barbara

This needs to be a poster.

Has the IOC made sense to anyone in the last couple of years? Who did they use to develop this schedule? Flipping the individual men's and pairs events would obviously be better. If they have released multiple versions of the skating events schedule then they can correct this - probably after different federations complain about this. And, knowing Boyang is also at a disadvantage, it's clear that this is all IOC and not anyone in China. Does anyone know how far in advance of the 2018 games a final schedule was published?

Welcome back - but, what? There is some other sport to watch? It's a relief to have only one sport I am truly passionate about following (not that there aren't other sports I enjoy watching or participating in) - though, really, it has been a very dry 18 months being a FS fan - it's necessary to have other interests.

I could be wrong about this, but I really don't see a lot of Trumpsters being into FS one way or the other, so if NBC thinks toxic masculinity in Men's FS is going to draw a bigger viewing audience, they're probably wrong. No matter what NC say between now and the Olympics, people who love FS will watch, but not because of him.

I can't, offhand, think of a male skater, in the past couple of decades, who is as "masculine" as Plushenko, yet Origin is an homage to him. He deftly mixed pure power with artistry. And I don't think he'd ever say that Yuzu's artistic and interpretive approach to the sport is anything but brilliant. (And Yuzu is just as explosive and physical as NC - he's just also capable of including art in his skates.)

We know the original of what he said was deleted but NC has issued an apology. Appropriate and likely suggested to him - but,,,

She's also, actually, while born in Japan, has spent most of her life in the US. I still think she was a fine choice, but not typical.

While Canada will be open to international travelers, and we all feel that Yuzu will be vaccinated because he is one of the senior skaters (Rika and Shoma have definitely been vaccinated), will his mother be? Doubtful. And doubtful that Yuzu would return without his mother. I hadn't thought about him maybe not wanting to uproot her, but that could be a contributing factor to any decision he makes. I also truly believe that he needs Ghislain to achieve the 4A, so, if Yuzu is unable, or unwilling, to return to Canada, we can hope he will get the help he needs to achieve his dream. Will the IOC have any influence on the judging at Beijing? Or will ISU dominate? While I am rooting for all the athletes currently in Tokyo, and hoping they stay healthy, I am almost hoping that the viewership bombs. I'll watch replays of my favorites, but am trying to avoid as much of the NBC coverage as possible, since they are, truly, the dominating force behind the NC push.

It completely baffles me that Yuzu fans would find BTS annoying. (I get that the photoshop might not be liked, but that's a different thing.) Yuzu and BTS have so much in common. Hard working, talented, driven, humble and generous. The long Yuzu drought gave me BTS and they helped me through. It's not like anyone is preferring a different skater. Different disciplines, though they both have exquisite moves. I put this kind of thing in the same category as "haters" because I just don't understand that either.

What a find!

I've always thought that it is a veteran, older Olympian who would be the one who'd light the torch. It is remotely possible that no older Japanese Olympians were willing to risk getting sick. But I expect they were going for the dazzle of Naomi for ratings. She is certainly one of the top tier of Japanese athletes, but doesn't fit the usual criteria.

I'm going to have to disagree with you. Yes, tennis is a popular sport around the world, and she is well known. But Yuzu is one the top "googled' athletes, globally, and is always something like 60 or higher for the most popular, using everything from google searches, social media presence (and he's the only one on the list aside from an American golfer with zero social media), endorsements and other criteria. (And the list includes athletes from way more popular global sports, like soccer and cricket.) That said, Naomi was an excellent choice (since I am certain Yuzu would have turned it down.) She is a "summer" athlete and a wonderful role model, so I am happy for her.

I, for one, am neither surprised nor disappointed that Yuzu was not part of the torch relay or opening ceremonies. I would imagine he was asked to participate, but we know how he feels about the state of emergency in Tokyo and the decision to go forward with the games. And I am very happy he didn't risk his health just to be someone they could show on TV. Just the hope that he'd be there drove up the viewership. The IOC should be satisfied with that.

Yuzu and BTS - they couldn't have chosen any more popular people if they'd tried. A perfect combination.

Your experience doesn't remotely surprise me! And, I too, am sorry on so many levels for the athletes. No visiting Japan. Their parents can't even be there. And there are several para-olympians who dropped out because they weren't allowed to bring their necessary assistants. That is unforgivable.

It is my understanding that all the skaters, at least the senior skaters, would be vaccinated fully in July. There's no reason to think Yuzu won't be among them.

I once dated a Nationally ranked tennis player (this is a LONG time ago) and he wouldn't have dreamed of any "shenanigans" before a competition. I think, at past Olympics, the partying was pretty much after a personal event. And this Olympics, all athletes have to leave the country as soon as their events are over. No hanging out in the Olympic village and partying with athletes from all over. No staying in town for the closing ceremonies. Sad, really.

There is no such thing as "too much Yuzu".

Jun interview translation - no mention of if he plans on going to TCC or even who is coaching him, but if you can work yourself though all the twitter threads, it's a good article.

Wow! He looks so much healthier. I wonder what Stephane was feeding him. Certainly not fondue. That can't just be from his time in Switzerland, he must have been working on this during the spring, as well. His family must be so happy he is home and that he was there for the storm. Next, we'll want to hear about Shoma and Denis..... and if he'll be able to help Yuzu with his 4A. There's less of him to do it, but I think the 62 pounds won't impact his coaching in anything but a positive way.

As long as he tours the US and Canada, I'll be fine...

That little but vital piece of information just made my day. I don't need to spend time becoming furious when visiting PH.

And his death, I hope, was a wake-up call to the k-pop industry. The pressure to become successful is insane. And to stay popular a whole level higher. Idols are suppose to be project perfection and when they are suffering from depression and burn-out, how can they get help? I do hope there is a way for both the super popular artists, but also for all of those who get washed out in the trainee process.

I can't even go there. I can't even believe it. And not just for me. I can't believe it for Yuzu. I hope his plans are fluid, at this point, because at least a few months of training with his coaches in-person will make a world of difference. He is diligent and capable and hard working, but for the same reasons a doctor doesn't treat himself, Yuzu is not above benefitting from actual coaching. If he truly has the 4A as his principle goal, I don't know how he thinks he can achieve that without Ghislain and without in-person training. Staying in Japan just seems like an ill-thought out and rash idea. I guess this is a "talk to me in October" because I won't be able to accept this until after it's a fait accompli. "Moving on" is when he retires.

Roman is using a BTS song for his 2021-22 season Gala. And there are plenty of great ones Yuzu could use (they have Japanese versions of quite a few songs) - including two new ones (Butter being one of them, but Permission to Dance, just out last night, is super upbeat and happy.)