Yuzuru Hanyu: 2016-17 Season

[mcq]

I think he tends to use spins in his competition programs to gather a bit of energy/rest, which is why they tend to be so much faster in exhibitions (and training!). And yes, his spins in Notte Stellata are gorgeous.

Agreed. His spins has seen better days and it actually pained me how visibly slower his spins were at during competition in WC (thankfully it is beautifully centred now and did not travel), compared to how he is usually capable of. As you can see, it reflected on the GOE on his spins. But well, when you have 4 quads you have to sacrifice something a bit, and it paid off, imo.

I think this is why I kind of wish Shae-Lynn would return the layout fro next program to seimei layout, where he finished all his jumps first THEN do 2 spins + Chsq. He very obviously restrained himself on spins and Chsq for that one last jump.

 

[Winnie_20]

I don't think there's much I can say about being at Worlds other than, I feel very fortunate to have witnessed Yuzuru's brilliance live. Again. Could have done without the post SP drama, but somehow I just sensed it would be all right. (LOL still amused there's actually evidence of it buried somewhere in this topic).
Our seats were so good, hurah (all the experience of refreshing websites trying to get good tickets for TV fandom conventions paid off!), and I cannot help but smile at seeing my ridiculously serious face during Hanyu's FS, and then going all crazy with excitement when it's over. I don't think I could rewatch the Ice Dance FS, I'll probably be embarrassed like heck because I really wasn't into it, it was soooo difficult concentrating on that event when all I wanted to do was celebrate.
I may never go to Helsinki again, but it was a lovely 1.5 weeks, with the best company I could have hoped for. Thanks!

 

[xeyra]

Agreed. His spins has seen better days and it actually pained me how visibly slower his spins were at during competition in WC (thankfully it is beautifully centred now and did not travel), compared to how he is usually capable of. As you can see, it reflected on the GOE on his spins. But well, when you have 4 quads you have to sacrifice something a bit, and it paid off, imo.

I think this is why I kind of wish Shae-Lynn would return the layout fro next program to seimei layout, where he finished all his jumps first THEN do 2 spins + Chsq. He very obviously restrained himself on spins and Chsq for that one last jump.

But the last jump after the choreo sequence is such an anticipatory experience!! I really like its placement there in terms of program balance. I always thought Seimei's last three jumps were a bit close together (especially 3Lo and 3Lz), so I really liked the layout he used with H&L to space things out a bit (plus the 3Lz right after the IB is always lovely, when he doesn't pop it!). But yeah, I feel like his second spin in particular did get slightly slower because of conserving energy so I guess I'd be willing to sacrifice the lovely balance of the H&L layout for a more energetic finish.

 

[cherryncy]

It's an old draft of his Hope and Legacy at the beginning of the season. They're writing a new blog entry about his performance at WC as he has changed a lot of details as the season goes. Wait for several days, they will post it.

Awesome. thanks for letting me know.

 

[beki]

lol look at this
http://www.goldenskate.com/forum/thumbs_center.php?do=top
half of them are yuzuru hanyu thread
the other half are related to him in other threads

Thanks. This is great, and fun to read comments I haven't seen yet. I didn't have the courage to go over to the event thread during the competition; and then I didn't want to ruin my incredible high of positivity and happiness. I just have to laugh that a few people are comparing Uno's second to Machida's. He wasn't even close. I thought Boyang had the second biggest "moment." Patrick and Shoma did nicely but they could hardly even touch me after that.

 

[shiroKJ]

I think he tends to use spins in his competition programs to gather a bit of energy/rest, which is why they tend to be so much faster in exhibitions (and training!). And yes, his spins in Notte Stellata are gorgeous.

His spins are so glorious in practice and in shows/EX. Through the years, as his tech increased, the speed of his spins decreased. Its unfortunate, but a needed sacrifice in this day and age.

 

[beki]

I don't think I could rewatch the Ice Dance FS, I'll probably be embarrassed like heck because I really wasn't into it, it was soooo difficult concentrating on that event when all I wanted to do was celebrate.

Wonderful as the teams are, ice dance was such a hot mess with mistakes and low energy compared to the mens... my sister and I felt the same as you. She was so done we almost could have skipped it. But you never know if things are going to be great and you'd be kicking yourself if you missed it.

 

[mcq]

But the last jump after the choreo sequence is such an anticipatory experience!! I really like its placement there in terms of program balance. I always thought Seimei's last three jumps were a bit close together (especially 3Lo and 3Lz), so I really liked the layout he used with H&L to space things out a bit (plus the 3Lz right after the IB is always lovely, when he doesn't pop it!). But yeah, I feel like his second spin in particular did get slightly slower because of conserving energy so I guess I'd be willing to sacrifice the lovely balance of the H&L layout for a more energetic finish.

Well, there were many criticizing about how after the stsq it was just jump jump jump jump for Seimei, so that is why Shae-Lynn and/or Yuzu alter it a bit, I guess. But after looking at the big picture, I actually want to see him able to execute his spin well without having to worry whether he would have enough energy for the last jump. He could go all out on his Chsq and just throw everything there for that "highlight" kind of feeling. It is not like having consecutive jumps in the layout will affect the PCS or CO in particular (stares at Zagitova's layout).

But I have to say, in his entire senior career, speaking of jump qualities and execution, I have never seen him do it better than he did in 2017 WC. Even for GPF and NHK 15, his second half 4T3T were a bit eh. But this time, everything is on point and flawless.

 

[YuzusHydroblade]

I don't know if anyone already posted this video
My heart is breaking at 5:07. Apparently he was so depressed after the SP that the next day when he was eating his breakfast he looked so gloomy, everyone (i suppose his mother and his team?) was very worried for him :sad4:
Oww he also says that he was able to regain his confidence because everyone believed in him :sad4: and if i understood correctly, he says that the thing that helped him the most was to see how everyone was supporting him after the SP :sad4:

Oh my god guys, at 6:53 he says he could feel (or that he knew? lol) that everyone was praying before the 4S3T (I'm still watching the video haha, expect more posts like this hahahaha)
Anyone knows what he says after they ask him what he was thinking during the ending pose? I hear that they are "Wow! As expected from Hanyu!" But i didn't understand what he said :c

I listened carefully and i think he said he only wanted to do a guts pose?
Hahahaha! at around 21:17 "Actually i'm really nervous right now, my hands are all sweaty"

 

[shiroKJ]

I don't know if anyone already posted this video
My heart is breaking at 5:07. Apparently he was so depressed after the SP that the next day when he was eating his breakfast he looked so gloomy, everyone (i suppose his mother and his team?) was very worried for him :sad4:
Oww he also says that he was able to regain his confidence because everyone believed in him :sad4: and if i understood correctly, he says that the thing that helped him the most was to see how everyone was supporting him after the SP :sad4:

One of the reasons I was so grateful to Charlie White for being so supportive and sweet during his interview. :sad4:

 

[beki]

One of the reasons I was so grateful to Charlie White for being so supportive and sweet during his interview. :sad4:

Can someone repost the link to that?

 

[xeyra]

But I have to say, in his entire senior career, speaking of jump qualities and execution, I have never seen him do it better than he did in 2017 WC. Even for GPF and NHK 15, his second half 4T3T were a bit eh. But this time, everything is on point and flawless.

And he still didn't get any +3s... the injustice of it makes me a bit mad but I guess this will make the record a little less seemingly insurmountable.

 

[YuzusHydroblade]

I don't know if anyone already posted this video
My heart is breaking at 5:07. Apparently he was so depressed after the SP that the next day when he was eating his breakfast he looked so gloomy, everyone (i suppose his mother and his team?) was very worried for him :sad4:
Oww he also says that he was able to regain his confidence because everyone believed in him :sad4: and if i understood correctly, he says that the thing that helped him the most was to see how everyone was supporting him after the SP :sad4:

Oh my god guys, at 6:53 he says he could feel (or that he knew? lol) that everyone was praying before the 4S3T (I'm still watching the video haha, expect more posts like this hahahaha)
Anyone knows what he says after they ask him what he was thinking during the ending pose? I hear that they are "Wow! As expected from Hanyu!" But i didn't understand what he said :c

I listened carefully and i think he said he only wanted to do a guts pose?
Hahahaha! at around 21:17 "Actually i'm really nervous right now, my hands are all sweaty"

I love him: "Skating is not just about the jumps, i want to work hard on everything"
This kid!
"Hanyu senshu, what is the thing you want to do the most right now?"
"Practice really hard!"

Can someone repost the link to that?

Here That interview was what made it possible for me to get out of bed after the SP...

 

[mcq]

And he still didn't get any +3s... the injustice of it makes me a bit mad but I guess this will make the record a little less seemingly insurmountable.

Well, can't be helped I guess, he skated a bit early and different panel of judges could result in slightly different scores; this same performance could be scored from 220-230 depending on it. Also, unlike NHK, he didn't have that boost from doing a good SP, or that NHK world record score that boosted him in GPF. Figure skating is also about momentum; if you look at Medvedeva, it is her consistency that help her gradually rise in PCS and GOE until she reaches a level where she is just unbeatable even with 1 mistake. Layout-wise, she actually did not do anything special and many actually has similar/higher BV than her (unlike the men where you clearly see that BV difference among skaters).

 

[narcissa]

I think judges will try to keep Yuzuru down the next season because the ISU hates repeat OGMs. So what we saw at Worlds might just be the tip of the iceberg.

Stay strong, Yuzuru, you will need it -- but I will be there all the way cheering for you

 

[Li'Kitsu]

Well, can't be helped I guess, he skated a bit early and different panel of judges could result in slightly different scores; this same performance could be scored from 220-230 depending on it. Also, unlike NHK, he didn't have that boost from doing a good SP, or that NHK world record score that boosted him in GPF. Figure skating is also about momentum; if you look at Medvedeva, it is her consistency that help her gradually rise in PCS and GOE until she reaches a level where she is just unbeatable even with 1 mistake. Layout-wise, she actually did not do anything special and many actually has similar/higher BV than her (unlike the men where you clearly see that BV difference among skaters).

While I agree that consistency plays a role (which is dumb in itself), it makes no sense to assume it was the deciding factor in the scoring of the Men's LP. Yes, Yuzu is inconsistent in executing his layout, but he is still less so than basically everybody else (maybe except Nathan, but then Nathan has only been 'really around' for 3 events) - look at Javi and Patrick being of the podium at GPF (& 4CC) while Yuzu won that, look at Shoma falling twice in 4CC and placing behind Yuzu there... doesn't look to me as if Shomas or Javis score took a hit from 'inconsistency' (Shomas even went up )
As for Evgenia: yes, she gets a consistency boost, but people are not giving her enough credit for what she does regarding GOE & PCS bullet points. I don't always like it, but she does check the boxes, so that comparison is not necessarily on point, IMO.

Thanks. This is great, and fun to read comments I haven't seen yet. I didn't have the courage to go over to the event thread during the competition; and then I didn't want to ruin my incredible high of positivity and happiness. I just have to laugh that a few people are comparing Uno's second to Machida's. He wasn't even close. I thought Boyang had the second biggest "moment." Patrick and Shoma did nicely but they could hardly even touch me after that.

+1. I also thought Shoma looked more focused on getting his tech done than Yuzu & Boyang. But people need something to nitpick with Yuzu and of course Boyang has to stay in his neatly defined 'jumper' box...


As for the spin discussion, pretty funny everyone talks about his spins being so much worse then what he could do, when he still has among the best in field
Not saying the 'complains' about his competition spins are unjustified, but it makes it clear how good a spinner he is ^^

 

[sallycinnamon]

I think judges will try to keep Yuzuru down the next season because the ISU hates repeat OGMs. So what we saw at Worlds might just be the tip of the iceberg.

Stay strong, Yuzuru, you will need it -- but I will be there all the way cheering for you

I really hope he won't be Yuna'ed But it's true that ISU doesn't like OGM repeats. If we don't count Plushenko's team gold, then Gordeeva/Grinkov is the last one who repeated a gold medal, right?

 

[Meoima]

I think judges will try to keep Yuzuru down the next season because the ISU hates repeat OGMs. So what we saw at Worlds might just be the tip of the iceberg.
Stay strong, Yuzuru, you will need it -- but I will be there all the way cheering for you

It's not just because they don't like him. I think main reason is that they all think he will retire when 2018 season ends so they want to invest in someone else. Sigh... if only he didn't mention about retirement so soon right after Sochi.
But nevertheless, I trust his ability. He has done so much for this sport, I think skating fans and ISU own him a lot.

 

[padme21]

I think judges will try to keep Yuzuru down the next season because the ISU hates repeat OGMs. So what we saw at Worlds might just be the tip of the iceberg.

Stay strong, Yuzuru, you will need it -- but I will be there all the way cheering for you

Sadly I agree. The way I see it is for Hanyu to repeat as OGM he's going to have to be perfect. Clean SP, clean FS. Any mistakes from him and bye bye medal and possibly podium.

 

[beki]

Well, can't be helped I guess, he skated a bit early and different panel of judges could result in slightly different scores; this same performance could be scored from 220-230 depending on it. Also, unlike NHK, he didn't have that boost from doing a good SP, or that NHK world record score that boosted him in GPF. Figure skating is also about momentum; if you look at Medvedeva, it is her consistency that help her gradually rise in PCS and GOE until she reaches a level where she is just unbeatable even with 1 mistake. Layout-wise, she actually did not do anything special and many actually has similar/higher BV than her (unlike the men where you clearly see that BV difference among skaters).

I wonder if he were doing a 4Lz or 4F they wouldn't hold back so much. As it is, they can mentally make the excuse that Boyang and Nathan have greater jumping prowess. I would still give higher GOE to Patrick, Javi, and Yuzu. When they hit, their quads are sublime.

topic: After seeing Medvedeva live, I kind of understand the spell she's put on the judges. You could see it most in the gala program. Gabby and (especially) Kaetlyn miss jumps in theirs (to their credit they were on when it mattered), meanwhile she does two 3-3s with no problem, and then a 3-3-3 during the finale. No fear in that girl. It creates an impression of dominance.