MK at the Grand Prix Finals

[Karin]

I watched ABC too (Comment...I don't like it when the media crowns MK b4 the end of the competition!!!)...and I noticed they didn't show the complete 1st Freeskate and short program...so here's my report from watching CTV and CTVSportstnet!!! Note...I just copied and pasted from my threads in spoilers so if it sounds a little weird...excuse me please!!! :-) __________________________________________________ _ First Long Program...RV: ---------------------------------------------------------- MK was so pretty here...she looks totally rested!!!... MK was solid...well she doubled her 3loop!!!... I noticed that MK's layback was not as turned-out as she has been doing this season!!! ALSO...noticed that MK's 2axel landing free leg was very low and so was the flip free leg (the flip was perfect!!!)...for a second I thought she was gonna add a jump to them!!! Makes me wonder if MK is practicing a 3flip combo and axel combo!!! Rod Black said (paraphrasing) "over the last 3 years, MK has won all the competitions except for 3 of them!!!...that's pretty impressive...and UNPARALLELED in sports"...something like that!!! In this first round...I definitely say MK should have won!!! Tracy Wilson said (paraphrasing) that MK had better "polish"!!! __________________________________________________ _______ Short Program...ADITL : ----------------------------------------------------------------- "CTVSportsnet just showed the sp... MK was the only woman they showed... THIS WAS THE BEST MK performed ADITL all season IMO!!! WOWWOWOWOWOWOWOW!!! It was truly spectacular and magnificent!!! Wonderfully skated...best expressions I've seen all season too IMO!!! MK did the 2axel (HUGE) and the 3z/2toe and the 3toe (not 3flip)!!! It was so funny because when MK was going into the 3z/2toe combo...Tracy Wilson said (paraphrasing) "...her hardest...the 3AXEL"...THEN she corrected herself and said 3lutz/2toe!!! Perfect short program!!!" __________________________________________________ ___ Final Freeskate...Ariane: ------------------------------------------------------------- I don't know if it was just me or if MK really didn't have the spark in Ariane...Tracy Wilson said MK looked like she didn't have the usual "abandonment"!!!...ITA!!! I think it might be because this was an old program and so it's not all that polished compared to RV!!! Did anyone else notice MK's layback was back to the usual lack of turn-out!!! Wonder what happened...Her footwork wasn't exactly crisp like Ariane is supposed to be...but nice skate!!! I wonder if it's because it's a program pulled from last year and she has been training for RV...or if MK was not physically strong enough and was a little tired!!! But hey...MK has spoiled us with her usual perfection!!! :-) BUT as Button said she gained more speed near the end!!! MK was great!!! Right after IS's skate...Rod Black said something like (paraphrasing) "could she have beaten the unbeatable Michelle Kwan???" OK??? It would be nice if MK's pressure is off her shoulders!!! IS won BIG TIME!!! It was cute how they kept on showing MK smiling and clapping!!! IS and MK were sitting at the Kiss & Cry together!!!...Very friendly and classy!!!...also showed (CTV) Frank and IS's coach!!! MK didn't look all too disappointed...looked more like "wow Irina"... MK is very classy and IS at 20 looked very cute!!! :-))))) Ya know in the ABC interview...MK didn't look so so so disappointed did she??? I think deep inside she was disappointed somewhat...but she was probably like "up the ante Michelle"!!! Also...when MK said she should have done the 3/3...I was thinking that it didn't seem like she was even attempting when she did the combo... I also find it ironic that the 3lutz/3loop and the 3sal/3loop that Irina did, were the ones that MK said she was practising last year at Nationals!!!... Hey didn't MK make history too???...those were probably one of the lowest set of marks for MK in a long time since her 5.9's and 6.0's!!! Hahaha... But hey MK...I know you'll come back great!!! Show us the 3/3's you've got...and the 3axel!!!...and the 3flip in the short program!!! MK always comes back stronger after "defeat"... As I said in spoilers this afternoon, I never imagined myself to be happy when MK doesn't win!!!...This time was really amazing...well...IS is my 3rd fave ladies skater...so I couldn't be happier for her!!! And this GPF is an indication to MK...she and Team Kwan can use it to tell her what she needs to do for her future!!! Great news...Worlds will be so exciting!!! MK is such a beautiful person to compliment IS...very classy!!! My hero MK!!! BTW...is it just me or does MK's limbs look skinnier than last season??? Hey and her tights were darker in colour this time...:-) Go MK!!! Go for the Nationals and the Worlds!!! Go MK!!!

[Googoo]

SPOILER ALERT! I for one and disappointed that Michelle didn't get first place. But I am happy for Irina. She rocked with TWO 3/3 combos! But I still wish that Michelle won. And I really don't understand why all the scores are erased and the final free determines who gets first place. Personally I don't think that's fair considering that overall Michelle did the best (winning 2 of the 3 segments). All well. Irina did win this format fair and square though. Anyway Yep, Michelle definitely should up her tech! I know she can do it! Yes Karin she looked beautiful. I like the hair MUCH better now-- I think it suits the costume more. I liked how Michelle and Irina sat together while Irina got their scores and seeing MK applaud Irina. That was cute. MK is such a class act. What did you guys think of Dick B giving Irina the nod in (gasp) artistry? Yes I would give her the nod in jumps. In spins? Well I'm not the spinning expert. So perhaps. But in artistry? He said the music was better or something to that affect. Well what about Michelle's two great spirals and the smoothness of her skating, etc.? Well just curious to see others' opinions about that. :o)

[Karin]

Googoo...ya know what??? I admit that I am disappointed that MK didn't win...but it's a great point in the season for MK to be alert!!! Also...the US Nats will have challenge from SH and others...SH is also amazing!!! BTW...I had a few people call me to make sure I was OK...LOL...first my boyfriend calls in the morning after he checked the web and was in shock when I told him "huh??? I'm fine!!! I'm quite happy!!!" Then my friend from outa town called too!!!...LOL...same surprising reaction..."are ya sure you're OK???" LOL!!! OF course I am I said...Irina is my 3rd fave ladies amateur skater!!! Then I talked to dad over the phone!!!...TO ANSWER your question Goo...about Button giving IS the artistry check over MK...I don't know what to say...but my dad agrees with Button (I did tell dad Button's comment)...he said IS's artistry HERE was better than MK!!! BUT... I think MK was more "artistic" in the way of using difficult music and interpreting it...but IS's program was very musical...a little ballet music never hurts!!! I'm just a little worried about MK's presentation marks...unlike before...MK can be beaten artistically...she needs to rethink about using these really difficult music IMO... Remember how I told ya last night in chat Goo???...that Tracy Wilson said she talked to Frank who said something like RV has "no melody" and so MK relies on herself to bring out the art...???... Some people I think (my boyfriend included!!! :-O) don't appreciate that!!! My boyfriend (actually and my friend) said MK is "predicatable now that he's seen her for so long!!!"...I just said to him that he doesn't get MK's art!!! BUT hey...may be MK's artistry and choice of music is too deep??? I dunno...may be she needs to scale it down to something like Salome and Taj back for the Olympic year!!!...use a firey and spark-full and exciting music...???...JMHO!!! Hey Doc...are ya going over to live chat tonight???

[muri]

cause this comp is a kind of interlude, with team Kwan knowing what needs to be done. And I loved when MK answered Leslie's question on if she could up her technicality, oh yeah, MK has serious comp, and she has accepted the challenge. I was impressed with Irina'a 3/3 combos but she was at a standstill after, there was no flow out of the combo. I hope when MK does it she has some flow out. Looking forward to Nats & Worlds Go MK!!! We love you!!!

[mano]

in all the programs, methinks. Sometimes you can just tell when she's got magic oozing out or she's too busy thinking about the next element. For all her performances here, it seems like the latter. Honestly, after watching this competition, I feel much better. Irina really did out-did herself and all other women (except Midori) jumpwise. Glad she was able to get her jumps together and blend that with her budding artistry. To be nit-picky, her 3/3 combos did end in a standstill almost, but they had great height and she has fast rotations in the air. As for the program itself, for some reason, I like her Carmen better. The only reason why I say that is that I have a tape of Catherine Healy skating to Don Quixote 2 years ago in the Vail Festival and that, barnone, is my fave performance of Don Quixote all the way down to the fan she held throughout the program. Otherwise, great job Irina!!! Michelle, Michelle, Michelle. What can I say, total class. She eased my mind the moment I saw her greet Irina so happily when they made their bows at the beginning of their competition. Then with her sitting to watch Irina skate to cheer her on and listen to the scores knowing she was soundly beaten. Did I tell you she takes defeat much better than me or what!!! Her skate to Ariane, lacked her spark and she seemed to be concentrating more on the elements then just letting go. Her choreography will automatically suffer when that happens. Her layback wasn't as turned-out as usual, but that happens when she is knows she's not on. Much like she was off when she was skating RV at Skate Canada. Glad she landed her 2nd 3lutz though. Stunned she two-foot her 3Sal, and I'm too spoiled 'cause I like her Charlotte held out longer. That's my take on the event. I feel I made myself go through torture this morning upon finding out she lost. I'm glad Michelle has such as great attitude. She didn't make any excuses either, said that she slept well and was rested enough for the comp even though Frank says it was grueling. Michelle also said it would be tougher for the pairs 'cause the guy has to lift up the girl. MK knows the demand for the 3/3 and is going to accept the challenge. Good for her. I feel so much better now. Thanks all for being such great supportive fans!!!

[Karin]

I think that I can say after watching MK's entire ADITL...she had magic there!!! MK's ADITL was the best she had ever performed it...she was definitely OOOZING ADITL in Lyon!!! She was sparkling!!!...magical... OK...I have this pounding headache!!!...I didn't sleep well last night...and I have been looking at TV/Computer screens all day...on the web since around 10:00am...watching skating on TV all day long since 2:00pm...I didn't eat until 6:00pm...and I think I'm exhausted!!! I'm gonna get some sleep... Good luck with the exhibition tomorrow MK!!! Have a safe flight back!!! Luv ya my hero!!! Go MK!!!

[Googoo]

Um Karin I'm in live chat lol. Brushing your teeth again?

[Karin]

Why did ya leave Doc??? LOL...I was flossing...Hahaha no...I was with my dad on the phone!!! I'm still in chat!!!

[muri]

no I don't agree with Button for giving the artistic edge to Irina. Did anyone notice the kind of inside out spiral Irina tried to do & almost lost her balance. MK still has more polish & control in presentation than Irina but I guess the judges & Mr Button was too wooed by her jumping & history making. Go Michelle!!!

[skatingfan]

I hate it that ABC did not show any of MK's programs in its entirety from the first round. There is that lack of the glow on her face again, and it is not the color of the costume. I watched her at world pro life last year, even in the lavender pinkish color she had a glow on her face then. I actually don't care about Mk placing second. Is it me or have you guys noticed that she has lost a lot of wt. Think about it, last time she wore that costume it fit her, this time, it looks like the dress is going to fall off any minute. I think she must have lost at least 10 if not 15 lbs for us to notice it on tv. I feel like crying, not b/c of her placement , but thinking about the kind of pressure she has put on herself. I did not noticed the wt loss that much in the Hands program, b/c the costume has sleeves.

[Karin]

:-( Yes...I think she has lost a lot of wt. too...probably a lot to do with stress from school and skating!!!...Danny Kwan is right...but if MK is happy...then we should be happy!!! Take some pressure off MK!!! :-)

[Rene]

Remember you guys, they judge on PRESENTATION. I do hope that Michelle picks music for the olys that the judges get really caught up in. You know, emotionally manipulating. Don't get mad, but I think Michelle MAY have won in Nagano if she had something more dramatic or emotional in her music. just guessing. Music has alot to do with wheather you like a program or not.

[eilaram]

I was thinking that her programs were missing her usual spark also. I got the idea she is under immense pressure. Glad she did not fall. I was worried about her loop before this competition because of the fall at SC and at SA it looked like she barely eeked it out, hope she can work out that problem. Irina did deserve to win with her 7 triples versus Michelle's 5.5(I count two foot landidngs as half a triple), but I did not see how Irina's artistry was better, but I have never really gotten Irina. I am glad that she now knows she has competition, some of her best performances were at times when she had stiff competition.

[mano]

Googoo, didn't I tell you she lost weight or what. That Ariane dress was hanging on her and she looks exhausted from what I can tell in the bits of the program they featured. I mean, remember in Lyra, her arms were just so lyrical and beautiful and just lifted with the music. Here it's as if she just goes from one element to another, her arms aren't even the focus. I really hope she takes it easy. She looks like she doesn't have any strength in her arms. She used to have wonderfully toned arms even back in Skate America and Skate Canada in October/November. And yes I'm worried for her health.

[littleone4eva]

ITA with everyone... especially that it TOTALLY was not fair, that for an ISU competition to have 3 rounds, but to have it end up sudden death in the last round. The scores should have been tallied up, don't you think? Or best out of three... oh well...

[Karin]

Mano...her dress did look kinda loose on her didn't it??? I am worried about her health too...she doesn't look strong enough!!! Rene...music is a BIGGIE!!!..."emotionally manipulating" is nicely worded!!!...more exciting and powerful music never hurts!!! MK is "too peaceful" now...soothing...I want to see Salome for the Olympics!!!

[skatingfan]

I think it is hard to really play the guessing game as to what kind of music judges like. I hope all judges will abide by their ethics or oath, and judge the programs by the originality (of music) which is one of the criteria. I hope I am not offending anyone, but I have been thinking why Tim Goebel chooses 7 years in Tibet, would a Chinese judge like it. But of course I have chided myself of thinking that way. MK has to skate to music she loves. And it is so impressive that MK works so hard to present music that she usually does not listen to i.e. classical music. Unfortunately most beautiful music has been skated to many timese by many skaters. Mano you said Don Quiote by IS reminded you of Healy. It reminded me a bit of Sato's 94 lp right? And I couldn't help but compare IS footwork or rather lack of it to Yuka's. Sometimes beautiful music are performed so well by artists of other disciplines that I compare the skater's performance to e.g. the musician who performs it, I know it is weird. I mentioned before SH's Nessun Dorma - I thought of the grand performances by some of the worlds best tenors. Sorry for rambling, point is just want MK to be comfortable at whatever music she chooses.

[april]

Although Michelle skated well, I agree she didn't have that spark for Ariane. I was surprised that when Leslie V. asked about the format she answered that she wasn't really tired. MK is too modest or she is lacking competitive fire. I hope it's the former. Her jumps weren't as strong . . . 3sal, doubled the loop, 2nd 3lutz, and the 3toe at the end. They mentioned that MK is a full-time college student. I was so hoping she would lighten up her course load since the important competitions are coming up. Maybe she can still drop one? Congrats to Irina!!! She fully deserved the win. About the artistry thing, Irina had the spark tonight plus her presentation has really improved so I agree with Dick. She looked so happy and inspired which fit her program nicely. I always thought Irina was going to be Michelle's rival before Tara came along and maybe now it's finally going to happen. Does anyone think MK will put another 3/3 combo aside from 3toe/3toe for Worlds? I really hope she does.

[mano]

<font face=garamond color=9966cc size=5>Happy B-day Rene!!!</font> We didn't get our first B-day wish, but just seeing MK skate is gift enough. Here's to hoping she rests up and has a safe trip home from France.

[Liz D.]

I thought Michelle skated very well and I wished she would of won but Irina did have a better skate, with her 3/3 combos. However, I didn't think Irina's artistry was better than Michelle's. I was kinda surprised that Irina's presentation marks were higher. I didn't notice that Michelle had lost weight, I thought she looked the same. Maybe I'll review all my tapes again to see. Overall, I thought Michelle was great. I really liked how she and Irina were so friendly toward each other! They both have great sportsmanship.

[Naomi]

You know, one of the biggest problems in this format dawned on me after Irina's interview. She stated that she had nothing to lose, so why not try the TTs. She's absolutely right! She was going to at least get silver, so why not try?? For Michelle on the other hand, she had the top spot to lose, so she had to at least play it safe somewhat. I think she did admirably well condidering this funky format. Like it has been said already, she won 2 out of the 3 programs, and in any other competition, 2 out of 3 wins. So I'm definitely not dissapointed that Michelle did not win the gold. She's going into worlds with a new perspective, maybe a perspective of 'give it all you've got, and who cares if you don't win, at least you challenged yourself to try something more difficult' You could tell in her interview, she wished she had upped her difficulty. She's probably going to go home and say, Ok I'm GOING to do these triple-triples, and the 3-axel, and a quad....well.. one thing at a time. :)

[MaryJo14]

I do really feel like Irina deserved that win..Mk didn't even do her usual 3toe/3toe. I can tell from her interview at the end that MK knows she has to up the ante...she gets it..and I am looking forward to some change in that area..but I am surprised that Irina beat her artistically...no one touches MK in that department! Well we have alot to look forward too! Can't wait for Nationals!!! Go Michelle!

[GinnySmith]

Great perspectives, everybody. I just finished watching (I live in California) and actually thought Michelle skated very well. I agree that she didn't have the spark at the beginning of the program, but she seemed to be more energized toward the end. And, during the skate, Mr. Button made a lot of extremely nice observations. I really do like Irina a lot and I agree she won fair and square. I also believe she has improved greatly in artistry. I disagree that Irina's artistry was better than Michelle's. I would give Irina the edge in the jumps, her speed over the ice and the speed of her spins. However, her spins are not as centered and steady as Michelle's. Also, it seems as if she always struggles to get into the Bielmen (sp). For some reason, that spin does nothing for me! On another point, I agree that Michelle's face has looked tired in the last two competitions. During "Hands", I noticed her breathing heavier than usual early in the program. In Ariane, we've talked about "the spark" and at the end of the program when she came off the ice, her body just looked exhausted. And, yes, she does seem thin to me. I know we are all a little worried about her. I want her to take care of herself and be happy and it seems as if something is going to have to give here. I'd hate to see her give up on her college experience. Several fans have expressed the hope that she will cut back on college to work more on the skating. I, on the other hand, would rather Michelle decide which is more important and which would bring her greater happiness, even if it means scaling down on the skating. In my opinion, she has already given enough of her life over to figure skating. If happiness for her is found somewhere else now, then she should go for it. I would most certainly miss seeing her skate, but I have hours and hours of video to look back on (thanks to Cherie!) Those are just my thoughts. Thanks for letting me share! ; ) !!!

[ML]

ITA, Ginnysmith :) I've been noticed about MK's weight loss since last Oct. in SA. Since then, she appears to be getting thiner and thiner. I'm quite concerned about her health --- both mental & physical. If I were her --- I'll be the fulltime student at UCLA for the winter and the spring instead of a participant in these crazy speedy's isu events incl. US & World or any pro-am. I'll still skate but only for fun of it, and fullfill my responsobility at COI during the summer. When I regain my energy and fire in the fall, I'll train fulltime for skating and persue my Oly. dream for 2002. In other words, I recognize that I am only human --- there is a limit for a person to handle, which is one thing at a time. Well, many of you may be glad that I am Not MK :)

[BeezerB]

Naomi, I agree, it's important to note that Irina said "she had nothing to lose". I really doubt she would try those two triple/triple combos again at Worlds if she's sitting in the #2 spot. There she would have a ton to lose--like even being on the podium if she messed one of them up. I think Irina definitely deserved to win, her skate was awesome. Is it me, but, Ariane just doesn't do it for me, it never has. Ariane doesn't "grab" me like so many other MK programs. I just don't get that awesome feeling watching it. Anyone else agree? I, too, hope MK goes back to RV for Nationals and Worlds. It's a much prettier program.

[rda]

but I've been reading for quite a while. I am definitely not as versed in the details as you all are, but I thought I'd add my opinion, speaking as an average skating fan who thinks Michelle is one of the best ever. I admire her so much as an athlete and a person and I hope she always follows her heart to whatever is right for her and makes her happy. It's clear Irina won fair and square, and I think that's great. She had spark, and you couldn't help but smile along with her during her program. I gasped and said WOW after both her 3/3 combo's because they were spectacular, even if they did lack flow out of the landings. As for artistry, I think she got higher marks because the whole feel of her program was more exciting...it drew me in more throughout. The music was not as difficult to interpret, but she made me feel it more than Michelle did with hers. As to what Michelle needs to do to win in the future...I think she's got to get some programs that really grab the audience and the judges, (artisticaly and technically) and her performances (that I've seen)have not done that consistently lately. It may be that her music is too "deep" and complicated, it may be that her schedule is too full, I wouldn't presume to know. I keep thinking of Lyra Angelica. Certain performances of that program brought tears to my eyes. It was absolutely stunning. The program itself may not have been ideal, but something about it allowed her to perform it in such a way to make me CRY!!! Many of her programs since have been very, very good and original and even spellbinding to watch, but I've never been affected by her skating (or anyone else's) that way since then. I am moved most by her skating when she is expressing something about herself, as I believe she was in Lyra. Maybe her more recent programs have gotten away from that personal feeling. Actually, I've only seen it once, but I thought Hands might have that potential. If she combines that kind of artistic expression with more technical difficulty and she is able to skate when she is happy, healthy and strong, then I believe she would be unbeatable!

[Googoo]

I DID notice her sholders looked thinner and seemed to stick out kinda when she was sitting in the K & C (not to be confused with KFC). Other than that I definitely did NOT see her dress "hanging off of her like it was going to fall off" as a few people said. Come on now. Anyway I hope she is okay. #1 is her health. I want her to work on the 3/3's but not in expense of her health, you know?

[skatingfan]

Maybe saying her dress will fall off any min is exaggerating. But go back to worlds 99 tape, and watch how the dress fit then and now. I agree with someone stated above. For this season, her first comp, was if a keri Lotion? The one she skated first week in school, she actually looked like she gained a little wt compare to baseline . Since then, first noticed in SA she had been slimmer and slimmer. I think in GPF she looks thinner than Keri Lotion, in Kennewick WA. But then in the Hands program she wore long sleeves costume, and that hid her upper arms and shoulders. Even that cute double chin sometimes she has is gone.

[Scout]

I don't post here often but I adore Michelle and would like to offer my opinions on the GPF. I'm the kind of person who tends to look at the glass as half full, not half empty so that may explain my positive feelings from this competition. First of all, congratulations to Irina. Like most others, I have always liked her and she is the only one I could bear seeing come out ahead of Michelle, but then only occasionally.<g> Her jumps were amazing, no doubt. Other than that I was not as impressed with the program as a whole as I expected to be after reading about it. However, she deserved to win that portion of the competition. I think Michelle did herself and us proud. She won two out of three portions, and didn't fall once, despite the grueling format. I think that is a big step forward for her considering the problem she has been having with that in the last several major competitions. I thought that Ariane was performed beautifully despite the couple of minor mistakes. Maybe it lacked some spark, but it was skated so smoothly and softly that it just soothes me to watch it. I much prefer TRV, but something about this performance of Ariane got to me. Maybe because I saw some vulnerability in her, while the skating and the skater looked soft and beautiful at the same time. I can't quite explain it. Who knows whether Irina's jump combos were a fluke or whether we will start seeing them on a regular basis. Regardless, I know everyone agrees Michelle needs to start adding them to her programs consistently. However, I have complete confidence that Frank and Michelle have been aware of this need for awhile and have been working on it. I find it hard to believe that we know more about what is going on in the current skating scene than they do. I did think Michelle looked a little tired yesterday but who wouldn't in that case. Irina didn't, but performing spectacularly will do that! <g> However, I did not feel in any way that her costume looked to big for her or that she looked like she had lost weight. I think TV can be deceiving in that regard and find it hard to judge on that basis. I thought she looked beautiful on the ice as always. I was disappointed that Michelle did not win this competition, but not as much as I have been in the past. Partly because I don't think the GPF is that important in the scheme of things and partly because taking the competition as a whole, I think Michelle also did a spectacular job. As far as I'm concerned, both her and Irina deserved first place. I admire Michelle tremendously for trying college and skating at the same time. I know she's not the first or only skater to do this, but if she can remain in the top 3 skaters in the world and go to college at the same time, I can't think of a bigger accomplishment. I would like to see Michelle win all the time, believe me, but I know that is unrealistic and unfair to her. I'm sorry for rambling and I probably haven't added anything new to the conversation. But all that being said, I think TRV is an awesome program and I hope she will use it at Nationals and Worlds. On to Nationals! I can't wait! Suzanne

[annabelle]

with all the hype around sarah and irina's incredible performance, michelle and frank have to be thinking about harder combos. although other skaters usually go splat, we can't always depend on that. because everyone is going to have the skate of their life and it might just be nationals, world, or olympics. as peggy said she has some trouble with the 3loop. i don't think she has this much trouble before has she? and i have to agree with all the others, she definately lost wieght. its the most noticeable in her upper body, don't you guys think? i have the utmost faith that michelle will take care of herself and if things become too much that she do what she sees fit for herself.

[GinnySmith]

You summed up my feelings perfectly. I loved your post. ITA with your assessment of Michelle's second LP performance. It was the first time she touched me with this program.

[Rene]

I think she's in fine physical health. I think she is EXHAUSTED! Irina's program is certainly beatable, just like anyone. I'm not calling Irina's skating a "fluke" but I'm sure she's not going to skate like that everytime. Just like Michelle isn't going to do "Natl's '98" everytime. Michelle seemed a little "off" in her timing so I don't mind her getting less presentation than Irina(I mind, but it's fair) Really, she only trained this program 3 weeks, plus ADITL plus RV PLUS school. The main concern I have for her health is a lack of sleep, I'm sure she doesn't get as much as she used to. On a totally "fluff" subject THANK YOU MICHELLE! I just KNOW you read my whining posts about wearing your hair black. YOU LOOK SOOOOOO BEAUTIFUL!!!! NO more red highlights. Didn't her Ariane costume look much better with her black hair? Her features, especially her luminous eyes look so striking! I don't care if her hair is short, but I LOVE YOUR BLACK HAIR!! thank you, Mano. I wished you Happy Birthday in another thread before I read this.

[powerziggy]

This is the first time I post here. I am so glad to see all the support for Michelle. I am very proud of her even though she lost the tite to Irina. I could hardly manage everything when I was still going to college. It must be even more difficult to handle the skating and the tremendous amount of school work. She looked as elegant as usual at GPF!

[Sharon]

Welcome powerziggy!

[Mousee17]

I really liked MK's hair. In a way, it looked like the Dorothy Hamill "wedge" haircut. Very becoming. :)

[myBelle]

I'm glad naomi brought up why Irina tried those jumps. She said she was just doing them for herself, since she had nothing to lose. Kind of an unfair advantage -- but Michelle will turn this around to HER advantage. As I said to my husband "There goes Michelle again -- even when she loses, she wins!" Her class and honesty in the kiss and cry interview were fantastic and totally reassuring that the situation is under control. It is interesting to note that no one on this board (that I have seen) is criticizing Irina like Maria B. was criticized when she beat Michelle. Undoubtedly because of Irina's much humbler and lack of complaining attitude. She has been through almost as many ups and downs as Maria without criticizing the judges as Maria often does. And her coming back at age 20 and upping the technical ante is another sign that you don't have to be 16 to add triple triples. A very good sign for Michelle, similarly to how MB winning the worlds at age 26 was a good sign for Michelle's longevity of career. Boy, am I still ticked off we didn't get to see the other two programs! How am I supposed to last until the Nationals. Because I don't have cable, I have seen them performed very few times.

[Scout]

I guess us Northern California gals think alike! I'm actually from Santa Rosa, north of SF. BTW, in response to a previous post, I prefer Michelle's hair without the red highlights also. I've never understood why people with beautiful black hair want to make it lighter. I guess it's because I've always wished my hair were a little darker. The grass is always greener... I was thinking we would all have to wait until Nationals to see Michelle again and then I just realized we haven't seen Japan Open yet! I get so impatient between competitions. Suzanne

[buster]

absolutely! now that the gpf are over, i'm not as disappointed as i was initially over the results. i am extremely proud of michelle for going out and doing 3 (!!!!) programs and not falling or injuring herself (God forbid!). i think that irina deserved getting 1st as she really didn't have anything to lose and she's always been one of my few favorites among the european ladies. throughout the whole gpf, the thing that really jumped out in my mind is the format. i don't know exactly what the isu was thinking when they changed the format to have 2 longs and 1 short, especially all being performed in such a short span of time. obviously, the women have gotten to the finals, they are capable of doing that grueling format, but IMO, it was absolutely not necessary. 1st, what if someone sustained an injury? 2nd, what is the point of wiping the slate clean, when the women have just performed 2 programs already!!??? and last, if they wanted to change the format to get more tv attraction, then why the heck did they just show bits and pieces of the 1st 2 rounds? frankly, i think it's pathetic and i'm still stewing over it. on the bright side of things, michelle is still young and strong. and as legendary as she's become in her grace and artistry, i think she has more to give to the sport of skating. it is only 2000, and there's going to be more grand prix competitions, nationals, worlds, and the olympics in 2002 before she's going to be done. and who knows in 2006, should she choose to, she would still be enough in the game to compete up until then also. i think she's in pretty good shape considering what her responsibilities are currently and it's only the first year that she's been trying to juggle both school and skating at the same time. who knows, maybe next year, she'll decide to cut back a bit on school or work out another plan. but whatever she's doing, i know she still has enough of a competitive spirit that she'll come out on top, not just in skating, but in school and everything she does. :)

[IzzyS]

This

[IzzyS]

I don't know what happened to my reply message. What I was "trying" to say was a)this is my first time posting here, although I've been reading the forum for quite awhile and really enjoy others' perspectives, and b) I don't think Michelle should feel bad about coming in second, especially considering her new schedule this season. Adjusting to college, the dorms, the quarter system, etc., and maintaining a heavy competitive schedule is not easy. Second place is still tremendous. She will definitely need to add some 3/3's to her repertoire, but I still think she's doing just fine.

[skatingfan]

Welcome, and I noticed in the last few days a lot there are of new members. Wonderful to have so many people who love Michelle.

[Beth2000]

Yes there seems to be alot of new people. I am one of them. I joined probably about a week ago. I just love this board. I agree that this board is so supportive of MK. I think if MK came and read all the stuff that we are saying about her that she would be proud and at the sametime be surprised at all the fans she has! MICHELLE RULES!

[SJB]

Great summing-up, Scout. You've already said what I thought about the performances, so on to the more mundane stuff. I've already ranted so much about all the things that are wrong with this format that I'll spare you my going over that again. Suffice it to say, I hope that this does not become a regular ISU format for any competition at all. Next, I was totally disappointed (although I expected to be) at what ABC chose to broadcast of this compeition. Again, many have already stated this---I'll just say, I think that the viewers were entitled to see more of the programs by all the skaters rather than just four LP's from four men and four ladies. Finally, why is it that when Michelle has done her reputedly most magical performances of ADITL (Skate America, the GP Final), it never gets broadcast here? (sigh)

[Polo1882]

Well, something just didn't come together with Michelle's interpretation of "Ariane" at the Grand Prix Final. I know she's regained her interest for it, but I hope that she sticks to "The Red Violin" for the U.S. and World Championships: it seems more complete from an aesthetic, technical, and emotional standpoint. Her free was beautiful in all respects, but like her performance in Nagano, it just seemed really listless and lethargic. She needs to pick up the SPEED! Dick Button was sending her a nice hint when she landed the second triple lutz that "She seems to be skating with more speed than I've seen her in a while..." Her spins had nice positions, but they seemed oh-so slow. She seemed like she was attempting the turn-out on her layback but didn't do it all the way. Her footwork wasn't as fired up or crisp as it usually is. Irina gave a great performance. I mean her 3lutz-3loop and 3salchow-3loop had shaky landings without much flow, but she managed to actually do all of the revolutions! I hope this means that she'll do them even more brilliantly at Europeans and Worlds. I think "Don Quixote" didn't have all of the intricacies of "Ariane" but its simplicity only furthered its appeal. It really was lovely skating. Her other triples had great height and flow, I liked how she connected the 3flip into a 2axel right into a very nice layback spin. I think all her spins are faster, more exciting, and have greater variety. Final thoughts: I know Michelle can't suddenly add a 3lutz-3toe into her repertoire by Worlds, but I hope she hits the 3toe-3toe. I hope Irina adds the 3-3 combos into her "Carmen" program. I'm not sure about Michelle's 3axel though, her 2axels still make me hold my breath.

[NicoleM]

Just a question... Why are you concerned about Michelle's mental health? Physical health, I can understand, but mental health? I can't think of a person with better mental health than Michelle Kwan. So I was just wondering, what made you worry about that?

[NicoleM]

Although I believe Irina deserved to win the competition because of the format, I am baffled at the artistic marks given to her and Michelle. While Irina's artistry has improved dramatically and her presentation in her "Don Quixote" program was pleasant and lighthearted, in no way, shape, or form has Irina yet matched, let alone surpassed, Michelle in artistry. Even though Michelle had two slight errors in her program, for me her performance was breathtaking. I didn't really even like the "Ariane" before. But when she sped up halfway through the number, her program really seemed to take off. The footwork, the choreography, and of course the big smile all helped create magic. I'm not saying that this was on a par with Lyra at the '98 Nationals, but I certainly didn't see her artistry lacking in any way. Even though the judges preferred Irina's artistry, they could have scored Michelle higher than they did, because Irina's marks were very high, and there was plenty of room in between. I am a little concerned. The international judges seem to have turned on Michelle. I don't understand it, and I most certainly don't like it. Did I see a 5.6? What were they looking at? I remember thinking during the '97-'98 season that the judges seemed to turn on Tara. For example, though she skated well at Skate America, she had some slight errors, but the judges had her miles behind Michelle. It wasn't even close. Though Tara won back the judges by the end of the season, so I hope the same happens for Michelle. Even if she can't get the triple-triples in time for Worlds, I'm not going to worry too much. Michelle and her team know how to reinvent her when needed. If they work on getting the triple-triples over the summer, as well as making more judge-friendly programs, Michelle will have no problems staying on top.

[buster]

nicolem - i completely agree with you there. although she did do the big jumps, she didn't land them with as much confidence that is deserving of a 6.0. don't get me wrong, i think what she succeeded in doing was great and admirable under the circumstances. my husband always reminds me, when i gripe about the judges scoring, that ice skating is considered to an extent a very subjective sport. i mean i've noticed sometimes, the russian judges giving skaters like mb (and this is not to be taken as bashing at all, just stating the facts) 5.9 when she's fallen and just been all over the ice and i wonder where in the heck did they pull that out of? oh well... :)

[Marco]

when's the last time when Michelle win a GPF title? not this year, last year she didn't compete, in 97 she withdrew...so the earliest is 97 I guess?

[lavender]

I always say how people are fickle especially judges. They change on you with the quickness. They want a new person on top and I think it's irina this year. It was mb last. If they could have they would have given the nat title to NNN. Judges reward you highly for change for the better. Michelle is going to have to do something different because if she doesn't do more difficult jumps, falls or leave something out they will penalize her for it. The press and probably the judges are now criticizing her for doing easy jumps.

[skatingfan]

last GPF win for MK 96. She had the boot and beginning of toe fx problem 97, 98, leg was in a cast, 99 did not skate.

[Kara]

I definitely noticed that MK looked too thin. I think her shoulders have always been a bit "pointy," but they looked much more boney than I ever remember. Maybe b/c most freshman gain weight their first semester, she really tried to counteract that and lose some. I hope she's okay...body imagine and weight control is a big issue for just about every female I know. YOU ALREADY LOOKED GREAT, MK, YOU DON'T NEED TO BE THINNER:)!!!

[skatingfan]

Kara, I could only speculate that MK's wt loss is not an effort to look thin, she never had done that. But staying up all night to do home work, worry about tests, exams, practice, comps etc, will do that to her. BTW, Kara, where have you been. WE miss you.