The ""Other" Skating - Figure Skating

[kirkland]

Lexi and I got into a figure skating discussion on an Apolo thread and took the thread off topic, so we thought it best to start a new thread since there seem to be a few of us interested in this subject. Most of us are living in the past though! Please join us!

[kirkland]

I hope I am not breaking board rules by doing this, but we got way off topic disucssing figure skating on the Introduction thread, so I took the liberty of copy/pasting the most recent last page of that thread here so we can go to town discussing and dissecting figure skating and skaters!

Everything below this line is copied from the Intro thread.
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Got Apolo? - Apolo Anton Ohno Fansite :: General :: General Board :: Welcome to the board! (introduce yourself!)
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Author Topic: Welcome to the board! (introduce yourself!) (Read 8,893 times)
kirkland
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« Reply #645 on Today at 11:02am »

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Vegas, I can't not respond! Where to begin....

I agree that most of the time you see that kind of chemistry in pairs of skate, dance, whatever, there was/is/will be a relationship. The majority of the time but not always. Look at Belbin & Augusto, Bourne & Krantz, Torvil & Dean, Brasseiur & Eisler, Starbuck & Shelley, Carruthers (bro & sis), Bereshnaya & Sig (formerly long ago) and the Canadian team (she lost her child in a drowning, name escapes me). To me the difference, aside from style, between Beresh./Sig & Sale/Pelletier is the romance between the latter. I fell in love with Sale & Pelletier when trying to ascertain whether they were a couple during Worlds 2001 (was in Vancouver for Worlds). My current favorite pairs team (I hesitate to call them a couple because they definitely are not a couple) is Ina and Zimmerman, even though they lack personal chemistry, they are incredible and I think they would have gotten gold or silver if they had stayed eligible (but for Ina declining urine test). I started watching them the first year they paired up, they were not good the first few years. But they have become total show stoppers at the Stars on Ice, they are amazing. He is so incredibly nice, too. As for other romantic couples, Shen & Zhao and who could ever forget Gordeeva and Grinkov - the most romantic and tragic couple of all time.

Please don't take this personally, but there is NO WAY Stojko was anywhere close to Yagudin in terms of technical and artistic ability. He was a powerhouse jumper but not a finesse skater. Maybe an argument could be made for Kurt Browning, but it is my opinion that Yagudin is the best male skater in the history of the sport. Just watch Winter, Man In The Iron Mask, and my favorite, Overcome. These are signature, career defining programs. I don't think even Plushenko has any career defining programs.

My personal all time favorite skaters know no international boundary. I am a sucker for the talent and charisma combination everytime, doesn't matter where they are from. Although, I've never been a big fan of Asian pairs for whatever reason.....and along came a half Asian skater named Ohno . Yagudin's move back to Russia left a void that has been quickly and effortlessly replaced by Apolo whom I will enjoy following for many years after his career in short track ends. I don't discount the possibility of a future relationship between Apolo & Julianne, but I think the odds are against it because the many layers of obstacles.
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number1fan
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« Reply #646 on Today at 12:22pm »

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Today at 11:00am, juliebug wrote:
And here I was rooting for Kurt Browning the whole time. Man! That guy could never catch a break. Still love him.


ITA juliebug! i love kurt!!! a fan for life!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8F5l4_R_38

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*my cutie pie* apoloohno.proboards92.com (spread the word!)

Vegas
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« Reply #647 on Today at 3:05pm »

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Kirkland! I just gotta respond...
Well, I am glad you agree that MOST pairs and ice dance skaters have an intimate relationship. In fact it is out of ordinary when they Don't!

Just to qualify, Underhill and Martini did have a relationship. Then they married others. Barbara confirmed it when asked on the CBC.

Torvil and Dean were rumoured to have a relationship, and then he married Isabel Duchesnay...after he became her and her brother Paul's choreographer working with her on a daily basis...he is apparently notorious with women skaters, and has since divorced her.

Brasseur and Eisler were girl friend and boyfriend for a time and then their relationship disolved and she married another. Of course Eisler had a pretty crazy relationship himself, bedding his ice dance partner on that Skating with the Stars reality show while married to someone else..

Jamie Sale and David Pelletier are married. Americans Jenny Meno and Todd Sand are married, Anton and Elena, the Russians were very very much involved with each other, and they had to work out their often public battles after she had a fall and the head injury. They subsequently met others. My all time favourite pairs are Gordeeva and Grinkov who were incredible, married and brought that magic to the rink.

My FAVOURITE Ice Dancers, Marie France Dubreil and Patrice Lauzon are getting married. There exquisite freestyle was to AT LAST and it was their imagined wedding reception. Perfection. I still maintain the BEST ones are married or involved or were involved.

Then there was the public affairs of the Russian ice dancers
Check out this link and see just how many elite skaters do get together. It is the same in Ballroom dancing.
www.figureskatingmystery.com/2005/12/change-partners-but-keep-skating.html

Shea and Victor, it's hard to say, of course Shea is now with Cousins.

Yagudin is a great elite athlete. But, I am not a fan of Alexei Yagudin. He is a very spoiled young man, not a good sport, he and Plushenko were ridiculous fighters...so Unlike Apolo Ohno. Personally I find The Man In the Mask and those types of routines over dramatic. I appreciate his skating ability, but I prefer the athleticism of Elvis . Ask Alexei and countless young male skaters who they look up to. YEP Elvis. And Elvis was so ROBBED in Lillehammer when Urminov took the gold. Another over dramatic ballet dancer. Now I love dance, but not at the expense of athleticism. Nothing personal but THAT is Ridiculous.

Let's not forget that for some ice skaters (but not Ballroom dancers) there is a gay element. In Ice Dance Wilson and McCall great chemistry but...when Rob McCall died of aids, back in the 80's the dance world was heart broken.
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Vegas
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« Reply #648 on Today at 3:09pm »

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Oh, and I love Kurt Browning...he's wonderful!
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lexi
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« Reply #649 on Today at 3:12pm »

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We should start a Figure Skating thread in the Off Topic section. This is all very interesting and we could go on and on.

Lots of skaters get together, but rarely does it last so I don't quite see the romanticsm in it all. They're usually just sordid affairs. Elena Bereznaya is actually quite pregnant right now with Stephen Cousins' baby so I hope he's not with Shae. LOL Also, I always understood it was Kurt Browning that Alexei looked up to. I wish I shared the Elvis love, but I don't. I'm probably influenced though by some pretty nasty stuff I've heard about him from people who have met him. Kurt rocks though. Alexei is still the best in my books.
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"The philosophy of winning is not determined by getting on the podium" - Apolo Anton Ohno

Vegas
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« Reply #650 on Today at 3:53pm »

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Today at 3:12pm, lexi wrote:We should start a Figure Skating thread in the Off Topic section. This is all very interesting and we could go on and on.

Lots of skaters get together, but rarely does it last so I don't quite see the romanticsm in it all. They're usually just sordid affairs. Elena Bereznaya is actually quite pregnant right now with Stephen Cousins' baby so I hope he's not with Shae. LOL Also, I always understood it was Kurt Browning that Alexei looked up to. I wish I shared the Elvis love, but I don't. I'm probably influenced though by some pretty nasty stuff I've heard about him from people who have met him. Kurt rocks though. Alexei is still the best in my books.



Well Shae and Stephen were together, of course. I haven't followed Stephen's career since Shae won the worlds.
Alexei was asked about who he looked up to on camera and he said Elvis. Kurt is awesome great, no question. One of my all time favourite skaters.
Alexei and Plushenko hated each other and made no bones about it. It was unseemly especially when they fought on camera

I met Elvis in Hamilton and he was wonderful and gracious. So was Kurt.

[kirkland]

Well, this is a topic I can sink my teeth into while there is an intermission in the Apolo corner.

Love it that you are all posting here. We will have to agree to disagree on a few points....but that's what makes it fun.

Vegas, you know more about the affairs of some of the Canadian old timers than I and I love it. Thanks for clarifying, I didn't know some of the history and I was stumped trying to remember the names of Underhill and Martini and didn't realize they were a couple before they married others.

I didn't realize Elena/Anton had a relationship PRIOR to her injury, I thought it was only after, so that was before I started paying attention to the Russian's I guess. I love them as a team, and yes, she is very pregnant with Steven Cousins baby. I hope they can make a relationship work but I have my doubts. I always thought Anton adored her and probably still does. JMO.

I certainly can't say that Alexei didn't say he looked up to Elvis, but I know I've heard him say it of Kurt Browning on more than one occasion. I think Alexei was somewhat immature for a long time, his story, as you probably know, is complicated. He, too, had a parent abandon him as a young child. And Plush was sent away from his parents young as well. So much of the rivalry between Plush and Yagudin was driven by Mishin. I think they are friendly today. Their rivalry did a lot for the sport and the forced each other to achieve new heights. Tatiana Taravosa enabled Yagudin to soar. I've found Yagudin to have a lot of depth as he matured and wise beyond his years in many ways, and probably stunted in others. I studied him, there is much more there than a spoiled boy you refer to. He is an extremely emotional person and emotes. Totally different than Apolo. I like both for different reasons. The commonality is skating and sex appeal. Yagudin is also extremely smart.

My friend hated Eisler because she saw him belittle Brasseur on TV one time. Yes, I watched Skating with the Stars and was aware of the affair that ensued. I think he is a jerk, but I loved watching Brasseur and Eisler skate. I was at the SOI in Vancouver when they skated their last skate and he spoke and was quite choked up. Yagudin put his hand on his heart and was moved as well.

Yagudin - there has never been anyone better and I think it will generations (if ever) before we see the likes again. This is where Vegas and I will have to agree to disagree. Had he not suffered his dibilitating hip injury, I think he would have beat Plushenko in 2006...JMO. Plushenko's artistry and emotion never reached Yagudin's level.

Back to the pairs. Ah, yes...the Russian dance pairs drama. What would we do without tabloid stories??

Thanks for the link,Vegas, it was interesting reading. CUrrently, Tanith Belbin is with Evan Lysacek (sp). Yagudin used to be involved with Kyoko Ina though it wasn't much known out of skating circles. Although I don't follow him as much as I used to, he is currently dating a Russian actress or singer, prior he dated a Russian ballerina. I think he had hip surgery in NY last month, but I seriously doubt that the rumors are true that he might try eligible competition again. He is a pretty big star in Russia and has lots of business interests there and in the US and Canada. Plushenko just got divorced after having a baby about the time of 2006 Olys. He is planning to compete again.

I've rambled too much...

Modified to add a P.S.....

P.S. Gordeeva & Grinkov and Gordeeva & Kulik!!!!!!!

[olympia]

I was just going to chime in--had no idea you guys were chatting about all my former figure skating crushes---I left them all for AAO but I go back a long way to Dorothy Hamill or even Peggy Fleming when I was in jr high etc-- the 2 Brians--Orser & Boitano, Kurt Browning, Kristi Yamaguchi, the Russian pairs dancers and more names that I have forgotten---Vegas-- I liked Elvis for his athletic expertise too---I must admit I don't keep up as much since the advent of Apolo but I do like Daisuke Takahashi these days---

Kirkland--I am a little slow, I caught that you were in Seattle (I am in Olympia) but never made the connection to 'Kirkland'

I have been enjoying your chats with Lexi

[tynormem]

I very much enjoy watching figure skating. I do not follow any particular skaters. I just watch it for the beauty- and the amazement. I can't walk on ice without falling so I am amazed that people can skate, spin, and jump on ice!

I was lucky enough to go to the Stars on Ice tour earlier this year, something I had been wanting to do for many years. It was a fun time and a very enjoyable experience despite buying tickets a bit too late and getting stuck in the middle price range seats when we wanted better seats.

I do not like to watch ice dance for some reason, and I sometimes get turned off by male skaters. It seems some of the routines are too dramatic for my liking. Not that there is anything wrong with men being dramatic....I just don't like to see a male skater perform an overly dramatic routine.

It seems the older (not that I think I'm old- it is just the added responsibilities of parenting and college) I get the less time I can find to watch figure skating on TV. My kids and college take up most of my time, so I have been out of the loop for about a year. I will start to watch more in 2008 as I am almost done with school- and it will be getting closer to the Olympics and I will want to be in the loop for that!

[kirkland]

Here's how far I go back. Do you remember John Misha Petkovich? He was my grade school classmate in Great Falls Montana (I've since lived in Florida, Kansas City, Washington DC and Seattle). He went to an Olympics and studied at Harvard and I believe is a doctor, as was his father. I think I really started following skating in earnest with Janet Lynn. For so long I was only interested in US skaters until I met a new friend who had been a professional skater (long, long time ago) and educated me on some of the Russians and technique, and terms like "skaters skater", the differences between Russian and western skaters, ballet...etc. But the 2002 Olympics were huge for me, with Yagudin and Sale/Pelletier. Why didn't I get into Apolo??? Better late than never, thankfully DWTS came along and now I'm hooked on Apolo, admire him greatly and find him mysteriously fascinating.

[vegas]

Well, great to put the posts over here!

I think that affairs, sorid or lasting relationships do happen in ice skating, as it does in Ballroom dancing. There is a really cool connection between Ice Dancing and Ballroom Dancing as the original dances are based on the international standard of Ballroom. Probably one of the best Paso Doble dances I ever saw, next to Apolo and Julianne was Torvil and Dean on ice!

These are sports that by their very nature invite connections to occur and relationships to blossom. The more mature the intimate relationship, the better, in both skating and dancing. I remember the lovers themes, Barb and Paul's Unchained Melody, Marie France and Patrice's At Last, Jamie and David's Love Story G and G's Moonlight Sonata Sometimes they last forever, and sometimes not. Just like life.

[kirkland]

Those programs are definitely legends in figure skating.

For Yagudin fans, this link will last a few days. It is a montage to Never Saw Blue Like That Before. Try pasting this link into your address bar.

www.yousendit.com/download/ZUcyQmtkUnFnYU0wTVE9PQ

Later I will try to post Daria and Katia Gordeeva skating to I Hope You Dance. If interested, please remind me.

[juliebug]

number1fan said:

juliebug said:

And here I was rooting for Kurt Browning the whole time. Man! That guy could never catch a break. Still love him.

ITA juliebug! i love kurt!!! a fan for life!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8F5l4_R_38

OMG! Thanks for the link. You sent me off on a 3 hour blast from the past. I couldn't stop with just watching that one vid! He was always my favorite (even though I felt a little guilty during competition - like I should have been rooting for the Americans).

We all have our favorites. In everything. Dancing, music, personality type, looks, etc. There's just something about the way he moves his body and how he interprets the music that moves ME like no other skater. I enjoy them all, something to like about all of them...but Kurt kept ME spellbound. Still does.

[vegas]

My current favourite Ice Dancers...just love them!

[kirkland]

Stupid question, but are they pro or eligible?

[vegas]

Still eligible! taking a bit of time off...
www.skatecanada.ca/en/news_views/press_room/news_releases/2007/may14.cfm

[number1fan]

juliebug said:

number1fan said:

ITA juliebug! i love kurt!!! a fan for life!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8F5l4_R_38

OMG! Thanks for the link. You sent me off on a 3 hour blast from the past. I couldn't stop with just watching that one vid! He was always my favorite (even though I felt a little guilty during competition - like I should have been rooting for the Americans).

We all have our favorites. In everything. Dancing, music, personality type, looks, etc. There's just something about the way he moves his body and how he interprets the music that moves ME like no other skater. I enjoy them all, something to like about all of them...but Kurt kept ME spellbound. Still does.

juliebug...you are most welcome...i spent a few hours reminicing too!

'76 dorothy hamill...i had to have her haircut, the hamill-camel
'80 the US men's hockey team! do you believe in miracles???
'84 sarajevo i realy wanted rosalynn summers to win gold
and scott hamilton WOOHOO ;D and torvill/dean in pairs.
'88 calgary men brian, brian & viktor and i really wanted liz manley or debi thomas to win...but it was gordeeva/grinkov who mesmorized me! ;D
my favorite competition by far was the '92 albertville women finals
(kristi, midori, nancy, tonya, surya, yuka)
men finals (viktor, paul, kurt, elvis) WOW! pairs were all russians that year i think.
'94 lillehammer...loved oksana never liked nancy k's style...
and oh what a LP by kurt browning fave pairs katia & segei gold again!
the following years '98 nagano, '02 slc and '06 torino, my kids demanded more of my undivided attention so i wasn't fully vested in figure skating
i wanted michelle to win gold soo badly but alas tara and sarah did instead
but i managed to follow a little 'hapa' boy in st from '02 ;D ;D ;D
alexei was hands down the best in men's...i vaguely remember the pairs controversy that year...i thought the canadian pair solely deserved the gold

edit to add: i've never followed ice dancing...i maxed out the time i spent on olympic coverage.

[lexi]

Sorry for the long post , but I've got to catch up...

kirkland said:

I didn't realize Elena/Anton had a relationship PRIOR to her injury, I thought it was only after, so that was before I started paying attention to the Russian's I guess. I love them as a team, and yes, she is very pregnant with Steven Cousins baby. I hope they can make a relationship work but I have my doubts. I always thought Anton adored her and probably still does. JMO.

It doesn't appear that Elena and Steven have plans to get married, but I could be wrong. I, too, have my doubts this relationship will work. She's quite 'different' in her thinking and doesn't strike me as a warm and fuzzy person in the least. Here is a quote from an article around Steven and the pregnancy.

Journalist: And did you fall in love with him?
Lena: Falling in love - this feeling is not for me, it's kind of shady... I simply understood very well: Yes, this is the man I would like to spend many-many years with! Steven is very good man!
Journalist: Did he make you a proposal?
Lena: He doesn't need to officially propose, I don't need this! If it'll be needed, I can make it by myself!
Journalist: Probably, you see Steven only very rarely?
Lena: Unfortunately, yes. We communicate more on the phone or send each other many-many messages. Or we write each other on the e-mail. But he'll come to me soon.
Pfft. Sounds like a match made in Heaven.

kirkland said:

I certainly can't say that Alexei didn't say he looked up to Elvis, but I know I've heard him say it of Kurt Browning on more than one occasion. I think Alexei was somewhat immature for a long time, his story, as you probably know, is complicated. He, too, had a parent abandon him as a young child. And Plush was sent away from his parents young as well. So much of the rivalry between Plush and Yagudin was driven by Mishin. I think they are friendly today. Their rivalry did a lot for the sport and the forced each other to achieve new heights. Tatiana Taravosa enabled Yagudin to soar. I've found Yagudin to have a lot of depth as he matured and wise beyond his years in many ways, and probably stunted in others. I studied him, there is much more there than a spoiled boy you refer to. He is an extremely emotional person and emotes. Totally different than Apolo. I like both for different reasons. The commonality is skating and sex appeal. Yagudin is also extremely smart.

I agree with you that a lot of the Yagudin/Plushenko rivalry was perpetrated by Mishin. Mishin has never quite forgiven Yagudin for what he saw as a betrayal - Alexei leaving him for Tarasova. I'm sure he's had a number of choice words for Yagudin in Plushenko's presence. To be fair though, Yagudin has never gotten over the fact that when given an untimatum, Mishin chose to stay with Plushenko rather of offer to train only Alexei. I think a lot of Alexei's attitude around Mishin comes from abandonment issues with his own father. He's always felt like Mishin had abandoned him. That's not Mishin's fault, of course, but it helps to explain why Yagudin is as he is.

Ironically, Mishin never misses an opportunity to take credit for Yagudin's success and, in turn, Yagudin never misses an opportunity to remind Mishin that it is Tarasova who got him where he is and it is only she who has his loyalty. As he said during the press conference following his gold medal victory "I guess the gold medal belongs just to me and to Tatiana." OUCH! Yagudin isn't a spoiled child. He's someone who calls it like he sees it and I really admire that. Alexei had invested a lot of time and money with Mishin and was seeing someone else get the attention and so couldn't move forward. That's not jealousy or bad sportsmanship; that's watching out for your own best interests. Alexei's always gracious if not a bit outspoken and, at times, brusque. He knows figure skating like Apolo knows speed skating. He's fascinating to listen to and his perspective on the sport always holds my attention. He's very bright. The fans love him immensely. Encounters with him are always pleasant. I like Evgeni as well, but the gold medal eluded him while Alexei was around and would definitely have eluded him again had Alexei been competing in the ’06 Olympics. Of that I have no doubt. Alexei is the better and stronger skater and he has the titles, accolades and records to back it up. Regardless, both would readily admit that their rivalry helped to catapult their skating to new boundaries. They spurred each other on to greater heights – much like Apolo and Ahn. I understand Yagudin and Plushenko are quite civil to one another today. Regardless of any animosity, I’m sure they can’t help but admire and respect one another.

kirkland said:

My friend hated Eisler because she saw him belittle Brasseur on TV one time. Yes, I watched Skating with the Stars and was aware of the affair that ensued. I think he is a jerk, but I loved watching Brasseur and Eisler skate. I was at the SOI in Vancouver when they skated their last skate and he spoke and was quite choked up. Yagudin put his hand on his heart and was moved as well.

Brasseur and Eisler have always been one of my very favorite pairs teams. Though they never won Olympic gold, they have always been, for me, the most exciting to watch and probably the most underestimated and overlooked team ever. Some of the moves they developed and incorporated into their programs are still some of the most daring I’ve ever seen. I was always completely captivated watching them.

Eisler has taken quite a tumble from his pedestal. His reputation has taken a huge hit lately and deservedly so. Not only with regard to the affair, but also to the accusations of sexual impropriety with very young skaters under his tutelage.

There’s also the scandal brewing with Shae Lynn having been dumped by her husband Nikolai Morozov for another woman. It should come as no surprise though to Shae Lynn though. If they’ll do it with you, they’ll do it to you. I'm just sayin'. Gordeeva & Grinkov and Gordeeva & Kulik have been one of a few of the exceptions of true and lasting love in figure skating pairings rather than the norm.

meplusthree said:

I do not like to watch ice dance for some reason, and I sometimes get turned off by male skaters. It seems some of the routines are too dramatic for my liking. Not that there is anything wrong with men being dramatic....I just don't like to see a male skater perform an overly dramatic routine.

I know what you mean, Tynormem, but I’m that way about the Ladies skating. I tend to find it extremely boring. I also haven’t been able to find a lady I’ve enjoyed watching skate in many years. Witt was the last one who brought some excitement to the ice though even I'll admit it had more to do with her winning and sometime arrogant attitude than her actual talent. She at least spiced things up.

I tend to like the men’s skating more because the guys are stronger and therefore, take more risks. They’re more technically proficient and are always willing to throw something new out there to blow you away. Brian Boitano, for instance, still amazes me today and he’s, what, 44 years old!

The dance pairs I’ve enjoyed watching most are the Bulgarians, Denkova and Staviski. I’m praying they don’t decide to retire. They’re young, spunky and their moves are different. They’re also media favorites given their sweetness and popularity. They’re the first couple I’ve liked since Gordeeva and Grinkov.

vegas said:

My current favourite Ice Dancers...just love them!

I agree that Dubreuil and Lauzon are talented and beautiful to watch. They've had a few rough breaks, but they’re finally on their way.

olympia said:

I was just going to chime in--had no idea you guys were chatting about all my former figure skating crushes---I left them all for AAO but I go back a long way to Dorothy Hamill or even Peggy Fleming when I was in jr high etc

Olympia, do you remember Karen Magnussen? Now there’s someone I haven’t heard from in ages. I wonder what ever happened to her. I was a baby in her heyday, but my mother always mentioned her.

juliebug said:

We all have our favorites. In everything. Dancing, music, personality type, looks, etc. There's just something about the way he moves his body and how he interprets the music that moves ME like no other skater. I enjoy them all, something to like about all of them...but Kurt kept ME spellbound. Still does.

Yeah, Kurt’s quite amazing, isn’t he? And he’s still got ‘it’ today.

number1fan said:

but i managed to follow a little 'hapa' boy in st from '02 ;D ;D ;D

Funny, isn’t it, how Apolo somehow captured our hearts when least expected. Like you, I was maxed out on Olympic coverage of Alexei and along comes Apolo. I don’t think I moved from my couch for the two weeks between the two of ‘em!

[kirkland]

Love this discussion, so glad we have this to discuss during the lulls.

Were any of you able to watch the yousendit link to the montage of Yagudin? I also have his Farewell speech and performance at Skate Canada in 03, but need to convert it from avi because it won't play on my newly upgraded wmv. player. So frustrating. The farewell speech is so lovely and emotional. Yagudin has been quoted as saying he would like to compete with Plush again in pro competition (this was before Plush announced he is going back to eligible). They've skated and spoken in public together at some events in Russia.

Elena does have a rather odd personality, but I wonder how much is lost in translation. She can speak English, but still not very well. Steven Cousins and John Zimmerman have the reputation of being the absolutely nicest of the skaters on the tour - according to the bus driver, supposedly. I believe it. I've been lucky enough to have ice seats at SOI on more than one occassion, they are both so sweet and great with eye contact and you can sense a genuine egolessness and caring in them. So weird about Cousins and Elena...

Did you know that she was Alexei Yagudin's first real love? Yep! Long, long time ago, he was going to propose to her. They were very young and innocent, so I doubt it was a "mature" relationship. Consequently, Anton was jealous of Alexei for many years, but they have since become absolutely best friends. I saw Anton at the hotel, he is small. They are all pretty tiny, actually. Alexie is about the same size as Apolo and has a mighty fine a$$ as well! When I met Alexei it was at the hotel and he was exhausted (looked it) after the last show of a 5 month season with SOI and COI. He was gracious and sweet, helped me figure out my camera (didn't have my glasses on) and I am sure did not want to be accosted by fans - but I couldn't help myself.

If you get a chance to see Ina and Zimmerman, go for it! Their skating is as thrilling as Brasseur and Eisler, no lie. They are HUGE favorites of the SOI show, even more so than Jamie and David, believe it or not. They bring the house down. Very scary and daring tricks, fast music, etc. They were a big surprise for me when they turned out to be a favorite at the show in 2004, especially since I watched them faulter as a new pair. Kyoko is an ice princess but John is smokin and makes up for it.

I'm like you Lexi, in that the women's skating has been my least favorite for many years. I loved when Oksana Bauil beat Kerrigan for the gold (couldn't stand Kerrigan and loved Baiul's story). Boy, did she ever mess up her life. As soon as she broke "free" of living with the Petrenko's she went downhill. Sad.

Michelle Kwan never grabbed me, although I cried for her in Worlds 2001 and Olys 2002 when she skated Fields of Gold.

It was just announced that Sasha Cohen will be headlining SOI next season. I do not care for her at all. BUT, SOI hasn't had a viable female headliner for years and they have been hurting as a result. Michelle Kwan is with COI, Sarah Hughes was overweight and HORRIBLE, last year they had Jennifer Robinson (nice girl, nice skater but boring) and Angela Nikodinov and Katia Gordeeva split time. Tara Lipinski skated only one year then retired.

I love the mens and pairs, but I'm just not feeling it in the current crop. We'll see... Thank God for Apolo!

I'm sitting on my patio, Blue Angels are doing their Seafair air show over Lake Washington right now...gonna try to get a vid.