Coach John Nicks' comments about Michele

[kuchana]

I just read an article and I'd like to quote some of the things Coach John Nicks said about Michele. "We all knew coming into this competition our wonderful champion Michele,who has been supreme and is still the best in the world, would be challeneged by the youth of America." "But there is nothing like Michele, your consistency in performance, and all these young skaters understand it." Wow I just love the comments he made about her:) He certainly knows what he's talking about!~ hehe It's refreshing to hear another coach say some nice things about Michele even though she didn't do so well but she's still superior to the other skaters and they know that. And another quote to note is that from Sasha, "I wouldn't really believe I could beat her, she's just so great." Just think of how she must be feeling to finally have her dream come true, to skate against her idol. I certainly see a bright future for US ladies skating in the present as well as the future. GO Michele!~

[kwanette]

Beautiful comments from John Nicks and very gracious......I loved the "our champion!"

[BeezerB]

I agree, I thought Nick's comments about Michelle were not only accurate but proved something about him--he is a class act that views the whole of US Figure Skating. Calling her "our champion" shows respect for her and her abilities. She is OUR CHAMPION. I love it when US skaters and coaches 'stick together' and view themselves as a group against the rest of the world. I know figure skating is an individual sport, but in the world arena, I would always root for an American and want an American to win. That's the impression I got from Nicks, that's the way he looks at it also.

[Kara]

Those comments are wonderful and true. But, pessimistic little me over here is wondering what his motive is...in something as "big-time" as the skating world has become, many things are about PR. Maybe this isn't one of those things, I don't know...he probably believes she's great bcz she is, but I never heard of his being this gracious in the past. I do believe Sasha truly admires, Michelle, though. She came across as pretty real, I thought.

[Rene]

Doesn't it make it a little easier to take? It does for me. I hope he's saying it because he means it. I've always wondered why coaches/skaters etc. say negative things about others who are popular. Although skating is a sport, fans are very influential in alot of ways. If I were a coach I would be the SWEETEST THING, about whoever it was, not ruffling any fans feathers, gaining more fans and support as you go. Plus, wouldn't it be alot nicer working in a friendly enviroment? It's just alot better for everyone, less tension, more fun. Not to mention everything he has said is TRUE! I imagine with Michelle's personality, she can't possibly have too many competitors that dislike her. INCONCEIVABLE!!!

[mano]

someone who finds his comments a bit too syrupy. If he said this during the press conference with Michelle in full view, that is definitely a part of his strategy. Inflate the head of the opponent, hopefully, she'll think she doesn't have to do anything but skate in circles. "Supreme," LOL, this is the guy who pretty much said he had two guns, one worked one didn't. Guess who's the target.

[muri]

who said that not sending NNN to worlds last year could mean not coming home with the gold? Didn't he imply that NNN could bring home world gold? And now this remark this year? I'm not all at ease with his remark even though it's true

[Karin]

I dunno what to think...it's nice he complimented MK... BUT honestly??? It's a little sweet for my teeth...I don't want cavities!!!

[andycat]

I think too, we have to remember that this is coming on the heels of Frank Carroll having said he "loved" Sasha, etc. This was so gracious and unself-serving of Carroll that perhaps Nicks thought he'd do the same.

[kwanette]

anything is better than the smugness that we have seen in the sport, the blaming, the barbs, etc...Renee, you could be sweet in public then call me up and tell me what you really think.

[susan ba]

well, usually i'm so the look-for-the-good kind of person but i have to admit that john nick's comments was a little sacharin for me too. i believe that frank was sincere about his comment about sasha. clearly sasha has great techinics and frank doesn't often compliment other skaters. and if john nick's comments were made word for word by, let's say, carol heise jenkins... then it would sound sincere. but i've heard too much from john nicks not to realize that i'm being PRed. that's not to say what he said isn't accurrate.

[Rene]

I guess it's better than bad mouthing her. Let's hope he means it. Kwanette, you'll DEFINATLY know what I really think!LOL