kaeryth

"TONTONTON SUU" Dibs on that as my member title...

His two YOLO jumps...

.... Did the kids at Javi and Miki's coaching class have helmets as well? What is Coach zuzu planning?

Remember in 2012: Icenetwork.com: So, how is Yuzu's English coming along? Orser: We have to work on that; he is so polite, he says 'yes' to everything. He has no idea what he is saying yes to. I have a translator on my speed dial. I'm so happy they're now able to communicate with each other properly. I do feel Tracy and Ghislain were a big help as well.

I was about to ask when.... /sigh/ won't be able to help out. Hopefully someone will be able to!

I want something like this again...

He can loop the ribbon around his fingers so the medal will stay on his open palms and show all 5 fingers..

Oh no.... this is too cute..

So... let's talk strategy (with the men's discipline)! I realise I may be opening a can of worms here but I really do like analysing strategies. It's particularly unique in FS because you (mostly) know what your opponents are going to do/are capable of with an added element of uncertainty in judging. Note: You may or may not agree with someone's strategy but that doesn't mean you don't like that person. The goal of an athlete is to win - how to go about doing that is up to them and their team (some of these strategies you may like more than others though). So, there may be a Yuzu bias here (LOL, who's surprised) not just because he's my favourite, but honestly, he's the most consistent in talking about his strategies and visions (or well, he's the one I most read about). Nathan: This one's easy. Pile on the quads. He and his team knows that performing and landing multiple different quads seem to inflate PCS (and sometimes GOEs). He's said that if he wins the Olympics he'll r**** so his strategy going in seems to be go all out with the TES and the PCS will follow. The drawback is that if he doesn't land them his PCS falls as well but right now he's got nothing to lose if he doesn't plan on competing after the Olympics. Boyang: I think when they saw the multiple quads equals increased PCS strategy with Nathan they tried that strategy at 4CC as well but it didn't quite work out. I liked their strategy for Worlds better. Being clean can also boost your PCS although maybe not as high when you perform and land multiple quads. I do believe Boyang and his team are aiming for steady consistency and looking for Beijing 2020 as the ultimate goal and Pyeongchang as a stepping stone. Patrick: Used to be the warhorse king (LOL) but seems to have found a niche in his music choices recently. The more mellow and introspective music he used last season (and is using this season) does very well to highlight his wonderful skating skills - unfortunately for him, he lacked the wow factor of quads that judges seem to be looking at right now (robbed of PCS... I can't believe it). It was a good idea to have the 4S last season and I hope the 4F training is doing well. His weakness is still the 3A though and I always brace myself when he's about to jump it. Javi: He and the TCC team found the perfect packaging/style that works for him. Unfortunately, I believe it became sort of a comfort zone for him and he hasn't stepped outside of that comfort zone since (tech and style-wise). The thing is, for last season, he knows that if he's clean he is capable of winning even without the 4Lo (except maybe if he's against a clean Yuzu - but he himself has acknowledged that)... but that was last season. So, I'm not sure if that strategy will work this season (and he hasn't been clean last season so he lost a bit of momentum) and that's why he needs to put in that 4Lo. Shoma: Oh boy.... Okay... Hmm... I understand what he and his team are doing in terms of strategies to win. I don't necessarily approve of it. It just feels a bit short term and relying too much on outside factors (not being called out by tech panel or judges for any errors - be it UR, PR, or correct edges). It may or may not also set a precedence for other skaters to follow suit and that's actually what I'm most worried about. Also, his health (particularly his knees and hips). Yuzu: I am truly gobsmacked by the foresight this kiddo has. Seriously. I think most of us have read his insights and vision/predictions for FS (some dating back 2012) and let me just say, he has been correct so far. While I mourn for what could've been if the accident and injuries that happened 14-15 and 15-16 seasons didn't occur, I'm still glad he found lessons to be learned from those experience. Particularly, staying healthy. Honestly, when he kept harping on about his health I was a bit skeptical but now I truly feel that he actually means it this time and that's more than I can ask for. Interestingly enough, now that he's looking at his health, his stamina/body is no longer his greatest weakness. It seems now it's his mind. Which brings to mind the the strategy of bringing back Seimei and Chopin. At Worlds, he talked about being 'in the zone' and not thinking about anything during H&L (LOL, somebody's been reading too much Kuroko ni Basket). And I think these 2 programs are both programs he is able to perform without thinking too much. He's that confident about them. So now, I'm hoping to see his Biellman spin for every competition because if it doesn't appear then it prolly means he plans to YOLO and my heart can't take it. hahaha... (Remember when we used to worry about his back/health when he fails to do the Biellman?) Sorry for the long post! Feel free to critique or discuss if anyone feels that my understanding of the top men's strategy might be off or a bit different from what you think.

Thank you @gladi for your wonderful and quick translation! Hahaha... well, I can relate to him on that level. When I read something, whether book or manga, I always read multiple things at once. Mainly because if I encounter a plot or storyline that is sad or depressing, it affects my mood for quite some time so I try to shift that mood by reading something more happy and heartfelt. I see... this guy really likes doing the impossible! Well, at least he didn't blurt out that he'll be very old in 20 years. haha... Honestly, he will make a wonderful coach. His technique is unparalleled and he's got an analytical mind. I will look forward to seeing him grow and grow.

What?! One week to go? When did this happen?

Why not both?

I am curious about him and his team's strategy though because right now (from my perspective) it doesn't look like they're looking at the big picture in terms of long term goals. If he does bring in that 4Lze, then they are basically banking on him either not getting called or having the same calls as his 3Lze last season where he mostly just got (!) and that's pretty much a gamble - one it seems, that they're willing to take.

But he is planning on it though...

Same sentiments as most... La Strada isn't my favourite Daisuke Takahashi program but I appreciate the significance of that performance and him winning the first gold medal for Japan in the men's discipline. My favourite from him is actually Cyber Swan (I hate his hairstyle for though).

.... Same. I'll reserve judgement till I see it in competitions I guess. Right now I'm a bit confused? hahaha

Re: Shoma. I get why he'll do it (BV wise and strategy wise - since he doesn't seem to get called out enough for him to consider not putting it in) but I'll be sorely disappointed. So now I'm praying judges and tech panel do their job and call things correctly. Again, I'm asking why Pyeongchang seems to be the be all end all for these youngsters... except, apparently, Boyang (don't let me down Boyangman!).

I love how much mascots adore him. Remember when pedobird wrote a message saying zuzu was more beautiful than roses?

Well.... he tried.

I'm better with COC than NHK 2015 but I'm gonna opt out of Boston 2016 once the time has come for that to stream.

Javi's Reebok CM

I kinda find the taking of pictures intrusive (especially the ones with his mom because we know how much his family shies away from media).... unless the media is there as well because that means he approved or at least knows that pictures are being taken.

This is all so confusing