- Joined
- Mar 19, 2006
There are MANY reasons I think there should be 2 (at least!) competitive age groups that do compete at the international level.
11 - 16 Sophomore
17 - 24 Junior
24 - 32 Senior
Maybe a little change here and there for Just 2 groups:
14 - 19 Junior
20 - 32 Senior
(they have that "older" class and that age might be a good start for them)
Really it comes down to health, mental health and age fitting an attitude.
If the amount of tech req. was lessened at a younger age group then I think we would see less injuries and possibly less "youth deprived." I really look back and say I could have just relaxed and enjoyed life a little more to the fullest, I may have enjoyed living my life a little more then living for others.
That is just me, but I think of Sara and Tara (odd their names are so similar) hip and knee. Would they have held up better, developed at a more physically achievable ratio to prepare them for the triples if doubles were the only thing they needed to do until they were ready for Juniors?
Bolero with Michell is quite different then if Mao was to skate to it - some of you may not remember what movie(s) the song is synonymous with or what it is about. As far as watching, I acutely don't and didn't like a single skater perform to it; that just is not the song when it is the version by Maurice Ravel. The single performer would be more fitting to be accompanied by Frédéric Chopin or the original spanish composition from the 19th century that is sung to. And it is a Type of dance, not just music that T&D should have sustained the message to anyone watching - no fault of theirs, people just don't pay attention very well. And I do feel like that is to much pressure on some of the younger skaters as well as the older trying to stay young.
I would love to see a third World competitive class ( not as in the ISU sanctioned adult skating competition for people 28-70 {should be 32+}) to keep the hope alive and let them have a place to compete for a title. That should rase the bar for the older competitors awaiting the arrival as well giving the Junior class a last breath that is not so definitive.
Although this may be a little bit more of a hassle of scheduling for events, I don't think a true skating fan would mind more days of competition. Also see allot of different views on older vs. younger. My Mom asked me once "why Michelle was still in there, she should just let the little girls have a shot." Have had my nephew say "I hate watching the little girls, bring on the women."
All and all it just seems wise to Athlete health and spectator benefit.
Two last quotes from a "qualified "fans"."
"Olympics is meant to be the best in the world!! Age is merely a number. If we dont allow underagers to compete then it takes away credibility from the competition. Mao Asada would have kicked some butt at the olympics but wasn't allowed to go because of her age. What happens if she puts on 40 pounds by 2010 and loses all her jumps. She'll have to go through life saying she missed out on olympics NOT because she wasn't good enough but rather because of a rule some official made up."
-point to having a younger class compete, would have had a "sophomore" level she would have.
"The young skaters are actually MORE prone to getting hurt when training at such a high level. Kids who are in their early teens are not finished with their growth and the muscles mature faster than the bones, leading to more joint injury. Also note the number of young athletes who are out with hip and back injuries- this is not normal wear and tear for the joints. Add to that the fact that many young skaters are training at such a high level that their body fat is very low- this leads to hormonal imbalance and osteoporosis for young girls. As a medical professional, I'm all for age limits for competing at the national, world, AND olympic levels."
-point to having more classes period.
I am sure that you will all come up with some great points of consideration.
11 - 16 Sophomore
17 - 24 Junior
24 - 32 Senior
Maybe a little change here and there for Just 2 groups:
14 - 19 Junior
20 - 32 Senior
(they have that "older" class and that age might be a good start for them)
Really it comes down to health, mental health and age fitting an attitude.
If the amount of tech req. was lessened at a younger age group then I think we would see less injuries and possibly less "youth deprived." I really look back and say I could have just relaxed and enjoyed life a little more to the fullest, I may have enjoyed living my life a little more then living for others.
That is just me, but I think of Sara and Tara (odd their names are so similar) hip and knee. Would they have held up better, developed at a more physically achievable ratio to prepare them for the triples if doubles were the only thing they needed to do until they were ready for Juniors?
Bolero with Michell is quite different then if Mao was to skate to it - some of you may not remember what movie(s) the song is synonymous with or what it is about. As far as watching, I acutely don't and didn't like a single skater perform to it; that just is not the song when it is the version by Maurice Ravel. The single performer would be more fitting to be accompanied by Frédéric Chopin or the original spanish composition from the 19th century that is sung to. And it is a Type of dance, not just music that T&D should have sustained the message to anyone watching - no fault of theirs, people just don't pay attention very well. And I do feel like that is to much pressure on some of the younger skaters as well as the older trying to stay young.
I would love to see a third World competitive class ( not as in the ISU sanctioned adult skating competition for people 28-70 {should be 32+}) to keep the hope alive and let them have a place to compete for a title. That should rase the bar for the older competitors awaiting the arrival as well giving the Junior class a last breath that is not so definitive.
Although this may be a little bit more of a hassle of scheduling for events, I don't think a true skating fan would mind more days of competition. Also see allot of different views on older vs. younger. My Mom asked me once "why Michelle was still in there, she should just let the little girls have a shot." Have had my nephew say "I hate watching the little girls, bring on the women."
All and all it just seems wise to Athlete health and spectator benefit.
Two last quotes from a "qualified "fans"."
"Olympics is meant to be the best in the world!! Age is merely a number. If we dont allow underagers to compete then it takes away credibility from the competition. Mao Asada would have kicked some butt at the olympics but wasn't allowed to go because of her age. What happens if she puts on 40 pounds by 2010 and loses all her jumps. She'll have to go through life saying she missed out on olympics NOT because she wasn't good enough but rather because of a rule some official made up."
-point to having a younger class compete, would have had a "sophomore" level she would have.
"The young skaters are actually MORE prone to getting hurt when training at such a high level. Kids who are in their early teens are not finished with their growth and the muscles mature faster than the bones, leading to more joint injury. Also note the number of young athletes who are out with hip and back injuries- this is not normal wear and tear for the joints. Add to that the fact that many young skaters are training at such a high level that their body fat is very low- this leads to hormonal imbalance and osteoporosis for young girls. As a medical professional, I'm all for age limits for competing at the national, world, AND olympic levels."
-point to having more classes period.
I am sure that you will all come up with some great points of consideration.
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