GreatLakesGal

I used iSakura a few years ago and really liked it. So I checked out Himawari and was disappointed to learn that I can't watch it on my MacAir because I can't download the View Navigator app on that device--only on an iPhone or iPad. And I don't have a working iPad at the moment so that means I would have to watch Prologue on my iPhone. Not thrilled about doing that.

I don't think this painter has captured Yuzu at all. Looks more like Shoma, especially the hair.

So Karen Chen has withdrawn from Worlds and alternate Ashley Wagner has also declined. Which opens up a spot for Mariah Bell. Sure hope Bradie brings her A game.

I don't think even Yuzu knows what his future plans are at this point. Whether he decides to return to competitive skating is probably dependent on a multitude of factors including (but not limited to) his physical health, the new scoring changes, and the wishes of his immediate family.

This is so sweet. You can see that the two of them genuinely like each other--nothing forced about those hugs!

I don't know how anyone who has seen this performance (or his Prince SP) can say he is not capable of skating "extroverted"--i.e., playing to the crowd. Because he certainly did that here.

Just wanted to say that I agree with you about Gogolev not being a complete skater. Definitely something missing with that kid and I think Brian alluded to it in one of his recent interviews. Even when Yuzu was a tiny thing you can see his innate musicality and budding artistry. Not seeing any of that with Stephen yet.

It's not about bringing others down; it's about being very clear to his fellow countryman about who is still number one. What was Yuzu's reaction to Shoma's comment that he could have won gold if he had just done one of his jumps better? Don't recall the exact quote but Yuzu made it clear he didn't agree. Good for him! It's interesting that some of you see that as a negative in Yuzu. I see it as a major positive; it's indicative of his killer competitive instinct and it's why he now has two Olympic gold medals. I would also not be surprised if it irritates perfectionist Yuzu that Shoma gets away with pre-rotating his jumps and that his under-rotations are often not called. Javi really did deserve the Olympic silver medal.

You know, I think that these actions are Yu's very subtle ways of keeping Shoma in his place--that is, below him. Like the Queen of England, he's not about to abdicate his throne as Japan's Figure Skating King. Not yet anyway. I especially love it when he pets him!

My take on Nathan is that he's one of those skaters for whom skating is not really his passion. He does it because he just happens to be very good at it-- he was genetically blessed with great natural talent for it, much like Gracie Gold. And if I'm right about that, the thought of having to spend the next four years of his life continuing to do it in the hopes of winning that elusive OGM must be very depressing for him. It would be for me.

And I want to see him drinking soda and eating chips at McDonald's. (Who would have guessed?!)

You're just posting what many of us are thinking but, like you, don't want to upset others with our concerns. Sometimes I wonder if that's the case with Yuzu--i.e., if there's something he's not telling us because he doesn't want to upset his fans right now.

In the process of watching the press conference but just had to stop and say that his hair is absolute perfection. I don't think I've ever seen him look better.

I just read this at another site about Boyang: Now I really feel terrible that he didn't win a medal.

I think Jun has injuries that need some healing time.

Just read on another site that neither Javi nor Jun are going to Worlds.

I was thinking the same thing: "I won you a silver medal and all you do is torture me." Lucky for Shoma that he is so tiny and so cute. Because if he wasn't, I doubt looking half asleep and bored most of the time would get him such positive reactions from fans.

Is his comment about surgery new? I don't recall hearing that before but there were so many interviews I might have missed it.

So what is the name of the banner that was up here before this new one? That was far and away my favorite.

Perfect answer, Yuzu. Not that I would have expected anything less from him.

One thing I've wondered about Jason is if it's primarily his body type that is causing him to have problems with quads. When he finally returned to the ice after being sidelined by injury, I immediately noticed (as did others) how much his body had matured since he had last skated. I've also wondered whether his extreme closeness to Kori has negatively affected his performances. The hugging they do before he skates--does that have a calming or an arousing effect on him? And then all the intense hand-holding they do before the scores come up--you would think someone's life is on the line instead of just a skating competition.

Wow. If that is accurate, then it will freak out a lot of those Jason fans who also engaged in nonstop praise for Kori and Rohene. And Tessa Hong has "moved on" from skating? That's interesting.

I found it interesting that Plushenko dissed the current Russian men. Or does he always do that?

I just came across an article in Russian that's an interview with Rafael A. In it he talks about Nathan, who apparently doesn't listen to him, and also about Adam and Ashley. https://rsport.ria.ru/winter2018_analytics/20180221/1133017291.html Wasn't sure if I should post this here or somewhere else? Apparently there's some juicy stuff in it; unfortunately, I can't read Russian.

That Yuzu managed to win a second OGM in this age of quads is nothing short of astonishing. Dick Button's back-to-back wins are in no way comparable to what Yuzu has done. Not even close. And what makes it even more unreal is that he did it with such a serious injury. I'm still in shock over that.