Osmond to sit out 2018-19 Grand Prix events

[4everchan]

to me, it doesn't sound like retiring. It sounds like she is tired, and rightfully so. After the successes at the games, she was already a media darling and had to keep in shape for worlds, where she got another gold, this time in singles. Becoming world champion brought even more opportunities for her, shows all across Canada and Asia... lots of PR activities.... and on top of that, when I saw her in Montreal, she still had her trademark speed and big jumps. Her triple loop is probably becoming one her best jumps... So, at this point, if she were to do GP, she would have to rush into choreo and training. She needs a break : it's a very common thing after the games.

Do not forget worlds are in MONTREAL, CANADA in 2020. I expect she is taking a break now to be peaking in 1.5 years again. Being on the podium on home ice is a great way to retire, if ever by then, she had enough.

Kaetlyn has a very compelling story and is a role model. I am sure she will be busy meeting kids and perhaps doing some public speakings. There will be many interviews on TV she hasn't yet had time to do.

Exciting opportunities can be anything including rest and education. Sometimes, just doing something else for a little bit brings back the fire... and that, fire, we know she has plenty of.

 

[4everchan]

We’ll see....I love Gabby too but have a gut feeling we’ll see Zhenya at SC now.

possible as TCC internationals often get SC and you know, I'd be pleased to see Gabby, Zhenya, Wakaba or Satoko or even Caro if she is on the circuit at SC because I have an all-event pass lalalala

 

[moriel]

While I understand her reasoning, I am unhappy.
He was a strong competitor during last 2 seasons, and she has awesome jumps. I'll miss her during the GPs.

 

[Spirals for Miles]

Well I was not expecting to see that...
this changes up a lot... if Kostner is also retiring / sitting out the GP season, then Alina becomes the third seed? And this means that Gabby would also be seeded and thus get "Kaetlyn's place" at SC?
Now I'd like to see this:
Medvedeva: SC, CoC (I know, back to back, but she can do it)
Higuchi: SA, CoC
Miyahara: SC, NHK
Zagitova: Rostelecom, IdF
Tennell: SA, IdF
Daleman: SC, NHK
Sotskova/Kostner: Rostelecom, CoC

 

[Sveta]

to me, it doesn't sound like retiring. It sounds like she is tired, and rightfully so. After the successes at the games, she was already a media darling and had to keep in shape for worlds, where she got another gold, this time in singles. Becoming world champion brought even more opportunities for her, shows all across Canada and Asia... lots of PR activities.... and on top of that, when I saw her in Montreal, she still had her trademark speed and big jumps. Her triple loop is probably becoming one her best jumps... So, at this point, if she were to do GP, she would have to rush into choreo and training. She needs a break : it's a very common thing after the games.

Do not forget worlds are in MONTREAL, CANADA in 2020. I expect she is taking a break now to be peaking in 1.5 years again. Being on the podium on home ice is a great way to retire, if ever by then, she had enough.

Kaetlyn has a very compelling story and is a role model. I am sure she will be busy meeting kids and perhaps doing some public speakings. There will be many interviews on TV she hasn't yet had time to do.

Exciting opportunities can be anything including rest and education. Sometimes, just doing something else for a little bit brings back the fire... and that, fire, we know she has plenty of.

Totally agree with all of it. It's just smart and strategic decision to take it slowly next season as well as focusing on her other duties and gain some new experience, try something new. She doesn't have much competition inside Canada as well so she can take it easy next season, gradually preparing for main competitions.

 

[andromache]

This is super unexpected, IMO, and I can't say I'm happy about it. Partially because it because depletes the field and makes everything less interesting. And I just don't like it when anyone on top decides to take a break. Just my opinion - nothing to do with Katelyn personally.

I also hope that everyone who is admiring what a smart and strategic decision this is would feel the same way if Evgenia and/or Alina decided to sit out as well.

(If either of them were to do so, I kind of think they'd be inviting the negative "oh look her career is over just like Adelina lol. look how afraid she is to lose to someone better." types of criticisms.)

 

[Sam-Skwantch]

This is super unexpected, IMO, and I can't say I'm happy about it. Partially because it because depletes the field and makes everything less interesting. And I just don't like it when anyone on top decides to take a break. Just my opinion - nothing to do with Katelyn personally.

I also hope that everyone who is admiring what a smart and strategic decision this is would feel the same way if Evgenia and/or Alina decided to sit out as well.

(If either of them were to do so, I kind of think they'd be inviting the negative "oh look her career is over just like Adelina lol. look how afraid she is to lose to someone better." types of criticisms.)

Zhenya is only 18 and Alina is even younger. Kaetlyn has been competing seriously for probably 10-12 years now. Besides...Alina and Zhenya have to fend off other talented skaters who can challenge for their spots. Kaetlyn is in a totally different situation.

I’m fine to let the girl get some chill

 

[lesnar001]

I respect any decision that Kaetlyn makes. She knows what is best for her.

But I'm really going to miss seeing her compete at the GP events. Hoping she will still do 4CC and Worlds.

 

[[email protected]]

If she decided to retire the timing is perfect - the final chord is strong and positive. Saitama was a good retirement point for Caro - back to back bronze at OG and worlds. Now she could not get it even on home turf even after one favorite withdrew and the other collapsed.

I think it will depend on how Medvedeva and Zagitova's GP season goes. If business as usual I don't think Kaetlyn will reappear for the worlds. If Zhenya struggles adapting and Alina struggles with growth, if the Japanese cannot move to 225+ score zone then she might try to go for the second worlds gold. Just imo.

 

[andromache]

Zhenya is only 18 and Alina is even younger. Kaetlyn has been competing seriously for probably 10-12 years now. Besides...Alina and Zhenya have to fend off other talented skaters who can challenge for their spots. Kaetlyn is in a totally different situation.

I’m fine to let the girl get some chill

Kaetlyn is 22. I don't consider that to be old lady territory even for skating! (Old lady territory for skating = 25+).

Kaetlyn can afford the time off and sure, she's earned it. (I'd argue that Evgenia has earned it as well, but she can't afford to take it, so the point is moot.)

But as a pro-wrestling fan (don't @ me), man, it SUCKS when the person with the title belt isn't on tv for months and months (which happens, because the WWE loves letting Brock Lesnar hold onto the belt even when he's barely putting in ANY effort with the company at all). I wanna see the person with the belt defending it! I wanna see people trying to take down the champ!!!

(I 100% understand that as World Champion, Kaetlyn doesn't actually defend her title until the next Worlds Championships. But skaters do kind of defend their reputations every time they compete, and that matters. I remember in 2015 when Ashley beat Liza T. at Skate Canada, for example. It was a big deal!)

Anyway, not trying to belittle Kaetlyn at all. Just stating why I, as a fan, am less than enthused when skaters at the very top of the sport take a break.

 

[cathlen]

Not that suprising for me. Have a good rest, Kaetlyn!

Also, lots of new possibilities for GP lines-up without Kaetlyn. Will be interesting.

 

[chopinskate]

But as a pro-wrestling fan (don't @ me), man, it SUCKS when the person with the title belt isn't on tv for months and months (which happens, because the WWE loves letting Brock Lesnar hold onto the belt even when he's barely putting in ANY effort with the company at all). I wanna see the person with the belt defending it! I wanna see people trying to take down the champ!!!

Well, I mean, FS and WWE are both plenty fake, so a mutual fan makes sense.

 

[thesoundofice]

After all her achievements she might have reached the point where she's starting to wonder who Kaetlyn Osmond would be beyond the figure skater. It's human. Even though she doesn't need to retire to explore herself . I hope she'll come back stronger than ever for worlds 2020.
I wish her all the best, she's a great champion and a great person ( from what I've seen on her interviews)

 

[andromache]

Well, I mean, FS and WWE are both plenty fake, so a mutual fan makes sense.

Drama + costumes >>>>> sport

 

[CreepyBug]

Now I am even more convinced I wouldn't go out of my way to go to the GPF later this year Still a little bummed though, but I am glad it's just the grand prix series, and she might still be competing in worlds.

Guess I'll have to wait for the 2020 worlds trip and hope all of my favs will be healthy and competing then and there.

 

[MaiKatze]

Oh no. I was looking forward to more Kaetlyn. And we know from past skaters it is not easy to come back after a break. But she certainly deserves a break and life is more than figure skating, even for a World Champion!

 

[oatmella]

I think it's way too early to speculate if Kaetlyn is retiring - and the GP series is only a few months long ...

 

[chopinskate]

She'll be fine if she decides to do Worlds this year.

It's next year she'll have to worry about, assuming she skips GPs again. I don't think she can pull a Yuna and get on the podium like that.

 

[Spirals for Miles]

What's wrong with training in Russia? If Zhenya's shown us anything, it's that there's nothing wrong with training abroad and seeing a different view of the world.

 

[chopinskate]

*Looks at thread name again*

Oh, wait, of course