Madison Hubbell & Zachary Donohue | Page 14 | Golden Skate

Madison Hubbell & Zachary Donohue

blancanieves said:
I know that for some fans, English is their second language and certain subtleties in language can be tricky to register. When Zach says he won't go up to the podium for bronze, he's using a figure of speech: a word or phrase used in a non-literal sense for rhetorical or vivid effect. He is not actually threatening to boycott the medal ceremony.

His comments reference the mental training approach mentioned in the interview: "You're training to win, so start saying it." What he is doing is manifesting verbally the visualization process that athletes apply in their training. You visualize yourself crossing the line first, doing the perfect balance beam routine, etc. You don't train visualizing yourself coming in third, 23rd or last. Performing better than 3rd is his personal goal, what he is demanding from himself,. He isn't putting anybody else down.
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English is my second or third language but I know about figures of speech or the figurative speech. even idioms or idiomatic expressions. Second language speakers, like me, have the tendency to be more aware of the "subtleties" of the language they are attempting to master and are more concerned of syntax, etc. When he said "I actually won't go up on the podium to get bronze" (what's not clear about that statement? You don't have to put it in context to understand his 'message'), I knew what he meant. I understand your need to explain what he really meant ... you're obviously a fan hence the need to defend him. Zach's not exactly known for his literary skills so I don't have to intuit what he means by what he says in a given situation. And it's true, they train to win so they train for hours on end, hire experts, consultants, mentors to help them prepare for serious competitions ahead.

For the record, I didn't suggest he is threatening to boycott the medal ceremony... and I doubt he would. It's just mindless talk on his part.
 
This is H/D's fan fest though... wouldn't we assume the posters here are their fans? Otherwise we could discuss the interview in the Edge. Blind admiration isn't required, but if people dislike what he said that much, maybe the fan fest isn't the natural place to be.
 
Astrid56 said:
When he said "I actually won't go up on the podium to get bronze" (what's not clear about that statement? You don't have to put it in context to understand his 'message'), I knew what he meant.
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But a sentence has to be read in context. You have to read the whole paragraph to see the line of thought throughout it. A standalone sentence can be ambiguous.

You are isolating "I actually won't go up on the podium to get bronze" and interpreting it as a prediction: I won't be going on the podium to get bronze [because I will have won] But this sentence is supporting and emphasizing the preceding one: "I actually won't accept another bronze medal" (as in refusing to settle for another bronze).

The thought sequence starts at the beginning of the paragraph with "We're not interested in coming in third," and continues "won't accept another bronze," "won't go on the podium to get bronze," "don't really want silver," "I want to win."

The statement being made is "want to win" not "I will have won."

BTW I don't feel a need to sanctify any skaters. I just like to explain why I think portions of the interview are being misread.
 
blancanieves said:
But a sentence has to be read in context. You have to read the whole paragraph to see the line of thought throughout it. A standalone sentence can be ambiguous.

You are isolating "I actually won't go up on the podium to get bronze" and interpreting it as a prediction: I won't be going on the podium to get bronze [because I will have won] But this sentence is supporting and emphasizing the preceding one: "I actually won't accept another bronze medal" (as in refusing to settle for another bronze).

The thought sequence starts at the beginning of the paragraph with "We're not interested in coming in third," and continues "won't accept another bronze," "won't go on the podium to get bronze," "don't really want silver," "I want to win."

The statement being made is "want to win" not "I will have won."

BTW I don't feel a need to sanctify any skaters. I just like to explain why I think portions of the interview are being misread.
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What part of his statement needs clarification? He spoke plainly. And, BTW, his other statements merely validated what his "I actually won't go up on the podium to get bronze" declaration conveyed. Ambiguous? His use of the adverb "actually" _ a modifier _ strongly confirmed his intent.
 
I'm all for Zach being a little rhetorically ambitious and aggressive!
Quality-wise I don't see S/S and C/B possessing anything over H/B. So the third place finishes simply frustrate me, and which I'm sure frustrate him more!

Looking forward to seeing them perform well and being justly rewarded this season. Hopefully to the top of the podium.
 
semosk8tfan said:
Practice video of their SD at Skate Canada! New costumes!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI5kf3MY50M
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That SD was something else, especially the Cuando Calienta El Sol section. :dance3: :dbana: :dance2:Whew -- they were absolutely sizzling! I thought they were gonna melt the ice! Speed, power, connection, ice coverage, and beautiful costumes to boot. I am expecting great things from them this year!
 
Arriba627 said:
That SD was something else, especially the Cuando Calienta El Sol section. :dance3: :dbana: :dance2:Whew -- they were absolutely sizzling! I thought they were gonna melt the ice! Speed, power, connection, ice coverage, and beautiful costumes to boot. I am expecting great things from them this year!
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Madison's mom makes amazing costumes for them. I love Madi's FD dress. :luv17:
 
GREAT JOB MADI AND ZACH!!!!! The -1 time deduction is :scratch2:, but I'm glad it's something they can easily fix now and not get caught with it later when there's more on the line.

That footwork in the rumba and those twizzles were just :yahoo:!

Good Luck in the FD! :yes:
 
musicfan80 said:
GREAT JOB MADI AND ZACH!!!!! The -1 time deduction is :scratch2:, but I'm glad it's something they can easily fix now and not get caught with it later when there's more on the line.

That footwork in the rumba and those twizzles were just :yahoo:!

Good Luck in the FD! :yes:
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It was a choreography violation. I'm sure it will be fixed from here on out. :)
 
Uh somewhat underscored again. The British Eurosport commentators felt that it should've edge toward 80, and I agree. It's just such a complete program from concept to execution, much more flavorful than Weaver/Poje, and to me more timeless than Virtue/Moir.
 
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