Figure Skating: Because This Forum Can't Only Be About Tennis

[Above the Title]

Don't disappoint me, gays. It's Worlds this weekend! I am unspoiled but, alas, predicting the Russians to dominate in ladies.

[NUguy514]

I'm still hella pissed about Sotnikova's bought-and-paid-for gold at the Sochi Olympics.

[Dr.ciski77]

*likes

[Above the Title]

It was Russia's bought-and-paid-for gold, and Lipnitskaia lost it. And then finished ninth at the Russian Nationals this year. Did the pressure completely destroy her career or will she rebound after puberty? Stay tuned.

Well, the US was embarrassing in the ladies short. All that hype over Ashley being perfect at Nationals and she couldn't stand up. All that hype over the rivalry and Gracie couldn't even do a combo (although I think her injury is more serious than they have let on). We haven't medaled since Meissner. Maybe Karen Chen is the future, when she ages in. Otherwise, grumble.

Amazing with Tuky was not even really in the conversation for the Russian Olympic team last year and is now far and away the best in the world. What a difference a year makes.

[misplaced validity]

Yeah, I taped the coverage last night and just watched it and it was wild. I didn't know most of the competitors. Gracie skated great, but obviously didn't show that form in the SP. I respected that she admitted the nerves got to her. She reminds me of Sasha Cohen, who never really got it all together.

Has Sotnikova skated since her Olympics win? It's always weird to me how people disappear because presumably they still love skating.

[Above the Title]

No, Sotnikova got injured and is now recovering from surgery for the injury. She says she is skating next season. We'll see. Skating at that level takes a huge toll on the body and when you win as a teenager, sometimes you realize you have achieved everything you wanted to achieve, and now you just want to live life. Especially because the ladies competitors are so young and sacrificing their education, I can understand it. Sarah Hughes hung up the skates and went to Yale. In Sotnikova's case, I think the controversy over her win is probably keeping her hungry, but it depends if her body gives out or not.

Elizaveta was the Russian National Champion in 2013, and then had a disastrous season last year, finishing ninth at Russian Nationals. And now, post-Olympic year, she is hands down unequivocally the best in the world.

Gracie and Ashley were terrible in the short, but Ashley was plain embarrassing. However, they came in second and third in the free skate after all that! For both of them to beat Radionova in the FS is a big deal. But they suffer from this very American problem of enjoying the underdog position and not being able to relish being the frontrunner. And Ashley of course will forever be inhibited by her terrible attitude.

[misplaced validity]

Debi Thomas is broke:
http://www.people.com/article/debi-thoma..._peoplemag

[misplaced validity]

I fell in love with Shoma Uno today.

[Above the Title]

So I will be in the audience at the Worlds this year! I have tickets for:

Ice Dance Free Dance
Pairs Short
Men's Long
Pairs Free
Ladies Free

Super excited bucket list item to get to go to Worlds! Plus during the competition and Zamboni breaks, there are tons of meet and greets and prizes and stuff. I'm really excited! The US streak of no ladies medalists will now be ten years strong though, unless Wags or Gold make it happen...

[misplaced validity]

I didn't even know Worlds had taken place! Interesting results.