GreatLakesGal

He really does do that, doesn't he? I feel a bit sad for him because he's still pretty young and clearly did not get the benefit of adequate technical coaching. If it's true that he has been having some physical issues, he probably sees this as his only chance for an OGM. (I think this is also true of Nathan Chen.) That said, the continued failure to penalize him for his substandard jumping technique is unforgivable and makes a mockery of figure skating as a sport. Props to Yatagarasu for writing a terrific post about this over at GoldenSkate.

Adam Rippon June 2017 ITNY Exhibition This was posted yesterday on YouTube by Jackie Wong: "Diamonds - the precursor to Rippon's 2017-18 short program" Not sure what I think of it . . . .

I wonder what would have happened if Patrick had asked Brian to coach him after the 2010 Olympics. Since Brian is a "no drama" type of coach, I'm guessing their partnership probably wouldn't have lasted too long.

I really like this, especially the tailored sleeves. I don't like flared sleeves on competitive skating costumes--I feel they negatively affect the body line. I know many loved Mao's Madama Butterfly dress but the sleeves on it drove me crazy.

Thanks for reminding me that I need to download some skating videos NOW. So sad.

He looks like an astronaut putting on his spacesuit! (Maybe he really is an alien.)

I also recall Phil tweeting--I think it was after NHK--that if Hanyu had skated like that at the Olympics, people would be talking about his performance for decades.

He looks so young here, so innocent. Not a hint of badass Yuzu. If he were an actor, he could play himself as a young adolescent and as a young man.

Heh. I've always thought of that expression as "badass Yuzu." Or "Warrior Yuzu." Highly enjoyable.

I'm not a fan of his Seimei costume either. The top just doesn't work for me, especially the sleeves.

I've never been pro 4Lz because it was obvious to me how difficult it was for him to integrate that 4Lo into his programs last season. But I will very much miss the second 3A as the triple axel is my favorite jump and his are extraordinary, the most beautiful I've ever seen.

He might have really been undecided as to whether to use Seimei again. During the 2015-2016 season, I recall an interview (I think it was at Cup of China) in which Brian said he "didn't understand" Yuzu's Seimei program. So perhaps Brian wasn't as keen on the program, at least initially, as so many of us were then and are now.

Seimei was a powerful program, an Olympic-quality program. Can't wait to see the new improved version from him.

Very pleased to hear that he's been working on stamina training. I was just thinking about this recently when I saw Jason Brown run out of steam at the end of his new FS at Glacial Falls. Those jumps with complicated choreography are killer.

I created an account and opened it and saw TRUMP! Can't escape him, even here. But seriously, a big thank you to Hydroblade for the excellent instructions on how to gain access.

The wording of that --"new layout" as opposed to "new program"--sounds very suspicious. Then again, maybe they're just trying to confuse us.

Too bad Phil Hersh isn't there. He'd tweet what program Yuzu is doing.

If he's using Seimei again, then he should have announced it earlier when he announced that he was using Chopin again. Not a good PR strategy to raise people's expectations and then dash them. Not that I would have a problem with Seimei. It's an amazing program.

I would be fine with a Swan FS. David Wilson at the press conference does make one wonder . . . . I'm feeling a bit nervous about his FS music because so many of the music choices already announced this year have ranged from mediocre to horrific. Hopefully that will not be the case with the best figure skater ever . . . .

Living in the United States where there is little interest in figure skating, it's mind boggling to read how eager the Japanese are to interview Yuzu. And add me to the list of those having difficulty concentrating at work while waiting to hear what music he's using for his FS. I hope that's revealed sooner rather than later!

I feel bad for Max Aaron. I'm sure he has this vision of exactly how he wants to skate but, like so many skaters, lacks the ability to execute that vision--no matter how hard he works at it. Finally saw Jason's programs on IceNetwork. Now that I can actually hear his SP music, I don't hate it. Don't think it's an appropriate choice for a competitive program but I give him props for choosing music he actually cares about and believes in. If he can get his jumps, it should be fine. Still not impressed with his FS music though. He's going to have to skate it perfectly, as Yuzu did with H&L at Worlds, for it to be memorable.

Still do not like Jason's SP music. Also not impressed with much of Rohene's usual over-the-top choreography. Kori needs to rein him in (again) so Jason can master his jumps. He's rapidly running out of time. Jason is so talented. Can't help but wonder how much of a difference a coach like Brian Orser would have made for him.

I hate Jason's SP music. I don't mean I "dislike" it. I mean I really, really hate it. And I'm not impressed with his FS music either. Eric Radford did a much better job for Patrick Chan last season.

Yuzu would be fine doing Carmina Burana. One Winged Angel? Can't imagine it.

"Where's the wow factor?" Yes, that's exactly what I believe the narrative will be. Actually, I fear it will be even worse than that but I won't go there, just hope for the best for him.