The Missing Gold Olympic Medal

[gio]

Well your second paragraph contradict you last sentance.

Being of Russian descent could be one of the reasons (but not the main) for being loved in Russia, not in Europe! Mao Asada is popular here, Japan mania in Courmayeur. So, no contradiction!

Am I wrong to say in general European are more conservative than American? Ppl with different ethnics other than traditional European are difficult get accepted in Europe than here in US.

Ahem, did you forget Surya Bonaly? She is certainly more popular in Europe than in the USA.

 

[Mathman]

^ During her competitive career, perhaps. But now, Surya (an American citizen, by the way) is one of the most popular performers on the U.S. professional tours.

In fact, the most popular skaters in COI I would say are Bonaly (Afro-French), Victor Petrenko (Ukrainian), Irina Grigorean (Georgean, I believe), Besedin and Polishchuk (Ukrainian/Russian) and Rudy Galindo (Hispanic American).

 

[mzheng]

Being of Russian descent could be one of the reasons (but not the main) for being loved in Russia, not in Europe! Mao Asada is popular here, Japan mania in Courmayeur. So, no contradiction!
.

So Michelle's being Asia decendant could be one of the reasons. More or less ppl tend to identify themself with ppl with the same backgrounds. The background could be ethinic, cultural, profesion, etc. As far as Mao concerned, I would take ppl still look at her as a 'cute kid' skater. Ask fans decada ago, I read when a young Michell first appeard at Europe, she was very popular, too.

Was Surya Bonaly adopted by France parent? So she is French, of course she would be more popula in Europe, but at the time they don't really have top notched fefmal single competed at the amature scene. And did I say in general?

 

[Tonichelle]

Yes, IIRC Surya is adopted...?