Michelle Kwan

[kareliz]

I have long thought that Frank and Michelle made an agreement to not tell the whole story. I think what they did say was true, but not the whole story. I got the impression that they both felt it would harm the other person's career to give any details about their split, so they made a pact not to talk out of love and respect for each other, knowing how the media can twist, distort and exaggerate anything they might say.

My main theory has always been this (please remember this is just a theory)Michell was being constatnly pressured to "up the ante" even though she had not been lower than 2nd place for some amazing number of years. She wanted to try those triple triples. Frank kept telling her that she didn't need them to win, and also that it was too hard on her body. Do clean, elegant, programs with 6 or 7 triples, maybe one triple triple, and you will win. Don't injure yourself obsessing about a trick you don't need. Michelle didn't agree with this, and felt she had to take a stand. Right after their split at Skate Canda she tried 2 triple triples, fell on both of them, and ended up in 3rd for the first time in a long, long time. Anyway, it is a simple theory based on just one idea, but I've always thought it might be true.

 

[Zuranthium]

I actually think it was the other way around. He is the one who was making her try the hard jumps. She tried them once just because she wanted to see for herself if she could do it in competition but then dropped them afterwards.

~Z

 

[ladybug]

I agree with Ladybug. All except the part about being sad.

I don't think it's sad for Michelle to be moving on to a new phase in her life. In figure skating, she's been there, done that. On to new challenges, new opportunities, new interests, new joys!

Mathman, I don't think it is sad for Michelle. It is sad for her fans and for the sport. I don't think Michelle needs figure skating but I do believe figure skating needs her in some form.

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

Karelitz - That's an interesting theory because Irina was at the time doing 3x3s and Sasha was getting the necessary hype to be a spoiler but as you say it is only a theory.

And if it were true, the big question remains: Why not wait till after the Olys? and to a lesser extent: Why Nichols?

Joe