I emailed my disgust to USFSA

[missmarysgarden]

I emailed USFSA this morning to communicate my disgust at this event format, and to let them know of the unanimous feelings of the 8 gymnastics judges, one a former Olympic medalist, who watched in disbelief and disgust. I suggest that if you have an opinion about this event, you let them know. Ticket purchasers and 900 callers were pretty much in the dark when they decided to part with $$$ for this, and I wonder how many would want to encourage USFSA to repeat this kind of event to enrich their coffers? Everyone to their own taste....and tastelessness.

[amielou]

I emailed USFSA this morning to communicate my disgust at this event format, and to let them know of the unanimous feelings of the 8 gymnastics judges, one a former Olympic medalist, who watched in disbelief and disgust. I suggest that if you have an opinion about this event, you let them know. Ticket purchasers and 900 callers were pretty much in the dark when they decided to part with $$$ for this, and I wonder how many would want to encourage USFSA to repeat this kind of event to enrich their coffers? Everyone to their own taste....and tastelessness.

I am not disagreeing with you, MMG..just wondering if you could clarify exactly what issues you voiced to the USFSA.

My biggest problem with the whole thing was the way they subjected the skaters to standing around like AI contestants to get dissed by the "judges" (Peter, I'm calling your name here!). These are talented and established athletes. Making a 5-time World Champion coming off an injury stand there and listen to random criticism on national tv was insulting to say the least. And none of the rest deserved that either. The 8 skaters subjected to it have among them numerous world medals, three Olympic medals and a bunch of national titles and medals. Even the ones that don't have a long resume yet didn't deserve that. (And does Peter Carruthers competitive history even begin to match Michelle's?? I'm thinking not!)

So if that was your complaint, more power to you! And if there were other issues you pointed out to them, please share.

[missmarysgarden]

Hi, amielou

That was pretty much my message. In addition, I talked about the importance of maintaining the dignity of the sport itself since there are many who think FS should be dropped as an Olympic sport. I told them that I thought this national telecast of our top skaters subjected to a kangaroo court by 3 buffoons who were not qualified to critique these skaters, makes USFSA deservedly subject to ridicule as a national sports federation.

What I had to say is about my perception of this event, and how disgraceful I thought it was for USFSA to plan an event on national television for the purpose of raising money for their organization - an event that in my opinion subjected the athletes to ridicule and discomfort.

I can't over emphasize how horrified and angry I am about this, and I wanted USFSA to know how I feel.

I think that however you feel about the event, you should go to the USFSA website and write to them about it. At present, all USFSA knows is that they got a bunch of $$$$ in the bank. Unless they hear otherwise from the people who bought tickets, and paid for phone votes, they will do it again.

I also told them that I thought that Peter Carruthers is a disservice to USFSA and the sport.

I'm not telling anyone WHAT to say - just saying TELL THEM WHAT YOU THINK!! We, the fans, are the only engine driving the sport. When we quit "paying" in one way or another, there is less coverage, fewer little kids joining clubs and buying memberships, etc.

If you want our athletes paraded out to subject themselves to something like this again, maybe you also enjoy "America's Top Model" and "American Idol" - and all that other garbage. Then tell them!

If you think our athletes deserve respect, gratitude and honor, then tell USFSA how much you have spent on skating tickets and travel over the last ten years, and that not one damn dime will be spent for a repeat performance like this.

Let them feel the power of our vote!

[magicalhaven]

Well, my whole problem with this is timing. It might not have been as bad if this event was held in May. However, to have this event in December, a month before Nationals in an Olympic year is just ridiculous!!!! It shows that the USFSA doesn't really value the athletes and their training schedules.

My two cents.

[archie4]

Well, my whole problem with this is timing. It might not have been as bad if this event was held in May. However, to have this event in December, a month before Nationals in an Olympic year is just ridiculous!!!! It shows that the USFSA doesn't really value the athletes and their training schedules.

My two cents.

Exactly! Why couldn't this have been the format for the spring cheesefest? Nationals are a month away and the Olympics aren't much later. Most of these skaters really need more experiance with COP; they do not need an AI popularity contest. It would have made much more sense to have the winter cheesefest be the same style competition as Campbells. (Oh, and could Peter have been more condescending?!)

[Crizzy]

The whole critique really didn't make sense because in the big scheme of things CoP would have punish all the skaters with those programs and jump combos. This was a cash cow for the USFSA. It is fun to see the skaters do exhibition style program but this is an Olympic year and the federation could have used all those money, time and sweat preparing our US athletes to CoP by having a CoP judge competition.

Doesn't the US have test skate like Russia?

[lavender]

I wonder if they were just trying to see if there was a change in who's more popular. They are losing money and ratings so they are still looking to promote that skater who may bring in more ratings and money.

Sorry usfsa....that's still Michelle.

[ceap]

Well, I attended and I was bummed about the voting. Before the competition, I read many times, certain audience members would be able to vote. They let you believe you had a chance of being chosen to vote, but when I got there, I was told only the $150 seats could vote. Poo - poo to the $75 seats.

Edited to add: That said, I thought having the judges critique the skaters while standing there in front of them was awkward and embarrassing. I thought the skaters looked uncomfortable. I was uncomfortable for them.

[neneth]

I wonder if they were just trying to see if there was a change in who's more popular. They are losing money and ratings so they are still looking to promote that skater who may bring in more ratings and money.

Sorry usfsa....that's still Michelle.

Yep.Michelle is still the attract $$$ for USFSA .It show on th vote last nigth.I USFSA realize the fan are not yet really to let go of Michelle.I wonder how Peggy feel about the vote last nigth or even Tara.

[lavender]

I have a feeling that they don't get it. Some hate it...

Just like Scott use to wonder how long michelle would be popular. He certainly didn't think it would be this long. They expected people to move on from Michelle and get attached to other skaters by now.

[Oreo]

I thought the whole thing was kind of embarrassing and ill timed. Does anyone think, though, that the skaters didn't know exactly what the format would be? I'm sure they did, and did the USFSA twist their arms to be there?

[Krista]

I love that no matter what happens, and no matter how many times rude people come on this board to put down Michelle, and no matter how many times commentators make off handed remarks, and no matter how many times other skaters go out there and do sideshow moves trying to wow the crowd, people still remain faithful to the simple elegance, grace, beauty, heart and soul that is Michelle skating. :)

Keep trying naysayers. It isn't working. ;)

[amielou]

Just because I really wanted to know, a little google search turned up Peter (and Kitty) Carruthers' competitive wins:

4 National titles (1981-84)
1 World Bronze medal (1982)
1 Olympic Silver medal (1984)

Compare that to the some of the skaters he was critiquing yesterday. Other than the National titles, Sasha has him beat without an Olympic medal, just by virtue of medalling at two Worlds (silver not bronze!). Michael, Tim and Johnny all have national titles, and two of them have World medals, plus Tim has an Olympic bronze. And Peter should hope he never has to sit his resume next to Michelle's and then defend his "expertise".

I feel better now.

[nerdycool]

Well, I know that Michelle knew what the format would be before she gave confirmation that she'd be there. If she didn't like it, she could have just said that she needed more time to heal. But I *do think that there was some arm twisting going on... all 8 participants are the top dogs the USFSA has... no second-rate skaters. This being an Olympic season, I figured that at least some of them would have pulled out, but they didn't.

[Puce]

My biggest problem with the whole thing was the way they subjected the skaters to standing around like AI contestants to get dissed by the "judges" (Peter, I'm calling your name here!). These are talented and established athletes. Making a 5-time World Champion coming off an injury stand there and listen to random criticism on national tv was insulting to say the least. And none of the rest deserved that either. The 8 skaters subjected to it have among them numerous world medals, three Olympic medals and a bunch of national titles and medals. Even the ones that don't have a long resume yet didn't deserve that. (And does Peter Carruthers competitive history even begin to match Michelle's?? I'm thinking not!)



AMEN! :clap that was the most embarrassing thing i have ever seen at a skating "competition". shame of the judges for agreeing to it. and shame on the folks in charge of the format.

[adri]

I don't undestand, I thought everyone would be happy that Michelle won the Marshalls' competition yesterday.

The fans determine the winner, so why do ppl care what the judges think?

[Puce]

why do you care that people here care what the judges think?

[adri]

i don't know, but it's strange that if Michelle won, why pple are tearing apart the judges.

If Michelle won isn't that all that matters, unless people do value what the judges say. It like contradictory behavior I don't understand.

[Puce]

the judges were very appreciative and said nice things regarding michelle. so please don't even make it look like that's the reason people here didn't like that aspect of this show. i don't think it was necessary for the judges to slam michael weiss for doing a back-flip and a tornado. i don't think it was necessary for them to make any of them feel bad about themselves. it was stupid, akward, and pointless. the skaters looked like they had all gotten in trouble for starting a food fight in the cafeteria. maybe you liked that aspect of the show, adri. but i think it was uncomfortable and out of line.

[adri]

I think people here care very much what the judges have to say. I think they are hurt and mad none of the judges voted for Michelle. That's why they are reacting in a negative manner.

[Puce]

see, it was so obvious that that was the path you were going to take. you are very predictable. i don't think anybody was "hurt" by anything the judges had to say. they had wonderful things to say about michelle. people would be foolish to think that any of them would choose michelle over sasha after they skated. and you obviously think that everybody here at MKF is either "hurt", "depressed", or foolish. just another attempt by you to make this board and it's members look like obsessed freaks. BORING!!!

[missmarysgarden]

It appears little adri is lost again. Now honey, you go on home. Your mommy is probably looking for you.:lol

[adri]

That is hysterical!

[amielou]

I did not think it was a problem because the judges did or did not vote for anyone. I think it was a problem because it was not how the athletes should be treated and it is not how an athletic event should be conducted. Only Dick clearly took the time to make sure his comments were well thought out and positive for each skater. Peggy seemed to be saying whatever came into her head and Peter was just trying to be Simon Cowell and mug for the camera. They are commentators not judges. And real judges don't ever get to personally critique each skater through a microphone for the whole arena and a national television audience to hear with the skaters standing in a line in front of them. They might as well have slapped them all in the face.

That was my problem, not who they voted for.

[patsue]

First of all Peggy, Dick and Peter are NOT judges--they are quite simply "commentators". I adored Peggy's skating, rooted for Kitty and Peter, and appreciated Dicks commentary in the 60s and early 70s. I lost a lot of respect for him when he pushed Janet Lynn as the "be all" of figure skating for her time--especially since she was his wife's student--he had absolutely no problem being prejudiced and letting it show on national tv. However, they all 3 are Olympic medalists and so have an advantage of seeming to be experts and thus influencing the once-every-four-year general figure skating viewer--as in--"if Dick, Peggy and Peter say so and so skater is the height of skating technique and artistry then they must know what they are talking about."
to me they were merely fans--just like the rest of us. They have their favorites, they dislike other skaters, they have their opinions and are entitled to them. Doesn't mean I have to believe everything that comes out of their mouths. I didn't expect them to gush over Michelle's performances yesterday, we all knew watching her live and some from downloads later that this was not Michelle's best competition, but I had hoped they would have commended her for her gutsiness in going to Boston despite her sub par outings, that her SP shows cop promise and her inner strength to attempt the jumps and spins she was able to do. I expected one of those "judges" to call Sasha on the evident fall at the end of her program instead of praising every facet of her skating. Oh well, I am extremely happy Michelle won because 59% of the 100,000+ "judges" in the arena and on tv recognized Michelle's basic skating superiority over the other three contestants..

Oh, by the way adri--those 59% "judges" do not all belong to MKF--they are simply people who have eyes and know good basic skating skills when they see them and under no circumstance be considered Kwaniacs or uber fans.

Michelle is in the midst of her longest journey ever on the ice--MKFers are still believing and still supporting her whatever the outcome may be this season. I'll take Michelle's joy at being back on the ice at Boston in front of her fans and giving all she could at that time over any other skater currently preparing for Nats, the Olys and Worlds. For me she has already won regardless if she never medals again.:v^_^v

Oh, by the way MMG--I too e-mailed my disgust to USFSA letting them know I thought the "critiquing" was patronizing and demeaning to the 8 world-class skaters that had to stand in front of that kangaroo jury. You are so right in encouraging people to let the USFSA know what they think of this format, good or bad.

[Jagerboy]

Adri, I wish you a Joyous Holiday Season, filled with Hershey squirts. :D

[Puce]

Adri, I wish you a Joyous Holiday Season, filled with Hershey squirts. :D


:lol that seriously had me laughing out loud! LOL!

[teach23]

Although I have been a member for a while, I rarely post. But, I really have had a terribly negative reaction to the Marshalls program. I fully understood the show's format. But, I was not at all ready for the punishing lineup before the "judges." I felt so sorry for all eight of the contestants. They seemed so uncomfortable and seemed to just smile those inane smiles as though they were in agreement with all of the comments they were hearing. How awful!

Since I am a teacher, I really empathized with them.
Skating is one the classiest sports. That was a NO CLASS act. I love Michelle very much. She skated two wonderful programs. Sasha is okay, and she did seem to skate a bit better. But, the joy I felt just before seeing our beautiful "Kween" and the others lined up before those judges was greatly diminished. I made sure I voted for Michelle because she is a gorgeous skater and she has so much heart. I also muted my television and left the room during the second "inquisition."

I almost wish she had bowed out of this one, but she has great courage. I got the impression that she was indeed hurting. After her last skate, she seemed to grasp her upper thigh just as Kurt was trying to say something to her.

I believe that we should all let the USFSA know how we perceived the program and we should also let Peter and ABC know how we perceived his "judging."

My thoughts are all about Michelle. Did she internalize some of the judges' comments? Hopefully, they have no impact on her future decisions. (I am beginning to ramble. Old teachers do that sometimes.) I will also send Michelle a note just to encourage her and to remind her that we "have her back!"

[MichelleM]

I too am a long time member and lurker, but have never posted here on MKF. I am a huge fan of Michelle's, like everyone else here. I was so excited to see her back on the ice, it felt like Sunday would never get here. Did I enjoy seeing Michelle perform? Absolutely! Did I enjoy the format of the competition? NO! Like others have said, it was demoralizing to the skaters to have to stand up and hear the critiques on national tv. I really don't approve of the timing, and wonder why the skaters did not pull out. I really am questioning the motives of USFSA, and why they held this "competition" a month out from Nationals, and two months out from the Olympics. I also wonder how much "arm twisting" went on and what ultimatums were stated to the skaters. Maybe I am cynical, but it seems like this was bad timing for all of the skaters. With GPF coming up for Alyssa, Michelle coming off an injury, I really question USFSA's motivation for holding the competition. I doubt we will ever know the true story. I too have e-mailed my disappointment to USFSA.

I am pulling for Michelle to recover and heal. I have tried to watch the Grand Prix series this year, but have not found someone who draws me in, the way Michelle does. I am no expert on skating. I find, though, the truly magical skates that Michelle performs seem to go by in the blink of an eye. Other skaters' programs have not done that for me.

Anyways, I enjoy reading here, so thanks for all of your collective knowlege.

[kwanette]

missmarysgarden, puce and patsue all look very pretty today....:hug

[Puce]

why thank you kwanette! you look rather pretty yourself today!:hug

[Jagerboy]

Hey Kwanette, what do I look like, chopped liver? :lol

[mzheng]

I did not think it was a problem because the judges did or did not vote for anyone. I think it was a problem because it was not how the athletes should be treated and it is not how an athletic event should be conducted. Only Dick clearly took the time to make sure his comments were well thought out and positive for each skater. Peggy seemed to be saying whatever came into her head and Peter was just trying to be Simon Cowell and mug for the camera. They are commentators not judges. And real judges don't ever get to personally critique each skater through a microphone for the whole arena and a national television audience to hear with the skaters standing in a line in front of them. They might as well have slapped them all in the face.

That was my problem, not who they voted for.
I'm with you, Amielou, Well said.

They stand there looked like kindgarden kids. Why they just made them sit on ice that would be more kindarden like. :lol

[mzheng]

Hey Kwanette, what do I look like, chopped liver? :lol
You are even more pretty. :lol

[patsue]

Kwanette--if I'm looking that good this morning then may I say you are absolutely glowing :rose

[aldreen]

I wonder if they were just trying to see if there was a change in who's more popular. They are losing money and ratings so they are still looking to promote that skater who may bring in more ratings and money.

Sorry usfsa....that's still Michelle.

Yup, and the message was sent loud and clear!

[missmarysgarden]

Oh my, Kwanette! I missed the compliment! I never want to pass up a compliment (curtseying and dimpling)!

And it goes without saying that you, my dear, are ever-lovely!

[gratefulmkfan]

Oh my, Kwanette! I missed the compliment! I never want to pass up a compliment (curtseying and dimpling)!
And it goes without saying that you, my dear, are ever-lovely!

It's amazing how kwanette doesn't age, isn't it? I see her every time I watch Michelle skate to Tosca at Nationals, and she's always lovely, every hair in place, and not even one grey one - amazing beauty that she is. (graciesfriend and belladalla likewise, in front row seats at ??? many competitions).

BTW, I am so glad you started this topic MMG, and you, of course look very lovely yourself. I am too wrapped up in trying to fix my sick computer to have the very logical thought of writing to USFSA. Thank you for that reminder. I agree with the points you made, and while I am glad that other similarly credentialed gymnastics judges also did, your own credentials do speak volumes in this sport, especially now, since the NJS rewards gymnastics on ice. Your sport has crossed over, so your input is very valuable. I can honestly say that my upset isn't about/for Michelle. My stomach turned over when I saw the 4 guys standing on the ice playing "American Idol" (which I also don't watch). It just made me sick to see the sport cheapened in this manner. I tried to play it straight, even after the first round, when it was obvious that the USFSA wasn't doing the same. (No way, all judges agreed all 4 times by accident. I think USFS was taking America's temperature to see how we would react if someone besides Michelle or Johnny landed on the top step in January. In other words, they made $$ through this forecasting manipulation.) I did vote for Michelle via computer the first time, since her 1-900 # was busy. I voted for the guys via computer as well. Then I voted by phone for Michelle, in the second round, and hearing her recorded voice was the highlight of the event for me. (I'll happily take whatever little crumbs the goddess offers this season [or any other].)

Since I saw your post about always wanting to return compliments, might I highjack this topic for a moment to say thank you to those who called me an angel in a thread that is now locked/should not have been started, and we didn't, so it's not our fault. lol Thank you and same back to you graciesfriend, kwanette, mzheng and missmarysgarden.

:bow :angel :bow :angel

I saved all the icons for Michelle's complete and rapid healing. I will always love Michelle Kwan. I can't help it. She stole my heart, and she didn't give it back, nor do I want her to!

P.S.) I am very glad we have an "ignore" feature now, aren't you? I'm off to write a letter to USFSA. 'Night all!

[gatzbee]

the most annoying thing about this comp. was having the skaters line up and have to grin and bear it thru everyone's critiques, including their own. from the getgo i thought this was a silly format and when i got there it was just all fluff. had it not been for michelle's name written on the scheduled to appear list, i doubt many would have gone. most around me seemed to be there to see michelle kwan, or they just liked mentioning michelle's name every now and then,.... i liked dick button's comments more or less, peggy was eh, and peter was just god awful. i swear by hearing him speak u'd think he was all that or something. if this was exhibition style, i just wish they kept it as an exhibition, like COI or something. judges' comments were pointless, since voter discrepancy yielded another winner, except for round 2 w/ johnny weir. i had to give a good chuckle every time when the 'judges' would give sasha the nod, and then whoops the tally says michelle kwan wins! lol. there was no way michelle could not have won, just as i was pretty sure that weir was going to win as well. we already know who is the more popular skater, y bother with this pseudo judgining? i doubt USFSA did it to see who's more popular since it's pretty well established that MK is one of the most popular female athletes, not just in FS, but in 'sports' in general. i think they must've thought this silly format might've attracted a new audience.

just as a side note tho, ppl with less than $150 tickets DID vote, just not on my side of the arena. but on the opposite side, there seemed to be voting devices allllll over the place. just my luck.

[gratefulmkfan]

I am sorry that judging privileges were withheld from you. Maybe USFS will tweak the format next time, making it even more tasteless, by selling tickets to vote. My sympathies are with you and the skaters. Any note of disdain is reserved for what USFSA has come to.

Yours forever (until I run off again, or you do),

Daisy
F. Scott Fitzgerald's brain-child ;)

[missmarysgarden]

Hi grateful - two of my fellow judges called me this evening to say that they had written USFSA (REAL ON PAPER LETTERS, MIND YOU!) using their real names! One also wrote to ABC about Peter. Makes me proud!

[CAROLB]

My husband sent a letter to ABC about the format of the competition and the kindergarten roundup of the elite skaters. He also questioned if Peter was auditioning for Simon's role in American Idol.

[smileyllama]

Well, I attended and I was bummed about the voting. Before the competition, I read many times, certain audience members would be able to vote. They let you believe you had a chance of being chosen to vote, but when I got there, I was told only the $150 seats could vote. Poo - poo to the $75 seats.

Edited to add: That said, I thought having the judges critique the skaters while standing there in front of them was awkward and embarrassing. I thought the skaters looked uncomfortable. I was uncomfortable for them.

actually they just had some random sections that couldn't vote. I had a pretty not-so-great seat, a $25 seat, and I had a voting device. They were pretty inconsistent about the whole thing.

[3axel]

....I think they decided on this soft format at a time when they didn't expect Sasha and Michelle to be able to skate for ISU judges at Marshall's. Sasha made ie back to the GP before this but Michelle barely made to Marshall's, she said that she only began jumping two weeks before the comp. As silly as it was, I think they cooked up the whole thing just to toss Sasha and Michelle a softball, since they wanted them to appear.
....In the end the fan voting for the ladies produced the results that everyone expected so there wasn't any surprise. It was a silly popularity contest and in some way embaressed onr demeaned everyone involved.
....If they had to have a softball competition, they should've used a panel of 10 or so celebrity judges and skipped the the dopey lineup part.

[wildfire1922]

I told them that I thought this national telecast of our top skaters subjected to a kangaroo court by 3 buffoons who were not qualified to critique these skaters, makes USFSA deservedly subject to ridicule as a national sports federation.


MMG, while I agree with the majority of what you said to the USFS, I take exception to calling Dick and Peggy "buffoons" who aren't qualified to critique the skaters that participated. Both of them are far more qualified than I am (and I'd wager more than any of us) to critique figure skaters. Notice that I didn't mention Peter because I didn't like him and his sister as pairs skaters and I don't like him as a commentator. I don't think he's a "buffoon" but he ranks right up there with Susie Wynne as someone that I mute whenever I see them open their mouths.:lol

I do believe that having the skaters stand on the ice like bad children was horrible and made a mockery of our sport. I didn't think anything the judges said was that bad. And I didn't care that they all preferred Sasha's skating at THAT competition over any of the others. Hey, they'll change their minds later as Kwan gets stronger, so let them gush over Sasha. I do think they got the men right because Matt Savoie outskated every other man.

Oh, and I think (Puce don't hit me) Weiss' tornado is a dud.:lol

[Puce]

Oh, and I think (Puce don't hit me) Weiss' tornado is a dud.:lol


:lol am i the onlyone here that loves mike and his skating? i feel so alone...:sadangel :lol

[FlashOBlue]

Maybe there's a MW forum somewhere....

I love Michael as an exhibition skater but have never found his competitive programs the least bit exciting. I feel he should have gone pro after his last National title in 2000. He could soar in SOI and make a much better name for himself. It saddens me to see him fall in the standings year after painful year when he could be on the top as a pro. It seems he wants, like so many others, to be like Michelle or have Michelle's life. Who wouldn't? It hurts to see other hardworking, talented skaters just miss the mark over and over. I cried when Jenny Kirk said, "Michelle Kwan has the career I can only dream of." I think Michael falls into that catagory, too and it makes my heart ache.

[missmarysgarden]

Well, wildfire, that's the way that I felt about them that night. Dick has been saying ridiculous things about Michelle, Sasha, Johnny, just about every time he opens his mouth for the last four years. Let's not just write off is sort of salacious baby ballerina references, his "where's the climax" remarks, lots of strange and pointless comments - and more each year.

I will give them this - it was not their bailywick to be talking live, on a live feed, directly to skaters. Saying "they really didn't say anything bad to anyone" misses the whole point - they made all the skaters uncomfortable, they made most of the audience uncomfortable, and the whole format took FS down a couple of notches in the public eye.

I was sort of giggling later, wishing Surya had been one of the skaters, and Peter had laid his incoherent babble of criticism on her! She would have ripped him a new eye socket! And he would have deserved it.

I am sort of bemused that so many fans thought this format was OK. Are everyone's standards levelling off with reality TV behaviour? What surprises me more is those who say they didn't like it, they found it disgusting, etc., but not enough to let USFSA know. If you don't let them know, it will be counted as a "yes" vote.

[Puce]

Maybe there's a MW forum somewhere....
.


there's probably a MW forum somewhere. with like 5 members. LOL! poor guy. i think a lot of time he gets picked on because it's easy, he's the popular target. and sometimes he suffers from :footinmou syndrome. but i think you might be right about his wanting a long career like michelle. maybe he doens't sit around and think "god i wish i was popular like michelle kwan", but i'll bet that most skaters would love longevity and respect and adoration like she has. and he really has slipped in recent years, no thanks to his wife and her "choreography". but this years porgram is good...if only he can land everything and skate it well.

[kwanette]

Puce, I like Michael Weiss.I love his line...and when he has made good choreographic choices, he's terrific...His skating has made me cry twice...00 Nats, and Lalique, 02..He was wonderful in SOI last year..

greatfulmkfan, Too bad I;) didn't make TV at 98 Nats...Estrogen was kind to my facial lines then...



I am just smiling now...That's a good thing..

[CAROLB]

Mike probably has more fans than most realize. After all, he made it to the second round so someone was voting for him. :clap

[Heather]

....I think they decided on this soft format at a time when they didn't expect Sasha and Michelle to be able to skate for ISU judges at Marshall's. Sasha made ie back to the GP before this but Michelle barely made to Marshall's, she said that she only began jumping two weeks before the comp. As silly as it was, I think they cooked up the whole thing just to toss Sasha and Michelle a softball, since they wanted them to appear.

I've seen this mentioned quite a few times, and this is definitely NOT true. This format was planned since before the season, so they had no idea that Michelle and Sasha would be injured, or that Michelle would not compete at all before this event.


My husband sent a letter to ABC about the format of the competition and the kindergarten roundup of the elite skaters. He also questioned if Peter was auditioning for Simon's role in American Idol.

Ha, I said elsewhere that I was expecting Peter to break out with a British accent. :P

[iceman]

If the usfsa really wants to make some money next year--they should bring back tonya and nancy and let them box it out on ice rofl. a ridiculous suggestion to make the point of how ridiculous usfsa is becoming.