Article: "Bitter Kwan"

[stephj03]

In this article, it says that Michelle is bitter about the SP. I don't think that sounds characteristic of Michelle, do you guys think so?

Cohen Set to Topple Kwan from Figure Skating Throne
news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=...orld_dc_10 (http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20040326/sp_nm/figureskating_world_dc_10)

:LP

[Michibanana]

I'm sure that she's a bit ticked off about the marks, but I think that article is absolutely horrible and ridiculous. It sounds like it belongs in a tabloid, not a newspaper, and it's certainly not a worthy piece of journalism - especially not of figure skating journalism.

[fredonia]

if she is upset, i don't blame her, she's only human, heck i would be spitting fire and brimstone...lolz..>: :p ;) i can accept my placement if i made mistakes like falls and under rotated jumps ect. but to be called out like that. i don't know. eeeep

[redvispa]

I'd certainly be bitter if I was her! She skates a clean performance and gets crap marks!! Who can blame her!

[sorrowfree78]

she is a figure skater. it's her passion, her job, her identity.

she competes twice a year now.

those marks were uncharacteristic.

the deduction is one she has never been given before- warranted or not.

i'd be a little sour if I skated clean -not a bobble on a single jump- and received those marks. she had to react in some way to defend herself and communicate to the fans because she had no reason to believe she should receive lower than normal marks.

It was like "don't look at me, look at the judges!"

[wingheartsong]

Bitter and Kwan don't belong together on the same page or in the same sentence let alone side by side! That is something Michelle is not! Is she fighting mad? Probably and rightly so. Is she going to skate her heart out? You bet !!:)

[savvysearch]

Um, how bitter can you say " I felt very comfortable with my program". :rolleyes

[CollegeJock21]

That is stupid!! She just made a point of how she felt about the program.

Did she blatantly come out and say the judges were unfair? No!

Did she openly criticize Jan Hoffman's dick-headedness? No!

Did she conspicuously points out that ISU is punishing her for not competitng in GP series? No!

Did she stridently yell at the crowd, "I've been f**king ROBBED!!" Did she do that? No!

Did she climb up to the judges' panel and try to kick them in the head, and later claims, "oops, I was just doing my spiral."...? No!

Did she use the sharpened blade and see if it is sharp enough for tomorrow's freeskate on Jan Hoffman? No!

Did she withdraw from the competition as a form of protesting? No! (Not yet, anyway)

Then don't call her bitter!!

[Minx]

Just by examining the quotes from Michelle, I wouldn't call that bitter, but I know nothing of vocal inflection (which make transform meaning), so I think I'll withhold a judgement call on this one. But hey . . . I'd be bitter. If that's what she's feeling, it's human. At least she isn't being a sore loser about it and mouthing off petty comments. All anyone can ask is for someone in that position to roll with the punches. :RB

[CollegeJock21]

I saw the interview, Michelle did NOT sound bitter at all. She was her regular self. She wasn't smiling like when she's in the lead, but she wasn't ticked off or anything like that.

[LuvMK]

Its the writer's/ reporter's interpretation.

Apparently, if the comment about the range of kwan's marks giving weight to the campaign for CoP, then they are unfairly judging Kwan to influence favorable votes on this scoring issue

Its very obvious that MK was placed with the two Japanese skaters in QR to challenge her technically and enhance Cohen's chances in another group. When MK faltered a bit in QR, the judges became even more emboldened. I had a lot of doubts about how fairly MK would be treated in European environment (its politics and they are tired of MK dominating, through her sheer excellence -- she has never been handed anything). They knew the best way to ensure MK would not win gold is to take the possibility out of her hands by putting her in fourth, with any flimsy excuse they could find. They knew that with her being in any of the first three spots, she could win outright.

Right now, I'm feeling very skeptical about the motivations involved among the ISU -- they also diffuse USFSA protest because Sasha Cohen is American. I believe Cinquanta is plotting to ensure Kostner is set up with the chance to be on the medal podium at Olympics in Turin. If they continue to dis MK this way, I will become further disengaged from this sport. I've followed it so closely for many years, since the early 70s, but over the last several years (perhaps even beginning with '94 Olympics, with judging controversies, I've become more and more disillusioned. Kwan has been a big reason that my interest in the sport has been maintained, particularly for ladies skating, because after the top three or four on the women's side, the skaters have not been too exciting or consistent.

[shanilia]

I wouldn't be surprised if Michelle was bitter. It's okay for her to show some negative emotion in front of the camera once in awhile, isn't it?? It shows she's human.

[bekalc]

Figure skaters are placed in qualifyings based on their last worlds. New skaters then "draw" for either group a or b. Which is why at times it can be an uneven, because I guess you can't help how people draw. But, the draw is suppose to make it biased free.

I personally find all of this judging conspiracy thing questionable. (I believed the Canadian thing) partially because I saw national interest at stake. But, this situation, when there is an American on top? Where is the national interest. IF the goal was to give the Japanese the gold medal, why not put one of the Japanese girls ahead in the short over Sasha.

I hear so much about how Europeans hate Michelle, but how especially, especially when it seems they love Cohen. (although I guess I can see why perhaps the European fans might like Cohen, seeing is she actually skates there a couple of times a year.)

I personally don't think the judges hate Kwan. I've seen times when they don't automatically hit her because she made a mistake. I felt at Salt Lake City, they truly wanted to give Michelle kwan the gold medal. (And you could argue that Sasha should have placed ahead of Michelle because Sasha only fell once (on a tough combo, while Kwan fell twice, not even attempting a tough combo.) However, the judges at that point didn't place Sasha ahead because they wanted to reward Kwan for her hard work (sasha hadn't yet proved herself and you could argue giving it to Kwan too.) I felt at that point, they were still holding out giving the gold medal to Kwan until Sarah skated very well. If the judges had it out for Kwan at that point, they could have truly hit her for her falls at the Olympics.

I guess my point is I don't think the judges have it out for Kwan. I think quite a number of them like her, after all they have given her tons of 6.0's. Yes, there have been times when perhaps some don't, but others when they've gone her way. I also don't think the judges are the head of the ISU, really want or can afford another skating scandal.

I would also like to point out that the timing clock is in front of the entire audience for them to see, and its the same clock for everyone.

I do think that these judges are dying to see something new from MIchelle. Something that shows she's incredibly improving. (I mean with Sasha she does all kinds of different spins and thats fun) The Japanese girls show all kinds of different jumps. It is a biased sport, and I do think that if comes down to a close call many judges will reward the skater who is constantly pushing upwards. You can say that Michelle has nothing left to prove, and honestly legacy wise she doesn't, but if she wants to continue to be the best current skater in the world, she's going to have to continuely improve and continue to impress. Judges have to dermine who is the best in the present.

I think this honestly shows kwan that the skating world is changing, and frankly the international judges aren't so concerned and/or impressed with what has been done in the past. They are concerned about now. If she wants to really really wants to compete in Turino, she's going to have to start making some changes. (She will need a 3/3, but also some new moves would be good too.) Right now,the figure skating world is just far toooo deep. And there are too many skaters who can step up. Mark my words, the next Olympic Champion will have a 3/3

[kwanette]

MK fell twice in SLC? I know that I was hiding in the bathroom during her lp...but I thought I saw the tape afterwards...I must be confused again.

[nymkfan51]

Well kwanette ... if it says that in the article, it must be true. :rolleyes

[LuvMK]

bekalc, you make some interesting comments, etc. re QR. However, much of what else you are saying, particularly about Salt Lake City, shows that you are a bit mixed up.

Yadda yadda yadda all the Kwan weary contingent are tired of seeing her dominate the sport. What you guys fail to realize is that even after she stops competing, MK's influence and dominance over a decade and a half in this sport will continue to be felt. Her legend will echo down through the ages. The really marvelous thing about her is her true, unbelievable class, courage and grace which has rubbed off in a positive way to other skaters, and has had a deep impact on a lot of people, which transcends this sport. That may be what her detractors have trouble dealing with the most.

The writers try to find bitterness where there is none. Few of them understand the sport (which the politicos in it are making even more complicated these days), nor do they understand what makes Kwan the true champion no matter what placement or medal she receives in a comp. After what she has accomplished throughout her career and her life, my folks, all the rest is just gravy. As always, she will mash the lumps out of that gravy with style and fierce determination!
:SJ

[vanhs]

don't believe these articles. they don't know anything about the sport of skating and they just love hype it up. people who know michelle know she would not be bitter.

[pluto3658]

Believe very little of what you read, half of what you see, and some of what you hear.

[Jayjen35]

I might buy your argument if it were only a few hard core Kwan fans who were making this argument, but there are a lot more people saying that the judges are trying to get MK to retire. And many more who have voiced the opinion that she needs to get out of the way for younger skaters.

And as far as the GP competitions are concerned, the fact is there is no hard and fast rule stating that a skater must compete in those if they want to compete in Worlds or the Olympics. So the idea that she should be penalized for foregoing them is ridiculous. The fact is that she is 23yrs old. The constant pounding of competing at this elite level for over ten years is bound to take its tole. If she wants to be around for Turino, and be able to walk when she's 50 she's got to take care of herself. We've already heard that she's begining to have trouble with her hip. All of this spells caution for her. So this may mean that she can't do every competiton that come along for the four years leading up to the Olympics. She may have to choose very carefully which she wants to do. Does that mean that the Europeans will she her less in person? probably. Does that mean that she should be put out to pasture? Obviously not. I'm sorry, but while I'd certainly love to see her skate more, and expect to see her do more competitions in the next two years, I don't want to see Michelle injure herself perminently so that some people in Europe don't feel neglected. And it is NO reason to score her "down" or downright unfairly.

[ChiSkate2002]

I didn't see anywhere in that article where Michelle said nor insinuated that she is bitter... send this article to the tabloids!

[lillyfly]

I beleive this articel was written before the USFSA protested the time deduction. The writer chose not to give all the information. I am sure they new about the timing problem before this article was completed.

I thought the media was very quick to start the cautious skating rumor ala Nagano.

[crazysoul80]

Well gee. That didn't seem so when Michelle skated in Germany for the short and long. They loved her.

[bekalc]

I have no problem with kwan consistently winning. Nor, do I think Kwan should retire. (I don't want Sasha to retire at 23!) I do think though she could compete in one or two more competitions. for example, instead of a fluff skate, do trophey lalique. when you really think about it, just practicing enough to get her body into shape, well is going to damage to her body, I dont' see much of a difference competitionwise. Doing one or two more competitions. Personally, I think it would be fun to compete for one tournment in Europe. (Paris sounds like a lot of fun to me.) My point is why is Michelle still in this, probably to win in Turino, if she wants to do so she's going to need a 3/3. The judges aren't going to just give her the gold medal, if others are doing harder things. Remember the other skaters are also risking their bodies too! Frankly given the lack of depth in the U.S ladies, I most certainly don't want her to lose. I guess my point is if Kwan wants to win, she's going have to be willing to do what it takes.

If Kwan is truly afraid that she can't/or what it will do for her body, then she may need to ask herself why she wants to go to the Olympics, and if its worth it given all that she's accomplished. But, I will not say Kwan's not capable she's an amazing athlete and there are plenty of skaters older than her that land 3/3s. ITs all up to her.

(I also want to point out that I actually felt bad for Michelle at Salt Lake, she looked very heart broken. I'm well aware of what she gave to the sport, and would have been quite pleased for her if she won. (However, I don't necessarily think come Turino time, she's going to necessarily deserve it more than lets say Awakara.)

My point is a 3/3 maybe even a quad lander will most certainly be ladies champion. In fact all of the last ladies champions have done 3/3s, (Olympics) its just not really an option. Perhaps, Kwan may want to wait to Olympic year though to work on them if she is afraid for her body, that I could totally understand because she does know how to handle presure and has done 3/3's in competitions before.

[savvysearch]

From the reaction of the crowd at Worlds long and short, if there is a contingent of those wanting to see a new champion, the world fan base of Michelle thinks otherwise and its still not enough to knock her off as the most popular skater in the world by tenfold. She got the biggest applause this year in my book. The 3/3 is needed (although she could win without it. She almost DID!), and if she says she's working on it, I believe her. The judges are impressed even without the 3/3 as seen by her scores. But she's stayed in competition for 10 years. Her health is important. She's thinking for the long run. I think the 3/3 will come next year. She must work hard on it and not wait to the last minute to start practicing. Luckily she has starting practicing on the 3/3 this year and she got Raphael to help her on this.

Without question, Michelle needs a 3/3 now that many skaters have it now. She can't rely on perfection at every competition. ALthough she's successful at this, it's better to have a 3/3 just in case.)

For Sasha, I think a 3/3 is the last of her concern. She should be concentrating trying to get a clean program before making her programs more difficult. It could only spell disaster.

[iceangelic]

She should have been placed third during the short program. The Japanese ladies hit their routines but they werent artistically connected

[Forever Loyal]

Who is this idiot that wrote this article? Lets give them a piece of our minds.

[crazysoul80]

Ok I agree. Michelle definitely needs a 3/3 for next year to prepare for Turino and she even knows this. Thus the reason why she went to RA and working on her jumps. I don't think a 3/3 is out of reach for her considering she's done 3toe/3toe in previous competitions and has been known to practice 3sal/3loop?? But I think it'd be more ideal if she had a 3lutez/3toeloop or a 3lutez/3loop for Turino. Even Kristi had such a combination in '92 because she knew she needed it just in case. That's the same for Michelle because she knows she needs it. I'm not saying she should be practicing the 3/3s like crazy but it would be wise to have at least one in hand for next year.

And I think that she should compete in the GP series as well. I think it'd be good for her personally competitionwise. She'd be able to show the judges more of her programs and get feedback on them.

But in the end, it's her decision on what she wants to do and what's best for her. But I hope she does her best next year and prepares herself.

[Jayjen35]

I think that at this point its a matter of course that MK needs a 3/3 and a more difficult one (more likely two!) if she wants to be a factor in Turino, hence her new coach and her obvious concentration on the technical side of her skating these days. And I think that its also wise from this point forward to do the GP competitions, and at this point we don't know that she's not going to do them in these next two years (although my bet is that she will). But to expect her to have done them for all three years leading up to the Olympic games is maybe a bit much. As for risking her body, well...its well and good if she does the GP competitions and builds "good will" with the European judges, but it won't mean much if by the time she actually gets to Turino she's too physically worn out and injured to compete to the best of her ability.

Her new coach and change of focus are good indicators that she's moving forward with her amature career, and that she feels that she can improve. As long as she believes in herself and is willing to push herself I see no reason for her to quit, even if she does feel that she needs to train and compete cautiously to make sure she remains healthy.

[SkateWorlds1]

I'm wondering if the 3/3 will have an adverse effect on the rest of her next program? Do you guys think the added pressure will be bad or good?

[Jayjen35]

I think the fact that she's working on the technical side of her skating by slowly building from her basics will make adding new more difficult jumps much easier and less jarring than if she just started throwing them and hoping for the best. I think that this aproach fits her style of training and skating better.

[crazysoul80]

I think the pressure will be good. We all saw a perfect example of this at this worlds. She skated with fire, fire which I haven't seen in quite a while. And she performs well under pressure.