Typical. I stay away from The Edge until I get the Men's FS from Worlds watched to avoid finding out the results, and when I return, this is the first thing I see.
La reine est mort, vive la reine!
(OK, so she's only retired. But, you know what I mean!)
I have to be honest, I am not surprised that this announcement has come before the Olympic season. It may sound trivial, but it was very noticable that when the British Eurosport guys were talking about how competitive the Ladies field was in Japan, and about how many very good skaters missed out on being selected for Worlds, they never once mentioned Mao's name. It is not that long ago that leaving her out of the conversation would have been unthinkable. So, I think that said a lot about where Mao was in the rankings.
Normally, if somebody announced their retirement the season before the Olympics, I would think they were mad. That was what I thought when the rumours started about Misha Ge. But, his situation is different as he was in a position where he was practically guaranteed an Olympic slot. So, yes, he may be in demand as a choreographer. But, he still would have been assured of competing in Pyeongchang.
With Mao, I totally understand her decision. Recent competitions have shown that she is not in the running for an Olympic slot. So, better to bow out now rather than put herself through the agony of not being selected.
It is always hard to know whether it is right to come back from a sabbatical or not. Whilst you were sitting out, others have been pushing the boundaries. Some can adjust to the new expectations straight away, like Virtue and Moir. For some it can take a little longer, but they can get there, like Patrick Chan. And then there are others that don't.
I am probably biased because I am a massive fan, but I have no doubt that if she had been from a different country, Mao could have adjusted a lot quicker. For me, there were signs that the old sparkle was still there. But, the ultra-competitive nature of the Japanese Ladies field meant that there were other things to deal with.
The comeback may not have been as successful as the first part of her career. But, it will not take away from the glorious memories we have.
I really hope she gets the send off she deserves at the WTT Gala.
This has to be the most appropriate video for this moment:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx8vp-2X2rM
Simon Reed pretty much says it all. And watching it again did set the tears off.
I will miss My Queen.
Thank you for everything.
CaroLiza_fan
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