A bit about male figure skating in general (and Plushenko!!!!)

[alexandral]

In general, I was quite underwhelmed by Men's figure skating programs during these Olympics. There was no-one I really liked. Everyone fell into one of three categories: 1) quite non-inspiring (Lysacek, Takahashi) 2) divas more concerned with their costumes than with their skating (Weir) 3) Non-successful jumpers (Lambiel) . No-one at all to write home about. I am ready for the new generation of male skaters so that I can find someone to follow.

Gosh, one person I can never decide what should I think about is Evgeniy Plushenko. I start these Olympics liking him because : a) my mother likes him, b) I love his jumps. Then I do 180% turn after his 2010 Olympic free program because of a) his idiotic sore-loser remarks, b) because he let me down and didn't jump all that well, and c) because he was a bit silly/overconfident and didn't pad his program with valuable elements (how stupid is that!). But!! As soon as I was ready to join Plushenko-haters , seven_trees brought the following video to my attention.

I'm afraid I won't be able to hate him . EVER. Genya!!! Look at what you used to be! Give up you sore-loser diva ways, find your ability to laugh again , train more and come back. I'll forgive everything.

Comments

[seven-trees.livejournal.com]

I was underwhelmed too. I follow Johnny Weir a bit, but he made a few mistakes. I still think he was underscored though. And Lysacek! I do not like him AT ALL. Overall, he skated the best, but god was his program dull.

My problem with Plushenko is that he puts too much worth on the quad. I do think the Olympic champion should know how to do them properly, but there's more to figure skating than quads. Besides that, his program wasn't anymore interesting than Lysacek's.

Oh Plushenko! Go back to the days of "Sex Bomb". I'll fangirl you all the way.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

It was the first time I have seen figure skating for many years and it seemed to me as if in Male programs nothing really changed much since 10 years agog (I had a definitely different feel about couples, though - they really moved forward).

Weir has to convince me that he is more than just a pretty face and more than just another guy who is Johnny Depp's wannabe. If he skated well, I could have forgiven the dive ways but diva ways+no medal=ridiculous.

Yes, Lysacek is dull. I kind of feel for him, though - he is an Olympic champ and all, but everyone everywhere talks about Plushenko.

My problem with Plushenko is that he puts too much worth on the quad.

Exactly my problem as well. I have looked into the new marking system in more detail and really, it is all about arithmetics. You know how much value every element is , so you have to make sure that if you have high-risk elements (like quad) you add some lesser risk elements just in case they don't go that smoothly.

Besides that, his program wasn't anymore interesting than Lysacek's.

Exactly my problem too. I have seen some of comments that "he just doesn't have it in him". BUT! Look at Sex Bomb!! He has plenty. :D He needs to change his choreographer.

Oh Plushenko! Go back to the days of "Sex Bomb". I'll fangirl you all the way.

me too. :D

[elec3nity.livejournal.com]

Плющенко после поражения ведёт себя по-свински. Ему даже Жак Роге замечание сделал.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

Yes, I absolutely agree - it is no-one's fault that his landings were so wobbly. He behaves himself as an idiot.

[elec3nity.livejournal.com]

Выход из 4-ного прыжка в каскаде 4-3 очень некрасивый был, даже не спецу заметно.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

Yes, and some others too. Also as it seems from the marks - he wanted to do 4-3-2 jump (if he would have done it, he would have won), but he only managed 4-3 (and both were a bit wobbly to my eyes). And then it was pure MATH - he just didn't do as many other high-value elements as Lysacek.

This to say - I wasn't impressed by anyone there, Lysacek is one of the champions who is a champion just because no-one is better, not because he himself is excellent.

[dianora77.livejournal.com]

Lysacek is one of the champions who is a champion just because no-one is better, not because he himself is excellent.

Well put.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I kinda feel for the guy. Everyone is "Plushenko said this, Plushenko did that, Plushenko said that" (and this considering - I don't think too much about Plushenko in the first place). I haven't seen many interviews or programs about Lysacek. Or simply "Lysacek won!!!!!!!" posts.

[elec3nity.livejournal.com]

Я у Плющенко и дорожки внятной не заметила, кстати говоря.

На мой взгляд, лучшим там был всё-таки Ламбьель, и вот если бы не травма (и как следствие - падение при выполнении 4-4 (!), кто знает как бы всё сложилось. Ну а Лайсачек просто чисто откатал что требовалось, не к чем придраться.

Недавно во френдленте вспоминали выступление Ягудина в Солт Лейк Сити: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QA7UU2R-hQ
В этом году такое мастерство не показал никто.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I didn't lay too much attention to Plushenko - I was quite annoyed he did so many mistakes on the jumps!

Many people are saying that Lambiel is great, but I have only seen him on the Olympics so I can't say too much.

Many people on my friend list were remembering Ягудина fondly too. Gosh - I LOVE HIS PROGRAM. And he was so manly too. What I want now is someone like him to come just in time for the next Olympics. :D

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

OMPH! I love this one t0o. And what a handsome man!! And what jumps! How did I miss this - I blame the UK TV that doesn't show any figure skating.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On65xmS5Xls&feature=related

[dianora77.livejournal.com]

I've seen that routine when he first performed it in some gala or something, and I still can't stand the sight of him. Go figure! ;)

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

This must be to do with the fact that Tom Jones and his "Sex Bomb" holds a particular sentimental value to me (back our "Star Trek" discussion) . Plus I always have a soft spot for anyone who can play dorky/silly (for a big audience, especially).

[calculare.livejournal.com]

God yes! I remember that video making the rounds. I hate Tom Jones, but the attitude and personality with which Plushenko played the routine and the crowd? Awesomeness!

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I am not a huge fan of Tom Jones but his songs have a special feel to me - it is always something you hear near sea side (or other such like places).

Plushenko has to change his attitude back!!!