Mao Asada

[yuzuandyulls]

Am I the only one who thinks that she was underscored???

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Her performance brought me to tears. What a legend.

 

[hurrah]

Mao's freeskate was artistically on a completely different level to the other skaters' performances tonight.

And I think her score (and that of others) shows that the judges are completely willing to give her an off-the-chart score if she can get her jumps together.

I am keeping my fingers crossed! Hope she'll be able to go to Olympics without an injury!!

 

[YesWay]

Beautiful free skate performance by Mao tonight! So good to see her smile at the end, and looking satisfied.

I'm long past caring what the judges and tech panel do to her scores...

 

[randomfan]

Mao's smile is one of the best things I see in my life.

Terrible and unfair scoring of her performance aside, her Madame Butterfly was so beautiful today! I'm happy that she seems to be happy with it! I hope she keeps going because it's great to see a true artist in the current field. Thank you for coming back, Mao! You deserve a standing ovation for many things.

 

[gotoschool]

Mao's great depth of emotion and expression, pouring her soul out for the whole world to see, her supreme skating skills. Simply heavenly! Out this world transcendence! Like an angel descended from the Heavens. I don't have words. I am struck dumb! The true spirit and essence of figure skating. Her sharp edges carved through every frame cutting a great wake that rolled into a massive wave of emotion. Thank you Mao from the bottom of my heart for coming back! And for giving us that bright, beaming smile! In the court of public opinion, I think you won the night. A huge standing ovation!

 

[largeman]

See you later and hope we will celebrate when you come back.

I opened the ISU result page and needless to say I was shocked (small consolation was underdog Anna got it together and even medaled, I love that! I want to watch her programs!). Now looking at the protocols, her scores may be low thanks to these carrots and two-foots and a popped flutz, but I imagine they might still be two artistically gorgeous and emotionally impactful performances. I am going to watch them right after this post, and then I guess videos of Anna, Ashley, Gracie, and Mirai and that's it. Okay maybe Satoko too. And then I'm heading back to these forums to check out what y'all are saying about 73.78 PCS, Yuna's record, etc. etc.

I have to say Mao's results are kind of devastating because for a while now the biggest hope in my life has been to see Mao win the world title again (or at least medal ). It was my birthday wish, it was my new year's "resolution," it was my password at work (Mao2016WC, and after it expired, asadaWC16), it was usually the last thought on my mind before falling asleep every night (perfect triple axel! perfect triple lutz!).

Because I only started to seriously follow figure skating and join these forums and become Mao's fan since Mar 2014 after the worlds, I really wished for her to remain active so I can continue with her on the rest of her journey. I was thrilled that she announced her return, and since then I have seen a Mao physically in great shape, mentally driven, with improved techniques, bascially showing everyone she still got it. But for one reason or another, things just haven't worked out in competition. Before worlds when I saw the post asking what everyone's expections/concerns were, there was only one concern that came to mind: Mao bombs, decides to retire (I didn't post that... because I was refraining from posting anything related to Mao and Worlds to not jinx her). I was very relieved when she indicated earlier in the week she's not retiring. I think I agree with Franklin99 then, that Mao should have a slow and steady buildup to 2018 Olympics. So this 7th place is just like the 6th place in 2011, no big deal if she can work through her issues and get there at the right timing. I will stand by her and continue to obsess over news and clips and scores.

Of course I feel blessed just to get to Mao's beauty on the ice, and I agree with the view that just her staying in the current field and continuing to compete is fantastic for the sport. But Mao is in it to win it. She did not come back to this to get a 7th place. As much of a legend as she already is, she will become an even bigger legend if she wins more world medals at her age, in this unprecedentedly tough field. I just really really want that to happen.

 

[gotoschool]

After running a translation from Japanese to English, it looks like Mao missed the 4CC's because of a knee injury and as Coach Sato said Mao did not get to practice as much as she wished. Mao said she was relieved after her freeskate and it does still look like she will continue.

My view is that with all the monkeying around with the scores, placements have become less important to many, as the numerous posts on forums and you tube criticizing the scores indicate. This is a huge elephant in the room. I understand that winning is important and that Mao could work on rotation, with this magnificent performance she has already shown how she has already toughened her nerves and revealed the great depths of her soul, but I know a lot of viewers like me cannot see and don't really care about underrotations, as my friends have said, because posture, symmetry in movement and in jumps, expression and smooth skating skills are so much more visible and have a much greater impact on the wonderful experience of seeing a great artist and athlete like Mao. I can't help but think of Lu Chen's Butterfly Lovers in the 1998 Olympics when I see Mao perform this version of Madame Butterfly, though Mao's was a little cleaner, down to the loose sleeves flowing through each fluid movement, the heart rending expression, redemption after a difficult year and the graceful agility of steps and arm movements that dance through the soul. And another thing they share is a lower score and placement than the winning performances, though I value theirs much more.

Besides, the standards for tech and PCS dramatically shift from one skater to the next. Mao is not the only one; Rika's scores for instance also seem low comparatively. In the big picture, the important thing for me is Mao's bright smile and that huge standing ovation, which speaks much louder than any heavily deflated score. Mao said before she came back something like one of the main reasons for her return was to do something meaningful in life with devotion and skill to completion after going out in the world and seeing people committed to their occupations for such a long time.

Mao made a great statement with this fabulous performance and it will be remembered.

 

[largeman]

Well, I just watched the two programs from Mao and I was moved to tears. (TSL Jenny, tell me that this skater does not have FACE) (I'm referring to TSL's ladies practice report where Jenny went on and on about Mao not giving any FACE. It was just practice, okay?)

Besides, the standards for tech and PCS dramatically shift from one skater to the next. Mao is not the only one; Rika's scores for instance also seem low comparatively. In the big picture, the important thing for me is Mao's bright smile and that huge standing ovation, which speaks much louder than any heavily deflated score.

Even before moving on to watch Ashley and Gracie, I know I am with you on this. These two performances in my view are the best from this season, perfect 3A or imperfect 3A. They by far trump the CoC SP or the Japan Open FS because of the exquisite performance quality and sheer emotional power.

 

[Silvia451]

So beautiful. Well done, Mao!

 

[orangecentipede]

Mao is going to skate 2nd after the intermission at the Gala

 

[largeman]

Fan cam of Madame Butterfly just got posted: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUigFS76uVc

I am a total mess after watching this...

 

[berry8]

I opened the ISU result page and needless to say I was shocked (small consolation was underdog Anna got it together and even medaled, I love that! I want to watch her programs!). Now looking at the protocols, her scores may be low thanks to these carrots and two-foots and a popped flutz, but I imagine they might still be two artistically gorgeous and emotionally impactful performances. I am going to watch them right after this post, and then I guess videos of Anna, Ashley, Gracie, and Mirai and that's it. Okay maybe Satoko too. And then I'm heading back to these forums to check out what y'all are saying about 73.78 PCS, Yuna's record, etc. etc.

I have to say Mao's results are kind of devastating because for a while now the biggest hope in my life has been to see Mao win the world title again (or at least medal ). It was my birthday wish, it was my new year's "resolution," it was my password at work (Mao2016WC, and after it expired, asadaWC16), it was usually the last thought on my mind before falling asleep every night (perfect triple axel! perfect triple lutz!).

Because I only started to seriously follow figure skating and join these forums and become Mao's fan since Mar 2014 after the worlds, I really wished for her to remain active so I can continue with her on the rest of her journey. I was thrilled that she announced her return, and since then I have seen a Mao physically in great shape, mentally driven, with improved techniques, bascially showing everyone she still got it. But for one reason or another, things just haven't worked out in competition. Before worlds when I saw the post asking what everyone's expections/concerns were, there was only one concern that came to mind: Mao bombs, decides to retire (I didn't post that... because I was refraining from posting anything related to Mao and Worlds to not jinx her). I was very relieved when she indicated earlier in the week she's not retiring. I think I agree with Franklin99 then, that Mao should have a slow and steady buildup to 2018 Olympics. So this 7th place is just like the 6th place in 2011, no big deal if she can work through her issues and get there at the right timing. I will stand by her and continue to obsess over news and clips and scores.

Of course I feel blessed just to get to Mao's beauty on the ice, and I agree with the view that just her staying in the current field and continuing to compete is fantastic for the sport. But Mao is in it to win it. She did not come back to this to get a 7th place. As much of a legend as she already is, she will become an even bigger legend if she wins more world medals at her age, in this unprecedentedly tough field. I just really really want that to happen.

Thanks for having posted such delicate hopes and concerns... That was touching

 

[solar]

Yes she got invited to the gala!

 

[miki88]

If any fan attended the FS event last night, can you please share a report of Mao's skate seen live? Haven't seen many detailed and great reviews so far. Much appreciated.

 

[gotoschool]

Thanks to CONK for posting this detailed information about Mao's knee injury.

After reading this, it is incredible that Mao was able to give what I regard as one of her best artistic, emotional, and even technical performances, not to mention the amazing SP she did in runthrough. She did only 60 percent level training since the beginning of March, did a run through the day before the LP with no jumps (only jumping outside runthoughs), and someone said she fell and hit her head in the warmup before the freeskate. Is this true?

om Jpn news:
http://digital.asahi.com/articles/ASJ430S85J42UTQP030.html?rm=215

Re. Mao's left knee injury: It got worse starting from the beginning of the year. Coach Sato suggested: '(You're) no longer young, please take some rest.' This is actually the main reason she had to skip 4CC. She left the ice and only returned to training on ice starting in March. She re-started the practice with the same goal as at the beginning of the season. But according to Coach Sato, even when returning, she could only train for about 60% of the full amount of training when she's at her top form from the past. So the goal of training prior to WC was to pursue for high quality performance and complete program. Coach Sato also thinks Mao has grown up a little and turns to be like an adult.




It sounds like Mao is not sure whether she will skate next season based on these comments, though the translation is not that good.


Mao: " Scheduled for next season was "I do not know yet ," but was enough motivation , "I want to go then connect this experience ."

In other comments, Mao mentions returning to competition because she didn't want to regret not competing a few years later. Mao also says something like she switched her feelings and decided to believe in herself just before the free, even though she was depressed and wondering what she was doing after her mistakes in the SP. That's about all I can roughly make out with the help of some guessing.

３１日のＳＰでは、ジャンプミスが重なるなど思うような演技ができなかった。それでも「あー何やってんだろ、といつもなら落ち込んでたと思うんですけど、違う気持ちになった」と気持ちは前向きだった。気持ちを切り替え「自分を信じるだけ」とフリーに臨んだ。

　１年の休養を経て復帰したシーズン。帰ってきて良かったかの問いには「競技を出来るのはあと数年。復帰しなかったら後悔していたと思う。たくさんの方が応援してくれた。それがうれしかった」と笑顔で話した。来季の予定は「まだ分からない」としたが、「この経験を次につなげていきたい」と意欲十分だった。

Would someone like to translate what Mao said?

 

[hurrah]

３１日のＳＰでは、ジャンプミスが重なるなど思うような演技ができなかった。それでも「あー何やってんだろ、といつもなら落ち込んでたと思うんですけど、違う気持ちになった」と気持ちは前向きだった。気持ちを切り替え「自分を信じるだけ」とフリーに臨んだ。

　１年の休養を経て復帰したシーズン。帰ってきて良かったかの問いには「競技を出来るのはあと数年。復帰しなかったら後悔していたと思う。たくさんの方が応援してくれた。それがうれしかった」と笑顔で話した。来季の予定は「まだ分からない」としたが、「この経験を次につなげていきたい」と意欲十分だった。

In terms of the short program on the 31st, I could not give a performance as I wished such as making jump mistakes. 'My usual pattern would have been to feel depressed, thinking, "what am I doing?", but I was able to feel differently' and have a positive attitude. I was able to switch my feelings to 'just believe in myself' and went for it in the free.

It was her return season after a one-year break. When asked if she was glad she had returned, she said, smiling, 'I only have few more years left where I can compete. Had I not returned, I think I would have felt regret. I received the support of many people. This made me feel glad.' When asked about next season's plans, she answered neutrally that 'nothing has been decided', but expressed great desire by saying 'I would like to take this experience into the future.'

 

[Arriba627]

If any fan attended the FS event last night, can you please share a report of Mao's skate seen live? Haven't seen many detailed and great reviews so far. Much appreciated.

I was almost moved to tears by her gorgeous performance. It seemed that she felt every beat of the music as she just floated across the ice. And yet she is powerful enough to do a beautiful 3A. She is amazing. Everyone sitting in my area was wildly applauding her. I loved it. Sorry I can't express it better.

 

[minze]

Ummm. I can't with the scores this season. The judges gave Mao the middle finger last night and I can't with this subjective score anymore

 

[miki88]

I was almost moved to tears by her gorgeous performance. It seemed that she felt every beat of the music as she just floated across the ice. And yet she is powerful enough to do a beautiful 3A. She is amazing. Everyone sitting in my area was wildly applauding her. I loved it. Sorry I can't express it better.

Thanks for the report! So glad to hear this.

 

[minze]

After running a translation from Japanese to English, it looks like Mao missed the 4CC's because of a knee injury and as Coach Sato said Mao did not get to practice as much as she wished. Mao said she was relieved after her freeskate and it does still look like she will continue.

My view is that with all the monkeying around with the scores, placements have become less important to many, as the numerous posts on forums and you tube criticizing the scores indicate. This is a huge elephant in the room. I understand that winning is important and that Mao could work on rotation, with this magnificent performance she has already shown how she has already toughened her nerves and revealed the great depths of her soul, but I know a lot of viewers like me cannot see and don't really care about underrotations, as my friends have said, because posture, symmetry in movement and in jumps, expression and smooth skating skills are so much more visible and have a much greater impact on the wonderful experience of seeing a great artist and athlete like Mao. I can't help but think of Lu Chen's Butterfly Lovers in the 1998 Olympics when I see Mao perform this version of Madame Butterfly, though Mao's was a little cleaner, down to the loose sleeves flowing through each fluid movement, the heart rending expression, redemption after a difficult year and the graceful agility of steps and arm movements that dance through the soul. And another thing they share is a lower score and placement than the winning performances, though I value theirs much more.

Besides, the standards for tech and PCS dramatically shift from one skater to the next. Mao is not the only one; Rika's scores for instance also seem low comparatively. In the big picture, the important thing for me is Mao's bright smile and that huge standing ovation, which speaks much louder than any heavily deflated score. Mao said before she came back something like one of the main reasons for her return was to do something meaningful in life with devotion and skill to completion after going out in the world and seeing people committed to their occupations for such a long time.

Mao made a great statement with this fabulous performance and it will be remembered.

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