Olympics - figure skating/speed skating

[luv2cook]

Did any of you catch the figure skating last night? Sarah Hughes' performance was awesome. Can you believe that Irina got the silver? I don't think her performance was clean at all. Even though Sasha fell, her program was great otherwise. I kind of feel that that was done because the Russians were threatening to pull out and squawking at just about anything.

Also, I think it's really sad that the Koreans are protesting the call on the short track speedskating w/Ohno. I saw the actual race and I saw the replays and he did cross track! So why are they making a big deal of it? he did it! It's on tape. Those are the rules. I just don't get it. They feel there's some bias because the judge who made the call was Austrailian...

Now I read in the paper that the Koreans have hired a law firm. This is just so sad.

[Ralph]

Haven't watched much of the Olympics, but since I worked late last night, DW had it on when I got home and for some reason, I was intrigued!

Yes, Sarah's performance was great! I also thought she was quite a breath of fresh air. Nothing against Kwan, but had she won, I think everyone would have just shrugged their shoulders thinking good for her - she finally won. Sarah's youthful exuberance just bowled me over. Here's a bright 16-year-old excelling at something she loves, and oh-by-the-way, I got a gold medal! This is what the Olympics is all about. Something tells me it'll never go to her head.

As for the Koreans, they're just sore losers. I didn't see the infractions, but from what I read, the disqualification was perfectly appropriate.

[lindrusso]

I somehow managed to fall asleep for Sarah's performance. I don't know what else I missed, but DH came in and I stirred in time to see part of Sasha's performance and all of Michelle's.

Sheesh - the only night that I REALLY wanted to watch and I couldn't keep my eyes open! Shoulda skipped the glass of wine beforehand, I guess! :rolleyes:

[beejayw1]

Sarah Hughes was just wonderful! I caught the last 10 skaters by accident and ended up staying up.

I haven't really followed the Olympics for a long time; the judging seemed too skewed toward 'national' concerns early on, and it was all too political. I do watch certain events, but it seems that the judges inviarably mess up.

Anyhow, I'm sad about the corruption in this particular Olympic competition, but thrilled at what I saw last night - wonderful!

Wouldn't it be great if the Olympics could go back to what they originally were: amateur athletes competing for the joy of it?

[Beth H]

Sarah definitely deserved the gold -- her performance was wonderful!

I actually think Irina deserved the silver -- her jumps are huge, and even though she stepped out of a couple, she didn't fall.

Had Sasha skated cleanly, I think Michelle would have finished 4th -- her level of technical difficulty has really fallen behind the other top female skaters.

For once, the judges seem to have gotten it right!

[lhall]

Originally posted by lindrusso
[B]I somehow managed to fall asleep for Sarah's performance. I don't know what else I missed, but DH came in and I stirred in time to see part of Sasha's performance and all of Michelle's.

Sheesh - the only night that I REALLY wanted to watch and I couldn't keep my eyes open! [B]

Whew!! At least I'm not alone:D :o

I did the same thing. I know I saw the canadian skater (I think all of the second group), but I fell asleep waiting for the final group. I managed to watch Irina and Michelle, and Sasha's scores. I think Irina skated better than Michelle last night. From what I heard Sarah was flawless, and deserved the gold!! I wish I'd seen her and Sasha skate.

I think Michelle knew she didn't win. I knew as soon as she fell. Irina had two little mistakes, but nothing as big as a fall on a triple. I dont' think either Michelle or Irina did a triple-triple combination either, but a triple-double instead. That's the big reason why she lost to Tara in 98.

Just my opinion.
Leigh

[Beth]

Sarah Hughes was great, and it is always great to see someone rise to the occassion and have the performance of their life at just the right moment.

I thought Kwan should have been second and the Russian either 3rd or 4th, but, from what I understand, because Michelle Kwan led coming into the free skate last night, the only way for Sarah Hughes to get the gold she deserved, was for them to create a 3 way tie between them, and then the winner of the long program got the gold. In order to do that, the Russian skater needed higher marks to bring here even with Kwan's lead. I don't think it's right for the 2nd and 3rd results, but I understand it and think it led to the right result on the gold. It's a result of the scoring system and rules they work under, so I can live with that. It is different that the pair issue. I hope they will address judging concerns for all the athlete's sake -- but the skating federation's reaction -- saying they will do a secret, internal investigation -- gives me no confidence anything will improve without further pressures and IOC or other international pressures.

I was shocked by the Korean speed skater being disqualified when they first announced it, but watching the different angles on the video, I think that was the right call too. It might not have been made if Uno hadn't given the big reaction to the crossing that he did, and that may be why the Korean's are upset -- the guy met his match! Maybe it wasn't even intentional (for the sake of arguement -- but he also held his arm out, so I'm not advodcating that view), but it happened.

It has been an exiting, surprising and beautiful Olympics. I hope they have a great weekend, and I look forward to watching the closing ceremonies -- even though I will then begin my Olympic withdrawal! :D

[Jessica]

I thought Irina did deserve the silver, but I read on the NYT site that Russia is protesting and insisting she get a gold. WTF??? She bobbled on several landings and Hughes skated cleanly.

I tried to feel sympathy for Kwan but I did not. She has a silver and bronze; I felt worse for Todd Eldredge who never got an Olympic medal.

[pammy]

WTF (sorry, Jessica started it:D ) indeed. I just read about the Russian team appealing Sarah Hughes' gold, and jumped right on here to express my indignation! Sarah was incredible, and quite refreshing in her attitude. Although Irina is a talented woman, she made several errors last night, and obviously did not skate her best. It is so unfortuante that the Russian team is crying sour grapes. Hope it doesn't get Sarah down, she doesn't deserve this. Whatever happened to good sportsmanship! I also wanted to chime in on Apolo Ohno. He has handled himself with great dignity and is very well-spoken. I don't know much about short-track skating, but I am very impressed with him.

And oh yeah, YAY CANADA! It was funny to find myself rooting for a team other than the USA, but I did!

[JJ40]

Just want to add that I was THRILLED that Sarah Hughes won! She skated fabulously!
On CBC the announcers were saying that this is really what judging should be like...they actually awarded the gold to the woman who deserved it!!

Irina skated well, but she had a couple of errors and Sarah had none, plus she landed two triple-triple combinations. How can the Russians dispute this???


Julie

[Natasha]

I did feel badly for Michelle Kwan, actually (though not as bad as I felt for Todd Eldredge!!). I was rooting for her or Irina, and thought both of them skated a better artistic program than Sarah. That's not to criticize Sarah, but she's young and I think she needs to develop her artistic side a bit more, as do most younger skaters. I do applaud her absolutely clean and strong program last night, though (and the other night), and I'm sure she has many more good skating years to come! :)

Natasha

[howdy]

I also read that the Russians are disputing the disqualification of their cross coutry skier this past week, and something about the refereeing(sp?) at the men's hockey game. Even President Putin has made a statement that America is biased against the Russians and they aren't getting fair treatment. The russian parliment already agreed to let the athletes pull out of the final ceremony if they wanted to! They have even said they won't attend the next summer olympics if things don't go their way. :rolleyes: I don't think this country was ever taught the concept of "graciously losing".

[Don]

I agree that the Russians and South Koreans are full of sour grapes. The Russians have not performed up to their potential in this olympics, and the South Koreans thought they had the strongest short track speed skating team. Given the results, both nations need to stop whining and work to improve their athletic programs. If they pull out of the closing ceremonies, so what? They clearly are not good examples of the olympic ideal anyway.

[browneye]

I thought Sarah was absolutely enchanting. I was thrilled, and her spirit and love of her sport warmed my heart!

I remember Michelle Kwan at 16 or 17- she was nowhere near the level that Sarah Hughes is at the same age, technically or artistically. ( or Sasha, for that matter). Not that that has anything to do with it, it is just an observation. Michelle has worked hard, but she was out-skated, and the results were fair. She fell, and the Russian didn't. Michelle only attempted 3 jumps. The Russian skater landed her jumps, if a little awkward at times. Sarah completed 7 jumps!!!!!!

It was refreshing to know that the judges judged the performance at hand, and didn't fudge extra points for the one who was "reigning queen of ice skating" or "deserves to win this time around". Michelle is a great person, and truly a lady, but she just didn't have it last night, at least.

The whining, sniveling Russian team is showing itself for what it is on the world stage. I don't think they are commanding a great deal of sympathy or respect. Who are they to complain, after all, were they not the ones that conspired with the French to throw the whole pairs thing their way? There had to be two sides to that deal, it wasn't just one French judge running the show. They should just go home, as far as I care! (I am mean today, aren't I ?)

I am disgusted with the whole scene, I feel sorry for the athletes who have to compete in such a scandalous environment. Kind of similar to Little League kids whose parents are behaving badly- it's the adults that ruin the thing, the kids are just playing their hearts out.

[BosunsWife]

In our local paper I read that the Russians said that if they pull out of the Olympics (now and in the future) there won't be any Olympics. Kind of got big heads don't they....

[Jewel]

I was absolutely thrilled when Sarah won! I was scaring the heck outta the dogs with my yelps of 'Go Girl!!' her entire program!! :D

I'm gonna get rotten tomatoes thrown at me for saying this, but I cannot stand Michelle Kwan. She's arrogant, she's totally egotistical, and ever since Nagano she's had an attitude that she's the best and don't anyone forget it. She totally isolates herself from the rest of her teammates, and acts like a Diva. Cameras were on nearly everyone backstage before the program last night but all you saw of Kwan was a closed door. Same thing after her performance. She had a very lackluster performance...no speed, very little height to her jumps, and two-footed landings on several of them. She puts on that wide somewhat phony-looking smile as she's cruising past the judges in the middle of a 'spiral' and just made me shake my head.

When Tara Lipinski won the gold 4 years ago Michelle bawled and sobbed on camera like a 3 year old denied a cookie. I thought she handled that with no grace or sportsmanship whatsoever. I was actually glad to see another young and very talented teenager take her out again! :eek: I know, I'm evil... :rolleyes:

In my opinion Michelle Kwan didn't try as hard because she thought she had it 'anyway'. She didn't seem to realize that the gold wasn't hers simply because they 'owed' it to her. Sarah Hughes and Irina skated a better program, and deserved the gold and silver. Personally, I think we'll be seeing Michelle Kwan on the Ice Capades circuit next year. ;)

OK, commence tomato throwing... OUCH! That one hit my bad knee! :p

[aggie94]

POW! Hope that one hit you right in the kisser! ;)

Seriously, I love Michelle Kwan. I think she's talented, intelligent, and beautiful. I've never gotten the impression that she's arrogant or egotistical. Just focused and dedicated to her sport. I really wanted to see her win the gold last night. She skated beautifully in the short program, but wasn't on top of her game last night. I don't agree that she didn't give it her all because she thought she had it wrapped up. I don't think anyone is arrogant enough to have walked into last night's competition thinking they had anything wrapped up. Sarah Hughes had a near-perfect performance and deserved to win gold. That doesn't mean I like her (why can't I get past her horrible haircut???), but if someone else had to take it, I'm glad it was her.

Now Sasha Cohen... THERE'S someone I think is arrogant, egotistical, and has an attitude. Feel free to throw those tomatoes at me now. :D

[howdy]

Jewel I totally agree about Michelle! I thought she was getting a little too cocky. Just because she hadn't won the gold in the past doesn't mean she deserved to win last night. I'm secretly glad she didn't win:eek: Whew, what a confession!

[SandyM]

Originally posted by aggie94
Now Sasha Cohen... THERE'S someone I think is arrogant, egotistical, and has an attitude.

I agree, Eva.

How much can we tell from a person in the brief time we see them on TV? Probably not much. But Sasha appeared, to me anyway, quite arrogant.

I think the pressure may have been too much on Michelle; it seemed everyone had her down as a lock for the gold, even before the opening ceremonies. Maybe that just got into her head.

I think Sarah did a great job. She skated beautifully, and I thought she was quite gracious in winning. She showed poise and maturity beyond her years.

[slknight]

Originally posted by Jewel

I'm gonna get rotten tomatoes thrown at me for saying this, but I cannot stand Michelle Kwan. She's arrogant, she's totally egotistical, and ever since Nagano she's had an attitude that she's the best and don't anyone forget it. She totally isolates herself from the rest of her teammates, and acts like a Diva. ... She puts on that wide somewhat phony-looking smile as she's cruising past the judges in the middle of a 'spiral' and just made me shake my head.

In my opinion Michelle Kwan didn't try as hard because she thought she had it 'anyway'. She didn't seem to realize that the gold wasn't hers simply because they 'owed' it to her.


Oh, Jewel! Are you sure we aren't twins separated at birth? I agree with you WORD FOR WORD. I've been complaining to DH for the past few days about how much I can't stand Michelle Kwan. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one.

I was getting so sick of the announcers saying that Thursday night was the night Michelle had been waiting for for years. Like her gold medal was automatically guaranteed. Puleeeze. She's a diva.

Commence tomato throwing at me too!

[gertdog]

Originally posted by howdy
I also read that the Russians are disputing the disqualification of their cross coutry skier this past week, and something about the refereeing(sp?) at the men's hockey game. Even President Putin has made a statement that America is biased against the Russians and they aren't getting fair treatment.

What kills me about this is that while America is *hosting* the Olympics, Americans are not making every single decision at the Olympics. There is an international Olympic commitee, and the referees are from around the world as well.

I'll be interested to see how this all plays out...

On another note, I don't have any negative feelings about either Michelle Kwan or Sasha Cohen. According to the announcers, this was Sasha Cohen's first major international competition. She does strike me as having self-centered teenager-itis to some extent, but I think that's normal. I think Sarah Hughes is mature beyond her years, and Sasha looks bad by comparison. As for Michelle, I give her a ton of credit for NOT going pro after Nagano (like Tara Lipinski did), for staying amateur and working toward another Olympics. I admire her courage in taking on her own choreography and coaching, even if those didn't end up being the best decisions. I think she skates beautifully, but last night wasn't her night at all. Sarah outskated them all.

[JennieL]

Sasha Cohen trains at the same rink as my daughter. We were disappointed by her placing 4th last night. While she appeared "arrogant" on tv, IMO - the media created that "image".

For a teenager, she has great maturity as well as talent. When she chose to stay in regular school, she went to her principal and made the arrangements herself, she choreographed her own program and designs her own costumes!

FYI - the Los Angeles news was filming at our rink last night and my DD was on the 5 o'clock news skating!!


:)

[MKSquared]

Put me in the line-up of those being pelted with tomatoes. I can't stand Michelle Kwan, either! (DBF and I were pulling for an American sweep, but only if Kwan got a silver or bronze.) Any young woman who completely and publically shrugs off coaches, proclaiming that she can do just fine on her own is a young woman with a VERY large ego.

As far as Sasha Coen goes, I think she looked nervous, but not at all like she's a diva. But Sarah Hughes ... how gracious! It was FUN watching her skate because she genuinely enjoyed her performance.

It's interesting that the Cold War was declared over long ago, but its remnants are still alive and well, showing themselves most clearly at the Olympics. I can't believe the Russians -- including Putin!!!:eek: -- are crying foul. The judging at the skating event was quite fair. Although it was improbable that Sarah Hughes would win the gold, according to the rules set up in figure skating, the winner of the long program wins in the case of a tie. Those are just the rules. Period. There are always going to be disputed calls in hockey -- the ref is always blind, the ref is always secretly rooting for the other team ... everyone thinks calls are going against them!!!

Geez oh PETE.

I'm curious ... I wonder why Russia doesn't have a women's hockey team. With their dominance in hockey, you'd think they could field something. I could see a big power triangle of Canada, US and Russia. Hrm.

[Leslie w]

OK you can throw tomatoes at me too. But not because I don't like any of the ice skaters. I just think they should throw figure skating out of the Olympics! There have been too many displays of poor sportsmanship coming from both athletes and countries during skating events in the past three Olympics. Not to mention how biased the judging can be!

But I do enjoy watching it:D !!

[luv2cook]

I do think the pressure on Michelle was incredible. Can you imagine? I mean, winning all those competitions, everyone constantly talking about her winning and now defeat? You couldn't give me a million bucks to be in her shoes before or after! I think her program was not at all as difficult and she was probably relying a bit more on her artistic ability to get her by since she didn't have all the difficult elements.

I really wish that Tara hadn't gone pro. It would be nice to see her again. I can understand - the practice, commitment for four years!

What I would love to see is Sarah's performance again - actually all the women who have one gold. Too bad someone doesn't put together a tape. I would love to see it!

[JHaris]

As far as Tara goes, I understand that she went pro because she couldn't continue to do the incredible jumps. Her joints were beginning to act up and the papers just reported that she had hip surgery this past year. Going pro was a way for her to continue to skate, but not be under the pressure of the jump escalation that the sport has taken. Maybe doing that kind of workout at such an early age took its toll.

[Beth]

Okay, politicians and federations -- take a look at the ice tonight! How nice to see all the champions having fun, showing their love of skating, their talents and their sportsmanship. Hats off to both of the pairs gold medalists and the crowd who loved them all and had a great evening. Take note, follow their example. Work hard, play hard, have fun and be gracious -- winner or loser, but play it fair.

And to Uno -- he sure picked a dangerous sport to get other athletes upset with you.

[SueK]

I was thrilled to see Sarah Hughes win! I didn't catch her performance, but I did see her reaction backstage when she found out she won the gold. That was priceless!

I also loved seeing that old video clip of her when she was a little girl, and she said "When I grow up, I'm going to win a gold medal in the Olympics"!

I'm also bummed out about the Russian and Korean whining, but not really surprised. If they pull out of the closing ceremonies, so be it. Don't really think anyone will miss them.

[Tiger]

I too was thrilled to see Sarah win! I'm not a fan of Michelle eather but I though from what the media says that I was in the minority. A good lesson to learn is not to spend 8yrs of your young life for one goal that depends on 4mins.
I wouldn't want Michelle's father.......scary!!!!!!!!!!

[Jessica]

luv2 cook--

There is a videotape of the figure skating programs. I saw it advertised on TV during the Olympics. I would check MSNBC to try and find details. I think it includes the medal-winning performances but I am not sure.

Jessica