Michael Weiss on Turin

1:08:37 AM EST

The Olympics:  the absolute Pinnacle of athletics.  There is something intriguing about watching an athlete lay their life of work on the line... for a shot to be crowned Olympic Champion.  Sometimes it's over in seconds...sometimes minutes. An insignificant amount of time...compared to the years of work, sweat, and dedication. 

Every athlete has their own story of sacrifice, tragedy, or triumph.  The ultimate commitment to be there absolute best.  As viewers, we can relate to your personal stories, and make us cheer that much louder!

I don't know about you guys, but the Olympics bring out patriotism like no other event I have ever seen.  I find myself rooting for the Americans in every sport as if they were a relative.  There is no better picture than the American flag waving...as the tears stream down the faces of our athletes as their life long dreams...become reality.   And I know the other countries feel the same about their athletes.  A sense of pride...to hear their country's national anthem played in honor of their victory. 

A congratulations to all of the participants.  Especially those that lived up to the spirit of the Olympics.  Representing yourself and your country with honor and respect.  Pushing yourself to the limits to see what you are capable of....those who fell short of your goals-with the courage to persevere...displaying desire, discipline, and determination to reach your dreams.  It is a lifelong commitment--with sacrifices, risks, rewards, failures and great successes.  Good for you for putting it ALL on the line for the rest of the world to enjoy!

I do want to finish by saying:  These are the best athletes in the world.  And fractions separate the best from the worst.  Your performance is over in a few moments.  But your respect as an Olympian will last a lifetime.  

Win or Lose...you are the Best of the Best.  

See you again in 4 years! 

 

And a big Thank you to my supporters as well...I have enjoyed your kind words of support and encouragement....keep an eye out for me when the figure skating season comes back to TV in the fall.  

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10:24:35 PM EST

  

It’s not a Game. It’s not a Race. It’s a SPORT!  ….Granted it’s a subjective sport….but it’s a sport.  Judges affect the outcome…but triple and quadruple jumps affect the outcome too!

 

If the “GAME” of curling (shuffle board on ice) is a sport…or luge—which some people refer to as sledding…at 80 miles per hour…then an event where you speed across the ice at 20 mph, jump up and rotate 4 times and land on 1/8 inch wide piece of steel…is certainly a sport.

 

Okay, I’m ready to field the …anything that is judged, isn’t a sport…critics.  Believe me, as a Redskins fan…there have been some referee judgment calls that completely changed the outcome of the game.  Is that the same as judges affecting the outcome of the figure skating results? 

 

Is Football a sport if the refs are affecting the outcome?  How about Baseball?  He was Safe at home plate! He was Out!....an umpire makes that judgment call.

 

Is DIVING a sport?  Gymnastics?  They are judged. I think you’ll be hard to find someone who doesn't respect what gymnasts can do.

 

And as far as difficulty…you put in the batter’s box taking a few swings at a Roger Clemens fast ball…and give me 100?...1,000?...1,000,000? Swings--and by some amazing chance of luck…I will make contact with at least ONE.  Now, put Roger Clemens on ice and give him 100? 1,000? 1,000,000? Attempts at landing a triple axel.  My personal belief…he will NEVER be able to land at least ONE.

 

Okay pick your sport.  Lance Armstrong.  I can ride a bike 100 miles…of course it will take me a week and a half…but eventually I’ll get there!  Eventually, Lance will not land even a bad triple axel.

 

ME?---A bad golfer--- can by some fluke of nature…get a hole in one.  Tiger Woods-- a fluke Quad?  ….Not gonna happen.

 

Okay, okay, Now…I understand I can NEVER be Roger Clemens, Lance or Tiger.  But, they could never be Evgeny Plushenko either!  So, give figure skaters their respect…the athleticism alone, makes it a sport!

 

If that doesn’t convince you yet…listen to my earlier description of a quad....

 

Try jumping up in the air and rotating one time on the ground.  Most people can pull that one off.  Now, try two turns, then Three--how about Four?  Oh yeah, now do it and land on one foot… on 1/8 inch wide piece of steel.  Got it?  Good.  Now, do it on one of the most slippery surfaces known to man, traveling at 15-20 miles per hour.  I think that gives people a healthy respect for its athleticism. 

 

You have one more argument?  You say…anything with costumes…isn’t a sport?

 

All right, let’s call them uniforms…….very flamboyant uniforms with sequins! 

 

Now is it a sport?

 

Interested in hearing Michael's recap of the Ladies Long? Hear it at http://us.video.aol.com/audio.full.adp?pmmsid=1470306

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3:13:58 AM EST

In an event where we thought medals would be decided by triple-triple combinations separating each other by hundredths of a point...it ended up being a contest of the last woman standing.  Literally. 

I was hoping Sasha Cohen would seize this opportunity and shine...and complete her Happily Ever After.   But, it was not to be on this night. 

After a disastrous warmup--that obviously shook her confidence-- she took her starting position with the look of panic on her face.  And 30 seconds into the program, it was over.  She fought back late in the program, but it wasn't nearly enough.  She knew she had let her opportunity slip away.  After her performance, I thought for sure she would drop to 4th or 5th.  But, and it's a big but....her choke was followed up by another....a Russian choke.  

Irina Slutskaya opened up strong and I thought for sure she was going to breeze to a win.  But an uncharacteristic miss on the triple flip and a fall on a triple loop (her best jump), would put her chance of any medal in doubt.  But, on a night of under achieving performances....Irina and Sasha were fortunate to stumble their way to the podium.

If you would have told Sasha a few weeks ago that she would fall on her TWO biggest elements, and STILL win the silver medal....she would have said...Yea Right!  But, once again skating proves to be as unpredictable as the weather. 

Let me take nothing away from the uncontested Gold medal performance of Shizuka Awakara of Japan.  She skated with a fluidity and ease that brought the audience to its feet.  Cool, confident, and technically superior on this night, she really rose to the occasion and easily skated away with Gold--Japan's first in figure skating!

The biggest ROBBERY of the night belongs to Fumie Suguri !  How she got passed by Sasha AND Irina...is beyond me.  She was clean from start to finish. After 6 clean triple jumps....A triple flip changed to a double, is not a big enough mistake to offset the falls of the medalists.   ...and I don't buy the "she's not as artistic or graceful as the others" crap.  Yes, Sasha is better artistically....but two falls better?  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out...fall=bad, land=good.  Great skate Fumie!

Our young Americans showed the depth we have in the U.S.  Kimmie Meissner and Emily Hughes finished 6th and 7th respectively. 

Kimmie was unable to land either of her planned triple-triple combinations.  It is too bad, because the door opened up to move into medal contention.  I would have loved to see her nail those triple-triples and shock the world with a medal.  But, not here in Torino.  She DID gain so much experience performing in the final group of skaters in the Olympics.  Watch out in 4 years!

Emily started off solid with her three jump combination.  But a late fall on her triple loop, eliminated any chance of making a jump to the medals.  She is such a joy to watch for me.  She really looks like she is having a blast out there... A great magnetism that makes you want to watch!

With the past 3 Olympic Champions--NOT the favorite going in...Tara Lapinski, Sarah Hughes, Oksana Baiul...I pose this question.... Is the pressure we placed on Nancy Kerrigan in '94, Michelle Kwan in '98 and '02, and now Sasha Cohen in '06....Is it too much for anyone to live up to?  Is this why an UNEXPECTED Lady continues to snatch the Gold from the hands of the favorites? 

I think the expectations just aren't weighing the underdogs down. So they calmly skate in and walk with the crown. 

Let me also say...Good for Sasha for NOT saying her groin injury contributed to her mistakes.  When an athlete comes up short, it is instinct to point the finger.  It is a temptation she resisted.  I know she is disappointed, but my favorite saying is "That which does not kill us, only makes us stronger."  Toput things in perspective...If getting a Silver medal at the Olympics is the worst thing that ever happens to you....you're in for a great life!

 

Interested in hearing Michael's recap of the Ladies Long? Hear it at http://us.video.aol.com/audio.full.adp?pmmsid=1470306

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3:04:54 PM EST

Every one has made such a big deal about Sasha taking the practice day off.  People are saying....What does it mean? Is she injured? Is she nervous?  I find nothing to be alarmed about.  For a over a week...she has been in the spotlight---every move, every practice, every word spoken...scrutinized.  That takes it's toll. 

Skaters train about 6-7 days a week....with a day off here and there to rest and recover.  She has been critiqued now for a week and a half....and the short program takes not only physical energy, but is a huge emotional strain as well.  She has already proven she is ready for this competition by her performance in the short program. 

Athletes know themselves very well.  If they need a break....they listen to their body.  This is not an unusual strategy for Sasha.  She is very efficient with her preparation.  She has a plan, and she's sticking to it.  She has been training her whole life for one PERFORMANCE....Not one Practice!

So Sasha.....relax. Take a load off.  Do what you need to prepare.  Your Gold medal will be won TONIGHT....not on the day off!

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2:06:46 AM EST

   

We basically had a Three way tie in the ladies short program.  Only 0.071 points separate the top 3. 

IRINA SLUTSKAYA skated cleanly, and did her job.  She didn't give the judges any reason NOT to put her in the lead.  The only problem was she was out skated by Sasha Cohen.  Sasha took a 0.03 point lead. 

I personally thought Sasha out performed her by more than 2 points.  Technically, they performed the same jumps, spins, and footwork.  Where I give Sasha the 2 extra points...was on the Execution of those elements.  Irina landed everything...but Sasha should have a +1 or +2 on every jump, spin, and footwork sequence....where Irina's was Base value or +1 on each element.  There was an energy to Sasha's skating that was lacking in Irina's.  If that wasn't enough, Sasha has way more extension on all of her spirals and brought the crowd roaring to its feet.  If that doesn't justify high Component (artistic) marks...I don't know what does.

Don't get me wrong...Irina was great too.  But you have to differentiate them some how!  And in my book Sasha was the clear winner last night!  

How can you over look the performance of SHIZUKA ARAKAWA of Japan?  To say her spiral sequence was difficult, is a major understatement.  To hold your leg up by your ear, and maintain a solid edge flow....is a fantastic display of strength AND flexibility.  She is so fluid and she has positioned herself to skate for gold....being only 0.71 out of first place! 

And KIMMIE MEISSNER started things things off with a bang.  She performed perfectly under the pressure.  Taking a HUGE risk, and doing the triple-triple combination....she pulled it off like a seasoned veteran.  I thought after the landing of her first jump, she might not get the second triple off.  But, shedug deep and did a nice triple toe loop....the most difficult combination of the evening!  She has got to be thrilled with making the final warm up of skaters at the Olympics!  In 5th place, she is 7 points out of medal contention.  But look for her to skater her heart out with TWO triple-triple combos planned for the long program. 

Another awesome performance was given by EMILY HUGHES.  She skates with such confidence!  I love her!  She has an energy that just draws the audience to its feet.  Again, I think underscored on her Component marks.  I think her lack of international exposure may have hurt her in her scores.  But, what an amazing skate to start off the Olympics for her.  She's a long shot for a medal.  But look for her to get ANOTHER standing ovation...and be a crowd favorite in the long program. 

The U.S. ladies are off to a great start...I see all 3 of them carrying that momentum into the final.  The world will look on as they skate for Gold on Thursday!

Listen to the Michael's analysis of the Ladies Short program-on Sports Bloggers Live.  http://us.video.aol.com/audio.full.adp?pmmsid=1469312

and... If you're interested in Weiss' explanation of a triple toe loop, listen to the audio clip on USA Today's web site:  http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/torino/front.htm

also, Quote from Michael in LA Times article:  If Practice Makes Perfect, Cohen Opts to Skip a Golden Opportunity - Los Angeles Times

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11:49:33 AM EST

February 21, 2006

OLYMPIC LADIES FIGURE SKATING CHAMPION is the most coveted title in the Winter Olympics.  ...And it's up for grabs... as the chase for gold begins tonight with the short program.

Irina Slutskaya is the favorite coming into Torino.  She is the reigning World Champ and carries the momentum of a year full of nothing but WINS.  Her athletic style and triple-triple combinations give her a leg up on the competition.  She is very consistant and I think she will skate into the lead after the short program.

Sasha Cohen is the best chance at gold for the U.S.  She has it all...grace, flexibility, jumps, spins, footwork....and carries the momentum of her first National title.  The only place Irina has the edge is Triple - triple combinations!  But, if Irina slips up...expect Sasha to skate right by her.  Sasha is a strong short program skater....so look for her to be in the top 3 after the short program.  

My pick for the number 3 spot is Shazuka Arakawa from Japan.  She is an elegant, smooth skater that combines difficult jumps with fluid edges and grace.  If she can land the triple lutz-triple loop combination, she will be right in the hunt for a medal.

The Amercans Kimmie Meissner and Emily Hughes are in a similar position.  It will be up to them to skate to a top 6 finish...which would be realistic. 

Kimmie's strength are her TWO triple-triple combos in the long program.  Her youth and aggressive skating are her strengths.  Remember, she landed a triple AXEL at last years National Championships...so she can jump!

I would have picked Emily as my surprise of the event, but she will sneek up on no one after the media blitz she has handled this week!  Her biggest strength is her competitve spirit.  She performs exactly what she can do...never beating herself...and challenges the other women to have to BEAT her!  Her biggest weakness would only be her inexperience in International competition.  She is relatively unknown from the judges standpoint....and will have to prove to them quickly that she can contend. 

Like her sister Sarah, she comes in as the number 3 skater on the US Team....and we all know what happened to Sarah four years ago.  Can a miracle happen to the same family TWICE?  The biggest difference is...although an underdog--Sarah came in as the reigning World Bronze Medalist.  Whereas, Emily has very little International experience.  So it will be a challenge for Emily...but she seems to be soaking in all of the attention and using that energy to take her skating to a new level.  It will be exciting to watch!

Although it is difficult to predict HOW skaters will perform...it is relatively easy to predict where they will PLACE when they all DO skate well. 

So, here are my picks for the short program:  Keep in mind....I think the ladies will be very tight in points-- 10 points separating the top 10 Ladies.  Which means everyone will have a shot at medals going into the Long.  (much closer than the men's event)

The judges seem to be scoring on a slightly higher scale in these Olympics....so get ready for A LOT of personal best scores.

1. Irina Slutskaya  @ 70 points

2. Sasha Cohen  @ 70 points

3,4,5-- Shazuka Arakawa, Miki Ando, Carolina Kostner  @ 65 points

6,7,8-- Fumie Suguri, Emily Hughes, Kimmie Meissner @ 60 points

Of course, if anyone misses there combination jumps, they will have skated themselves out of medal contention.

Here we go...the most coveted title in the Winter Olympics is about to get underway!

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7:09:32 PM EST

February 20, 2006

Congrats to Ben and Tanith! After a 6th place start in the Compulsory dances, they took advantage of an Original Dance event- that was full of uncharacteristic Falls by the top contenders.  When their opponents made mistakes...they stepped up to the plate and jumped into second place and did not relinquish that spot. 

Ben and Tanith have mastered this new system, giving the judges exactly what they are looking for.  Combining very difficult footwork sequences with an artistic flair--makes them the best U.S. dance team in decades.  Their on and off ice dedication to perfection, has earned them our first dance medal in 29 years.

Where the pairs, ladies, pairs--all focus on jumps, spins, and footwork...the Ice Dancers spend hours a day on posture, choreography, musicality, and very detailed-intricate footwork.  I have so much respect for the ability and skating skills of these dancers.  After working with an ice dancer (former US Champ Peter Tchernyshev) on my footwork...I realized when he did it...it looked a lot better than when I did it.  So much so, that the steps didn't even look like the same steps! 

So.... YEAH for Ice Dancers! 

And most of all... YEAH for our first Skating medal!

Sasha, Kimmie, and Emily....you're next!

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3:34:12 PM EST

 

February 19, 2006

 

Let’s discuss the bad boy of figure skating…No, not Johnny Weir.

 

 Mr. Dick Button! 

 

 

I can’t tell you how many comments I have received over the last week on how many people have a strong opinion about the voice of figure skating…both in support and criticism.  From—“I feel like he’s giving me the inside scoop on the skaters”--to “will someone please put a muzzle on that guy!”

 

My opinion is…he adds color to an already colorful sport.  You may not agree with what he is saying…but what he says…certainly gets people talkin’. 

 

Although some may say that saying things like “this is the type of skater that makes you want to get up from the sofa and get something out of the refrigerator …” as Button has said…is a little harsh.  Or my favorite…At the start of the MEN’S SHORT program years ago at the National Championships…Dick said “We are going to be seeing some exciting things coming outof the men’s SHORTS tonight!”  

 

Where would figure skating be without a little controversy and off the wall quotes?  I love to hear what he’s gonna say next!

 

And what a contrast from Scott Hamilton to Dick Button!  Where Dick tends to point out the shortcomings and the mistakes…Scott takes you right into the heart and soul of the skater.  Yelling, cheering, and jumping out of his seat as a skater hits a big element….And the emotions of disappointment when a skater comes up short.  His passion and spirit make you feel as if he is out there feeling the emotions of the skater. 

 

So you have both ends of the spectrum covered…the flair and criticism of Dick combined with spirit and passion of Scott.  I think a nice combo for viewers.

 

On a personal note…I can’t complain about how the way Dick has spoken about me.  Throughout my career, he has been nothing but supportive of my skating.  So, thank you for sparing me!  But, some other skater’s have not been so lucky. 

 

So…Dick, if you read this...please keep speaking your mind…

…oh yeah……AND continue being nice to me!

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3:26:42 PM EST

February 18, 2006

 

Some of you who weren’t under a rock 4 years ago may have heard….In the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics there were two Gold medals awarded in the pairs event, due to judging controversy.  The result was the implementation of a New System. 

 

It is very complicated.  So I’m going to break it down for you in its simplest form. 

 

The most obvious difference is-- the new system rewards a skater with points for doing things VS. the old system which deducts points for making mistakes. 

 

Two categories to accumulate points:   

TECHNICAL and COMPONENTS   (Components = Artistic mark)

 

1.) TECHNICAL MARK  points are accumulated for JUMPS, SPINS, and FOOTWORK. 

This score is reached in two ways….

              DIFFICULTY of the jump,spin,footwork pass (a level of 1-4) --determining whether an element is either hard or easy....1being easy; 4 hard 

 

…..and EXECUTION of the jump, spin,footwork pass--giving either a +1+2+3 or -1,-2, or -3 depending on how well it was executed

 

2.)  COMPONENT MARK is painstakingly broken down into 5 categories.

 

Skating Skills, Choreography, Interpretation, Performance and Transitions from one element to another.  Each category is given a score of 0-10.  10 being the best.

 

That’s pretty much the easiest way to explain a complex and confusing system.

 

ADVANTAGES IN THE NEW SYSTEM: The ability to move up when you didn't have such a great performance...One cool feature, from the point of view of the skater is....In the old system if you were in 7th place after the short program, you basically had no shot at the gold.  In the new system, you can be in 15th and still have a shot at winning.  

 

Check this out.  Let’s say 15 skaters all skate awesome in the short program, and there is only 5 points separating 1st from 15th.  A 5 point discrepancy is the difference of ONE jump in the long program.  So, if I am in 15th place, all I have to do is land one more jump than the person in 1st and I am back in the medal hunt.

 

You will see people in 10th, skating their hearts out with a shot at moving up.  (Evan Lycacek almost pulled that one off….just too many points to make up for him)  How’s that for keeping it competitive?

 

DISADVANTAGES OF THE NEW SYSTEM:

 

One drawback is, where the judges used to “save” skaters they liked when they fell…with the artistic mark.  They now have not just one—but 5 categories--to add a tenth here and add a tenth there to make up for their favorite skaters fall on the technical score.  So, watch out for more controversial results!

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1:13:03 AM EST

February 17, 2006

 

Consistant from start to finish-Evgeny Plushenko showed his dominance in men's figure skating, by skating away with an unchallenged Gold Medal performance.

 

But as for the rest of the field....Wow, what a disappointment.  I was anticipating fireworks in a dramatic battle for the medals....and it was a dud.  It looked to me like no one could put it ALL together.  

 

What a difference four years makes!  In the men’s long program in the 2002 Olympics….there were 17 clean quads…. In 2006—3 clean quads!  And for those who saw 2002...no shortage of standing ovations to show artistic appreciation. 

 

Now I know skating is cyclical, and the last group of skaters in Salt Lake City all skated their hearts out.  Last night, I guess we were on a down swing in the cycle.  

 

This new system sure produces some strange results.  Jeffrey Buttle as an example.  I can respect his fluidity and musicality. But…since when does a fall in the short program AND a fall in the long program along with many other mistakes--get you a medal? I guess…last night.  If this was the old system, 4 years ago…he’d be lucky to crack the top 12.

 

I love to see good, competitive skating, but that just didn’t happen this Olympics.

 

I do have to give Matt Savoie props!  He skated what I thought was the most complete program of the night.  If the judges are truly judging on content…where were his component scores for transitions from element to element?  He destroyed the field in that category ! A difficult entrance and exit of EVERY jump and spin! 

 

Evan…great guy…classy and a great role model for younger skaters.  So glad he came back and skated a personal best!  If only he had that short program back…he’d be coming home with a donut…I mean a medal.  (Okay they look like donuts, don’t they?)

 

Johnny just wasn’t able to hold it together on a night when the door was WIDE open.  I can empathize with the disappointment of dropping from 2nd to off the podium.  It’s a big blow to his confidence.  I hope he can recover.  

 

And of course, their was Evgeny…who very business-like...jump drilled” his way to Gold.  Clearly the class of the field…he has NEVER given up a lead after the short program in his career…and he continued that streak.  He has won every competition this sport has to offer…and now he has an Olympic Gold!  Congratulations.

 

Now…

To Sasha, Emily, Kimmie, Ben Agusto and Tanith Belbin…Please don’t let Russia SWEEP this Olympics !!!

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