A Trip Down Memory Lane #2: Fields of Gold (and silver and bronze!)

[synnabun]

So Michelle has been there a done that. In reviewing her competitive history I've found that she's medaled MUCH more often than she hasn't. The line of discussion I would like to bring up for everyone is this: What is your favorite win of Michelle's? Was there ever a time where you think she shouldn't have won, but did (and vice versa)? What competition do you think was the most important of Michelle's career thus far (she'll be back *crosses fingers and wishes on a star!*)?? If Michelle does indeed move on out of the competitive world, what will you miss the most about her performances?

[Lisa Seye]

I think she should have medaled at Worlds 05. I also think she should have placed higher at Worlds 04 if not for the serious dinging of the judges in the SP and her qualifying round performance. She placed well in the LP but could not overcome the deficit. Anwyay, my favorite win would probably be Tosca Nats 04. I cry everytime I see her reaction at the end and her reaction at her scores. She knew she did well and I was so happy for her. I think 2001 and 2003 Worlds were important to her in that many counted her out and she so elegantly and beautifully said "I'm still here."
I won't say anything about my opinion either way regarding the 98 and 02 Olympics.Been there done that, can't change it.
I also thought she should have placed higher in 95 Worlds. Funny how perhaps she was thought too young and not a "Ladies" skater some believe she was held back. Now these young one are being rewarded all the time. Seems like she was sometimes in the right place at the wrong time. Just like her fate at this Oly's. She may have gotten what she wanted if her body had held up. Or she may have faltered as many of the other women did this year. We will never know. I hope that if she wants to compete, she will be able to do so and show the world she is not finished yet. However, if she decides she wants to move on, then I am with her on that as well. Her new appointment is such a great accomplishment, one which many other skaters would not be able to reach.
What I would miss most about her skating is her passion, elegance, beauty, emotion, the way she makes me feel as she skates, as if she skated just for me. I would miss the many tears I have cried at watching her masterpieces. I remember my first time seeing a sunset over the ocean horizon when I was 16 years old. It was so beautiful, I was speechless and I allowed the tears to flow down my face as the sun fell down the sky into the ocean. This is how I sometimes felt watching Michelle skate: speechless as I allowed the tears to fall down my face.
My one regret is that I never saw her skate in person. I may not have been able to contain myself, though. So maybe it is for the best.

[scpenguin]

My favorite win of Michelle's was 03 Worlds. The exuberance in her face and the absolute joy she showed in being out there was so moving, and coming off of her disappointment after the 02 Olympics, it was just another example of her incredible mental toughness. 00 and 01 Worlds were also just fantastic since so many people were counting her out. I also love watching her win at 98 Nats, because Lyra Angelica is just poetry in motion.

Times I think she shouldn't have won but did: Perhaps 2001 Skate America? I felt that Sarah Hughes did have a better skate that night.

Times I think she should have won but didn't: 1998 and 2002 Olys. 'Nuff said. I do think she should have placed higher at 04 and 05 Worlds as well.

What competition was the most important of her career thus far: Hmm... her next one? ;) I feel like 96 Worlds was important since that whole season marked such a huge improvement in her artistry, and the international community really took notice. Whenever Michelle does decide to retire and history looks back at her skating, I think 96 Worlds will count as one of her legendary competitions. It marked the beginning of her long and illustrious career (that is hopefully not over yet, or at least until she decides it's time!).

If Michelle does move on, I am going to miss the excitement I felt in the days leading up to a competition broadcast (in fact, I already miss this). I'm going to miss her incredible artistry and her superb technique, unparalleled by any other female skater in my mind, past or present. I'm going to miss the pleasure of watching someone simply doing what they love to do, just for the pleasure of doing it (and not to be famous, earn a fortune, or set records). Most of all, I'm going to miss the integrity and class she has brought to the sport of figure skating. She is a class act, and irreplaceable (though today's commentators are certainly trying to hype up the new generation).

[darkphoenix]

My favorite win...I think would have to be 96' worlds because I can't remember when a competition was so tough and at the same time I still would have given Chen Lu the gold medal because I just thought she did a better job. Now if Michelle hit the 3/3 then it would have been hands down.

I watch Lyra at the olympics and will always cry foul because if Oksana won with her performance Michelle should have won with hers. Everytime I hear the music and watch the 98' program...it touched me like Oksana's did.

I think her most important competition to date was world's after '02...she still came back with a medal and still proved she belonged in the skating world.
I will always say her next competition, pro or am will be watched by everyone on this board.

[michellesmom]

I'd have to say my favorite would be a tie between 2001 World's (breaking the "odd-year" jinx with TRV) and 2003 Worlds. I still get goose bumps when the audience gets so loud you can't even hear the end of her music.

[prudence]

I believe she broke the "odd-year" jinx with SOTBS in 2001 Worlds. ;)
TRV was 2000 Worlds.
(with a wonderful triple-triple at both competitions :clap )

[trpls4me]

My favorite win was 2003 worlds:clap

I thought she shouldve medaled at 1995 worlds, but IM sure that like everyone is going to agree with me on that one lol

um, her most important competition, probably the 2002 olympics. Im sure for her there was a feeling of "this is your last chance" you know? so Im sure it was ery stressful for her- like it felt like the most important at the time

The thing Im going to miss most is her passion. No other skater does it like her. Its brilliant.

[BatonKwan]

What is your favorite win of Michelle's?
1998 Nationals was spectacular! With her injury, no one knew how she would skate, and she blew the house down with 6.0s.

Was there ever a time where you think she shouldn't have won, but did (and vice versa)? Perhaps last year's cheese feast (she was obviously injured), but I was too excited about seeing her skate her new sp that I really didn't care:P There are several competitions she should have won but didn't, but I'll choose one that no one has mentioned yet: '97 Worlds. After the fall in the short, she came back and skated brilliantly in the long. I always felt Tara's performance was very immature (something, btw, that Michelle was supposedly penalized for in '95). I would have placed several skaters ahead of Tara in the long, which would have allowed Michelle to pull ahead into 1st.

What competition do you think was the most important of Michelle's career thus far (she'll be back *crosses fingers and wishes on a star!*)??
The '98 Olympics. Her classiness overshadowed Tara's exuberance.

If Michelle does indeed move on out of the competitive world, what will you miss the most about her performances?
I'll miss the gentle way she strokes the ice. Her glide is magical- with Michelle, it's not about the jumps or the spins. Sometimes it's the way a simple hand gesture connects with the music. I'll also miss the excitement in the forum as everyone tries to guess her music and debating whether or not to spoil for worlds.