- Joined
- Oct 19, 2009
Hahaha, well I guess I couldn't take advantage of all that. I still have a ton of love for Kristi, and she'll forever be associated with my introduction to this sport.I think the reason Kristi is so high on many peoples' lists is because of her pro career. She was the unrivaled star of stars on the U.S. pro circuit, back in the glory days when profession skating was something worth being the star of. She was still doing triple Lutzes in pro competitions and show programs right up to the end of her career at age 29.
Plus, she won Dancing with the Stars! Did Sonia Henie ever do that?
Oh, I certainly think credit should be given to them, but on a separate list of pioneers or pushers of the sport; not necessarily the best. Midori Ito may have been the first woman to land a 3A in competition, but to me it isn't that fact that makes me put her on the list of greats...it's the quality of her jumps in general and how she pushed the technical aspect of figure skating for women. Some skaters will be both greats and pioneers. Dick Button would be included as another combination contributor.I do disagree with you on one point, though. I think credit should be given to the pioneers who were the "first to do something," even if people came along later and -- standing on the shoulders of giants -- did it better.