Underrated skaters

[Skater Boy]

To be honest, I preferred Eric with Vanessa James. I think Eric is one of the all-time best pairs partners with his natural grace and athletic ability. Meaghan was athletic but that's about it. Vanessa had the lines and the smoothness that matched Eric. I wish they had stayed together longer to develop that "oneness" that defines great pairs teams.

I think Vanessa and Eric needed more time together. They also did not have the big tricks. So I am not sure we can say they were underrated. But I kind of agree Eric and Megan were underrated. I liked their arttistry and there was speed and power when you watch those programs. Savchenko and Massot at the time while an attractigve pair really weren't that unique, artistic and they didn't do the hardest elements. nor hav ethe speed or skating skills of some of the greats.

 

[Karoltyna]

Jari Kessler and his stunning spirals. Kornel Witkowski - I still hate how he was scored at Euros.

 

[ladyjane]

I've seen quite a few names, both in singles as well as in Pairs and ID, to which I agree. For example Weaver and Poje, and Akiko Kozuki whose wonderful footwork really got to me (in a positive way). I would like to add to these Rika Hongo whose River Dance FP was such a feast to behold. Maybe not as iconic as Jason Brown's in 2014 or Bourne and Kraatz's in 1998, but still. The joy!

 

[TallyT]

I've seen quite a few names, both in singles as well as in Pairs and ID, to which I agree. For example Weaver and Poje, and Akiko Kozuki whose wonderful footwork really got to me (in a positive way). I would like to add to these Rika Hongo whose River Dance FP was such a feast to behold. Maybe not as iconic as Jason Brown's in 2014 or Bourne and Kraatz's in 1998, but still. The joy!

Love Rika, oh yes...

 

[lariko]

Also, Mrazkova/Mrazek. Sorry, I am a huge fan, so I probably don't see things clearly.

 

[NanaPat]

Also, Mrazkova/Mrazek. Sorry, I am a huge fan, so I probably don't see things clearly.

If everyone saw things the way you do, they wouldn't be underrated! To me underrated by definition means "I think more highly of them than others do".

 

[elbkup]

Lindsey Thorngren
She was plagued with under-rotations from time to time but her jumps were beautiful, spins divine and she moved with grace. I adored Windmills, her last free program and was sorry she left the sport so soon.

EDT to add guitar version of “Windmills”

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Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

 

[RafaelAstro]

Rika Hongo, Wakaba Higuchi, Yuna Shiraiwa, Nana Araki

 

[TallyT]

I was reminded of Mikhail Kolyada - gorgeous, wonderful skater at his best.

 

[elbkup]

Rika Hongo, Wakaba Higuchi, Yuna Shiraiwa, Nana Araki

I still miss Rika

 

[gsk8]

I second Rahkamo & Kokko

 

[lariko]

Lindsey Thorngren
She was plagued with under-rotations but her jumps were still beautiful, spins divine and she moved with grace. I adored Windmills, her last free program and was sorry she left the sport so soon.

She was my mom's favorite skater!

 

[elbkup]

She was my mom's favorite skater!

Us older ladies know a thing or two!!

 

[lariko]

Us older ladies know a thing or two!!

That's why I have a photo with Thorngren and survived a moment where mom told Lindsey that she is better than Valieva (she meant spins, but I am afraid it was not the year to compare anyone to Valieva)

 

[elbkup]

That's why I have a photo with Thorngren and survived a moment where mom told Lindsey that she is better than Valieva (she meant spins, but I am afraid it was not the year to compare anyone to Valieva)

OMG !!

 

[lariko]

OMG !!

My mom is eccentric. I get second hand embarrassment once in a while. But, when it comes to throwing a hand-made toy to a junior skater during a deserted JWC for another fan, mom is there for it. So, I don't cramp her style.

 

[elbkup]

My mom is eccentric. I get second hand embarrassment once in a while. But, when it comes to throwing a hand-made toy to a junior skater during a deserted JWC for another fan, mom is there for it. So, I don't cramp her style.

Lovely.. cherish her

 

[4everchan]

Rahkamo & Kokko

I still watch Valse Triste regularly. I loved these two so much

 

[TT_Fin]

At old days almost every skater from small feds. It went better for a while when scoring system changed, but about 10 years ago it changed back. Also from big feds if skater's coach was/is unknown. Maybe money talks, but just as a guess.

To name someone I join Rika Hongo- and Akiko Suzuki-club. They had personality.

 

[niks]

I was reminded of Mikhail Kolyada - gorgeous, wonderful skater at his best.

Oh Misha! I agree, such a talented, beautiful skater He is really missed, he left a huge gap in figure skating when he retired that doesn't seem any closer to be filled.

But, was he really underrated? Seems to me (mostly) everyone appreciated his talent and skating, and he was highly regarded by fans, commentators and judges.

He was very sadly underachieving, that yes, as his results medals-wise did not end-up matching his enormous talent, not even close but that was mostly due to sad jump inconsistencies, injuries, and general lack of luck and misfortunes that appeared at the worst possible times in his career, and not really to lack of recognition.

Incidentally, I was also reminded of him just a couple of days ago in another thread about a skater coming back to competition after many years of retirement. I always felt Misha's career didn't end "right", between injuries and the Russian ban he didn't get to skate during his last season and didn't have a proper farewell as he deserved. So, though it's extremely unlikely, I do wish he would come back even for just one season, not just so we could all enjoy his skating once more, but also so he could have a fitting closing.