Countdown to 2006 Winter Olympics, Turin, Italy--Feb.10-26

[lovemkforever]

371 days left... <img border=0 src="http://home.comcast.net/~luenatic/skatingpic/mk_SFL_icon.gif" />
Michelle, GO! <img border=0 src="http://home.comcast.net/~luenatic/skatingpic/LyraPose.gif" />

[Dream Again]

SO UNBELIEVABLE to think it's practically one year from now!! WOW! Let the chicken/tofu sacrifices begin . . . ;)

[donnylutz]

I can't believe were counting down all ready! Wow, my tummy is all ready getting jumpy. It's going to be a long year!!!!

Donnylutz :)
:CK

[epoibim]

Can you believe that?!??! Holy cow.

Didn't the Today show do a thingy on the Olympics at the one year mark? Maybe it was just because they were in SLC, but I'll keep my eye out.

It was actually kind of emotional to watch the countdown, which was 760-something last year whittle down to 390-something in Portland...and thinking about what it is going to read next year. 30 something??!?!!!! Man, time flies when you're having fun.

I think we'll need to change the sign to: Holy Torino! Only 30 days left!!:lol

TORINO, BABY!!!!!!:D

[Vinluvskwan]

As the past 3 Winter Games have resulted in an ingenue with difficult technical skills winning the Olympic gold medal, if the Goddess of FS & Fate have their way, could you guys perceive the following result to occur at Torino:

Gold: Kimmie Meissner (only if she peaks and develops more artistically with improved spins, spiral, and connection with the audience)
God forbid Mao Asada or Miki Ando wins gold!

Silver: Michelle Kwan (if she skates conservatively as she has in her past 2 Games)

Bronze: Irina Slutskaya (if she remains healthy enough)

Obviously, the above is just a whimsical prediction, but being a MK fan, my downright wish, and a realistic prediction at that, is of course:

Gold: Michelle Kwan
Silver: Irina S. could retain her medal, or other skaters (Kimmie, Sasha, Susanna Poyko, Shiz., Miki, etc.) could vye for it
Don't forget other up and coming US and Japanese skaters.

[gldnkwan]

It seemed after the last Olys that 2006 was so far off, now sudenly it seems right around the corner. This will be the last Worlds before the Olys. I can't belive that!!
Michelle is in great shape, someone said when she showed up for Marshalls that she looked like a stealth bomber, so lean and muscular.
She can do it!! She really can.
She is not old, she is not tired and out of shape, the olys are within her grasp.
Three times a charm........a golden charm!!:MV

[mindy74]

It's amazing to think that it's next year. I can remember 2002 like it was yesterday. At the time I honestly hoped Michelle wouldn't go to Italy, as I didn't think I could take it. But now I'm glad she's going and I'm not really expecting her to win gold. In 2002 I knew it was hers to lose and that made watching the LP torture rather than enjoyable. I still can't watch any part of the SLC Olympics.

I'm just enjoying her skating for as long as she decides she wants to continue.

[zschultz]

She needs to get that triple-triple combo back consistently... then she'll be unstopable.

[millenniummagicz]

didnt someone say that a MK with a consistent triple triple is everyone female skaters' nightmare?? I just want to see her skate to a program the way she did Salome. (I LOVE SALOME!!)

[gldnkwan]

I'm gonna just be bold and say it.........I WANT Michelle to win in Turin. I know she has already proved herself, I know I will love her no matter what the outcome is, that is a fact.
But, I want her to win because I don't want anyone else to beat her and walk away with the gold who's in and out of figure skating in two years. I want her to win so the critical, 'ready to write her off' press can fold up their notepads and go bug someone else. I want her to win because she has done so much for US figure skating. I want her to win because she has stayed in the sport for so long and has struggled and fallen and come back time and time agian. I want her to win because she has been screwed over by dishonest, currupt judges. And lastly, I want her to win because I think SHE wants to win. I think a part of her wants to cap her career, seal it up right at the top. She is already a legand, she is already outstanding and wonderful and will be remebered as one of the most decorated female skaters of all time,
but Oly gold would send her into untouchable status. She would be bigger than Dorothy Hamil or Peggy Fleming.
and hell, I think she just deserves it.

[lovemkforever]

As Michelle's HUGE fan, I, myself, badly hope she can win the gold!! Michelle deserves so much this golden gold!! Isn't it interesting and fun that we countdown to the day when 2006 Olys begins as Michelle preparing to heading to the GOLD?!! :SP :LD :FL :LP
Could this thread be 'stickied'? :b :SAL

[fdevine]

Who I want it to be:

Gold: Michelle Kwan
Silver: Irina Slutskaya
Bronze: Jenny Kirk

Who I Feel it will be:

Gold: Michelle Kwan
Silver: ?
Bronze: ?

I don't believe in skate gods so don't tell me I'm tempting them. If Michelle doesn't win, it won't have anything to do with skate gods. :) Love you guys.

grannie frances

[Vinluvskwan]

Can you guys & gals imagine our Michelle doing a catchfoot spin/layback a la Anne Patrice McDonough? I think she's capable of it, since even Sarah Hughes and Tara were able to do them. It would be lovely to watch MK attept it, as well as a doughnut camel spin (but this is probably harder on her back). I remember back in '97 when she first did the ballet front catchfoot spin (or whatever you call it) and then a other skaters followed her lead.

In addition, I just listened to "Salome" by Rimsky-Korsakov
(the second half of MK's music). It's very dramatic and orchestral. I can see the dramatic ending working very well if MK reskates to Salome.

Ciao belliss:TOS imos e bellissimas!

[Kwanatic]

Someone please correct me if Im wrong...but i'm thinking Kimmie was unable to go to worlds this year due to age? If Im correct...then i really don't see the gold medal going to her. Tara had an upperhand in that she not only went the prior year, but won worlds. Sarah went and was world bronze medalist...so these girls were in the judges minds at that time, whereas Kimmie won't be. That has secretly been my fear for 06...that someone would land the 3ax and go to worlds and olympics with it and win. (seems to always come down to the jump...and yeah...i know some disagree, but it just seems that way). I see Shizuka and (again) Irina as MKs biggest competition. (Sasha has the potential, but while i love her...Im no longer sure she can put it together, and worse...i think the judges probably would have this in backs of minds). If I were judging...(can i please? lol) and based solely on the best performances I have seen of those ladies, I would have it closer between MK and Shizuka. Then possibly Sasha, and while i have always loved Irina an am so glad shes okay, and skating again...I've just always considered her that cute little girl who jumps and spins, but not as the olympic champ. I always felt that way about Midori Ito too. Loved her, when she was younger she had the cutest presence on the ice...but i was suprised when i heard she was a threat to Kristi for the gold. Anyway...I would love to just be inside the judges heads when they are marking IS....I just don't get it (yes, i know again..not for me to get, just wondering aloud).
Anyway, to me...i have to say that this is the fastest the year prior to olympics has come around. SLC really does seem like last year to me.

[magicpixie]

I really think the Olympic gold will go to one of the over 20 ladies. At least I hope so. The thing that will be extremely important for MK next year is to have really outstanding programs and to make sure to take advantage of the new scoring system. A big part of the comp, IMO, will hinge on the short program. MK, SC, Irina, Julia, Fumie and Carolina are great short program skaters. Shizuka tends to have small mistakes in the sp, but not big enough to knock her out of contention. So very likely the final 6 could be: Mk, SC, IS, Shiz, Julia and Caro. Caro, Julia and SC have never done a clean LP under pressure, so I'll assume that they wont. That leaves Irina, Michelle and Shiz as the most likely podium. I think they each have great talent and ability to take the title. I'll be crossing my fingers, and praying my little heart out for Michelle. I have a good feeling about these Olympics, unlike the 02 Olympics. Starting from 01 Skate America and on, whenever I thought about the Olympics I had a horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach.

[michelle2006]

magicpixie..that was so cute how you said you are praying your little heart out. AWW! I know, I had a horrible feeling about 02 Olympics EVEN after 02 Nationals. I am not getting that feeling yet!

[holysalchow]

Oh this is so exciting! Wow, just thinking about Torino is making my stomach go a little crazy! haha Alright Gold for Michelle! Go Torino 06

[AngieB35]

Wow, less than a year until Opening. I was thinking when this season began "Next season is Olympic season already!" It does seem to have come up so fast! I'm so happy Michelle is still in good shape and wants to compete. I am really hoping for Gold in '06 too. IMHO, if ever a skater deserved to be an Olympic Gold Medalist it's Michelle and I pray she can finally lay claim to that title.

[lovemkforever]

One year isn't that long... should this thread be sticked? :JP

[lovemkforever]

Oops, less than a year!! How time flies!! :CHO
Turin countdown has started (http://www.aberdeennews.com/mld/aberdeennews/sports/10954467.htm)

[michellesmom]

Moving to skating chat.

If we add to it every day it won't need to be stickied.

[holysalchow]

How many days are left?

[EigthAv]

I know I'm looking forward to it. Not just for the figure skating.It's that once every 4 years that I can and will indulge in watching some of curling,skiing,speed skating,etc,etc......those "other Winter Olympics sports." <!--EZCODE BR START--><!--EZCODE BR END--><!--EZCODE BR START--><!--EZCODE BR END-->I hope Michelle wins the gold! As I have done in the past,I will go in with a very open mind and expect the unexpected.To be honest,the odds are against a USFSA lady winning the title.3 out of last 4 ladies figure skating OGMists have been USFSA gals.Add to that the two silver medals by Kerrigan & Kwan and the Kwan/Kerrigan bronze medals.7 of 12 possible medals.Will the USFSA ladies continue to dominate???? <!--EZCODE BR START--><!--EZCODE BR END--><!--EZCODE BR START--><!--EZCODE BR END-->Mao Asada will not be age eligible.By early 2006,Mao will be a World Juniors overkill.

[feelingbegins03]

It's hard to believe that a year from now the Olympics will be over! Go Michelle! :LP

[bardtoob]

I want Michelle to WIN!!!!

I don't want her to go out an not loose.

I want Michelle to go out and WIN!!!!

Like a boxer with a knockout!!!!

I want it too be a land slide!!!!

I want the PASSION of Fields of Gold.

I want the GRACE of LYRA.

I want the HIGHER, FASTER, STRONGER of an OLYMPIC CHAMPION from MICHELLE KWAN.

Not because I want it . . . because SHE WANTS IT.

SHE WANTS TO BE THE MICHAEL JORDAN OF HER SPORT!!!

SHE WANTS TO BE REMEMBERED!!!

SHE WANT THAT ONE MOMENT IN TIME!!!

I WANT HER TO GO OUT AND TAKE IT LIKE A TRUE COMPETITOR !!!!

[Deetlebug]

Just a few random thoughts on this.

* Carolina Kostner will not be in the final 6 ladies for the lp.

* This Olympics is different than any before because COP is more about not just the jumps than the 6.0 system. We've seen this already quite often this season. This will work to Michelle's advantage.

* Michelle's history at big comps (i.e., Nationals and Worlds) is that she typically has competed several times before winning the Gold. If history follows, this could well be the case for her in 2006.

* I think Michelle felt huge pressure to tie Maribel's 9 National titles. I think having met that challenge will be a HUGE boost to her going into Turino, even if she doesn't take a 10th National title win with her. It's just a feeling, but I think that 9th title in Michelle's mind puts her into legend status and takes future pressure off her.

deetles


p.s. - does anyone know the dates of the ladies sp and lp at the Olympics?

[Kayko318]

i really hope she wins. the olympics are some of my most vivid memories of my young childhood.

i remember being 8 and saying confidently to my friends "michelle will win" and then 2002 when i was 12, I heard my friend scream as she came on the campus "I CAN'T BELIEVE MICHELLE FELL!" i was sad that whole day. the olympics are a happy time and michelle winning the gold would make it the perfect olympics!:p at least i would think so.:JP

[holysalchow]

Kayko, I remember in 7th grade sitting on the bus in the morning after she lost and we were all talking about it. It was so sad! But I think that I have a good feeling about 2006!

[lovemkforever]

If we add to it every day

Cool!!! Michelle, the GOLD!!:FBO :YS :MV I hope Michelle could win the gold and I firmly believe in it. But if not ... Michelle(anyway, i don't want to see this result), I will still love her as ever!!

[bwheeler]

somebody else figure out the exact number of days now!

[lovemkforever]

Here is the title:
www.montereyherald.com/mld/montereyherald/sports/11759908.htm (http://www.montereyherald.com/mld/montereyherald/sports/11759908.htm)
:SE

[lovemkforever]

256 days left...:angel

[scheherazade]

I'm pretty sure today marks 258 days until the Opening Ceremonies :) :CK

[lovemkforever]

anyway,keep going on counting down... :TOS

[SGuntur]

256 days to Torino, Italy!!
:CK

[muffaruff]

DeetleBug..

According to www.torino2006.org, ladies short is on Feb 21 and the free is on Feb 23.

255 days:)

[scheherazade]

Yeah, let's go by the Torino site :b 255 days it is!

[EigthAv]

I'm already looking forward to the fall.Right now,January and February seem a million miles away.By October,I'll have the fever.:lol

[scheherazade]

Okay, wait, I was right the first time -- TODAY is 255 days. When I checked last night it was 255 Torino Time, not EDT ;)

[SGuntur]

ok schez, make up your mind! Is it 253 or 254 days to Torino today? What is your final answer??:b

[scheherazade]

254 EDT :b

[SGuntur]

253 days to Torino, Italy!!

[FlashOBlue]

252 days ... doesn't seem possible!

[lovemkforever]

248 days... :eek :SP

[honey827]

242 days till Turino.

[fdevine]

OH my goodness!! It's been a little while since I checked this thread. It's getting so close!!

[honey827]

241 days:TJL

[lovemkforever]

234 days.... :YS

[fdevine]

Isn't it great to be back to our normal wonderful board again?

Thanks for keeping track of the days for us.

grannie frances

[lovemkforever]

230 days... :RB

[lovemkforever]

229 days...:RP

[SusanaDalia]

I can't wait!!

[lovemkforever]

228 days...:TOS

[lovemkforever]

:SP 172days left.... looking forward to the 100th day coming:D :SC

[lovemkforever]

:SP How time flies! Only three months left... Let's all pray for Michelle! :SE And the countdown should be started!

Michelle, Kiss your gold in Turin!!:FBO

[lovemkforever]

Less than 100 days~~ My dream is to be Turin. Anyway, that is only a dream, a never-realized dream, maybe. But I still pray for MK. Whatever the colour of her medal is, She is the champion in my heart forever!!

[michelle2006]

There are 88 days till the opening ceremony, and I know those are usually georgeous! I hope Michelle goes to the opening, lets her hair down, and just has a lil' bit of fun ( yes I am assuming she'll be there and qualify, cuz' she's MK and probably besides sasha, the US's best chance @ Gold)...

There are 99 days till the SP!:clap


:tos :SE :goldmedal