Figure Skating Chat!- Page 40

[MTVMANN]

Posted: 3/25/07 at 2:04am

In closing I want to say that has been a lot of talk about Japan slowing becoming the world power in the Ladies Singles. The position has belonged to the U.S. since the beginning of competitive figure skating.
Yes, I would even say the U.S. was the World Power during the 1980's with Katarina Witt and Annette Poetch. GRD only had her, but the U.S. had Debi Thomas, Tiffany Chin, Rosalynn Sumners, Elaine Zayack, Jill Trenary and Caryn Kadavy who were all on the world podium and many times together.

But now, with Japan having the top 2 spots at Worlds, the reinging Olympic Champion, and other top skaters that can't advance out of the country (Fumie Sugrie), has the U.S. lost it's spot?
I sure hope not!
While I do love these Japanese Skaters (and some I really do love!), this is kind of sad due to the rich history of U.S. ladies in the sport. However, I wouldn't count them out!

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 3/25/07 at 7:50am

MTVMANN, I wouldn' be too concerned for the US ladies. There was a period of time in between Kristi Yamaguchi and Nancy Kerrigan that the US had to go through some rebuilding.

Remember, Nicole Bobek was very inconsistent, and Michele still had yet to hit her stride. Kimmie Meisner has the triple axle and the artistry, Emily Huges is a strong skater, too.

We also have the 2007 Junior World Gold and Silver medalists who will be joining the senior ladies in a couple of years. I can't remember their names, but they will definitely be a force to be reckoned with. It's amazing to see the sport changing yet again.

If you go to the site that shall not be mentioned, and look at clips from the 70s, and 80s, you will see just how much the sport has changed. And to think double jumps were all the rage at one time!!

I wonder what the Russian Federation thinks, as they didn't medal in any of the disciplines this year (and weren't even close in some cases).

Updated On: 3/25/07 at 07:50 AM

[Glebb]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 10:14pm

On NBC right now.
Why do I find it so dull?

[hermionejuliet]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 10:22pm

It's the US Open.... Poor Kimmie....

[Jane2]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 10:22pm

Kimmie Meissner's long program just now wasn't dull-poor thing!

[Jane2]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 10:27pm

Glebb, didn't you just like Rachael Flatt? I found her very exciting!! That girl could do everything and she did, plus she shows her love of the sport.

[Glebb]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 10:30pm

Not interesting.

[Jane2]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 10:38pm

[sesot]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 10:49pm

I am so glad I recorded this on my DVR. It was so boring. I miss Michelle and Sasha. This sport definitely doesn't have the same sparkle it use to. We need some new big stars. It is so sad. I have been watching and enjoying this sport for years; but the past couple of years have not been exciting and as entertaining.

[Jane2]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 10:56pm

Well, I enjoyed it tonight. The last three skaters were awfully good. and they're youngsters too! Of course, I missed an hour of it so maybe I would have been bored then too.

[Glebb]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 11:08pm

Well at least Johnny skates tomorrow night.
He's never boring.

[Jane2]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 11:11pm

His costumes are-yech.

[sesot]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 11:15pm

I have to agree he is never boring. Even if he doesn't skate well, he always has some drama going on. I agree Jane, his costumes are typically not very attractive- and again tend to be overly dramatic.

[Glebb]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 11:23pm

And if Patrick Chan skates I'll be excited.

[Jane2]

Posted: 1/26/08 at 11:25pm

And Sesot-they're all very similar, same colors, same style, same remnants flowing in the breeze, same wavy white areas crawling down towards his legs.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 12:45am

Just finished watching the tape, Caroline Zhang's performance to Ave Maria was stunning. Jane2, I liked Rachel Flatt. What a shame that 3 out of the 4 top skaters are not eligible for World's. Poor Kimmie, I don't know what to say.

[Jane2]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 12:50am

Oh good, Dottie, I think Flatt is a breath of fresh air that the sport needed!

I never was a Kimmie fan. She may be able to jump, but artistically I found her lacking. Lots of arms flailing all about. (as Dick would say).

BTW-they said that DIck Button won an award in 1946! How old does that make him? Figure it out!!!!

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 12:58am

One thing's for sure, there is a lot of depth to the American women. It will be interesting who our team will be in 2010. Again, it just seems strange with the old guard missing (Michelle and Sasha). Michelle definitely deserved a better way to exit the competitive arena.

[Jane2]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 1:09am

I saw Sasha on one of those skating extravaganzas. I wonder if Michelle will stay in skating, professionally?

[LaurenB]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 11:20am

I hope they do a tribute to Christopher Bowman when they cover the men's final today. I posted this link on another thread and I still find this performance to be breathtaking.
1987 Exhibition

[KChenowethfan]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 11:29am

Michelle is pretty busy being a sports ambassador for the State Department now and finishing her degree.

I was really impressed with Rachel Flatt- much improved from last year. I want to like Caroline Zhang, but something about her skating just leaves me cold. I suppose it will improve with age.

[supportivemom]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 2:03pm

What about the pairs couple of Baldwin and Inoue (?) and the marriage proposal? He was all over her and she seemed so reserved- maybe it's a cultural thing or maybe she was still trying to catch her breath- or maybe she was just so shocked- anyway- he seemed so sweet about it. Also loved the the pairs who won the event- even though they are too young to go to worlds- what great potential they have! I disn't get to watch much of it but there was a ladies skater who had the flexibility of Sasha- her spirals were stunning- who was she?

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 3:17pm

Baldwin is creepy and I wish he'd just leave the sport already. From the cheesey public marriage proposal to his supposed "mugging" incident at the world's a year or two ago, I just don't get him.

[KChenowethfan]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 6:36pm

Supportivemom- the flexible one you are probably talking about is Caroline Zhang.

And yes, John Baldwin is very, very creepy.

[sanda]

Posted: 1/27/08 at 8:48pm

hahahaha, OMG! What a result for Man's final in US Championship!

I am not a fan of Lysacek. But I simply cannot stand Weir. So I am just happy to see him beat by ...nothing.