Karen Chen on-ice collision article

[Seren]

From the context of her interview it sounds like she meant "I'm not mad at her" when she said "I forgive her." I don't think she wants the other skater to feel badly- she's probably said whatever she needs to to make that point. And she is 17, I think I'll give her a break on media skills.

 

[crazydreamer]

It never ceases to amaze me that people seem to expect figure skaters to have the media skills of politicians or celebrities. These people do not have publicists, are teenagers, and spend most of their days in an ice rink with only their coach. God forbid they be a little bit inarticulate once and a while.

In any event, nobody saw this incident or the subsequent exchange between the skaters. If I as a junior ran into a senior skater training for the world championships, and on whom the hopes of three olympic spots depend, I would absolutely feel guilty and ask for forgiveness. In that context, the comment I forgive her, it wasn't really her fault makes perfect sense and is quite mature.

 

[knifeshoes]

she's only 17 and she's not as much experienced as most of other skaters when it comes to media
I'm pretty sure she was trying to be nice so the other girl doesn't take so much blame
must be hard dealing with pressure and expectations at such a young age
thank god she recovered hope she do well in worlds

 

[VIETgrlTerifa]

She probably didn't give much thought to the word "forgive" when said it. Maybe she did. I choose to give her the benefit of the doubt until I hear more comments like that from her.

 

[CanadianSkaterGuy]

She probably didn't give much thought to the word "forgive" when said it. Maybe she did. I choose to give her the benefit of the doubt until I hear more comments like that from her.

This. I don't know why people are making a mountain out of a molehill. Especially when she clarified that she thinks it's totally not the skater's fault. To me, it was her saying indirectly to the other skater "In case you think that it's your fault or feel bad about it, I forgive you. But it's not your fault."

Not the best choice of words, but she's young and that question directed at her deserves more condemnation than Karen's response. "I mean, if you knocked down the US champion, you'd feel bad." To which I'd say "Well, I suppose if I had won silver or placed last everyone would have been fine with said collision?" :sarcasm:

 

[Violet Bliss]

Can't we just forgive Karen?

 

[slider11]

Lots of pressure for Karen and Mariah Bell in maintaining the magic 13 placements in order to keep 3 US ladies going to the Olympics. I think Ashley will do her part, likely/hopefully being in the top 5. But that puts alot of pressure on Karen and Mariah for one of them to be in the top 10. With Satoko out that gives a little more wiggle room. But I would love to see Karen just focus on the positive rather than reflecting a past mishap or how she perceives her boots. Sometimes you can talk yourself into bad times. I would encourage her to say that she's nervous and anxious to do well but excited for the opportunity to recapture the magic she had at Nationals. Lots of pressure for a 17 year old but hopefully she has coaches that can keep her moving forward and not looking for reasons to fail.

 

[louisa05]

So Karen is awful for not being media savvy enough. And skaters who are very media savvy and carefully and cautiously say the exact right thing are awful because they are too canned. (See the US ladies thread and the ice princess thread).

I'm pretty sure these poor people can never win when it comes to interviews.

 

[mrrice]

It never ceases to amaze me that people seem to expect figure skaters to have the media skills of politicians or celebrities. These people do not have publicists, are teenagers, and spend most of their days in an ice rink with only their coach. God forbid they be a little bit inarticulate once and a while.

In any event, nobody saw this incident or the subsequent exchange between the skaters. If I as a junior ran into a senior skater training for the world championships, and on whom the hopes of three olympic spots depend, I would absolutely feel guilty and ask for forgiveness. In that context, the comment I forgive her, it wasn't really her fault makes perfect sense and is quite mature.

These people do not have publicists, are teenagers, and spend most of their days in an ice rink with only their coach.

I could not agree more. As talented as these skaters may be, most of them are not media savvy. When I started touring at 16, we were given media classes. We had fake interviews and were taught how to answer questions. I don't know how they would make it happen but, I think these skaters could definitely benefit from a Media/Communications Course. They cover not only interviews but, being the interviewer as well.

 

[Moxiejan]

What I found most alarming about this interview was that AGAIN, a top U.S. skater arrived at an event with boots that were not fit for competition.
And, no, I'm not blaming a 17-year-old; I'm blaming her coach and whatever USFSA official is in charge of making sure that team members have proper
support with their equipment.

Really, if the skates are in such poor condition, what point is there in any of the other preparations?

 

[Warwick360]

Reading the title, for a moment, I assumed that Mirai was going to Worlds instead, just like the last time.

Anyways, I hope Karen brings her game, because there's so much potential for everyone to see, but feels like the waiting has been going on for a bit too long.

 

[Violet Bliss]

Reading the title, for a moment, I assumed that Mirai was going to Worlds instead, just like the last time.

Anyways, I hope Karen brings her game, because there's so much potential for everyone to see, but feels like the waiting has been going on for a bit too long.

It may feel very long for the hungry fans but for a 17 year old, how long could it have been? She does not need the pressure. Of course, I hope she bring her game.

 

[Warwick360]

It may feel very long for the hungry fans but for a 17 year old, how long could it have been? She does not need the pressure. Of course, I hope she bring her game.

Not trying to ply the pressure. Rather than wanting, it's been more of a wishing game. Wishing that she could replicate what she can do at the National stage, to the international. Especially when the Russian girls don't have the competition against anyone other than between themselves in most of the competitions. If not Chen then I really hope that someone steps up to the plate sooner or later when Ashley and possibly Gold end up retiring.

 

[andromache]

It may feel very long for the hungry fans but for a 17 year old, how long could it have been? She does not need the pressure. Of course, I hope she bring her game.

If Karen is hungry then it will feel like there's been a long wait for her. You have to be hungry but without being desperate or dependent (being too hungry/desperate when you fail might be a disaster, i.e., Gracie Gold).

 

[drivingmissdaisy]

If Karen is hungry then it will feel like there's been a long wait for her. You have to be hungry but without being desperate or dependent (being too hungry/desperate when you fail might be a disaster, i.e., Gracie Gold).

One difference between Gold and Chen is that Gold's technique on most jumps was solid, before this year. Chen's jumps sometimes look out of control, so I think that even if she's confident, her technique may not be solid enough.

 

[andromache]

One difference between Gold and Chen is that Gold's technique on most jumps was solid, before this year. Chen's jumps sometimes look out of control, so I think that even if she's confident, her technique may not be solid enough.

I kind of agree, which means that I was totally amazed she stood up on all her jumps at Nationals. Not only did she handle the pressure of being 1st going into the LP, but her jumps seemed more reliable than I ever thought they were.

 

[Alchamei]

I see that the OP has been edited by Interspectator and not by the poster itself... What was changed? Did the title change or a part of the post was deleted?

 

[slider11]

What I found most alarming about this interview was that AGAIN, a top U.S. skater arrived at an event with boots that were not fit for competition.
And, no, I'm not blaming a 17-year-old; I'm blaming her coach and whatever USFSA official is in charge of making sure that team members have proper
support with their equipment.

Really, if the skates are in such poor condition, what point is there in any of the other preparations?

I don't think the skates are in poor condition. For whatever reason, Karen has difficulty finding boots that "feel" right. It's not that the boot is cheap or the wrong size but for Karen they are not providing her the appropriate support and fit. I appreciate that Karen needs skates that give her the confidence to move and jump properly. After awhile, though, it seems like it may be more of a mental obstacle than a boot issue. Just saying it "seems" that way. Karen had a fabulous skate at Nationals and that should be her focus to replicate that.

 

[Moxiejan]

I don't think the skates are in poor condition.

That's not what the article said about Karen's boot issues (wearing old ones because new ones weren't ready) at 4CCs:

"She said old boots and the pressure of being the U.S. champion led to a frustrating performance at the ‘18 Olympic ice rink. Chen attributed most of the problems to boots that 'collapsed at the very sole at the bottom. I had no support at all,' she added. Chen, like many skaters, relies on one set of skating boots until they are worn out. Her new boots weren’t ready last month so Chen wore the old ones that caused ankle pain."

 

[Sasha'sSpins]

I'm worried about Karen at Worlds. To say the least. :shocked: