- Joined
- Dec 13, 2016
Hi Tavi! I agree that Laurine's performances could be due to a number of factors beyond the coaching staff's control. However, some things are within the coaching staff's control, and I feel that they share a definite part in what happened with Laurine this year. The programs, the costumes, not being present. These are all practical things that should be executed flawlessly by the staff. Tutberidze's skater, for example, would never in a million years face such an issue.Laurine looked extremely nervous to me when she started - her breathing seemed almost uncontrolled - and I’m sure the costume malfunction didn’t help. But without knowing what happened- and considering that the costume apparently worked fine last season - I’m not sure it’s fair to blame her coaching team for that or for the fact that she’s underperformed this season. I’m sure she wanted very badly to make the team and this was her last chance. That kind of pressure can wreak havoc on your ability to perform well.
I'm really not interested in getting into a long discussion about her coaching staff, because I know that they are well-loved and seem to be good people. Honestly, writing any of this in the first place is just motivated from my love for Laurine and wanting what's best for her. Like I said about, it's clearly nobody's business which coach she chooses. But it's hard to deny the facts: it's more than just Laurine's skating that's suffered this season.