Figure Skating

[princess.chell]

I've been watching and enjoying it since the 80s, but DH catches it only once a decade or so (when forced to). He watched the ladies' programs with me this weekend and asked me a question I didn't know the answer to: is it just a coincidence that so many of the ladies are of Asian ancestry? And, if not, what makes them better at skating? He's NOT a racist, believe me, just really wanted to know! (My only thought was that maybe it's a height issue, because so many of the top skaters are so tiny? I think even the top men are usually quite short, isn't that correct? Or is it a matter of proportion rather than just height?)

I really enjoyed it, especially that darling little boy looking forward to the 2018 Olympics!

Terri

I was watching with my dad and we questioned the same thing. The only thing I can think of is a number of the top figure skating rinks are in California where there is a large number of Asians.
Height does play a role into making the sport easier too. It's easier to jump and spin if you are shorter because your center of gravity is lower, or some physics property like that. And I'd guess proportions too; it's easier to jump higher to get the number of rotations in the air and you'll spin fast if you are proportioned "right" in the sense of physics.
The funny part is, I'm Asian and a former figure skater. But I think I was one of the only competitive Asians at my rink.

Anyway, I love following figure skating, even though I haven't lately because I'm switched over to basketball and snowboarding. But when I heard Sasha Cohen was back I was in front of the tv for sure. A little disappointed but I hate to say it but I expected it. She literally just jumped back into the scene right for one of the bigger events. Lots of pressure for someone who had issues skating two straight routines cleans back when she was first around.
I can't wait for the Olympics though!!

 

[yoopermom]

Thanks Princess for the explanation (and for not taking offense). I know that not everybody can do every sport at the highest level just due to body type. I have to imagine that with the huge emphasis on jumping, this is going to become more and more important...

Terri

 

[Seahunt]

I just watched the first two episodes in the documentary series about Johnny Weir being shown on TV on the Sundance Channel, and thought it was very interesting and worth watching. Here's the schedule if you haven't seen it yet and want to check it out:

Episode 1 - Pop Star on Ice
Outspoken, controversial and brainy, Olympian and three-time U.S. figure-champion Johnny Weir is profiled in this "smartly structured" (Variety) documentary from David Barba and James Pellerito. Episode one follows Weir as he experiences career setbacks, media backlash and a change in his relationship with his long-time coach Priscilla Hill. On view also are Weir's flamboyant lifestyle and his signature sense of fashion. (Weir has designed his own skating costumes and modeled in runway shows.)
CURRENT SHOWINGS
Friday January 29 at 6:00PM
Sunday January 31 at 1:00PM
Wednesday February 10 at 1:00PM
Saturday February 13 at 1:00PM
Sunday February 14 at 12:00AM
Tuesday February 23 at 1:00PM
Sunday February 28 at 2:00PM

Episode 2 - Here's Johhny!
After career setbacks, media backlash and the departure of his long-time coach, Weir is determined to win back his title on the road to the 2010 Olympics. In the second episode, Johnny and his tough Soviet-trained coach, Galina, head to Sweden for the 2008 World Championships; later, he faces off against long-time rival Evan Lysacek.
Friday January 29 at 7:30PM
Sunday January 31 at 2:30PM
Monday February 1 at 10:00PM
Tuesday February 2 at 2:00AM
Friday February 5 at 7:00PM
Sunday February 7 at 2:00PM
Wednesday February 10 at 2:30PM
Saturday February 13 at 2:30PM
Sunday February 14 at 1:30AM
Monday February 15 at 10:00PM
Tuesday February 16 at 2:00AM
Friday February 19 at 7:00PM
Sunday February 21 at 2:00PM
Tuesday February 23 at 2:30PM
Sunday February 28 at 3:30PM


Episode 3 - Johnny on the Rocks
In the third episode, Johnny heads into the 2009 U.S. nationals in a weakened state and later must confront some of the most devastating and challenging weeks in his long career
Monday February 1 at 10:30PM
Tuesday February 2 at 2:30AM
Friday February 5 at 7:30PM
Sunday February 7 at 2:30PM
Monday February 8 at 10:00PM
Tuesday February 9 at 2:00AM
Wednesday February 10 at 3:00PM
Friday February 12 at 7:00PM
Saturday February 13 at 3:00PM
Sunday February 14 at 2:00AM
Sunday February 14 at 2:00PM
Monday February 15 at 10:30PM
Tuesday February 16 at 2:30AM
Friday February 19 at 7:30PM
Sunday February 21 at 2:30PM
Monday February 22 at 10:00PM
Tuesday February 23 at 2:00AM
Tuesday February 23 at 3:00PM
Friday February 26 at 7:00PM
Sunday February 28 at 4:00PM


Episode 4 - Putting the Johnny in Johnny
In the fourth episode, Johnny deals with the expenses of being an elite skater and reflects on the sacrifices he has made in favor of his athletic pursuits.
Monday February 8 at 10:30PM
Tuesday February 9 at 2:30AM
Wednesday February 10 at 3:30PM
Friday February 12 at 7:30PM
Saturday February 13 at 3:30PM
Sunday February 14 at 2:30AM
Sunday February 14 at 2:30PM
Monday February 22 at 10:30PM
Tuesday February 23 at 2:30AM
Tuesday February 23 at 3:30PM
Friday February 26 at 7:30PM
Sunday February 28 at 4:30PM

 

[Jennasis]

Wow. So incredibly sad to hear about Nancy Kerrigan's Dad. Just shocking!

 

[agnes!]

And that her brother was involved...how awful for the family on so many levels.

agnes!

 

[missypie]

I've heard three different stories on the Kerrigan dad's death - shot, heart attack, strangled. What are parents supposed to do with a kid like their son?

 

[BeachGirlFLA]

Wow. So incredibly sad to hear about Nancy Kerrigan's Dad. Just shocking!

I agree....she was my favorite female skater when I was a teenager. It's interesting....I never could stand Nicole Bobek and she turned out to be a meth-head as an adult.
http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2009/07/former_skating_champ_nicole_bo.html

 

[MIGrandma]

I loved watching figure skating for many years, back when it was Scott Hamilton, Brian Boitano, Kitty and Peter Caruthers, Jane Torville and Christopher Dean, Paul Wylie, Kristy Yamaguchi, etc. etc. Then they started "going pro" and newcomers starting coming and I sort of lost interest. I do enjoy watching the skating during the Olympics though. I love the winter Olympics games.

 

[Deb in IA]

But when I heard Sasha Cohen was back I was in front of the tv for sure. A little disappointed but I hate to say it but I expected it. She literally just jumped back into the scene right for one of the bigger events. Lots of pressure for someone who had issues skating two straight routines cleans back when she was first around.

I know! I was glad Sasha did a great short program, but I just KNEW she was going to fall in the long program - she ALWAYS does . . .

(By the way, this is totally off topic, but whenever I hear the name "Sasha Cohen", I have to stop myself from thinking "Sacha Baron Cohen")

 

[Jennasis]

I know! I was glad Sasha did a great short program, but I just KNEW she was going to fall in the long program - she ALWAYS does . . .

(By the way, this is totally off topic, but whenever I hear the name "Sasha Cohen", I have to stop myself from thinking "Sacha Baron Cohen")

I'd pay big bucks to see that!

 

[Deb in IA]

I'd pay big bucks to see that!

Borat (or Bruno) on Ice!!!

 

[olena]

Borat (or Bruno) on Ice!!!

Bruno on Ice! SOOOO many possibilities!