- Joined
- Nov 19, 2010
It seems to me people see problems according to expectations and preconceptions in this case.
Could the expectation be too high because Patrick has been winning just about every competition handily the last two years, such that his podium finishes at every ISU event so far this season is deemed a great failure and regression? Wouldn't a retreat of his trajectory more to be reasonably expected than a continued unprecedented winning streak of every event in sight?
There is a preconception and disapproval that his current coach, Kathy Johnson, is unqualified and totally unsuitable for a world champion and OGM aspirant because of her unconventional credentials. In addition, Patrick's dating her daughter automatically creates assumptions of his mental state regarding his coaching situation. I don't presume to know the facts but I remember when Patrick switched to Christy Krall, an unknown part-time specialty coach, he immediately had a "disastrous" Olympic showing, followed by the infamous 4 falls per competition "scandals". There were a lot of "discussions" of his problems but no outrage and focus on bad coaching and stupid decisions by Patrick.
Again, I don't pretend to know the problems and solutions. Maybe I don't see as big a problem as most do but a necessary learning curve/progress and a natural sequence of drawing back before a possible leap or the launching of a new cycle. If indeed he proceeds from here to greater success, then I see a pattern repeated as set in 2010/11. If Patrick realizes himself what doesn't work and what else he needs, then I believe he will get himself the help he needs. He is surrounded by people he trusts who know and care about him so he will get proper counsel. I will wait to observe what will unfold. However, I do believe a person has to know himself and follow his heart and passion to be great.
Could the expectation be too high because Patrick has been winning just about every competition handily the last two years, such that his podium finishes at every ISU event so far this season is deemed a great failure and regression? Wouldn't a retreat of his trajectory more to be reasonably expected than a continued unprecedented winning streak of every event in sight?
There is a preconception and disapproval that his current coach, Kathy Johnson, is unqualified and totally unsuitable for a world champion and OGM aspirant because of her unconventional credentials. In addition, Patrick's dating her daughter automatically creates assumptions of his mental state regarding his coaching situation. I don't presume to know the facts but I remember when Patrick switched to Christy Krall, an unknown part-time specialty coach, he immediately had a "disastrous" Olympic showing, followed by the infamous 4 falls per competition "scandals". There were a lot of "discussions" of his problems but no outrage and focus on bad coaching and stupid decisions by Patrick.
Again, I don't pretend to know the problems and solutions. Maybe I don't see as big a problem as most do but a necessary learning curve/progress and a natural sequence of drawing back before a possible leap or the launching of a new cycle. If indeed he proceeds from here to greater success, then I see a pattern repeated as set in 2010/11. If Patrick realizes himself what doesn't work and what else he needs, then I believe he will get himself the help he needs. He is surrounded by people he trusts who know and care about him so he will get proper counsel. I will wait to observe what will unfold. However, I do believe a person has to know himself and follow his heart and passion to be great.