Why so much bitterness and hostility?

[Nadine]

That's true.

I feel more sorry for the athlete, especially if s/he seems to be having a hard time moving on, which reminds me of Linda Fratianne. I read where she wasn't able to look at her silver medal that she won at the 1980 Olympics for years/decades later. It just seems so sad. Hopefully her personal life was more fulfilling.

I think it's all about having a positive attitude, and maybe something else to fall back on, but more than anything else just being happy with oneself, knowing you did your best. Great example is Sasha Cohen. She genuinely seems pleased with her silver medal. She had a few falls, but then picked herself up again & ended on a high note.

Then again times have changed, in the past it was all about the gold medal here in the States, but the public seems to be more accepting & embracing of those that have won silver instead of gold (personally I think Michelle Kwan had a lot to do with that & lead the path for Sasha Cohen to follow). This is a good thing. It allows the athlete to be proud of their achievement as well. Heck, just getting a medal should be an accomplishment in & of itself, be it Nationals, Worlds, or the Olympics.

And for those that have fallen, just remember Dan Jansen, his story is an inspiration for not just athletes alone.

 

[redhotcoach]

I believe Brian Orser said it took him years to get over placing second to Brian Boitano in 1988 Olympics 'Battle of the Brians". Even though the two skaters are friends - it is still hard to accept that even when you skate your heart out, after years of sacrifice, training, $$$$$, sacrifice -- it all comes down to a panel of judges making human (and individually humanly biased) decisions -- rather than against a stopwatch.

Sport is the only place where there is one winner - and the rest are not - as there can be just one winner.

I'm glad that national, world or Olympic titles are no longer a given in our sport. It forces athletes to push themselves to their limits, and gives us an unprecedented show of talent where the best skater of the day (not necessarily of the year) is rewarded with that winning title. Johnnie and his fans have enjoyed his wins; Evan and his fans can enjoy theirs. But next year - who will it be? No guarantees. Same with the women - Kimmie had her title; now Mirai has hers -- but next year? Depends who brings forth their 'A" game on the day.

 

[chuckm]

I was glad to see that Johnny was actually quite happy with his silver medal. What was important to him was that he had a fantastic skate, and tied on points with Evan (even if Evan won).

I saw the Medal Ceremony on [not-to-be-named-for-profit-website] and Johnny had the crowd in his corner: he got more applause than Evan when his name was announced, and again when the medals were awarded.

 

[Jaana]

A simple question then. Why does Johnny have more fans than Evan ? Could it be so simple a thing as that people (world-wide) enjoy watching Johnny skate more than they do Evan ?

Johnny was skating in international competitions earlier, I became a fan of his skating in 2001 Goodwill Games already. Evan came onto senior scene much later, it was 2005 Worlds where I saw his skating in international senior skating the first time. Based on his junior skating I had become a fan already earlier. I still continue being a fan of these both skaters. The huge negativity towards Evan flamed on as he started to compete better than the already very popular Johnny at Worlds (Evan has won two bronze medals and Johnny none) and later won his first National title also.

I have no doubts that also Evan has lots of fans in USA and internationally, but they just are not as visible on forums as those of Johnny.

By the way, I don´t remember seeing much negativity towards Verner in skating forums earlier, but saw a lot after 2008 Europeans....

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

Awww, you just made Ryan Bradley cry. Wet, silent Charlie Chaplin tears.

Oops, it's early onset dimentia. I did mention his Chaplin in another thread

Joe

 

[Babyskates]

A simple question then. Why does Johnny have more fans than Evan ? Could it be so simple a thing as that people (world-wide) enjoy watching Johnny skate more than they do Evan ?...

Evan is extremely popular. My guess is that Evan's fans aren't as vocal online as Johnny's. Johnny's fans may be louder in person at competitions, too. That may just be how Johnny's fans are. It doesn't mean that Johnny is more popular than Evan. Frankly I like them both very much where their skating is concerned but Johnny's mouth is beginning to turn me off to him.

 

[Hsuhs]

Long time no see.