AKC

I am still shook by being across a harbor from the "first" Under Armour headquarters. What can this mean? The specialized Under Armour store I was at mentioned they have some merchandise that hasn't been released to stores. They also were wanting feedback about products and what else they could create...since who I talked to was open to feedback, maybe they would create what you want... Also, of course, I talked about Yuzuru😻 Well, recreate

Ironically, on vacation to Baltimore, Maryland, unwittingly I am staying directly across a small harbor from Under Armour headquarters! I did go to a specialized Under Armour store on my harbor's side. They might be able to help or lead you in that direction: Harbor East 700 S President St Baltimore, MD 21202 410/528-5304

To sleep, wine and Yuzu Love cheesecake (adapted to the altitude)... Oh, and Brian Orser, increase tech with your students...

Signing off - for good - following only Yuzu and Zhenya now from non American sources and no more "blogging". I'm making drastic changes in my life (moving away, changing careers, taking time off). It took two decades - I'm a fighter - but I finally hit the wall; handling many surgeries, procedures, including two ankle/foot surgeries, coming back time after time to a major corporation hospital sales job - it's finally too hard. Yuzu and Evgenia's stories/programs from Worlds have inspired me to move forward again, but be a better, more real version of myself. I can relate to both of them and am terrified for Yuzu, but I take from Yuzu the interview with PJ after the LP, "what do you love about skating" - his answers, that all that matters...

Those Vera Wang costumes - yuck - he had to pull his shirt down during the US Nationals LP during a spin because it was coming up and exposing his mid section. I hadn't seen anything can that before and, scarily, have heard rumors she has made 30 (!) costumes for his programs. He needs to burn the costumes and start anew (lol).

To whoever asked about Vincent Zhou, read all of his Instagram.

As an American who watched their first Worlds and is discovering figure skating, I am shocked and appalled by my federation's possible behavior in influencing judging and their treatment of abuse allegations (oh, we haven't even gotten to the Coughlin stuff). FYI I count US figure skaters, coaches and choreographers, past and present, as part of the "federation". The only bright spot for me was Nathan Chen, a deserved champion who acts with class. He deals with insane US media/TV/Fed who can't market figure skating to save their lives and put him with unnecessary pressure. He deals with a crazy coach, questionable teammates, and a meddling family. He deals with school. He deals with injuries, well, more in the past, because of the quads, etc. He deals with Vera Wang costuming which is beyond ugly and, frankly, not functional for figure skating. [Admin edit: assumption/not appropriate for this forum] Let us praise him for rising above all of this garbage and being a good sport and a worthy opponent to our beloved Yuzu. Now if only the judges would be educated and fair in following the ISU judging rules...

I saw that with Adam Rippon. He did a similar thing on Twitter regard his friend Coughlin who was suspended pending investigation of sexual abuse claims. His bias - he choreographed the Mariah Bell SP we just saw - is evident. I completely agree that the matter should stay with those who are directly involved. A full independent investigation is needed to get to the truth.

Yuzu love cheesecake, a dessert I saw on a restaurant menu in Denver, CO. I think it's a good omen...

I believe some skaters have been open to sharing.

I expect some people may have an idea.

How is Zhenya getting paid to train at TCC? Would part of her funding be taken away if she wasn't on the National team?

Don't you think it would be better if she left Eteri? Waiting to be attacked...

She's obviously still working on this - it still needs work, but is improving. I'm not going to fault her on working hard on a new piece; she hasn't been doing it for long. The choreography is good, but, I agree, she does need to hit those crashes better. Based on what happens in the opera, how else do you want her to perform? She isn't going "through the motions" - I can't see that at all. This is a fantastic choice for her; she has to be "dramatic". I don't know if you are doing this or not, but we shouldn't put down any of the Russian ladies who are involved in this mess. I do think Liza should have gone, but I'm going to support the ladies who are going...their federation has made it difficult for all of them...

Of course she does

Yuzu looks like he's just checking out the ice and is going to skate next; no, this is something else: great PR to increase her PCS. Great PR!

This music is from Act 3 of Tosca - she needs to look like a dying swan. She doesn't just die, she dies dramatically, tragically.

With Zhenya, I think her SP is ready for Worlds, but not her LP. If you look at the difference between her SP at Rus Nats and the Rus Cup, the difference is striking. I feel bad for all of the Russia skaters involved in this mess.

I was just about to say as long as we see Alena as much as possible next year (or now), we are lucky. She's amazing!

At this point, send Samodurova, Zagitova (if she's hydrated and brings Masaru) and toss a coin. They will be lucky to get their three spots no matter what.

Loving the shade, Evgenia!

Yuzu (remember that great documentary on him and his strategy going into the last Olympics) is very well versed on the BV of all of these jumps. Trust, he is focused on Nathan's TES and how to come closer to it; why do you think his planned first quad at the Olympics was a lutz? He had to change it because of injury and his tactics changed again mostly because of Nathan's meltdown. Since he hasn't a quad flip (3rd highest BV of the quads) and is uncertain about the quad lutz (2nd highest), go with the highest one. The BV of what we saw today is nothing like before and he understands this...

Um, yeah. Nathan Chen - 130.30 TES today at US Nats. I can hear Yuzu on the ice rink right now from two thousand miles away. I just want him to live up to the ideal he has for himself especially at home (Worlds). Yuzu is so special, so if wants - and I know this might sound crazy to some people - to do the 4A in Japan at Worlds, it does sound like something he would do. His motivation had to have gone up after today and if anyone can achieve it, he can.

The lutz and flip are harder on his ankle than the other jumps; he, understandably, won't risk it.