Kim's representatives end Orser's coaching relationship threads merged

[brownfox]

anyway from yuna's forum, description from her LP.. sounds great!!

Despite Orser's announcement of the split, Kim was at their Toronto skating club Tuesday afternoon working on her new long program with choreographer David Wilson.

"It is a fantastic program, by far the best one I've seen," Orser said. "It is well beyond even her (Olympic program) Concerto in F. It's a complete departure."

The routine is set to a compilation of Korean music, featuring the famous folk song "Arirang", Orser revealed. Kim's short program will be choreographed by Canadian ice dancer Shae-Lynn Bourne on Labour Day weekend."

 

[janetfan]

This came up an hour ago. The situation seems to be easing... well, at least I hope. Brian's last words have me hopeful.



There's also news on Yu-na's "complete departure" long program which is one of the "best [Brian] has ever seen."

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hCJpF5v_3ApoPEf-g9WgVTDzwD0Q

Thanks for the link and I agree it is sounding better.
I liked Olympia's take on this and why not cut both of them some slack?

I am happy to hear about Yuna's new LP - it sounds fantastic!

 

[Tinymavy15]

The Frank-Michelle situation is different. Frank wanted 20% of Michelle's future earning + coaching fee. Money was THE reason for the split.
Brian charged less per hour than Frank did in 2002 and had no stake in Yuna earning at all. I believe it was established that money wasn't a factor.

I don't know why Michelle let Frank. maybe it was partially a money thing. But 1 month before the olympics? she had paid him for a decade before that even when her family was skimping and saving pennies. There was certainly a conflict between them going into Salt Lake, probably the last straw of a shaky relationship that year or two. Michelle was growing independent and didn't want to be told what to do all the time anymore. Only natural really. But the timing? could have been a lot better.

 

[jian10]

Just to clarify, Yu-na did not refer to a specific athlete or country. She did not use a word that implied intentional obstruction. She referred to athletes putting the pressure on during warm-ups (e.g. by jumping nearby), something we all know goes on. It's called competition, but SBS added a malignant nationalistic taint. The media conjured up all the hooplah and the Japanese Fed made an official response. I don't know why Yu-na receives so much bad PR for that.

Come on. She was highly profiled and was a part of that news clip whether she liked it or not. The least thing she could do was to make a statement that she really didn't mean it and that she was sorry for causing such a stir. Just saying "didn't mention any nationality" doesn't cut it. Did she mean the other skaters (Canadian and American) then? She should have owned it. People are not that stupid and naive.

 

[jian10]

The Frank-Michelle situation is different. Frank wanted 20% of Michelle's future earning + coaching fee. Money was THE reason for the split.
Brian charged less per hour than Frank did in 2002 and had no stake in Yuna earning at all. I believe it was established that money wasn't a factor.

Whoa, 20% of future earning + coaching fee? Frank was greedy.

 

[jian10]

Since Yu Na's management team is headed by her mother, it is closely tied with her. Yu Na thinks so too. To see her emotional writing, one should know. So to completely give details and put down her management group, there must be negative impact large or small on the future of Yu Na's career as a pro or as an amateur. While Orser will be flooding in with sympathy and lined up top skaters who want to be coached by him. That's just how I see it at this point.

I agree.

 

[jian10]

I now live in Korea (moved this summer). The people around me have been talking. The disappointment (even anger) is palpable on Korean websites like Naver.com. Web users have accused her of terrible things (Dohn-Yeon-a, "Money Yu-na" ditching her coach to make big money on shows). Articles have been written on how she's "bae-eun-mang-duck" (ungrateful, but with harsher connotation). She's been criticized hard for that show of immaturity on Twitter. I really don't want to elaborate.

I really thought Yu Na and Brian would have the best and the most perfect relationship as coach and pupil. I really thought she was like a daughter to him. This makes me sad.

 

[Mathman]

(Kim could have made) a public statement (one that could have simply said: great coach, great ride, I need to pursue new avenues now in order to continue to grow/mature/learn).

See how easy it is to do things right? How is it possible that this multi-million dollar enterprise does not have one person on the staff who is capable of writing:

"'Great Coach, great ride, I need to pursue new avenues now in order to continue to grow/mature/learn' (signed) Yu-na."

 

[lavender]

After the Frank/Michelle situation I should have know that once again that kind of relationship couldn't last.

 

[seniorita]

How is it possible that this multi-million dollar enterprise does not have one person on the staff who is capable of writing:

maybe the seat is vacant and open for applications?

 

[Bluebonnet]

After the Frank/Michelle situation I should have know that once again that kind of relationship couldn't last.

Yes, there were some exceptions. For example, Yagudin-Tarasova.

 

[lavender]

The first competition that Brian would have gone to there would have been questions about Yu na. I don't know why some think that he wouldn't have been asked these questions during the grand prix. What would have happened if Yu na showed up at worlds and Brian's not sitting next to her. No wonder he felt it best to say something now.

Yes, there were some exceptions. For example, Yagudin-Tarasova.

Yeah that was a great one never to be repeated again with any of her other pupils. These pairings are rare.

 

[Mafke]

See how easy it is to do things right? How is it possible that this multi-million dollar enterprise does not have one person on the staff who is capable of writing:
"'Great Coach, great ride, I need to pursue new avenues now in order to continue to grow/mature/learn' (signed) Yu-na."

I can't help but think the biggest immediate casulty of all this will be ATS. Who would sign with them after this epic display of cluelessness?

They may be able to turn it around and learn from this so it doesn't happen again, but it's definitely hitting the ground stumbling.

 

[Olympia]

Yes, there were some exceptions. For example, Yagudin-Tarasova.

And, of course, Brian Boitano and Linda Leaver, and Artur Dmitriev and Tamara Moskvina. It's hard to cite the state-run coaching systems, where the relationship is very different, but I make an exception for Dmitriev and Moskvina because by many accounts, the two had a close bond and a lot of mutual respect, especially by the time of the second OGM.

There are enough of these pairings to keep us hoping that the next one we see will be like that. It certainly looked as if Brian and YuNa had that kind of relationship. Maybe they did at one point.

I'm kind of surprised to hear that people in Korea are expressing disappointment with YuNa. I assumed that they would take her side, but as several of you have explained it, it makes sense. The idea of respectful behavior toward one's elders and especially toward teachers would create an assumption that there are better ways to terminate a teaching relationship than this. Interesting.

 

[steyn]

For all those people who are questioning why Brian made it public, he actually answered this question in an interview. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hHl0rXd9D2cINbqbjPvW2tDsq-GQD9HQ2MGG0



He simply was looking out for his skaters. He took initiative and was probably waiting for Kim's camp to make a statement. That never happened so he figured he would explain the split so hopefully it will all be out of the way when his skater's start competing in the fall.

I don't think it is a valid answer. If that is the real reason and if I were him, I would suggest Yu-Na's side to make a public annoucement "together" about the split. Or, at least, I would notify them in advance that he would release it to the press. Then, I believe, they could have splitted in a peaceful and professional way. Both of them would not have been hurted. Why didn't he do that?

I am sure that he consulted his management company IMG and he knew what would happen. What was IMG's advice? Why did he decide to choose this painful way? I am really puzzled.

 

[prettykeys]

Not that I have anything against that but poor Orser?? If he felt underpaid he could have asked for more money per hour, whats the use of now saying "I nly got 110$ per hour" , if not to advertise his club and coaching? and also his reputation was up more levels with Yuna, which top athlete did he have before Rippon or even before Yuna? and now he is a coach of the ladies OC, plus he did advertsments in Korea where he was gloryfied for being her coach. Not bad I d say.

Absolutely.

If this is aimed at me, then yes, it's just you. My past posts on Yu Na are few, I've never posted on Brian AFAIK and I never get involved in the board wars. So I'd appreciate your not stereotyping me.

No, the comment about "extreme predictability" was not aimed at you. I already said you've not got anything against YuNa specifically (not that I can tell)...unlike some other posters...

Bottom line, Yu Na dumped the guy who led her to the OGM (and even more riches) in a cowardly way and called him a liar. Nothing he has said about her has been accusatory or below the belt.

Yes, but the way he talked about YuNa's mother could possibly cause her to stand up for Mom? And I'm sorry, but listing achievements like he did all the heavy-lifting and calling YuNa an "ingrate" is so wrong. It was a team: Orser the coach, YuNa the performer. There is absolutely no denying how incredibly supportive and helpful Orser must have been to YuNa, but she did her part, too. True gratitude requires these parts: the knowledge that Orser gave her things she could not supply for herself (check), the acknowledgement that what he gave was costly to him (check--he gave his time, devotion, effort, tutelage and heart that goes beyond the bill), the perception that he did it more for her than himself (questionable--I'd say it was a two-way street), and the perception that he did not take away from her or hurt her (also questionable, we do not know the full story, now do we?) If indeed he hurt her and made her unhappy, then listing the OGM and saying it's Orser's doing is narrow-minded and saying YuNa is ungrateful for that reason is being judgmental towards YuNa. There are more important things than medals.

Yeah, he could have walked away and didn't because he wasn't in it for the big bucks. That doesn't mean SHE wasn't cheap.

Then you are the one who is painting Orser in a bad light--because $$$ is just so important? I am almost certain that she offered and he refused. Money doesn't seem to be that big of an issue for YuNa, practically or the giving-away part. Up until this point, it was one of the foundations of their relationship. They trusted each other beyond the value of a paycheque. Again, you are being way too judgmental against YuNa in my opinion.

AND you're right, she should have had the guts to fire him face to face. Or even return his calls and emails.

Yes, I am disappointed about that.

I do find Brian's narrative much more impressive and convincing than Team Yu Na's. If it turns out to be false, I'll acknowledge my error.

I do not find it particularly impressive, except that it's clear to me that he still loves/respects YuNa and is very hurt. But then again, so does YuNa, and the fact that she stands up for her mother and says the mother did no wrong does cast a questionable light on some of Brian's words.

Like bek said elsewhere in this thread, to me they are both decent people who may have had a misunderstanding.

 

[janetfan]

I don't think it is a valid answer. If that is the real reason and if I were him, I would suggest Yu-Na's side to make a public annoucement "together" about the split. Or, at least, I would notify them in advance that he would release it to the press. Then, I believe, they could have splitted in a peaceful and professional way. Both of them would not have been hurted. Why didn't he do that?

I am sure that he consulted his management company IMG and he knew what would happen. What was IMG's advice? Why did he decide to choose this painful way? I am really puzzled.

One possibilty is that no one at ATS was returning his calls or emails. It is tough to plan a joint press release when only one party sees a need to go public. For whatever reasons ATS didn't feel a need to address this and Orser obviously felt differently.

I still agree as several have pointed out that a few simple remarks from Yuna and ATS would have made a big difference. They apparently avoided telling Orser and after they finally did they still did not make a public announcement.

Even though this is unfortunate it will work out. And I really don't think they left Brian with much choice.
Maybe ATS will do better next time.

 

[R.D.]

This came up an hour ago. The situation seems to be easing... well, at least I hope. Brian's last words have me hopeful.



There's also news on Yu-na's "complete departure" long program which is one of the "best [Brian] has ever seen."

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hCJpF5v_3ApoPEf-g9WgVTDzwD0Q

That's the best thing to come out of this mess- to know that bridges haven't been burned. If true, Orser would take Kim back if sge asked.

 

[Blades of Passion]

Heaven help us if Yu-Na ever adjusts her wedgie in front of a camera. We'll have 300+ posts speculating about how she needs to change underwear brands.

 

[steyn]

One possibilty is that no one at ATS was returning his calls or emails. It is tough to plan a joint press release when only one party sees a need to go public. For whatever reasons ATS didn't feel a need to address this and Orser obviously felt differently.

Well, I don't think this was the case, if you take seriously what Yu-Na wrote in her letter that "how perplexed and astonished we were when the interviews started to spread on the press". Moreover, they were at the same building together. He could have talked to them directly, if email got no response. Still both of them will see each other every day.