liv

I wondered myself if, after a successful Nats, he might consider staying in Japan to train for next year. I think he'd still probably like to go to Toronto during the Olympic year. It still offers him more privacy with all the scrutiny he'd be under, and just having his coaches/choreographers around to talk to and consult with would be easier, especially during times of frustration etc.. and who knows how he really feels about training in the middle of the night. However, it would not surprise me if covid makes the decision for him. He's proven he's adaptable. I would not be surprised to hear he stays in Japan. I think skipping the GP series was probably of the biggest benefit to him. Never underestimate the power of good physical and mental rest, coupled with a strong desire to compete.

The free program music sounds lovely. Looking forward to it. The sp... I was never a fan of Let Me Entertain You from Queen. Of all of their songs, it's probably the one I like the least, lol! However, the RW version I liked better... Jeff has always delivered for Yuzu and Yuzu has always delivered for everyone so i will wait to be entertained. Glad he says he is in good shape.

LOL. You guys have been hilarious. I made myself read every page of your wait since i went to work this morning and enjoyed the angst! It is no surprise to me that Yuzu hopes to bring some happiness to people by competing here. I was thinking earlier this week that that was exactly why he would do this. I was remembering that interview he did with CBC last year where Scott quoted the J PM as saying he brings hope to the society, and he takes that seriously. Individuals are often powerless to make people happy in our current situation but he knows that by competing he will lift the spirits of many people. I am so excited for the new programs... I know it's Christmas and all, but really, this is my best Christmas present!!!

The closer it gets and so far no WD news... With no real family gathering for the holidays this year due to our friendly pandemic, this will be something to look forward to... and really, even if there is news of a WD... having both J and Rus Nats happening next week really is a Christmas present, in my view. I will enjoy them both as much as possible, a gift as we get rid of this awful year and hope for the best in 2021.

And I"m still torn between my desire to see him compete (thinking that the organizers will be doing their utmost to protect everyone), and him staying safe at home. My wishes mean nothing, whatever will be, will be.

More evidence that figure skating is becoming truly lost.

I'm torn. I want to see him compete and see the new program(s)... but I also want him to stay safe..but he knows how serious things are, how susceptible he is... he won't risk it if he feels there could be trouble.

You and I are only days apart in age, lol!!

Yeah. He's good enough to change things up.... That being said: this is not the first time I've seen this in my decades of figure skating watching. I can't remember specifics of who or when, but it really didn't surprise me at all. At least it's not overly common.

That's funny! Hope Yuzu sees and enjoys it.

Yay, Mai!!! Still love her to bits. The program does her no favours, but I love her for her.

Programs can be seen or interpreted as at the same level of Yuzu... but can the level of performance?

Yes, I think she will most likely have a long one compared to so many of them... I said ages out only because sometimes federations play favourites, as we all know... and you never know how politics can play out.

Maybe make some money now while there is definite interest... before she ages out, sad as that sounds.

Yes! A new SP from Jeff. That's always good news. This was probably quite the concerted effort by both of them. Coordinating time zones, ice availability (or at least a large enough open space to practice movement and steps)... technology (which can sometimes be a major challenge!)... I"m glad it's done. I"m so looking forward to a time when we might catch a glimpse or two... gives me something to look forward to!! I wonder what kind of masterpiece we'll be treated to this time.... edit: now I have listened to the part where Jeff says he sent a video to Yuzu of it... ok !

This is totally off topic and probably far fetched, but I wonder if the American comedian Kevin Hart, or his wife, is a fan of Japanese skating: they named their newborn daughter Kaori Mai. I know it's coincidence, but I thought that was cute.

Agreed. In any other season i could see that they might be afraid of losing ground to other teams either at home or internationally..... but, realistically, this year is a weird, potential wash out. I doubt anyone is gaining or losing much based on this year.

Happiest to see Mai. Such a gutsy girl and competitor, despite her waif like appearance. I wish her the very best. And lovely dress too...

So nice to see Mai !!! Still frail looking, but I thought she did so well considering her health, time off the ice and not competing. She was happy.

It depends on who is telling the story!

Lol. Russia brings the drama... and Plush certainly knows how to play *the game* now that he has high profile stars, by doing interviews, posting pictures as a coach etc.. getting himself publicity so that everyone knows he's coaching more hands on now and so he becomes more high profile as a coach etc.., lol. The rest of the world may have put many competitions etc., on hold, but Russia keeps us entertained off the ice!

Lol. I just got home from work and saw how many pages had been added to the Russia thread and knew something big went down... they always bring the drama! I, for one, am relieved for Brian. I didn't think it was a good idea in the beginning for TCC to take Med. I didn't think she was as capable of being *molded* into a new skater as other skaters have been and she needed so much attention. I wasn't really seeing things improve either. I am sure its a difficult thing for Med, but the pandemic and border closures are the reality. The border with the US closed until at least Oct.21st and, I've said it before, they are our closest friend and if it isn't open to them, Canada will probably keep borders closed for others too. It's just so difficult to be coached long distance like that and she needs more than that to have any hope of doing well. Good luck to Med. Hope everyone is happy with their situation.

Maybe they didn't like him expressing that he was worried about the people who might travel to watch *him* skate... thereby implying HE has a large fan base and he alone is responsible for them travelliny.... um, it is only the truth. He has a huge fan base, lol. He is supposed to not acknowledge them?

Today Canada announced that the travel ban was extended to Sept 30, so being allowed back into the country would still be an issue for Yuzu, even if he wanted to get back in the near future. His decision not only does what everyone has already said it does, but it also takes off any worries/pressure he may put on himself to return to Toronto for training. Now there is no rush for him to go anywhere, for any reason. It has been years since he spent so much time at home, and "down time" at that... no rushing around for tours and sponsors etc.. I imagine his body is definitely enjoying the rest ... I have no doubt that Yuzu is working very hard, but that is totally different from preparing for competitions and travel etc.. This could be very good for those ankles...

In any other year this news would be devastating to the world of fs, but in 2020 this is the right decision. Every reason he gave is valid. Sport will return, but health has to be paramount.