday. Whatever happened in the programs was definitely mental and not lack of physical ability. Maybe it was the pressure of bringing back a classic program, coupled with doing such a personal program, stacked on top of an Olympic year. I personally know how hard it is to do a program like Say Something. I myself compete in an artistically inclined sport, and I chose to do a piece that was really personal. I got so far into my head, that on competition day, I biffed it. And I didn't have Olympic pressure breathing down my back. I can only imagine how Jason was feeling. It was absolutely gut wrenching watching his heart break in real time. What the broadcast probably didn't show is that after the scores were read, several folks in the audience stood up again and applauded him as he walked out. That is how much he is loved, and I hope he felt that.

He mentioned he'd be speaking with a sports psych, and I hope he's able to feel better for worlds, if he wants to do it. I agree with the comment made that perhaps Say Something should be tabled. Not sure it would be wise to choreograph a new free vs go back to something like Spiegel, but he did say it was super cathartic to do Love is a B after the 2018 disappointment. And if the rumors about the federation putting pressure on him are true, it would be fun to see him put out a similar style program and absolutely knock it out of the park, and then sashay into his show career or whatever he decides to do next.

I agree 100% with you. That melt down was a mental block. He can do 3As. But when he put them in the program, they didn't work. His 3As were clean and good outside of the runthroughs. I hoped that they could break the mental block before the FS, but it didn't happen. He really didn't see it coming. 4CCs would be bad for him. World's might be very good. I hope that it plays out that way. I think he got too deep into that Olympic quest and the pressure ramped up. But only he knows. I knew something was wrong when they showed his parents on screen right before he started. They looked really worried. And that's not normal for them. I think he would have been fine at the Olympics. His goal would have been met. But he worries about making the fans happy and contributing to Team USA and he wanted to do really well, and it didn't work. Love is a Bitch, was a GREAT! program! I know he loves the message and music of Say Something, but it didn't gel. Going back to Speigel is probably a good idea. He scored well with that and it was similar content. But ultimately, it's up to him. And whatever he wants to do, his fans will support him. I wish the whole audience had stood up for him when he left the ice. He deserved it.

Jason's best years are ahead of him. He's got a lot to give and he's lost none of his talent or determination. He just had a bad Nats. That's it! He put himself under too much pressure. I'm sorry that happened, but he will recover and he'll still be the Jason that we love, but with a few more emotional scars. I wish his fans could all give him a group hug! He has never disappointed us! EVER! But we're sad that he's sad.

 

[Bookseller]

It's true that USFS had their hands tied because of their own criteria (which I think they should put the emphasis on body of work as opposed to one high pressure competition-and for their own good).
Olympics is seen as the superior competition compared to World Championships, so it's no consolation for Jason unfortunately.
Jason seemed particularly nervous throughout, it must not be easy to compete knowing it's your last season and you won't have more possible redeeming ones (if that makes sense).

It does. Too many eggs in one basket this year. All that pressure was put on Jason by himself. He is very tough on himself. His composure was remarkable, but I could feel the pain. But this does not diminish him. He will prevail.

 

[Bookseller]

I am happy that Max made the team. However, I am annoyed that Andrew made the team after what he said this fall directed at Jason, not called for at all. What is interesting to me is the US skaters for the team event were supposed to be announced Monday. Then, about 1 pm on Monday, Jackie Wong said that there would be no announcement of the team on Monday . Also, there is no time frame on when the team for the team event will be announced. My thought is that USFS is trying to convince Ilia to skate both segments for the men. Poetic justice would be if Jason Brown had to replace Andrew or one of the other men and was asked to do the team event.

Has Jason accepted the first alternate position? He turned down 4CCs. I know he was stressed by being 1st alternate in 2018. It's a thankless job.

 

[el henry]

Thank you for your in person report @cc07 and for joining us in the Fan Fest!

For once in their existence, I think USFS was poised to give Jason the benefit of the doubt in team selection, but he left them no choice with the disaster FS. It is one skate in a beautiful and brilliant career. I hope despite the disappointment he can feel the love from the fans.

 

[cc07]

I agree 100% with you. That melt down was a mental block. He can do 3As. But when he put them in the program, they didn't work. His 3As were clean and good outside of the runthroughs. I hoped that they could break the mental block before the FS, but it didn't happen. He really didn't see it coming. 4CCs would be bad for him. World's might be very good. I hope that it plays out that way. I think he got too deep into that Olympic quest and the pressure ramped up. But only he knows. I knew something was wrong when they showed his parents on screen right before he started. They looked really worried. And that's not normal for them. I think he would have been fine at the Olympics. His goal would have been met. But he worries about making the fans happy and contributing to Team USA and he wanted to do really well, and it didn't work. Love is a Bitch, was a GREAT! program! I know he loves the message and music of Say Something, but it didn't gel. Going back to Speigel is probably a good idea. He scored well with that and it was similar content. But ultimately, it's up to him. And whatever he wants to do, his fans will support him. I wish the whole audience had stood up for him when he left the ice. He deserved it.

Jason's best years are ahead of him. He's got a lot to give and he's lost none of his talent or determination. He just had a bad Nats. That's it! He put himself under too much pressure. I'm sorry that happened, but he will recover and he'll still be the Jason that we love, but with a few more emotional scars. I wish his fans could all give him a group hug! He has never disappointed us! EVER! But we're sad that he's sad.

I agree 100% with you. That melt down was a mental block. He can do 3As. But when he put them in the program, they didn't work. His 3As were clean and good outside of the runthroughs. I hoped that they could break the mental block before the FS, but it didn't happen. He really didn't see it coming. 4CCs would be bad for him. World's might be very good. I hope that it plays out that way. I think he got too deep into that Olympic quest and the pressure ramped up. But only he knows. I knew something was wrong when they showed his parents on screen right before he started. They looked really worried. And that's not normal for them. I think he would have been fine at the Olympics. His goal would have been met. But he worries about making the fans happy and contributing to Team USA and he wanted to do really well, and it didn't work. Love is a Bitch, was a GREAT! program! I know he loves the message and music of Say Something, but it didn't gel. Going back to Speigel is probably a good idea. He scored well with that and it was similar content. But ultimately, it's up to him. And whatever he wants to do, his fans will support him. I wish the whole audience had stood up for him when he left the ice. He deserved it.

Jason's best years are ahead of him. He's got a lot to give and he's lost none of his talent or determination. He just had a bad Nats. That's it! He put himself under too much pressure. I'm sorry that happened, but he will recover and he'll still be the Jason that we love, but with a few more emotional scars. I wish his fans could all give him a group hug! He has never disappointed us! EVER! But we're sad that he's sad.

For what it's worth, he received full standing O for right after he finished, and then after the score, a partial ovation.

I agree, he has so much more to give. As I was driving home from StL, the song "Kiss This" by The Struts came up on shuffle and I thought to myself that it would be VERY in the vein of Love is a B and would make an excellent short program should he decide to do one last redemption Nats.

Whatever Jason decides to do next, I am seated for the ride. I grew up in the days of watching the old pro circuit whenever those comps would come on, and more of a casual 4 year watcher otherwise, mostly because my dad only cared when it was Olympic season . Then Jason came on to the scene and by that time, I was on my own and got invested in following his career. When I need to get pumped up for a competition in my own sport, I'll watch one of his for inspiration. He's truly the best.

 

[Bookseller]

For what it's worth, he received full standing O for right after he finished, and then after the score, a partial ovation.

I agree, he has so much more to give. As I was driving home from StL, the song "Kiss This" by The Struts came up on shuffle and I thought to myself that it would be VERY in the vein of Love is a B and would make an excellent short program should he decide to do one last redemption Nats.

Whatever Jason decides to do next, I am seated for the ride. I grew up in the days of watching the old pro circuit whenever those comps would come on, and more of a casual 4 year watcher otherwise, mostly because my dad only cared when it was Olympic season . Then Jason came on to the scene and by that time, I was on my own and got invested in following his career. When I need to get pumped up for a competition in my own sport, I'll watch one of his for inspiration. He's truly the best.

I had also only watched skating at the Olympics, but becoming a Jason fan changed that. I had a friend who I went to competitions with. She had been doing that for years. So I got to see Jason compete a few times and saw him with SOI a couple of times. It was fun and I love it. But I became a fairly knowledgeable fan and that's been fun too. But that FS was too dejavu for me. I was in San Jose for that Nats in 2018. But he didn't give up. And I don't expect him to now. He doesn't have to compete if he's ready to step back from that, but I know that he'll be doing shows. And he might decide to do World's. We'll see. I'm there for him no matter what he does. He just is the best!

 

[el henry]

Jason has posted on IG.

 

[Bookseller]

Jason has posted on IG.

I'm glad he posted. I hope that he realizes that we are all with him. The comments say it all! This does not define him. He is phenomenal and he had a bad day. It happens. And it happened. But his best days are ahead of him. I hope that he'll compete again, but if he's done, that's ok. I want him to do what makes him happy. He will always be my favorite skater and many people's favorite, and we want to see him again, skating, coaching, choreographing, commenting. He's good at all those things. It was one bad day. It had consequences and derailed one goal. But it's not the end! It's a bump in the road.

 

[Skating47]

I feel so bad and sad for Jason and I am sending well wishes, prayers, and hugs to Jason. I am with Jason now and forever. I know that he will pick up the pieces of this heartbreaking disappointment and rise again. The best is yet to come Jason and I am here for it.

 

[kan01]

I hope those next steps include Worlds
He earned it and deserves it, and has nothing to lose.

 

[noskates]

I'm totally a Jason fan and I wish things could have "ended" differently. I was in Enterprise and saw the whole debacle. The only experience I can liken it to was Michelle Kwan skating to Fields of Gold after not getting the Olympic Gold at Salt Lake in 2002. Skating with tears streaming down her face - and me crying along with her. That's how I felt watching the expression on Jason's face after that disastrous skate. I think if he had placed 4th or even 5th he might have had a shot at the Olympic team. But 8th just put it out of reach. I do hope he goes to Worlds - if nothing else to potentially finish his amateur career on a high note. He's given us so much joy in the last decade and I hope he knows one skate does not eliminate all those great memories.

 

[cc07]

Oh my heart. Jason is sunshine personified and it hurts to see him in so much pain. But what has been awesome to see is how many skaters, from the 6.0 era to current juniors, from skaters in the US and all over the world, who have commented how much he means to them, how he has inspired them, and how he has changed skating- and the world at large- for the better. I hope he reads through the comments and is feeling the love, and I hope it gives him strength.

 

[Bookseller]

Based on the comments here and the comments on his post, I hope that he can come to the realization that this was a big disappointment, but that's all. We are all here for him and he's had a phenomenal career. And whether he decides to stop competing, or to continue as he did 4 years ago, seeing how things go, or to just do shows and start building a professional career, we all support him in this. I wasn't planning to buy an SOI ticket this year due to budget issues, but I am now thinking that I'd like to do that just to see Jason skate and be happy. It means traveling 3 1/2hours each way and a hotel room. But it will be worth it to see Jason live again. If he's skating, I want to be there. And I want to cheer loud and long. He's made this last 12 years of my life very special. I am so grateful!

 

[dorispulaski]

I do hope Jason reads the comments, especially those from his fellow skaters, from Tai Babilonia to Vincent Zhou, all of whom were overwhelmingly loving and supportive.

I am considering going to SOI to see him skate again.