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Post by Lori on Oct 4, 2007 17:51:30 GMT -5
Though does anybody know if he liked the little female Chinese coach? She said when Apolo won his gold in Torino it was his SPIRIT that won that race. I loved that comment. And I believe the first person he went to and hugged was her, yelling "We did it!" (correct me if I'm wrong.) Elsa, I believe the one he hugged in Torino was Coach Jimmy Jang. He's the one Apolo gave his 1500m gold medal to after the World Championships in March. I agree - we've acquired some great coaches - Canada's loss is (hopefully) our gain... BTW, that Simon boy is really and up and comer, sounds like! Isn't he young - like maybe 16? Remind you of anyone? I LOVE Jeff Simon, Elsa! (he just turned 18, I believe.) I've been on his bandwagon all year, and I'm thrilled that he's on the team! Okay, he's a SoCal boy, so I'm biased. We have an amazing group for World Cup. Several talented up-and-come'ers - Katherine Reutter is another one of my new favorites. We have so many skaters on the injured list. Halie Kim, Sophia Milan, Derek Gray, Izy, Allison... Then there's JR Celski (a real young'un, touted as a 'budding' Apolo - many similarities, including the fact that he's from Federal Way in Seattle), who crashed in AmCup and had to withdraw - no word yet on his condition. Two who recently had surgery - Jade Wheeler (shoulder) and Tina Koenig (ankle) toughed it out and competed, but didn't earn slots on the WC team... These 'gladiators' get beaten up so bad for the sport that they love. Apolo talks about being 'blessed' - he seems to have an angel on his shoulder. He has competed both sick and in pain, but I don't recall that he's ever had to scratch or withdraw from a major competition because of illness or injury (death threats are another story). Commitment issues or 'distractions' aren't my greatest fear for him on his road to Vancouver - it's injury... |
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Post by elsa on Oct 4, 2007 19:19:07 GMT -5
Me too, Lori (worried about Apolo being injured.) I have to admit I was probably the only one who was sorta glad he planned his season the way he did -- to compete the minimum domestically. He's written (years ago - maybe even in his autobiography? but in any case, quite a while back) that domestic competition is a negative thing for him (and maybe for the others.) The traveling alone is tiring - and for him, it doesn't do anything to get him ready for international competition, while in Canada or Korea, it's a whole different story. He's also said that you never know what the other guys, especially the young ones, are gonna do! One more tackle (like he got from 16-year-old Ahn in 2002) might end his career! That's a huge huge risk to take. The Australian Bradbury not only broke his neck during a short-track race, but he also was cut so badly he nearly died from loss of blood before they could get him help (I hope they are prepared for such a thing nowadays!) I'll be thrilled to see him win medals again in Vancouver, but I may not be able to watch "real time." Same with Indy 500 stuff. Just call me Jennie, ahem. At least I can handle watching the dancing - they might be embarrassed or even break a bone, but I don't think anybody's at risk of being killed on the dance floor.  |
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Post by mtnme on Oct 4, 2007 20:32:33 GMT -5
Though does anybody know if he liked the little female Chinese coach? She said when Apolo won his gold in Torino it was his SPIRIT that won that race. I loved that comment. And I believe the first person he went to and hugged was her, yelling "We did it!" (correct me if I'm wrong.) Elsa, I believe the one he hugged in Torino was Coach Jimmy Jang. He's the one Apolo gave his 1500m gold medal to after the World Championships in March. ..... ] ...... Commitment issues or 'distractions' aren't my greatest fear for him on his road to Vancouver - it's injury... Lori and Elsa, I do believe I did see a photo of Apolo hugging the female coach of the US team in Torino. I also believe I read an article that she was well respected by the US skaters and went back to China to coach their team.- as she is Chinese, maybe she just missed home, family and friends. I don't recall reading why she left- but that is my disagreeumption. (a$$umption- the language nanny is at it again! Since when is disagreeumption an actual word in the English language??)  Me too, Lori (worried about Apolo being injured.) I have to admit I was probably the only one who was sorta glad he planned his season the way he did -- to compete the minimum domestically. He's written (years ago - maybe even in his autobiography? but in any case, quite a while back) that domestic competition is a negative thing for him (and maybe for the others.) The traveling alone is tiring - and for him, it doesn't do anything to get him ready for international competition, while in Canada or Korea, it's a whole different story. He's also said that you never know what the other guys, especially the young ones, are gonna do! One more tackle (like he got from 16-year-old Ahn in 2002) might end his career! That's a huge huge risk to take. The Australian Bradbury not only broke his neck during a short-track race, but he also was cut so badly he nearly died from loss of blood before they could get him help (I hope they are prepared for such a thing nowadays!) I'll be thrilled to see him win medals again in Vancouver, but I may not be able to watch "real time." Same with Indy 500 stuff. Just call me Jennie, ahem. At least I can handle watching the dancing - they might be embarrassed or even break a bone, but I don't think anybody's at risk of being killed on the dance floor. Nope Elsa, You're not the only one!! As much as I love to watch Apolo skate, I also understand he risks injury every time he takes the ice, as do any serious athletes. (Did you read the article about Jordan with a broken jaw and plates and screws all in his head?) That would certainly get ME re-thinking my vocation! (...it's not much of a face, but I'm rather attached to it...)  Every competition opportunity is probably weighed by it's value and necessity. Not only would the constant competing wear Apolo out, but certainly the constant traveling. Every hour his keaster is parked on a plane is an hour he can't train and a break in his routine- and lets not forget- all that traveling and competing is EXPENSIVE. We've all heard about athletes who "peaked" too early or too late for the competitive season. There is a rhythm and timing for athletes that they are always trying to achieve. - as for watching Apolo skate- heck- any of the short trackers- the race WILL have you on the edge of your seat- even watching it on TV (or YouTube!- I actually have to laugh at myself while watching races on Youtube- I have ALREADY seen the race!!- I ALREADY know the outcome!! ...and I STILL hold my breath and have that amped feeling like I'm watching for real for the first time!) While I'll grant you, we don't have to be too nervous about Apolo doing too much serious damage while dancing- I still suggest the "real time" skating experience will be one of the most amazing things you have ever witnessed. (I noted in another thread that a friend of mine went to the Calgary Olympics- "It cost a fortune- and it was worth every penny!", she said) So It's very nice that Apolo has ventured into other realms of the media spotlight. We get to see him more often than just the speedskating events and the biggest threat to life and limb I've seen recently is being hugged to death by Racheal Ray! |
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Post by Ghest II on Oct 5, 2007 16:20:44 GMT -5
Though does anybody know if he liked the little female Chinese coach? She said when Apolo won his gold in Torino it was his SPIRIT that won that race. I loved that comment. And I believe the first person he went to and hugged was her, yelling "We did it!" (correct me if I'm wrong.) So I assume they got along o.k.? But maybe she wasn't a tough enough task-master for the others (besides Apolo, of course, who's his own toughest task-master.) Or maybe he liked her fine and she just decided to leave. I'm pretty sure he liked Coach Li Yan. She was the first person he hugged after he won the 500m (she was on the side of the ice down the stretch from the finish line - I think he hugged Jimmy Jang after the relay). I don't know if you've ever seen the "Nerd" Halloween photos of Apolo, but those were taken at Coach Li's house. If he didn't like her, I doubt he would have gone or looked like he had so much fun. However, she definitely was a tough coach - I think I heard it mentioned in an interview. But I think the reason that she left was to go back to her homeland and be closer to her family and work with her national team. |
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Post by mtnme on Oct 5, 2007 18:16:14 GMT -5
Thanks GhestII for clarifying. I figured that was pretty much the case. (...and yes! I did see the "nerd" photos--too funny)
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Post by lilyover76 on Oct 12, 2007 11:01:09 GMT -5
US Speedskating website, www.usspeedskating.org, has announced their 2007 WORLD CUP team members. This news was dated Oct. 3 and you can click on that date (under current news) and see the entire announcement. Apolo is not on the list; he is not competing in WORLD CUP competition in China and Japan. Since Apolo is not on the team this year, I'm assuming that he will not compete in SLC in February. Anyone have any info to the contrary? Maria Garcia turned down her place on the team. |
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Post by Lori on Oct 12, 2007 11:52:03 GMT -5
Apolo is not on the list; he is not competing in WORLD CUP competition in China and Japan. Since Apolo is not on the team this year, I'm assuming that he will not compete in SLC in February. Anyone have any info to the contrary? Lily, (someone pleez correct me if I'm wrong) my understanding is that this team is for the first 4 World Cups. One of the later AmCups will qualify skaters for the last 2 (SLC is #6). I also think I read somewhere that these current WC skaters can qualify for the last 2 WC's based on their performances in the first 4. The one thing I AM sure of is that Apolo MUST compete in the Nationals (SLC in Dec) if he wants to go to the World Championships in March. MTNME: I love, love, love your pumpkin avi! |
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Post by lilyover76 on Oct 12, 2007 13:07:56 GMT -5
Lori wrote:
"Lily, (someone pleez correct me if I'm wrong) my understanding is that this team is for the first 4 World Cups. One of the later AmCups will qualify skaters for the last 2 (SLC is #6). I also think I read somewhere that these current WC skaters can qualify for the last 2 WC's based on their performances in the first 4."
Lori, I agree with your understanding above, in reading the rules for qualifying (at USS website).
I also agree (according to the rules) that Apolo must race in the Nationals/Dec. if he is to compete at the World Championship/Korea - March 2008. What we/I don't know is, if Apolo will/must race at the World Championships in March.
Anyone have anything concrete to add here?
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Post by mtnme on Oct 12, 2007 17:59:07 GMT -5
MTNME: I love, love, love your pumpkin avi! Thank You! Happy Halloween! |
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Post by linmiste on Oct 13, 2007 17:24:03 GMT -5
Hi, All!
This isn't too exciting, but I took my son to our first short track meet today, the Bay State Championships in Walpole, MA. We had a great time, and he remained interested longer than I expected (my son is not quite 4). There were racers from all ages, 7 on up, even some mid-lifers putting younger ones to shame.
We met a young girl, age 13, from Saratoga, NY, named Rebecca. She said she was at Midland in Sept. and will be in NY, of course, Nov. 3-4. I asked how skaters are ranked, and she said mostly by age, though younger kids at the small meets can skate in a higher age bracket if they feel they can compete. Can't do that at bigger meets. I asked if she had Olympic goals. She didn't seem too sure about that, but her older brother and younger sister skate, too.
I asked her the question that someone posted here about skaters touching the ice. She said it's just to feel where the ice is, but you don't put pressure on the fingers. It would slow you down. In practice, their coach gets mad if they touch the ice; I guess he feels they're going too fast for their age. I doubt her blades are off-set, though I didn't look that carefully.
As we exited the building, there was a poster with photos of a female skater who was on the Olympic team in 1998, 2002 and 2006 who grew up in the Bay State league. I think her last name started with an H and had 7 or 8 letters. Sorry I can't remember. But it said that JP Kepka also grew up skating there and that he and this girl were supposed to be married in the fall of 2006. I thought that was interesting; short track is a small world, I guess.
In one race, perhaps the 11 and 12 year-olds, a smaller kid was trying to pass the leader coming out of a turn. He wasn't successful, however, and put his hand on the bigger kid and actually pushed him. At least, I thought it was a push. The leader went down. You could tell he was discouraged, and the other kid was mad when he was disqualified. I wanted to tell him about Apolo's fall in 2002, but I didn't have the guts. Sigh.
Just wanted to share about my fun first visit to the ice with people who like short track, too. I'm hoping I can convince my husband to join us for a trip to Saratoga Nov. 4. It's fun to get into another world for awhile, and see how hard these kids work. I can appreciate the competence of Olympic level skaters much better now! I'd love to know if anyone is going to Saratoga. Would be nice to meet if we can!
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Post by Lori on Oct 13, 2007 19:42:25 GMT -5
I asked her the question that someone posted here about skaters touching the ice. She said it's just to feel where the ice is, but you don't put pressure on the fingers. It would slow you down. In practice, their coach gets mad if they touch the ice; I guess he feels they're going too fast for their age. I doubt her blades are off-set, though I didn't look that carefully. Well, there you go - thanks! Someone saw the question here and posted it at OZ too, and got a similar answer. As we exited the building, there was a poster with photos of a female skater who was on the Olympic team in 1998, 2002 and 2006 who grew up in the Bay State league. I think her last name started with an H and had 7 or 8 letters. Sorry I can't remember. But it said that JP Kepka also grew up skating there and that he and this girl were supposed to be married in the fall of 2006. I thought that was interesting; short track is a small world, I guess. That would be Caroline Hallisey - she and J.P. got married in late Sept. Here's a cute pic of Caroline and Apolo horsing around at a press conference...  That's cool that your son liked the skating. I hope you get to go to Saratoga - maybe you should start a 'Saratoga Meet-Up' thread!  |
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Post by linmiste on Oct 13, 2007 19:56:29 GMT -5
Thanks, Lori. What a cute pic of Apolo and Caroline! JP is pretty young, I think. The poster at Walpole said he was 21 in 2006. I wish them all the best!
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Post by skaterswaltz on Oct 14, 2007 2:31:10 GMT -5
I asked her the question that someone posted here about skaters touching the ice. She said it's just to feel where the ice is, but you don't put pressure on the fingers. It would slow you down. In practice, their coach gets mad if they touch the ice; I guess he feels they're going too fast for their age. I doubt her blades are off-set, though I didn't look that carefully. Thank you linmiste - I had asked that question. That makes sense- they're just using their fingers like feelers to see where they are in relation to the ice. I didn't know if it had anything to do with maneuvering those turns like when you plant a pole to make a turn when skiing or something. I didn't think they would put too much pressure, but wasn't sure. Thank you so much!! Glad you had such a good time -- I can't wait to see short track in person!  |
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Post by mtnme on Oct 30, 2007 11:26:08 GMT -5
Here is a link to a boatload of pics for what I believe is the recent short track competition in China. While Apolo didn't skate, this is good information on some of the other USA team members - and also getting to know some of the other "players" who will be Apolo's competition. Check 'em out. (Courtesy of Ohnozone-thanks for the link!) www.skatingjapan.jp/wcst2007/media/index.htm |
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Post by mtnme on Oct 31, 2007 19:59:23 GMT -5
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~Lori
