Lysacek announces return to competitive skating

[skatefan12]

So if a skater is injured (like Evan-probably minor, wont sit out long), do they still go to Champs Camp? I guess it depends on whether or not he can perform his programs, but I can't imagine the USFSA making him go just to sit through a seminar on "how to compete to win"...

 

[Tonichelle]

I think if Evan wants to show that he's not just giving lip service he should. Not for the fans, mind you, but for the USFSA...

 

[skatefan12]

Just wondering...I still hope he isn't that injured (and since we have heard absolutely nothing on the subject, I think it's probably minor). I would still go if I were him-like you said to show he was serious.

 

[Tonichelle]

btw, welcome to the board! post often and long!

 

[centerpt1]

I would think Evan would go if he could.....I mean, they're making Johnny go to it. Both guys could probably teach those classes.

(eta: well, except maybe the one about camaraderie with your teammates)

 

[skatefan12]

thanks! I actually joined a while back, but didn't feel the need to start posting. Then I figured, what the hell...

 

[Violet Bliss]

So if a skater is injured (like Evan-probably minor, wont sit out long), do they still go to Champs Camp? I guess it depends on whether or not he can perform his programs, but I can't imagine the USFSA making him go just to sit through a seminar on "how to compete to win"...

Well, they can make him give the seminar on "how to compete to win ......*". On "How to melt down at major competitions" there is seemingly no lack of experts on hand.

*Add your own qualifying clause here.

 

[skatefan12]

I know right. This has got to be weird for the both of them-coming back and doing champs camp after so many years out of the sport.

 

[Tonichelle]

thanks! I actually joined a while back, but didn't feel the need to start posting. Then I figured, what the hell...

ha ha, that's how it always starts!

 

[skatefan12]

by the way, how do you do that thing where you quote another poster and then respond? I suck with this kind of stuff

 

[Tonichelle]

underneath the post you want to quote there's a button (bottom right) that says "reply with quote"... if you want to quote multiple posts the little "+ button must be clicked on each post you want to quote and then hit reply.

 

[skatefan12]

underneath the post you want to quote there's a button (bottom right) that says "reply with quote"... if you want to quote multiple posts the little "+ button must be clicked on each post you want to quote and then hit reply.

Thanks!

 

[Jaana]

Weir being sick may have been due to the travel and being in South Korea for a (sanctioned, I imagine) charity show. Or not. However, that show was held several weeks before 2009 US Nats. The USFSA did not show much sympathy because they had their favorites, and Johnny Weir wasn't one of them. Whether or not Johnny was to blame for that is another matter.

Since Evan Lysacek (your favorite) was the direct beneficiary of Weir's placement at Worlds the previous year, I'm surprised you feel the need to make such a comment. Had Johnny finished one spot lower in 2008, Lysacek would have watched 2009 Worlds on TV, or from the stands, and the rest of the Olympic cycle might have played out very differently indeed.

And let´s not forget that Lysacek had two World bronze medals which also benefited other skaters. And in 2008 Lysacek was injured and could not participate in Worlds. Ifhe hadbeen, I doubt that Weir would have gotten the bronze. Besides, I believe if USA had had only 2 slots for 2009 Worlds, Lysacke would have skated better at the 2009 Nationals, LOL.

Weir himself is to be blamed if the federation was not feeling sympathy towards him, in my opinion.

 

[Buttercup]

And let´s not forget that Lysacek had two World bronze medals which also benefited other skaters.

Indeed, but it was Johnny's performances in 2004 and in 2008 that made it possible for Evan to go in 2005 and 2009.

And in 2008 Lysacek was injured and could not participate in Worlds. Ifhe hadbeen, I doubt that Weir would have gotten the bronze.

I don't recall Evan knocking anyone off the podium in 2007, or blowing everyone out of the water before he was injured in 2008. And he needed some friendly judging to defend his national title that year.

Besides, I believe if USA had had only 2 slots for 2009 Worlds, Lysacke would have skated better at the 2009 Nationals, LOL.

Why is there a LOL at the end of that?

So basically your argument here is that Evan only skates as well as he needs to, rather than trying to skate his best? You know, I actually agree with that, he did that quite often in his career and I imagine that explains my lukewarm reaction to his skating.

Look, Lysacek deserved his World title and he got his OGM, and in the case of the latter, the stars aligned and the politikking worked, too. If his goal is to win another one, he needs to either show vast improvement over what we saw from him in the past or hope for a poorly skated event in Sochi. Unless he's just gunning for a team medal. That is certainly a likely outcome for the US team.

 

[Tonichelle]

So basically your argument here is that Evan only skates as well as he needs to, rather than trying to skate his best? You know, I actually agree with that, he did that quite often in his career and I imagine that explains my lukewarm reaction to his skating.

He's a Frank Carrol skater - only do what's needed, and don't mess with a working system...

 

[Skater Boy]

I guess Evan can fund his skating by endorsements, shows and some support from the USFA but what about Johnny Weir? Or perhaps his spouse (NY lawyer) is supporting his latest bid. I don't think Johnny has the endorsements or as many shows.

 

[Tonichelle]

Actually Johnny's had more appearances in Russia and Asian countries in the last two years than Evan... he also has done things outside of figure skating. I'm sure Weir is doing just fine.

 

[pangtongfan]

Weir being sick may have been due to the travel and being in South Korea for a (sanctioned, I imagine) charity show. Or not. However, that show was held several weeks before 2009 US Nats. The USFSA did not show much sympathy because they had their favorites, and Johnny Weir wasn't one of them. Whether or not Johnny was to blame for that is another matter.

Since Evan Lysacek (your favorite) was the direct beneficiary of Weir's placement at Worlds the previous year, I'm surprised you feel the need to make such a comment. Had Johnny finished one spot lower in 2008, Lysacek would have watched 2009 Worlds on TV, or from the stands, and the rest of the Olympic cycle might have played out very differently indeed.

I am sorry but it would have been ridiculous to send Johnny to Worlds after finishing only 5th at Nationals over Abbott who won the GP final (where Johnny was a distant 3rd) or Evan who had won the last 2 Nationals and medaled at the last 2 Worlds he had been in. If you suggest sick Johnny could have withdrawn and just gotten a bye, I am quite sure Abbott and Evan would have both been sent over him if he withdrew too, and rightfully so. Byes are only for people clearly above others.

 

[pangtongfan]

Evan, maybe. But Jeremy? No one "saved" him in 2011. I doubt he'd be held up at all if he bombed again.

It will be interesting to see if Evan's injury keeps him out of Champs Camp this week.

I said if they skated reasonably well. I said nothing about them bombing. I dont think Evan will be saved either if he skates poorly at Nationals but if Evan and Jeremy both skate well at Nationals they will be the two who make it, guaranteed 100%.

 

[Buttercup]

I am sorry but it would have been ridiculous to send Johnny to Worlds after finishing only 5th at Nationals over Abbott who won the GP final (where Johnny was a distant 3rd) or Evan who had won the last 2 Nationals and medaled at the last 2 Worlds he had been in. If you suggest sick Johnny could have withdrawn and just gotten a bye, I am quite sure Abbott and Evan would have both been sent over him if he withdrew too, and rightfully so. Byes are only for people clearly above others.

I was merely pointing out that the only reason the US had three spots for men in 2009 was because Weir medalled in 2008. Had he finished one place lower, the third US man - Lysacek, that year - would have had to miss Worlds. I don't particularly care who the US sends each year* and what their qualifying criteria is, but it should be noted that in addition to his bronze in 2008, Johnny had a better fall season than Evan (and Brandon Mroz) in 2008-9. BTW, Belbin and Agosto were given a medical bye for 2009 Nationals, even though Davis and White were looking equally strong at the time. The USFS, like many federations, is not above playing favorites.

* My favorite Americans that season were Abbott and Samuelson/Bates.