GreatLakesGal

I think this is what Brian was probably thinking as well when he brought up the new scoring in relation to Yuzu possibly continuing to compete.

I would not take too seriously any comments athletes make during or shortly after the Olympics, especially if they've done well. They're on an Olympic-induced high and temporarily forget the tedious drudgery involved in day-to-day training. Also, for marketing (money) purposes, it is often better for them to initially say they are not planning to retire. I find it very difficult to believe that Javi is going to continue competing after this season. My impression is that it was a real grind for him to compete as long as he has.

Well, that settles it for me. When Yuzu isn't skating, Boyang is my guy for the win! (What a sweetheart he must be to say something like that.)

Yuzu is famous for his hugging. If he does the gala, he better not jump on that foot. Enough already.

ridic zen focusing shit Someone should make Shoma hold a baby--that might wake him up!

Just a thought: I've noticed some terrific art from fans who post here. What about asking one of them to do a rendering of Brian, Tracy, and Ghislain? Kind of a group portrait of Yuzu's three Olympic coaches? Then professionally frame it and send it to TCC with a letter of appreciation from Planet Hanyu (using stationery printed with the gorgeous Hanyu banner from this site). Whatever you decide to do, my suggestion is to wait until after the end of this season. The Olympics are an especially exhausting time for coaches and sending them anything, however well meaning, can just end up being burdensome to them. But after things have calmed down and everyone is suffering from the usual post-Olympic blues, a gift from appreciative fans could be quite a treat.

I really wish skaters who start out in hockey would just stay in hockey. I also hope the new scoring changes that are implemented will prevent someone with such limited "artistry" from reaching the top mainly on the strength of their jumps. Brian mentioned that the changes that are coming could be a factor in whether Yu decides to keep competing or not.

I don't think Raf should get anywhere near younger skaters, especially those with tiger parents. One of the many reasons I admire Brian Orser so much is that he's made it clear that he doesn't see his skaters' victories as his own and his behavior with them reflects that. Unfortunately I don't think this is the case with Raf.

I would LOVE for Boyang to win Worlds! And if he can't, I would be quite happy with always-tired Shoma taking gold. As for Nathan, I just heard about this comment he apparently made last year: "If something you really want to watch is artistry, go watch ice dancing," Chen said. "I think with what we're doing now, we're bringing such an athletic aspect to the sport. I'm not saying anyone can be fully artistic, but it's easier to work on things like that than these jumps." Not going to be rooting for Nathan after reading that.

This makes sense. It may be that his ankle requires surgery and there was no time for that pre-Olympics. Fortunately for Yuzu, he is in a position to get the very best medical/surgical/rehab care for his ankle.

I think it's a very safe bet that neither Yuzu nor Javi will be attending Worlds this year. And also a safe bet that Nathan will show up with the intent of winning gold.

Thanks so much for giving us your interpretation of this. I agree that reading the English translation of that statement was extremely upsetting--how could it not be for anyone who loves Yuzu as much as we do?

He really has mastered the art of dealing with the press. All that clicking doesn't faze him at all.

Did he really phrase it this way? It's hard to know whether to cry or laugh at such a statement.

This is an excellent point. He could be catastrophizing about this injury, which would certainly be understandable for an elite athlete.

This is very upsetting to read. This is why he had to take such care with all his practices. He was worried that his ankle would give out before he finally finished his FS. And obviously this is why he didn't do the Team event. I hope he skips the gala and gets himself to Japan as quickly as possible.

Weren't they brilliant? Brian said to never underestimate Mr. Hanyu; I think it's also a mistake for other coaches to underestimate stealth coach Mr. Orser. If Nathan's team had taken the trouble to look up and carefully digest the interviews Brian has given over the years--I think I've read almost all of them--they might have avoided some of the errors they made with him.

That's exactly the right attitude, meoima.

Who can sleep after a day--a season--like this?!

Has this NYT article been posted yet? It's written by the same guy who did that nice article on Yuzu a few weeks ago. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/15/sports/olympics/figure-skating-yuzuru-hanyu-nathan-chen.html Knowing how superstitious Yuzu can be, I'm so relieved that he was able to pat a Pooh before skating!

Yuzu also has much better coaching now than he had when he was in Boston. So glad that "boardroom conference" took place when it did. And so glad Ghislain is now an integral part of his team. I can see why Adam was so close to Ghislain when he was at TCC.

I just cannot get over how seemingly relaxed and confidant and joyous our King/Prince of Figure Skating is looking on that practice ice. And how connected he is with all three members of his skating team. And how carefully scripted each of his practice sessions seems to be.

Adam seems to have mastered the art of avoiding difficult questions during interviews by giving non-answers. And yes, it would have been good for the sport if he had stepped up and given an honest answer to her question. I almost never watch American television anymore, cable or broadcast. Which is why having to watch figure skating on NBC is such a horrific experience for me.

Another gorgeous photo of him with his head up and his hair blown back!

I think he does it because he knows we fans love it and it's his way of interacting with us, playing with us.