That enthusiastic fan is named Dan. He's at every US event in the front row. I sat near him at Worlds, and he was the nicest. He handed out pride flags for us to wave for Kevin. He told me skating is his favorite thing, and he's been a fan for 40 years.
I know there's no way he can do full Riverdance or Sinnerman again. Just dreaming. But I do really hope he lets go of "Say Something." The lyrics are cursing him. Bad vibes.
Jason did say on the interview with Jackie Wong that Riverdance was never going to be a free skate again. He just can’t pull it off at this point in his career. That’s why doing a shortened version was such a revelation.
Totally agree about NBC completely milking the Max Naumov win. How many times did they repeat this story? I seriously doubt they consulted Max before all of this exploitation at the Nationals, but I, too, hope they don't at the Olympics. But we all know they will. NBC doesn't seem to be able to control itself. Please let the poor guy enjoy the experience!
The Women's Event made me so happy! Love all the ladies and their camaraderie. Bless Amber for making it so! Tara and Johnny seemed to forget all about how strong the Japanese ladies are with their jumping the gun about having an all-American podium. It would be fabulous, but is highly unlikely.
Jason Brown's results broke my heart. He's my favorite skater, and I was hoping for another Olympics for him. This is stupid, but my first thought was that maybe he was throwing the contest to allow Max N. to get to the podium. Then I realized how crazy that thought was! I felt so bad for him.....I want him to retire on the highest of notes.
I'm terrible, but I have to admit I was sneakily glad that it was Alex who screwed up on the free dance.
Good point. I'm sure NBC will be promoting the hell out of a possible women's sweep, as well. I'm totally pro-USA, but also realistic. Two out of the 3 winners in the Grand Prix finals were from Japan.
Ugh, going to be so mad if they create sweep dreams for the women that they can’t meet. Japan could just as well sweep, frankly, though I’m guessing it’ll be a mix. Not to mention the Russian.
omg if Michael retires I am going to focus all my manifestation powers on a Caroline / Maia (or really Caroline / any determined brunette who can get on her level) teamup ✨
I desperately want Olympic Gold Medalist Amber Glenn.
I'm so, so sad for Jason. But him struggling here and probably retiring in the near future, it's becoming clear how weak the US men's field is under Ilia. I wonder who will get to do the team event, since Ilia has apparently said he doesn't want to do both programs - who can you trust not to bomb? Torgs is not exactly famous for nailing it at major international competitions. I hope they put in Max, even though his scoring potential isn't quite as high. And I hope we see big things from Jacob in the next quad!
Supposedly, they are announcing Team Event today, though that seems weird because usually all the countries try to keep their strategies quiet for as long as they can. I think they'll give Torgs the free, for better or worse. But to your point-- the US Men are weak after Ilia. Maybe we don't have the depth to deserve Team gold.
So upset about Jason. And they’ve sent him out for SO much press already. And I was actively rooting against the Pizza King for being an online jerk, which made it feel even worse. My analysis is exactly the same as yours on the selection.
Yes to the man in the white skates! My kid wanted to adopt him. And that whole last women’s group was incredible.
Shin & Nagy’s score felt like punishment for Chinese Nebelhorn— like they intentionally dropped them into the first alternate spot that could have been an Olympic spot if they’d won there.
It's hard to say with Shin/Nagy. Could have been death by a thousand cuts. Could have been scoring hijinks. But for what it's worth, I think Chan/Howe are not so impressive that USFS would try to protect them.
Also: so have my eye on Gabby commentating on GuiLo. This feels like a topic that will be big in an Ice Dance Lore discussion in ten years.
Speaking of commentary, I’m going to be mad if what we got for Nats is all we have access to for the Olympics. World feed is unmatched; the Tara/ Johnny/ Terry feed having no replays and very few kiss and cry moments was SUCH a bummer.
I had a great time in person but I did kind of miss the commentary and bits of context (and the scores in the corner).
The crowd in St. Louis was huge and enthusiastic - a friend who has been going for 26 years said this is the biggest crowd he's seen (!) We did so many standing O's I thought I was in church.
Things I'll never forget: Brown's next-level Godfather freelance, Alysa's smooth and effortless short, the entire last group of the women's short, Isabeau's ethereal long, Jacob Sanchez's fantastic long, both performances from Max Naumov who I think has improved a lot this year (and I agree they need to back off the backstory a bit), Jimmy Ma's interactive YMCA, Zingas and Kolesnik's fierce freelance...
The Shibutani performance cracked my heart in half for a lot of reasons ~ seeing them in a stunned and emotional huddle with their coaches in the kiss and cry long after the cameras moved away from them was one of the sadder things I've ever seen. The whole thing is so complicated...I kept thinking: it takes so much strength to come back...but it also takes strength to move away from skating and onto the next chapters...
Fair point about the Shibs. I have so little sympathy for Alex, but it is a really sad situation. I do wonder if they had come back last year, if they had felt ready then, would it have gone better? Or should they have really just decided to move on and let their career stand as it was?
Ok I asked another skating friend this and she was also unsure, but what is up with the men’s spins? It seems like so many of them come out of their spins really clumsily! But I kept noticing it with several top skaters which made me think it’s intentional? It looks terrible!
Thank goodness for the women because the men are BLEAK. I don’t find any of the ones who made the podium interesting to watch (bless Jacob Sanchez for really trying to give us something lovely instead of quadsquadsquads). I also was awed by Green and Parsons’ spins and lifts in their free dance, really incredibly beautiful.
I don't know about the spins! I think sometimes it's about getting points for a hard transition. But it seems just as likely they are prioritizing jumps.
What a great nationals -- the men's event had me on the edge of my seat! I feel bad for Tomoki...does anyone know why he ended up scoring so low on the free? Underrotations and lower levels on the spins and steps, I'm guessing? I was trying to figure out if it was legit or if they were lowballing him to get Max on the team, or both. Truly shocked about Jason. I love him, but he has gone to two Olympics and 2022 was when he was at his peak...glad to see others get a chance.
I totally agree with your Max comment. Notes from the stadium: The standing ovation for The Browns freeskate was even bigger than it appeared on television. They remained in character every single moment (as they were rounding to boards close to me Oona held that murderous face card). What you missed during commercials: the young skaters and developmental teams supporting the "stars" of their club is so heartwarming. I was near the boards near the K&C and these kids would run down the steps with special stuffies, signs and big hugs for the skaters. It was so wholesome, but also made me cry a few times thinking about the skaters we lost last year. I believe "the guy in the red sweater" is Dan, famously enthusiastic USFS fan and adult skater. He he is also the guy who nearly took off Amber's head with the plushie after the short program. It was a total accident, he is a huge Amber fan. Side activity: I attended two of the live tapings of The Runthrough podcast and was able to meet Adam, Sara, Ashley, who we so very nice in person.
That enthusiastic fan is named Dan. He's at every US event in the front row. I sat near him at Worlds, and he was the nicest. He handed out pride flags for us to wave for Kevin. He told me skating is his favorite thing, and he's been a fan for 40 years.
I love knowing this. Thank you for sharing!
This is literally the most delightful thing to have learned. Dan, you champion, come sit by me.
Yes! “Sinnerman” short and full “Riverdance” free! Go in glory, Jason!
I would love a Caroline Green/Maia Shibutani partnership almost as much as I do the Browns’ “Godfather.”
I know there's no way he can do full Riverdance or Sinnerman again. Just dreaming. But I do really hope he lets go of "Say Something." The lyrics are cursing him. Bad vibes.
I think “Say Something” is my all-time least favorite of his programs.
Me too, it's kind of mopey and Jason just isn't the guy to mope
Jason did say on the interview with Jackie Wong that Riverdance was never going to be a free skate again. He just can’t pull it off at this point in his career. That’s why doing a shortened version was such a revelation.
Totally agree about NBC completely milking the Max Naumov win. How many times did they repeat this story? I seriously doubt they consulted Max before all of this exploitation at the Nationals, but I, too, hope they don't at the Olympics. But we all know they will. NBC doesn't seem to be able to control itself. Please let the poor guy enjoy the experience!
The Women's Event made me so happy! Love all the ladies and their camaraderie. Bless Amber for making it so! Tara and Johnny seemed to forget all about how strong the Japanese ladies are with their jumping the gun about having an all-American podium. It would be fabulous, but is highly unlikely.
Jason Brown's results broke my heart. He's my favorite skater, and I was hoping for another Olympics for him. This is stupid, but my first thought was that maybe he was throwing the contest to allow Max N. to get to the podium. Then I realized how crazy that thought was! I felt so bad for him.....I want him to retire on the highest of notes.
I'm terrible, but I have to admit I was sneakily glad that it was Alex who screwed up on the free dance.
Tara always has Team USA goggles. I'm curious how much is her and how much is directed by the network.
Good point. I'm sure NBC will be promoting the hell out of a possible women's sweep, as well. I'm totally pro-USA, but also realistic. Two out of the 3 winners in the Grand Prix finals were from Japan.
Ugh, going to be so mad if they create sweep dreams for the women that they can’t meet. Japan could just as well sweep, frankly, though I’m guessing it’ll be a mix. Not to mention the Russian.
I initially had the same thoughts about Jason. I couldn’t believe how badly it went for him
omg if Michael retires I am going to focus all my manifestation powers on a Caroline / Maia (or really Caroline / any determined brunette who can get on her level) teamup ✨
I don't want to break up any dance teams, but it's fun to dream.
I got you covered on the Shin/Nagy program: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DTQ5wC0DaFy/?igsh=MXZ4YWllcjI4MHNnMg==
You win!!
I desperately want Olympic Gold Medalist Amber Glenn.
I'm so, so sad for Jason. But him struggling here and probably retiring in the near future, it's becoming clear how weak the US men's field is under Ilia. I wonder who will get to do the team event, since Ilia has apparently said he doesn't want to do both programs - who can you trust not to bomb? Torgs is not exactly famous for nailing it at major international competitions. I hope they put in Max, even though his scoring potential isn't quite as high. And I hope we see big things from Jacob in the next quad!
Supposedly, they are announcing Team Event today, though that seems weird because usually all the countries try to keep their strategies quiet for as long as they can. I think they'll give Torgs the free, for better or worse. But to your point-- the US Men are weak after Ilia. Maybe we don't have the depth to deserve Team gold.
So upset about Jason. And they’ve sent him out for SO much press already. And I was actively rooting against the Pizza King for being an online jerk, which made it feel even worse. My analysis is exactly the same as yours on the selection.
Yes to the man in the white skates! My kid wanted to adopt him. And that whole last women’s group was incredible.
Shin & Nagy’s score felt like punishment for Chinese Nebelhorn— like they intentionally dropped them into the first alternate spot that could have been an Olympic spot if they’d won there.
It's hard to say with Shin/Nagy. Could have been death by a thousand cuts. Could have been scoring hijinks. But for what it's worth, I think Chan/Howe are not so impressive that USFS would try to protect them.
Also: so have my eye on Gabby commentating on GuiLo. This feels like a topic that will be big in an Ice Dance Lore discussion in ten years.
Speaking of commentary, I’m going to be mad if what we got for Nats is all we have access to for the Olympics. World feed is unmatched; the Tara/ Johnny/ Terry feed having no replays and very few kiss and cry moments was SUCH a bummer.
As Proud Skate Dad to Raffaella Koncius I think the DJ interrupting their RD was a highlight.
She handled it so well!! I think they're so overshadowed in the deep ice dance field. I hope we see them get more international assignments.
Thanks for the kind words and me too!
I will sign the petition for Maia and Caroline to team up!
Nice analysis, as always.
I had a great time in person but I did kind of miss the commentary and bits of context (and the scores in the corner).
The crowd in St. Louis was huge and enthusiastic - a friend who has been going for 26 years said this is the biggest crowd he's seen (!) We did so many standing O's I thought I was in church.
Things I'll never forget: Brown's next-level Godfather freelance, Alysa's smooth and effortless short, the entire last group of the women's short, Isabeau's ethereal long, Jacob Sanchez's fantastic long, both performances from Max Naumov who I think has improved a lot this year (and I agree they need to back off the backstory a bit), Jimmy Ma's interactive YMCA, Zingas and Kolesnik's fierce freelance...
The Shibutani performance cracked my heart in half for a lot of reasons ~ seeing them in a stunned and emotional huddle with their coaches in the kiss and cry long after the cameras moved away from them was one of the sadder things I've ever seen. The whole thing is so complicated...I kept thinking: it takes so much strength to come back...but it also takes strength to move away from skating and onto the next chapters...
Fair point about the Shibs. I have so little sympathy for Alex, but it is a really sad situation. I do wonder if they had come back last year, if they had felt ready then, would it have gone better? Or should they have really just decided to move on and let their career stand as it was?
Ok I asked another skating friend this and she was also unsure, but what is up with the men’s spins? It seems like so many of them come out of their spins really clumsily! But I kept noticing it with several top skaters which made me think it’s intentional? It looks terrible!
Thank goodness for the women because the men are BLEAK. I don’t find any of the ones who made the podium interesting to watch (bless Jacob Sanchez for really trying to give us something lovely instead of quadsquadsquads). I also was awed by Green and Parsons’ spins and lifts in their free dance, really incredibly beautiful.
I don't know about the spins! I think sometimes it's about getting points for a hard transition. But it seems just as likely they are prioritizing jumps.
What a great nationals -- the men's event had me on the edge of my seat! I feel bad for Tomoki...does anyone know why he ended up scoring so low on the free? Underrotations and lower levels on the spins and steps, I'm guessing? I was trying to figure out if it was legit or if they were lowballing him to get Max on the team, or both. Truly shocked about Jason. I love him, but he has gone to two Olympics and 2022 was when he was at his peak...glad to see others get a chance.
It's hard to say. Jackie Wong called out some underrorations. I think small things added up.
I totally agree with your Max comment. Notes from the stadium: The standing ovation for The Browns freeskate was even bigger than it appeared on television. They remained in character every single moment (as they were rounding to boards close to me Oona held that murderous face card). What you missed during commercials: the young skaters and developmental teams supporting the "stars" of their club is so heartwarming. I was near the boards near the K&C and these kids would run down the steps with special stuffies, signs and big hugs for the skaters. It was so wholesome, but also made me cry a few times thinking about the skaters we lost last year. I believe "the guy in the red sweater" is Dan, famously enthusiastic USFS fan and adult skater. He he is also the guy who nearly took off Amber's head with the plushie after the short program. It was a total accident, he is a huge Amber fan. Side activity: I attended two of the live tapings of The Runthrough podcast and was able to meet Adam, Sara, Ashley, who we so very nice in person.