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Post by ApoloGold269 on Feb 18, 2009 0:22:53 GMT -5
Hey everybody....
I'll be the first to admit that I haven't been nearly as up to date this ST season compared to the last seasons, but I've still been able to see the "wonderful" flashing numbers from sportresult.com from time to time during competitions. But one thing I have noticed is that Apolo has slipped a lot from last season.
I'm not trying to be harsh on him or anything but I'm concerned as to why he has seemingly slipped. I wish I had more time to watch the competition so I could see for myself, but there hasn't been much time. So I was wondering....for those of you that have either watched or attended the events, have you noticed anything different about Apolo this season, as far as why he isn't doing as good? Or is the competition just adjusting and getting better?
One thing I have noticed when looking at those dang numbers is that Apolo has done a lot of things that are very uncharacteristic of him. I've notieced a lot of DQs this season, and there has been a lot of times (a lot more than usual, anyways) where he hasn't even made it out of the first or second heat.
Just concerned for our boy...please discuss...I want to catch up!
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Post by mtnme on Feb 18, 2009 0:34:47 GMT -5
not to fret, there was an Apolo article posted on that thread that REALLY explains it all, at least for me. Before the 2006, he was studied by his competitors so much, they knew more than he wanted them to. We who have been to the competitions see that he is skating strong, a few more falls than we're used to, but that could be ice or boot/skate issues, as he's wearing new ones this season.
I think he's purposely playing it down low and not tipping his hand. My prediction...he's gonna blow their doors off at Worlds.
Your second question. I have to be honest with you. It used to be Apolo ahead of the pack, and them trying to catch up. I think this weekends results have answered that question. Both the men's and women's team is REALLY strong and deep, better than it's ever been. They're giving Apolo a run for his money, and at least making him work hard to beat them. But make no mistake, he's still commands the ice the majority of the time.
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Post by susie on Feb 18, 2009 20:27:58 GMT -5
He'll be fine. He looked rough at the Canadian WC this time last year, and just okay at the SLC WC. But then he won Worlds.  He's focusing on Worlds right now. He'll be good to go. IMO |
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Post by wags on Feb 18, 2009 20:50:45 GMT -5
Hello ag269 - Not to worry. You have it right in asking if everyone is getting that much better. They are!! I've seen Apolo skate in heat where it was obvious that he was just there for practice. He seemed quite cavalier about trying just hard enough to win. Nothing more. This is not a bad thing. Why risk injury when it's not necessary? But IMO there are several reasons why he may not seem to a singularity this season.
First: As you mentioned we currently have so much more US competition for him. I've seen past interviews where he would admit that there wasn't a lot of competition for him here. This is why he would occasionally skip domestic meets and attend most all foreign meets. No longer! Jeff, JR, Anthony, Jordan, Travis are all breathing down his neck and I think he appreciates the push.
Second: He has new boots. This is something that effects the elite skaters more than we can imagine. I've heard several of them wail when they have to change anything minor. I can't even begin to think of how monumental this must be.
Third: IMO (again) He has his eye on Vancouver 2010. Everything he does between now and then are just steps in that direction. World Cups, Championships, etc...are very important to every skater. But this is all gearing for peak performance next February. If he has to back off to maintain his health....so be it!
Fourth: Don't forget...he still is the top US skater. More points, more podiums, more metals. And he skates as beautifully as ever!
Fifth: I think the judges are all smoking crack. Just ask anyone that attended Nationals!
Once again - just my opinion!
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Post by wildfire on Feb 18, 2009 20:57:09 GMT -5
I wondered what was up with the judges, lol!  Wags you hit it right on with the reasons, IMO. |
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Post by mtnme on Feb 18, 2009 21:13:36 GMT -5
Yeah, in Vancouver he was freaking ROBBED (hence that WTH? photo of him) AFter viewing the videos after we got home, it was obvious he was impeded on not once, but twice...but they let the guys slide and Apolo got the DQ. booooo. I tell you, not fair....  |
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Post by ApoloGold269 on Feb 19, 2009 14:48:47 GMT -5
Thanks for all your guys' replies!
It's so hard beng behind for the first time on ST and Apolo....it sucks! But thanks for updating me.
One point a lot of you brought up is that the US, not just international, competition is getting stronger. I definitely agree with you there. Three or four years ago at Nationals, Apolo would win every event with ease. And internationally, almost none of our skaters seemed to have a chance. It just shows you the great work of the coaches and the great level of skating that the US is getting accustomed to. Now at international competitions, it's not just Apolo, but JR (he's been my fav. other than Apolo for years now and I'm so happy to see him doing well!), Jeff, Jordan, etc. All the men are medal threats, and our relay team is better than ever. You had to know that team USA was getting stronger when they won the World Team Champs last year for the first time ever.
As for the boot issue, I know how that goes. I went from customized boots from Maple to BONT boots to try them for a week and I skated horribly. It's not just the boot...its the difference in them. It's definitely hard to adjust to different boots especially when you have to skate against the world's best skaters. So hopefully Apolo gets that worked out and kicks butt at the Worlds like he did last year!
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Post by A.O.Freak on Feb 19, 2009 15:12:09 GMT -5
i noticed that the asian short track teams are younger and very fast also..Apolo has alot of competition..But we all know Apolo can win it.. Hes gonna make a huge comback real soon |
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Post by Mars on Feb 19, 2009 17:44:43 GMT -5
i noticed that the asian short track teams are younger and very fast also..Apolo has alot of competition..But we all know Apolo can win it.. Hes gonna make a huge comback real soon And it's for that very reason that I'm not worried. Let's Go, Ohno! *cheers* |
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Post by apolostarr on Feb 19, 2009 18:16:26 GMT -5
He'll defend that World Title and win it again, hopefully flanked by two fellow teammates. I have faith in Apolo that will be do his best no matter the outcome!
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Post by tdav on Feb 20, 2009 0:16:55 GMT -5
It just seems to me that these young Korean skaters don't have any control. I mean, if you compare their skating to "the veteran" Lee Ho-suk's, it just looks kind of sloppy. Plus, considering how they've been doing in the relays lately [since Ahn's out and Lee Seung-hoon and Song Kyung-taek have vanished from the face of the Earth].
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