- Joined
- Nov 19, 2010
How did she deprive Debi of practice time? Was she in charge of the rink time?
One thing is unforgivable- her words about herself and Debi before OG: "Every man prefers to look at a well-shaped woman instead of a rubber ball." At that time rubber was mainly of black color.
Even more despicable.....I hope she apologized to Debi when she later acquired some more "class." Until I hear that, my opinion will remain.
There was nothing that Witt did on ice that I liked. I couldn't stand her during the 84 Olympics. I was a true American fan and wanted no one else to skate better than the American girls. After watching her short program, I knew we were in trouble. That girl had so much pizzazz you couldn't help but, love her. During the long I was still rooting for Zayak, and the very cute Chin. Sumners always seemed like a ***** to me so I wasn't so devastated when she didn't win. Although the Olympics ended with Witt winning it wasn't until about 87 that I started to become a fan of hers. The one thing I learned to love about Witt was her determination. She wasn't necessarily the best skater but, she was like a boxer. She used the power of intimidation to psych her competitors out and it usually worked for her. In later years she was fortunate enough to make money when the market was hot(94 scandal).
Since Debi was mentioned in this thread I will add my two cents about her. At 86 Nationals(my first) I was in the first row watching history being made. I got the chance to meet her afterwards and I had the opportunity to hang with her for a little while. That girl was really smart. I get the sense that if she had come from money and only concentrated on skating she would have been even better. When people like Witt and Thomas come around I tell my friends that life is not fair. People like Witt and Thomas got on the line twice(this is a metaphor for when god is handing out gifts) Witt got on the line for looks and then got back on the line for skating. Thomas got on the line for smarts and then again for skating (and she wasn't a bad looking girl either). 10 years later I ran into her and she said to me "didn't I meet you at nationals in 86?"
I don't think we should hold against an athlete anything they say in preparation for a tournament or soon there after. There are too many emotions running rampant.
My guess is the "rubber ball" was an English version of what was originally said: "kautschuk", not "gummi." The English word "caoutchouc" is not widely used, so "natural rubber" or "rubber" usually comes instead. Btw, her words in Russian were also translated as "kauchuk" ball. And the color of that material is black.As for the rubber ball statement, I am a bit confused because the rubber ball I played with as a kid was what we used to call a Spaldeen (a widely available fist-sized ball used for bouncing games and catch, whose brand name was Spaulding), which was pink.