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Post by number1fan on Aug 20, 2007 0:36:20 GMT -5
I have trouble just spelling his first name--I have to keep looking it up---Takahashi I don't have a problem with--I went to school with a Scott Takahashi--but that first name I just can't get to roll off my tongue or type on the keyboard---   olympia, takahashi is a common japanese name...
here's a way to remember daisuke's name...'dice-k'
there's a major league baseball pitcher w/the red sox with the same first name...the media calls him dice-k  |
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Post by olympia on Aug 20, 2007 1:56:43 GMT -5
Growing up in the Northwest--Washington state--I am surrounded by an Asian population which I think is great and you are right---lots of Takahashi's ---I will try to remember the dice-k thing but I am not sure it will help me with the spelling issue---  |
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Post by lexi on Aug 20, 2007 19:17:21 GMT -5
Since I have been out of the figure skating loop for so long I don't have a lot of facts but I asked my source and she said that Nilolai Morozov is Daisuke's choreographer---she is not 100% sure either but she thinks he is ranked 2nd right now and he came in 8th at the 2006 Olympics---when I can I will do a little more research---glad you are liking him---I think he is a cutie with great potential  Thanks for the reply, Olympia. I thought that was Nikolai and it's no wonder Takahashi is well on his way. Not to take away from his natural talent, of course, but Nikolai is probably the most in-demand cheographer so it's no wonder I was so impressed with this young guy. I'll be keeping my eye on him.  |
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Post by juliebug on Aug 20, 2007 19:39:06 GMT -5
I can't take any credit for finding Daisuke I was pointed in that direction by skaterma over at OZ--he is still young and still working at it, tons of stuff at YouTube---this one is my favorite--he got the silver--- youtube.com/watch?v=fgbOHU-WsxIThank you for posting this! Daisuke....oooooh! |
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Post by olympia on Aug 20, 2007 19:54:02 GMT -5
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Post by kirkland on Aug 20, 2007 23:44:21 GMT -5
Courtesy of Alexei Yagudin Discussion Group. Recent interview with Tatiana Tarasova...text translation....Enjoy! www.newizv.ru/news/2007-08-20/74678/>> As already informed, the Olympic champion of 2002, the quadruple world champion in men's single skating, Alexey Yagudin, after successful operation on hip, has made a decision to return to amateur sport and has asked legendary Tatyana Tarasova – nowadays the adviser of modular Russia – again to become his instructor. The well-known coach has told to "New News" about why she, not deliberating, has agreed to accept Yagudin, and also has accounted the situation in present Russian figure skating as a whole. – Tatyana Anatolevna, why Lesha Yagudin comes back, how it seems to you? – He is the person very hazardous (danger-loving?), loves competitions, and feels that as much can. When the person is talented, it is impossible to tell where is his ceiling. Alexey in fact was not going to leave then, in 2002. If the hip would not hurt, we would compete to the second Olympiad, it is absolutely exact. Still I think, neither Yagudin nor Plyushchenko would not come back if there was in Russia someone capable to take their place. – He consulted with you? – Had called me two months ago, even before the operation. Had said: "Remember, Tatyana Anatolevna, how I called you many years back, asked that you take me to train? Here and now I wish to ask again. Will you take me?" – And you? – I have agreed at once. How can I not take him? If the person, having achieved in sports everything, is ready, that refers again to force himself to work and to receive from this pleasure, I should help. On such people sports keep. And for the sake of Lesha I am ready to tear off some more years from the life. In fact it is very interesting – to restore the person, to see his confidence … I, by the way, trained Rodnina after sorts, and she could win Olympiad again. Lesha for a long time has matured, and now he does not joke. If health will bring, he will make a go on the third Olympiad. – We shall see him in this year in tournaments? – No, this year is restorative. Where and as we begin to work, in detail yet did not discuss. Where it will be more convenient, there we shall remain. That it was good in America? The house four minutes from a skating rink, and ice how much you want … – You, basically, consider it correct when champions come back? – And why is not present? – For us vacancy in the world championship – Plyushchenko. If he will return, certainly. With Yagudin he will divide. And youth in fact too to run in it is necessary … – When the competition will sharply increase in a combined team, for young it will only be better. Before the Games in Vancouver two more years, and Plyushchenko with Yagudin, on the contrary, points will win, that already three persons have gone to Canada. They, by the way, leaving three places young and have left this. And those that have made? Here start up young and think of the perfection. – And nevertheless Yagudin is changeable. Year has not passed as he sincerely told to our newspaper that has absolutely departed from amateur figure skating. Spoke, that to him it is already uninteresting. What should happen to force him to change sights? – In the love of figure skating Lesha is not changeable, no. I know that in him it is very deep. He is the actor, he likes to act (I think she means showman). And still he is the fighter. To struggle for him is a process which he very much loves. To him it became boring. Former titles have bothered all, it would be desirable the new result, what else anybody was not. It is not enough for him who truly was. – To return to amateur after such break is a miracle that will be valid. – Here he also would like this. Because he is unique in all. It will turn out – gallantly! – And if he is not present? – If his health will not bring, he will not turn out. >> |
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Post by lexi on Aug 21, 2007 20:52:47 GMT -5
Thanks for the translation, Kirkland, though I now have a migraine and won't see straight for days! Regarding this: "And nevertheless Yagudin is changeable. Year has not passed as he sincerely told to our newspaper that has absolutely departed from amateur figure skating. Spoke, that to him it is already uninteresting. What should happen to force him to change sights?"Is it just me or do you recall Yagudin always changing his mind from one day to the next? He was always indecisive. He's in; he's out. He's thinking about retirement; can't wait to return for the season; ready to marry, loves playing the field. Oy!  |
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Post by kirkland on Aug 21, 2007 21:17:25 GMT -5
Oy! is right!
However, the retirement thing was really forced on him by his hip issue. I agree with TT that he really didn't want to quit. He tried to, and did, make the best of it and adopted a positive attitude about his new life and not looking back. He had to, he had no choice. You saw the Skate Canada retirement "speech" didn't you? Geez, you couldn't watch it and not cry.
Alexei is VERY emotional and he really wears his heart on his sleeve. In this way, he is different from Apolo. I see Apolo as very controlled emotionally. Alexei just lets it all hang out. They have similar background situations, are both smart, athletic, same age, driven, sexy, short (ha!), etc. Alexei is insightful but perhaps not introspective...do you know what I mean? He used to astonish me at some of his thoughts and feelings, he seemed wise beyond his years. Like an old soul. I have not seen that side of him since he quit competing.
But, yeah, in and out of love, wanting a family, wanting to be single...but he has always maintained that he wants a family, kids, wife and to be "the man of the house". Very purient/European in this regard.
I love them both, but Apolo has a bigger piece of my heart at the moment. I may have to split my affections if I have TWO skater boys in Vancouver in 2010.
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Post by kirkland on Aug 21, 2007 21:18:34 GMT -5
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Post by lexi on Aug 21, 2007 21:26:12 GMT -5
Here's some karma for sharing your goodies with me/us!
You're right - Apolo and Alexei are similar in many ways, but also quite different. Alexei's always been very emotional, but not in a dramatic sense. It's all very sincere and straight from the heart. I remember at one time he really struggled with the English language and now he's a natural with so much wisdom to share....much like Apolo. Both are arguably the best in their chosen fields. When they talk, people listen.
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Post by August on Aug 21, 2007 22:35:51 GMT -5
It seems I have not yet given a nod to the ladies of figureskating! I have a great many favorites among them too. For starters, Michelle Kwan. I was among those heartbroken when she had to pull out of the 2006 olympics. Mainly because I knew how hard she'd worked, and how difficult a decision that must have been. Michelle is a champion. Plain and simple. Most people who follow skating know champion behaviors when they see them. It's a balance of doing what you know best while constantly re-inventing yourself. Knowing when to take a risk, and when to hold back. These skills come from years of experience coupled with maturity, and they personify Michelle. I believe that in exhibition, she could outskate anyone.
Kristy Yamaguchi has been a favorite of mine since her pairs days with Rudy Galindo. She's beautiful on the ice, and has so perfected her skills that she makes complicated programs look effortless. She is mesmerizing to watch.
Katarina Witt, one of the big girls on ice! I always admired the strength in her programs. One in particular was skated to "On My Own" from Les Miserables. You could appreciate this program from any of three perspectives: The emotion in her face, the artistry in her hands and arms, or the athleticism in her jumps. I must have watched that one dozens of times. It was truly a gift.
Another long time favorite, Surya Bonaly. What a powerhouse on the ice! Backflips with a one foot landing? I don't even think Scott Hamilton lands on one foot! Sadly, Surya was pegged a sore loser for bursting into tears on the winners podium and pulling off her silver medal because she felt she'd earned gold. Disappointment is hard to hide when you've worked so hard and fallen second so many times. I think she was great and always a pleasure to watch.
Two more who deserve honorable mention are Nicole Bobek and Rosalind Summers, both of whom always had a beautiful presence on the ice.
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Post by kirkland on Aug 22, 2007 2:21:18 GMT -5
Lexi & Yagudin fans, You are going to love these video clips. I just found them through AYDG. Start with Part I. The woman is an actress in Russia and was paired with Alexei in the Russian Skating With The Stars. They absolutely hated each other in the beginning, I remember reading about it. But obviously came to mutual acceptance and appreciation. Warning: you will get another migraine ...it is subtitled and fast! NTV "Tough Cookie" Part I: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPiJ6BWCWe4Part II: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJbqGgghg_UPart III: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DC74pSncdaA |
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Post by mtnme on Aug 22, 2007 19:35:30 GMT -5
It seems I have not yet given a nod to the ladies of figureskating! I have a great many favorites among them too. For starters, Michelle Kwan. I was among those heartbroken when she had to pull out of the 2006 olympics. Mainly because I knew how hard she'd worked, and how difficult a decision that must have been. Michelle is a champion. Plain and simple. Most people who follow skating know champion behaviors when they see them. It's a balance of doing what you know best while constantly re-inventing yourself. Knowing when to take a risk, and when to hold back. These skills come from years of experience coupled with maturity, and they personify Michelle. I believe that in exhibition, she could outskate anyone. Kristy Yamaguchi has been a favorite of mine since her pairs days with Rudy Galindo. She's beautiful on the ice, and has so perfected her skills that she makes complicated programs look effortless. She is mesmerizing to watch. Katarina Witt, one of the big girls on ice! I always admired the strength in her programs. One in particular was skated to "On My Own" from Les Miserables. You could appreciate this program from any of three perspectives: The emotion in her face, the artistry in her hands and arms, or the athleticism in her jumps. I must have watched that one dozens of times. It was truly a gift. Another long time favorite, Surya Bonaly. What a powerhouse on the ice! Backflips with a one foot landing? I don't even think Scott Hamilton lands on one foot! Sadly, Surya was pegged a sore loser for bursting into tears on the winners podium and pulling off her silver medal because she felt she'd earned gold. Disappointment is hard to hide when you've worked so hard and fallen second so many times. I think she was great and always a pleasure to watch. Two more who deserve honorable mention are Nicole Bobek and Rosalind Summers, both of whom always had a beautiful presence on the ice. Hi August, I am with you when Michelle had to pull out of 2006, -heartbroken, -almost as heartbroken when she didn't win out over Tara L. - While Tara had the jumps and spins - I still felt she not only looked- but skated like a little girl. I want to see a woman on the ice- that sophistication that translates to elegance and doesn't necessarily have anything to do with age. (I think Kimmie Meisner's got it, she was only 16 in the Olympics, but had the presence of a woman- if that makes sense? It's a quality that is hard to define exactly, but I know it when I see it) Here is a link to one of my favorite exhibition skates by Michelle to Dantes Prayer. amazing how she can make the most simple (technically) of moves look so exquisite. That inside spiral is just beautiful. www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtUVfSSepBcSurya has never quite enthralled me, while athletically amazing, I think she suffers somewhat artistically. But I'll trade you for Nancy Kerigan, I loved her presence and style on the ice- but she wasn't for everyone. Many,many wonderful women skaters to be sure in addition to the ones you mentioned. How can you not love Kristi? |
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Post by laura6 on Aug 22, 2007 19:38:55 GMT -5
ugh...Nancy Kerrigan...shivers!!
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Post by August on Aug 22, 2007 21:10:26 GMT -5
There are many who believed that Nancy Kerrigan played every sympathy card in the deck and still didn't win. Others thought her the America's Sweetheart of the bunch. I never felt one way or the other to be honest. I thought she was very good, but she never ... floored me. Maybe it was all the drama that surrounded her with the Tonya Harding thing. I find drama to be a huge turn off. Nancy was good though, and there was one program she skated to some sort of Irish folk song. She wore a lovely emerald green dress and the ending had an awesome footwork sequence.
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