I find it really hard to predict on the Men's side. SO much depth of talent and really no way of knowing what is going to happen.
Very true. The mens event has by far the most depth of legitimate potential contenders, and the most uncertainty surrounding it. Which makes it exciting.
Lambiel and Plushenko's bodies might not hold up;
Very true, not to mention their motivation, for varying reasons. One perhaps may not find the return to competition, after a year off doing only shows and a cushier life, is not all its cracked up to be. The other struggled with motivation almost all of last year, and was possibly close to retiring at one point, only deciding at the last minute to even try and defend his World title.
Joubert could get those defending champion jitters,
If the French press saddle him with more expectations it could get tough on him. That is when he has struggled in the past generaly.
Weir and Buttle...questionable consistency at this point;
I sort of agree, but would say Weir questionable consistency and true drive to reach the top, along with a ticking clock, given that he is an increasingly older skater who has yet to medal at a major event, and is losing status with the judges as we speak based on little hints from their scores of last year.
In Buttle's case it would be more jumping limitations period. Is he even capable of doing a quad, or landing a triple axel more then 50% of the time? I think Buttle doesnt so much have consistency problems as he has hit his jumping limit, and it is remarkable he has even done what he has with a jumping limit below what the modern day truly demands of its top guys.
Oda might be VERY negatively affected by the DUI thing for the whole season;
Definitely could be. Plus his season seemed to fizzle out a bit near the end anyway, and to reach the heights of his GP events season again wont be easy.
Lysacek has proven himself to be consistent but now it's a question of "Is he really GREAT?";
I would say no. His only real weapon is his consistency. He is the kind of skater who finds himself on the podium through others crashing around him. There is nothing else that sets him apart from any of the other top guys, except there are a few others who dont do a quad, but many who do. Now that he has mastered a quad, I think he is pretty much at his peak of his own skating already.
and Verner might have been a flash in the pan.
You are right. Might be. Might not be. Will be intersting to see.
The ONLY thing I feel *sort of* safe about saying is that Takahashi WILL be on the podium.
Somewhat agree.
