KendallKlaire

Looks like he's competing!! (barring any last minute disaster) Wondering if his programs are going to be decided more last minute? I could understand if he decides not to debut a new SP this year at nationals given its an Olympic year (reusing Tenchi is a no brainer though). HOWEVER, given all the apparent effort and passion he has for Rondo I how he does debut it (fingers crossed!!!)

Don't know if this was shared, but can anyone translate? All arrows point to Yuzu, guess we know who the main character is lol This post has been tagged by yuzuangel as [NEWS].

I've always had very mixed feelings on parents acting as coaches. Usually parents are involved anyway (helicopter parenting i.e. Vincent Zhou or Yuna Kim's mom) but I feel just having your parents as a coach adds more stress to training and the child-parent relationship. However, now that Yuma is receiving JSF support his father may feel Yuma can do anything (add more jump and, ugh, quints) and get ridiculous scores. I believe Yuma does love skating, but I can't help but wonder if his relationship with his father will remain so healthy (I'm just skeptical given recent developments with Alysa Liu and her father). I do think Yuma is a great talent and will take over the men's field once Yuzu and Nathan leave, but he does not deserve to score so high over other young Japanese men like Shun or Kazuki (my personal fav after Yuzu). The JSF favoritism is so obvious that it is hurting Yuma's popularity I think. From what I'm understanding from Japanese Fanyus on Twitter, Yuma is being pushed A LOT before nationals.

Honestly I believe that might be it for Alena...She was already on the bottom of Eteri's girls this season (as sad as it is to say since she's my favorite). I'd be shocked if she goes back to competing after this season, she may start doing shows but I could see her stepping away from the sport altogether given the treatment she's been receiving from Danny G. It's so sad given how much potential she had. 18 truly is the cursed number for Eteri's camp. Once girls reach that age their bodies either break down or they get injured to the point where they are simply replaced by the next generation of girls coming up from juniors.

Honestly this is true now! This morning I read a comment on the Figure Skating Reddit by someone who said they were watching a recent competition (not sure which one) with their boyfriend who asked them what the point of having skaters skate to music was?! Like, I know the musicality in skating was declining, but OMG it's really bad that people are even asking what the point of having music is. Is really so bad that people just want to watch people skate around and jump? This is why I love Yuzu's skating so much. He embodies the music and is an excellent performer. I don't think anyone can match him with this (especially in mens skating). Very excited to see his new SP!

Curious about opinions on Illia Malinin? (He's probably been mentioned in this forum somewhere before) He calls himself quadg0d on IG and seems cocky AF. He's got all the quads for sure, yet he seems to be a bit inconsistent with landing them. His parents were Soviet skaters so he's certainly inherited their drive and is coached by his mother. Illia is aiming for the 4A and quad combinations. Other than that I don't know much about him, but he seems like a cockier version of Nathan as a 17 year old (he looks up to Nathan). Even without knowing much about him something just rubs me the wrong way...

Okay so I know that this may belong in the IDF but I have to RAGE a bit. Perhaps I'm crazy but I'm just so mad right now... The Yuzu erasure this season is REAL you guys. I don't mean in that in the sense of him not competing and generally being absent but in the NARRATIVE sense. Like there is no narrative coming from the Americans, Russians, or the Japanese media/federations that are building any sort of road or support of Yuzu competing or winning ANYTHING this season. In their eyes he's done and over. What made me write this was just watching the NBC IDF coverage and hearing the commentary of Johnny, Tara, and Tanith. The praise in which they lavish Yuma in is almost ridiculous. I like Yuma and think he has a lot of promise but he's not *there* yet. His performance at the IDF was not his best and yet the commentary was trying SO HARD to convince us he was stunning and the OGM dark horse (and sure maybe). But it's as if they're watching Nathan skate, the praise is endless! If Yuzu was skating all they would talk about is how it compares to Nathan, no such endless compliments for him. Which leads me to another thing... Johnny during Yuma's skate commented "Yuma is bringing a new era of Japanese male dominance" but like... where did it go??? Yuzu has won the last 2 Olympics and won his GP assignments in 2018 & 2019. Have you forgotten? He hasn't left the Worlds podium since 2014 and has the respect of the skating world. I get that Yuma is fresh blood and will likely succeed Yuzu but the way they are pushing this narrative that now that Yuzu is out for the GP he no longer exists or is relevant is infuriating. I'd argue a lot of the current figure skating audience exists today because of Yuzu. I just find it cruel how the sport he lives so much is erasing him and diminishing his achievements.

As much as it was expected, still sad knowing we'll have to wait another month (at least) to see Yuzu again. Of course it's the right decision and I hope Yuzu continues focusing on the best treatment/recovery possible. But now the big question will be if Yuzu will compete in Nationals or skip that as well? It seems this injury is either not as severe, or Yuzu has had more time to recover, so it seems more likely he will compete in Nationals this year versus as it was in 2017. Although the JSF has said Yuzu will not be counted out if he doesn't compete, I see a lot of comments (that I should ignore) that Yuzu should compete at Nationals because he doesn't enjoy the privilege of being the only Japanese gold contender (love Shoma but he was not expected to get gold in 2018). Yuma does have a shot if Nathan, Shoma, or even Vincent (ugh) mess up (and maybe if Yuma changes his SP). The JSF certainly has Yuma in first place and Shoma, given his competitions this season, has the second slot. Yuzu, on the basis of his world standing alone, should be guaranteed the third slot. But honestly, given comments from Yuzu himself it really doesn't seem he has the desire to compete at the 2022 Olympics like he did four years ago. I feel that if he was able to do the 4A prior to the Olympics he would have retired or refused the Olympic spot. I believe that if he does go to the Olympics and he's in good shape he certainly can get on the podium, but if it's anything less than gold the media coverage over XYZ defeating 2x OGM Yuzuru Hanyu will be unbearable.

To be honest I have a feeling Yuzu may REALLY want to go to Sochi because he does need to test his new short program somewhere (we all know he typically pancakes the debut of his programs). As much as I don't want him to go to Russia, not only because of his injury, but because of high COVID cases, I think it would be good if he can do a competition before nationals (given he goes to nationals). For all we know his injury may not have been as severe as last time and may have just needed a few weeks of rest. The best case if he does go to Sochi is that he performs his programs with watered down content so he doesn't risk injury. Sure he may not even medal (though I'd expect he'd land somewhere on the podium) but at least he can test the SP, run through his FS, and figure out his physical condition. He can still withdraw if he really doesn't feel up for it, we shall see.

I agree that it may seem unfair if the JSF selects Yuzu for the Olympic team over the boys who have been competing all season, HOWEVER, besides Yuma and Shoma none of those other guys (Shun, Sota, Kao) have been able to deliver consistent results that would put them in medal contention at the Olympics. World ranking and results over the last 3 years does matter and are taken into account when making the team selection. On that basis alone Yuzu would be selected - even if he does not go to Nationals. The only ones who would be upset with putting Yuzu on the team despite his absence would be the coaches/parents of those other boys and the bitter JSF officials who don't like Yuzu anyway. I believe almost everyone expects Yuzu will be chosen for the team regardless. The outcry of Yuzu being left off the team would be deafening. As has been said before, Beijing REALLY wants Yuzu to compete, and by extension, I believe the IOC also wants Yuzu in Beijing since he is THE STAR of the winter Olympics. The only understandable reason that Yuzu would be left off the team is if Yuzu himself requests it or refuses to go.

Was seeing this on Twitter and this makes me wonder, how does the JSF select their judges? Did they actively select judges who judge Yuzu harshly and overscore Americans? It doesn't look good for them and makes the whole idea that Japan and America have reached a "deal" for Olympic medals not very far fetched. In the men's event America gets the gold with overscoring and Japan's chosen one gets the silver (I don't mind Yuma but he got GOE/PCs goodies last week). Barring any disaster this weekend, if Vincent gets ridiculous scores and Shoma gets screwed by rotational calls (both Shoma AND Vincent have issues) then something is definitely up.

Oh it hurts so much knowing we could have seen Yuzu this weekend...Please heal and rest up!

Very intrigued by Yuzu's SP music choice. I feel that the music has so many variations that only he could emphasize well in his skating (the way he captures moments of tension especially). I'm really looking forward to it!

Okay, I feel like I experience all 5 stages of grief this morning. I opened Twitter and saw the news after I woke up and felt my heart break. I have been counting down the days till we got to see Yuzu again only to see that he injured that same ankle. I was so happy to have something to look forward to but now.. though honestly, as devastated as we all are for not being able to see to see him I know that what he must feeling is inevitable worse. I am sending him all the warm and positive vibes to help his healing! However, this does throw some major question marks for his future. NHK trophy was probably going to be his most "safe" competition (in his home country, no overseas travel required) but now he only has the Rostelecom Cup in Russia before Nationals and I honestly don't know if I'd want him to risk going to Russia right now. Since he's missing NHK he may feel he has to go which I understand, though we have no idea what the extent of his injury is. If he's going to continue therapy and on-ice training then I don't think it's as bad as his 2017 injury. As others are mentioning, this is a near repeat of what happened before the 2018 Olympics, but with some new factors to consider. Yuzu is older, this ankle has been a major problem for some time, and now there's a new young medal contender - Yuma. Personally, I didn't sense Yuzu wanted to go to Beijing with the same fire he did for Pyeongchang, but now that he's missing competitions to debut the 4A he may go after all. I wouldn't be surprised if he goes to Nationals to qualify for the Olympics (given his injury is manageable) since the JSF will see Yuma as their great hope in 2022 for a medal. They probably won't give Yuzu a "free" pass like last time.

Honestly if I had a preference for how Yuzuru operated this season (not as if I have ANY control over it) I'd say Yuzu competes in the NHK, drops out of the Rostelecom cup (due to the high infection rates), and then competes at nationals. If he's landed the 4A (to his satisfaction) by then I could see him retiring after a home competition, but if not he'll probably go to the Olympics. Just what I'm thinking right now

OMG OMG OMG if Yuzu lands a 4A at NHK it's over! Game over, done, finished. HOWEVER, I have to wonder if this interview was done some time ago? Or was it done more recently? Has he landed it in practice? Or is he still working towards it? I don't want him to put too much pressure on himself, like feeling like he has to land the 4A at NHK and anything less is failure. All I am looking forward to is seeing him again (and hopefully new costumes and a new SP...)

The lead up to Skate America is riling up my interest in figure skating again and I honestly think the sport is just getting so ugly right now. Beyond unfair scoring there are issues of sexual predators getting away or not receiving the banishment/punishment they deserve (Vanessa's statement is just built on lies...), homophobia by Russian coaches and commentators not being addressed or punished by the ISU (absolutely pitiful), and just the low career sustainability by athletes in general (skating isn't the lifelong career it used to be). This is all just making me think that after Yuzu retires I'm really not sure I'll keep watching and that's really sad. Beyond Yuzu I love the Japanese ladies, but their federation really doesn't offer them the same level of support the Russians get (inflated scores at home may mean better scores abroad). I'm rewatching Yuzu's programs in anticipation for the NHK trophy and am falling more in love with Heaven in Earth. I love all the subtle gestures and especially how the tension in his body tightens and relaxes with the music (especially after the 4t-3s in the second half). I also love that Yuzu really takes care to tell a story with his program and I feel he was so into it he had to take a few seconds after his finishing move. I really hope he lands his 4A to make him feel this program is complete. I'm also very excited to see a new SP! With his interviews lately I don't think he views going to the Olympics as an important thing to him, and honestly I'd understand if he retired after Japanese Nationals in the style of Machida if he landed his 4A by then (as heartbroken as we'd all be). But that's all up to Yuzu.

Ahhhh, YES! That's it! Thank you!

Absolutely agree. This reminds me of what Oksana Baiul(?) said in a recent interview about how quads are impressive for a second, but what's interesting about the rest of the program? People get bored of things so fast. Sadly, as excited as I should be about women jumping quads, I am already bored or unimpressed by it because the girls doing them are mostly Eteri girls who seek to win above creating a complete program. Because I know that the judges will go crazy with points even without transitions, great skating skills, or interpretation, what even is figure skating now? On another topic... can anyone link me the video where Yuzu's triple axel is being used in a classroom for ISU training to recognize a perfect +5? Not that they know one when they see one haha

Thank you for your response! Because I am not from China or HK I was very curious what the situation was there. It is quite sad how people attack each other online just because of what they like, though it may ultimately be dangerous to go against the grain with the CCP in charge...I am still quite curious how Yuzu will be received if he does compete in Beijing. I remember the Chinese commentators waxing poetry about his performance which was quite moving to hear, but again, we'll see.

Perhaps this is off topic but I find Yuzu's apparent popularity in China fascinating (I am not Chinese so correct me if I am wrong) Obviously Japan and China are hardly warm and friendly with each other, yet Yuzu is overwhelmingly more popular than any Chinese skaters (even Sui/Han) or Chinese-American skaters (ala Chen/Zhou). This is interesting in the context of China cracking down on celebrities that promote "unhealthy fandom behavior" which includes many Japanese and Korean celebrities. This sadly extends to male celebrities that "promote" effeminately since the Chinese government is quite concerned about preserving traditional masculinity in the nation. Now I am not seeking to write an essay about how I think Yuzu perfectly embodies femininity and masculinity on the ice, but given these recent developments I wonder if China's feelings (mostly the government's) toward Yuzu will change? Or if they are acknowledging Yuzu as being above these crackdowns. If we are going to breakdown into traditional ideas of masculinity, then being good at a sport is one way to be considered masculine, no? According to Beijing 2022's Twitter they seem quite desperate to have Yuzu compete to draw interest and now the Chinese embassy is acknowledging Yuzu's popularity in China. Yuzu also has those healthy gyoza products selling in Hong Kong if I'm not mistaken? I just think Yuzu's in a very interesting position and I wonder what his reception will be if he does go to Beijing next year.

I love reading lengthy posts! (Forgive me for mine) I definitely agree and see a lot of the points your are making because the last three (four?) years of the Nathan-Yuzu "rivalry" has been infuriating to watch. Nathan absolutely has the technical prowess, but the narrative directed by the scores he receives from the judges, ESPECIALLY in regard to PCs, is just suspect. No American figure skating commentator/journalist points this out because they are completely on board with Beijing 2022 redemption story for Nathan. I remember someone had made a chart/graph documenting how scores and PCs had changed season by season for the last few years and the dramatic improvement of Nathan's PCs between the 2016-2017 season to the 2017-2018 (the Olympic season) is simply baffling. From that I believe it was clear that US Figure Skating wanted that 2018 gold medal for Nathan because at the time he was their best hope and Nathan really seemed like he did not wish (or care) to continue skating after the 2018 since he was going off to college to become a doctor (or whatnot). After Nathan bombed his SP the media turned on him, but when he landed 6 quads in the free skate they pretty much boasted about that for the rest of the Games as his "redemption" which I thought was complete overkill. He landed 6 quads so he had nothing to lose, he rose in the ranks from 17 to 5 place because all the competitors in-between weren't landing a ton of quads to get the points, and even with that many quads he didn't beat the world record score Yuzu had with just a 4 quad layout. If anything the whole 2018 Olympics proved Yuzu had the stronger mentality for the Games and didn't need to land all the quads to get high scores. Yuzu is the complete package while Nathan is not. I do believe that after the 2018 Olympics Nathan did find some more passion with skating than he had before so I am not nearly as put off by him as I was before. But the narrative that he dominates over Yuzu by the media is really misleading. While it's true that he has beat Yuzu in all their matchups, the scores do not reflect reality. In addition, Yuzu has been hindered by injuries and even his asthma since 2017 and I don't believe he is in his top physical shape (ankles and knees can only take so much). The American media would NEVER mention any of this since Nathan gets ridiculous scores that crush Yuzu's. 2021 Worlds and the fallout honestly was just painful to watch. Yuzu crushed the short program, but was underscored by at least a few points. Nathan, despite a FALL still got third. WHAT? Then, despite what Yuzu has claimed, I do believe he probably suffered an asthma attack the night before the free skate. Brian knew something was up because he was late and he sought the attention of a Russian doctor. The backstage footage of him really just hammered in that something was wrong. Did the American media say anything? Nope. Instead they said because Nathan crushed his free skate and Yuzu was seemingly so affected by Nathan's performance that Yuzu had "settled" for bronze. Ugh. As much as I have loved seeing Yuzu continue competing after 2018, it's hard to watch how the ISU and the federations just push him down. They know that he aims for the 4A so they lower the BV. Why not do that to all the quads since so many young skaters are sacrificing their bodies for them? I also believe the JSF is oblivious to what Yuzu brings to figure skating since it is obvious that they are pushing Yuma to be his successor (if the skating show pamphlets and promos are anything to go by). The JSF and ISU are just dumb if they think anyone is going to replace Yuzu's charisma and popularity in the sport anytime soon.

I agree with all your points. Even with Canada opening the borders, Japan is still on alert and I don't think Yuzu would risk traveling yet. I could see him going at some point between now and November since he does have some time before his first competition to get some assessment by the TCC team. But Yuzu's a man now, he is much more responsible with his decisions and I believe he has a good idea of how to train. He probably knows it's in his best interest (and his family's) to remain in Sendai with remote coaching. There's a lot more pros than cons in staying in Japan, I wouldn't blame him in the slightest for staying. Again, we may both be wrong lol

It certainly is puzzling isn't it? Haha As far as NBC is concerned I think they're trying to boost Yuzu now that it's an Olympic season. They know that Yuzu is the draw in figure skating which is still one of the most watched sports during the Olympics. Given how dismal the ratings were for these past Olympics, NBC is getting using Yuzu's popularity and boosting his profile early. The skeptical side of me, however, sees this as NBC's strategy of "let's boost up Yuzu so when Nathan beats him it will seem more impressive". Now I do believe Adam is smarter and more aware than he lets on. He may not act or say good things when he's on camera or in the spotlight, but I believe that's the personality or image he tries to portray. From his latest interview he has largely the same observations I, and most of us, probably have about mens skating in the last ten years. Given how much he praised Yuzu, I wonder how much pressure NBC puts on their commentators to boost Nathan? Or is that just their own doing? From what I can tell, most (if not all) mens skaters really respect Yuzuru - especially because of his longevity. I mean, how many skaters can say that they're an Olympic medal contender for three cycles?? Though, yeah, Yuzu himself does not seem as driven to win as the previous two - but if he goes then of course he'll do his best!

I actually agree! When you look up the word origin for 'woman' it's basically Old English for 'wife' which is just sad...Lady on the other hand, while yes, still implies some connection to a man, is a term that means it's a woman who deserves respect and you should obey. I'm not much of a fan of the word woman, I'd prefer being called a lady. I know that isn't universal, but I think the whole issue of what to call women's skating is such a non-issue compared to other problems plaguing the sport.