@SummerNAutumn1 Will be interesting to see if he can be elected President of the ISU.......The next election seems to demand a figure skater.......best wishes
My God, when I see a performance like this, it only makes me cry. They killed my sport. All this CRAZY ways of scoring has COMPLETELY sucked the wind out of my favorite sport. Because from what I understand, you don't get the same amount of points by doing GREAT scratch spins (like Scott's). So you don't see skaters do them. And let's face it they don't know how. Also, you do see Russian split jumps anymore because skaters can't do them, and they won't get the points anyway. It's just sad.
@Novelwit2000 I couldn't agree more......but unfortunately, I think Scott Hamilton is the biggest instigator and supporter of the NEW WORLD ORDER. I do not see how this new system is any fairer or less politically manipulated. But Scott glosses over that point......and such a high cost of implementation and execution (and so unnecessary). I applaud the smaller skating federations who are keeping the 6.0 method nationally. And these long waits for scores are driving people OUT of the arena
hi NW = new world order missed the O. u know I was using short hand. and for scott sad i think it would be sad if he is one of them. hope i answered your question, if u have anymore ask way. take of yourself. peace
Its amazing how different his skating style is in this performance compared to just one year prior ie1980, which featured the same or similar program. Here it looks so much more mature and confident. I think it is amzingly well choreagraphed.
I agree with the point that comparing Scott Hamilton to current skaters is not valid, however I have the impression he is faster than anyone i have seen since (possibly I am wrong) and he makes it look easier than anyone has ever done since. He is doing triple jumps at a time when these just started to be executed, so in this sense he is at the forefront of his time.
@YouSinel Spasibo za otvet, no ia vizhy to chto vyshe, poetomy ne mogy prochitat’. Ia zhvy v Perte, Zapadonii Avstralii uzhe 15 let. Ia pribyla suda kogda mne bylo shest’ let.
this is the first time I've seen the whole thing - thank you. It's neat to see Scotty skate competitively... I was born after he was done with that part of his career, only knew him as he amazing show skater that he is.
Met him this past January while he was commentating the US nationals (his son Maxx was born on my bday this year!) and it was an honor. Absolute dream come true.
Sounds like an exciting moment! I hope all skaters realize how important they are to us 'fans', and how much we appreciate their efforts, and wish them all well in life! best wishes --- Maxx Hamilton, I wonder if Scott was referring to Mad Maxx (Mel Gibson)??
But, then again, skating is a business nowadays, not a sport! Let's hope it doesn't sink to the level of NASCAR..or I may have to turn my back on it! Remember, these are real people we are fascinated with and talking about. It has become real hard to pick a favorite in mens skating today, they are all so wonderful in different ways! Pleshenko would indeed, add a great deal of color to the 2010 event! I am hoping Stephan Lambiel recovers. If they all skate well, it will be an incredible evening
Hey fans!! The first two pages of this comment tree is a fascinating discussion of some current competitive issues. I had no idea that at age 54, I would be so "current" regarding figure skating issues!! (but it's kind of neat). If you want to skip to the SCOTT HAMILTON comments, just go to page 3. thanks to these obviously well informed skaters, who spiced up this post. It does point out my oft mentioned criticism of a "lack of the old fashioned SPORTSMANSHIP" in skating.
So what's up with the one fall when everything else was absolutely ridiculously perfectly executed!?? It clearly wasn't intentional. Maybe even the best can get caught up on their toe-picks =(
Yes, i think he just got over excited, and leaned a little to far into the circle of the progressives. Its a common basic, beginner error everyone has done at some point. It was a silly time for him to pull it though!! It caught everyones breath in their throat at the time, but seems charming from the lens of 25 years later!! best wishes
No one had the footwork that Scott did. Alexi Yagudin came awfully close, but Hamilton's footwork was simply amazing. He was such an exciting skater - so fast!
And I miss hearing Jim McKay and Dick Button as a team! They were so good together.
I would have to say that Plushenkos footwork is a lot more difficult =) Well...I don't have to say it, it IS more difficult =P Not to take anything away from Scott as he skated in another era.
Well the ISU code of points isn't relative =P I'm talking about imperial measures of difficulty here, just like they have for any art/sport hybrid like gymnastics or figure skating. Obviously a quad is more difficult than a triple. And in the same way all footwork can be broken down into it's components and ranked on a difficulty scale. Now you may have a preference for the "look" of one over the other, but Plushenko currently has the most difficult footwork in the world.
You can't compare one's achievements with another of a completely different era. Perhaps Hamilton would have been able to do the quads and more difficult footwork if he hadn't had to do the compulsory figures. And maybe Plushenko wouldn't have such difficult footwork if he'd had to concentrate on the figures, too.
Only judge an athlete by the company that he/she keeps at the time they are competing. Nastia Liukin's routines were more difficult than Olga Korbut's, but I still prefer Olga.
Perhaps he would be able, but my point is not to say 'no one can touch his footwork' when obviously there are several skaters today who can not only touch but greatly surpass his footwork. You can like whoever you want, but I'm just saying lets not pretend that Scott Hamilton did footwork that no one else is capable of doing way back in 1981 ... thats absurd.
I'm not trying to say I'm right and you're wrong - only that you can't really fairly compare athletes of different genres. Maybe it's safe to say that Hamilton was the best of his generation as Plushy was of his. Let's just leave it at that. I still prefer Scott's style over Plushy's but that doesn't mean he was "better" than Plushy. Or vice versa. They were both pretty darn amazing!
Exactly, it's just a question of STYLISTIC preference, not that Hamilton did things (at least technically) others could not repeat or surpass. But for HIS era he was the best.
I greatly admire both of them and they are each the ice-kings of their generation. I do think that Plushenkos classical and passionate artistry is what sets him apart in the history of figure skating, but Hamiltons ability to be a showman, a technician and his incredible longevity in the sport are also an inspiration.
Good points, all of them. What amazed me about Plushenko - even more than his artistry and footwork (which were exceptional) were his jumps - OMG! So high and tight! I think if you do want to judge a skater as "best ever" in at least a certain element, it would be difficult to argue against Plushenko when it comes to jumping. Elvis would also be in the running. And when he was on, Rudy Galindo's jumps were also astonishing, tho he lacked a quad (as did most men in those days).
I've heard it said by Mishin that Yagudin was actually a better/highr jumper, and he would know =P Honestly I am less impressed by the ability to do a quad or to jump high than by the ability to be consistent and graceful on the landings, or to be mentally tough in competition. Plushenko has an awe-inspiring psychology. He had to leave home and live on his own, half-starving at age 11, and survived. He's done what is the most difficult to do - stay #1 when people EXPECT you to win like a robot.
And this may be just a personal thing, but as much as I admire what great athletes are capable of doing in competition, I admire even more their strength and mental toughness under pressure and extreme stress ... in Plushenkos case I think that his indomitable willpower is more valuable than his 50+ gold metals. Anyone can have an off day or an injury that makes you second at the Olympics, it's just a few minutes out of your entire career, takes luck. But to keep going after 6 surgeries...wow.
I agree wholeheartedly. I wanted to slap Brian Joubert when he poked fun at Plushenko's recent "weight gain" and initimated Plushy was "washed up." Props to Johnny Weir who noted you can never count Plushenko out and recognized his as the great champion he is. Wouldn't it be amazing if Plushenko defended his Olympic gold in 2010? It's definitely NOT out of the question - although I do like that cute li'l Canadian boy Jeffrey Buttle. And Weir, too, of course.
Oh man, you are kidding! When and where was this, I need to see the video so I can join you in foaming rage! That's just so ridiculous ... and anyway, that "5 pounds" he gained after retirement is already gone now as he's training for the Olympics. I think it would be the coolest thing ever for him to defend his Olympic title, as much as I like Weir as well. It's just more legendary if Plushenko does it, and it would still be a slap in the fact to Weir haters if he pulled off a silver =)
It was right before this year's world's when Joubert made his snotty remark. I'll see if I can find a link somewhere and send it to you. Joubert is indeed a fine skater and probably would be one of the favorites for 2010 - but only if Evgeny doesn't compete. But there's no excuse for poor sportsmanship and to knock a champion like Plushenko! Well, let's say that most of the skating world didn't agree with Joubert...
Yah, I'd love a link. "Washed up..." how ridiculous. He was still pulling quads and triple axels in exhibition/pro shows even while retired and with the few vanity pounds. He'd had a son, gone through a tough marriage and divorce, become the countries greatest celebrity after the Olympics...give him a break if he didn't continue with the near-starvation-Olympic diet after turning pro...it's not like it affected his ability to skate in the least. Joubert is just expressing WISHFUL thinking ;)
I'll see if I can find it. Yeah, Joubert was just trying to pysch him out - won't work. Johnny Weir says that Plushenko has always been a source of inspiration for him and recognizes what a great champion he is. Yay, Johnny!
You can always count on Johnny and his love of all things Russian, Plushenko probably being first on that list ;) He even wanted to train in Russia at one point. There are a lot of great pics of Evgeni and Johnny messing around back stage, "kickboxing," armwrestling, etc. They are how great competitors should be, fighting on the ice and friendly off the ice. As for Joubert trying to "psych out" Plushenko, it's laughable. By the way I've seen recent pics and Evgeni is trim and fighting fit!
Awesome - who doesn't relish seeing the great become greater? I always anticipate seeing the best that there is somehow even eclipse themselves! I loved Evgeni for that - he really is able to combine all that there is in skating and do exceptionally well in all measures. I will never forget the first time I saw him skate - I think he was maybe 15 - and thinking to myself, "this youngster has what it takes for greatness." Am glad he proved me right!
Interesting. Well, Plushenko was amazingly consistent, and for whatever reason, I liked his jumps more than Yagudin's - they were absolutely jaw-dropping. Plushenko is a very lyrical skater which is incredible, considering his impressive athletic ability. Usually, it seems a skater is either one or the other...but with Plushenko you have both qualities. And he's pretty cute, too! :)
I think Plushenkos jumps may look better because he always executes them with perfect control and graceful, flowing exits. Yagudin jumps for the stars but isn't as consistent or artistic with them. Interestingly though, Plushenko didn't develop his artistic style until after his teens... before he was just another jumping kid-genius... to me that is a good argument for people sticking with the sport competitively past 15 or 18! You must really LIVE LIFE to express emotions as an artist (IMHO)
I agree. Look at Todd Eldredge - very much a mechanical skater in the beginning with little to recommend but his jumps. But he became an incredible spinner. He was not musical enough to ever threaten Yagudin or Plushenko but he still became a more elegant skater and competed in his last Olympics when he was 30. And Brian Boitano will always be the top American male skater for me for the same reasons. He was known for his athleticism but I think of him now as really a more lyrical skater.
True! My first memories of Boitano were amazing artistic pro/show programs shown on TV when I was a kid. I thought he had incredible artistry first and foremost. Imagine my surprise when years later doing research on my favorite skaters and watching old tapes on youtube, I discovered that he used to call himself just a "jumping robot" and that his coaches were afraid if he didn't develop some artistry he would have no chance against the other skaters! He certainly "matured" in his 30's +!
Yes, he was really kind of robotic as a youngster but so matured. Met him at a recent US Figure Skating Championship - very kind and humble. He is still so handsome and his skating is out of this world! If jumping difficulty hadn't become so important, he and Petrenko would likely still be competing! Viktor is another that has gotten better as he has matured!
True. Speaking of jumping difficulty though, Plushenko said in a press conference that he's been very disappointed with the sport not progressing after he and Yagudin retired. That at worlds you could do a 3-3 combo in the short program and win...whereas in the 2006 Olympics, he named 10 guys who were doing quads in their programs. The best skaters should be able to do both - artistry and jumping, and I'm hoping that with Plushenko coming back for 2010 Olympics the rest of the field steps up!
The paucity of quads might be due to injuries suffered by the skaters. That may be why we don't see them as mcuh as we did even four years ago.
It's absurd that given the way the sport has changed so much - especially in the last 20 years - that no changes have been made to the skates to accommodate the skaters. I'm betting that changes to the skates (hinged blades?) which reduce the impact on the landing leg would result in larger numbers of harder jumps.
I don't buy it - they're not doing them for two reasons - 1 they dont have to if they all don't bother and 2 the new code of points makes it not worth it. You only get 2 extra points for a quad over a triple, but if you fall, you can kiss placing goodbye. Its not worth the risk under the system, and no one is willing to be the daredevil and force everyone to compete. As far as injury, Weir can do a quad and he's not injured, I doubt suddenly every skater is injured, plus Plushenko was
Plushenko was ALWAYS injured, he still did them! He's been through 6 knee surgeries, a hip surgery, still has a bad back, and to this day he lands them in practice.
As far as equipment, hinged boots which allow for flexing the ankle forward on landings have been available for a couple of years. Figure skating is so rooted in "tradition" that they havent caught on yet, though Alyssa Czisny uses them. Also skaters who have already mastered their jumps arent going to want to relearn in a new
gosh yes! we all sooo loved Olga Korbut! Her work seemed so 'childlike'....a gift to the world, at a time when it was greatly needed. She was the first Russian really, to be 'liked' by Americans...at the time, we really didn't think such feelings were possible!
Love ya, Khenrydog! You have the best videos, but more importantly, you are always kind and gracious to all. We need more people like you, not only on Youtube - but everywhere! I really love all your responses and positive attitude!
oooooooo...I'm blushing! Your note is an answered prayer! I had such a hard week with some real creeps down at the voting polls! You encourage me to keep smiling!!! "Around the globe, to bring you the best in figure skating videos" I hope I am living up to the legacy!! best wishes....loved your posting thread!!
Scott Hamilton = skating. His amateur skates were good, but this guy, when not dealing with the restraints on competition guidelines turned skating on its ear as a pro. Great to see him when he was setting out on his lifelong journey, thanks for posting this video.
Thanks for commenting, it was a magic moment...and how wonderful that we have access to it......great entertainment...from a real entertainer!!! best wishes
Now THIS is Figure Skating. Scott Hamilton is so amazing. Best Ever.
SummerNAutumn1 2 months ago
@SummerNAutumn1 Will be interesting to see if he can be elected President of the ISU.......The next election seems to demand a figure skater.......best wishes
k9henrydog 2 months ago
Scott Hamilton is the best ever. Ever!
ravenel2 11 months ago
AMAZING speed
chapstickgurl1 1 year ago
My God, when I see a performance like this, it only makes me cry. They killed my sport. All this CRAZY ways of scoring has COMPLETELY sucked the wind out of my favorite sport. Because from what I understand, you don't get the same amount of points by doing GREAT scratch spins (like Scott's). So you don't see skaters do them. And let's face it they don't know how. Also, you do see Russian split jumps anymore because skaters can't do them, and they won't get the points anyway. It's just sad.
Novelwit2000 1 year ago
@Novelwit2000 I couldn't agree more......but unfortunately, I think Scott Hamilton is the biggest instigator and supporter of the NEW WORLD ORDER. I do not see how this new system is any fairer or less politically manipulated. But Scott glosses over that point......and such a high cost of implementation and execution (and so unnecessary). I applaud the smaller skating federations who are keeping the 6.0 method nationally. And these long waits for scores are driving people OUT of the arena
k9henrydog 1 year ago
@k9henrydog wow that is strong nw and scott sad
zeenasworld 1 year ago
@zeenasworld mmmmmmmm your language is interesting......what is NW? and scot sad?? best wishes
k9henrydog 1 year ago
hi NW = new world order missed the O. u know I was using short hand. and for scott sad i think it would be sad if he is one of them. hope i answered your question, if u have anymore ask way. take of yourself. peace
zeenasworld 1 year ago
@k9henrydog hi read Novelwit2000 comment and u will understand. well take care of yourself peace
zeenasworld 1 year ago
@Novelwit2000 Agreed. Athleticism rules...grace, poise, and beauty have taken a back seat.
ladyjensen1971 1 year ago
Scott was my favorite use to call him Scotty back in days
DonnaUtubefan 1 year ago
Its amazing how different his skating style is in this performance compared to just one year prior ie1980, which featured the same or similar program. Here it looks so much more mature and confident. I think it is amzingly well choreagraphed.
legia671 1 year ago
@legia671 Yes, it was a year of very hard work!! He had quite a challenge from David Santee........but it was answered. best wishes
k9henrydog 1 year ago
wonderful performance !!
TMSW11 1 year ago
The fall came after a triple jump, which was very high and looked like he just tripped.
legia671 1 year ago
I agree with the point that comparing Scott Hamilton to current skaters is not valid, however I have the impression he is faster than anyone i have seen since (possibly I am wrong) and he makes it look easier than anyone has ever done since. He is doing triple jumps at a time when these just started to be executed, so in this sense he is at the forefront of his time.
legia671 1 year ago
wow, this is my first time seeing him skate and im just blown away.... wow... just wow.... :] thanks so much for sharing.....
trustno1file 2 years ago
that was amazing.
Cheydow 2 years ago 2
This has been flagged as spam show
Best skater who ever lived...what a showman. No one else has come along that can even hold a candle.
inntertube 2 years ago
Best skater who ever lived and what a fantastic showman. now one has come along that can even compare.
inntertube 2 years ago 19
Классно катается парень!
YouSinel 3 years ago
Dask vei danya, to you too!! Best wishes
k9henrydog 3 years ago
@YouSinel Porazitel'no khorosho kak vsegda byvaet y nego.
legia671 1 year ago
@YouSinel If you are Russian talk to me I am speak fluently
legia671 1 year ago
@legia671 привет-привет! я редко под этим ником захожу, поэтому и не видела твои сообщения.
YouSinel 1 year ago
YouSinel has replied to your comment on 1981 Scott Hamilton Worlds:
@legia671 ÐÒÉ×ÅÔ-ÐÒÉ×ÅÔ! Ñ ÒÅÄËÏ ÐÏÄ ÜÔÉÍ ÎÉËÏÍ ÚÁÈÏÖÕ, ÐÏÜÔÏÍÕ É ÎÅ ×ÉÄÅÌÁ Ô×ÏÉ ÓÏÏÂÝÅÎÉÑ.
@YouSinel Spasibo za otvet, no ia vizhy to chto vyshe, poetomy ne mogy prochitat’. Ia zhvy v Perte, Zapadonii Avstralii uzhe 15 let. Ia pribyla suda kogda mne bylo shest’ let.
legia671
legia671 1 year ago
ah, the hated beaded costume.
this is the first time I've seen the whole thing - thank you. It's neat to see Scotty skate competitively... I was born after he was done with that part of his career, only knew him as he amazing show skater that he is.
Met him this past January while he was commentating the US nationals (his son Maxx was born on my bday this year!) and it was an honor. Absolute dream come true.
Tonichelle 3 years ago 2
Sounds like an exciting moment! I hope all skaters realize how important they are to us 'fans', and how much we appreciate their efforts, and wish them all well in life! best wishes --- Maxx Hamilton, I wonder if Scott was referring to Mad Maxx (Mel Gibson)??
k9henrydog 3 years ago
But, then again, skating is a business nowadays, not a sport! Let's hope it doesn't sink to the level of NASCAR..or I may have to turn my back on it! Remember, these are real people we are fascinated with and talking about. It has become real hard to pick a favorite in mens skating today, they are all so wonderful in different ways! Pleshenko would indeed, add a great deal of color to the 2010 event! I am hoping Stephan Lambiel recovers. If they all skate well, it will be an incredible evening
k9henrydog 3 years ago
Sorry Khenrydog...me and Ariaelf were just too enthusiastic. We'll move our discussion to the private boxes!
pellebravesskylar 3 years ago
Hey fans!! The first two pages of this comment tree is a fascinating discussion of some current competitive issues. I had no idea that at age 54, I would be so "current" regarding figure skating issues!! (but it's kind of neat). If you want to skip to the SCOTT HAMILTON comments, just go to page 3. thanks to these obviously well informed skaters, who spiced up this post. It does point out my oft mentioned criticism of a "lack of the old fashioned SPORTSMANSHIP" in skating.
k9henrydog 3 years ago
So what's up with the one fall when everything else was absolutely ridiculously perfectly executed!?? It clearly wasn't intentional. Maybe even the best can get caught up on their toe-picks =(
Ariaelf 3 years ago
Yes, i think he just got over excited, and leaned a little to far into the circle of the progressives. Its a common basic, beginner error everyone has done at some point. It was a silly time for him to pull it though!! It caught everyones breath in their throat at the time, but seems charming from the lens of 25 years later!! best wishes
k9henrydog 3 years ago
Yah Im glad he won despite that =)
Ariaelf 3 years ago
Beautiful!
He is very interesting and lyric!
wotanwag 3 years ago
Yes, he is right on the music and right into the ice on every step!! just perfection.....thanks for commenting! best wishes
k9henrydog 3 years ago
No one had the footwork that Scott did. Alexi Yagudin came awfully close, but Hamilton's footwork was simply amazing. He was such an exciting skater - so fast!
And I miss hearing Jim McKay and Dick Button as a team! They were so good together.
pellebravesskylar 4 years ago 2
yes, I have such a fond spot for Jim McKay!! best wishes
k9henrydog 4 years ago
His words, "They're all gone" at the 1972 Olympics are the saddest and most profound I've ever heard in all of sports.
pellebravesskylar 4 years ago 2
I would have to say that Plushenkos footwork is a lot more difficult =) Well...I don't have to say it, it IS more difficult =P Not to take anything away from Scott as he skated in another era.
Ariaelf 3 years ago
Apples and oranges, my friend. It's all relative.
pellebravesskylar 3 years ago
Well the ISU code of points isn't relative =P I'm talking about imperial measures of difficulty here, just like they have for any art/sport hybrid like gymnastics or figure skating. Obviously a quad is more difficult than a triple. And in the same way all footwork can be broken down into it's components and ranked on a difficulty scale. Now you may have a preference for the "look" of one over the other, but Plushenko currently has the most difficult footwork in the world.
Ariaelf 3 years ago
You can't compare one's achievements with another of a completely different era. Perhaps Hamilton would have been able to do the quads and more difficult footwork if he hadn't had to do the compulsory figures. And maybe Plushenko wouldn't have such difficult footwork if he'd had to concentrate on the figures, too.
Only judge an athlete by the company that he/she keeps at the time they are competing. Nastia Liukin's routines were more difficult than Olga Korbut's, but I still prefer Olga.
pellebravesskylar 3 years ago
Perhaps he would be able, but my point is not to say 'no one can touch his footwork' when obviously there are several skaters today who can not only touch but greatly surpass his footwork. You can like whoever you want, but I'm just saying lets not pretend that Scott Hamilton did footwork that no one else is capable of doing way back in 1981 ... thats absurd.
Ariaelf 3 years ago
I'm not trying to say I'm right and you're wrong - only that you can't really fairly compare athletes of different genres. Maybe it's safe to say that Hamilton was the best of his generation as Plushy was of his. Let's just leave it at that. I still prefer Scott's style over Plushy's but that doesn't mean he was "better" than Plushy. Or vice versa. They were both pretty darn amazing!
pellebravesskylar 3 years ago
Exactly, it's just a question of STYLISTIC preference, not that Hamilton did things (at least technically) others could not repeat or surpass. But for HIS era he was the best.
I greatly admire both of them and they are each the ice-kings of their generation. I do think that Plushenkos classical and passionate artistry is what sets him apart in the history of figure skating, but Hamiltons ability to be a showman, a technician and his incredible longevity in the sport are also an inspiration.
Ariaelf 3 years ago
Good points, all of them. What amazed me about Plushenko - even more than his artistry and footwork (which were exceptional) were his jumps - OMG! So high and tight! I think if you do want to judge a skater as "best ever" in at least a certain element, it would be difficult to argue against Plushenko when it comes to jumping. Elvis would also be in the running. And when he was on, Rudy Galindo's jumps were also astonishing, tho he lacked a quad (as did most men in those days).
pellebravesskylar 3 years ago
I've heard it said by Mishin that Yagudin was actually a better/highr jumper, and he would know =P Honestly I am less impressed by the ability to do a quad or to jump high than by the ability to be consistent and graceful on the landings, or to be mentally tough in competition. Plushenko has an awe-inspiring psychology. He had to leave home and live on his own, half-starving at age 11, and survived. He's done what is the most difficult to do - stay #1 when people EXPECT you to win like a robot.
Ariaelf 3 years ago
And this may be just a personal thing, but as much as I admire what great athletes are capable of doing in competition, I admire even more their strength and mental toughness under pressure and extreme stress ... in Plushenkos case I think that his indomitable willpower is more valuable than his 50+ gold metals. Anyone can have an off day or an injury that makes you second at the Olympics, it's just a few minutes out of your entire career, takes luck. But to keep going after 6 surgeries...wow.
Ariaelf 3 years ago
I agree wholeheartedly. I wanted to slap Brian Joubert when he poked fun at Plushenko's recent "weight gain" and initimated Plushy was "washed up." Props to Johnny Weir who noted you can never count Plushenko out and recognized his as the great champion he is. Wouldn't it be amazing if Plushenko defended his Olympic gold in 2010? It's definitely NOT out of the question - although I do like that cute li'l Canadian boy Jeffrey Buttle. And Weir, too, of course.
pellebravesskylar 3 years ago
Oh man, you are kidding! When and where was this, I need to see the video so I can join you in foaming rage! That's just so ridiculous ... and anyway, that "5 pounds" he gained after retirement is already gone now as he's training for the Olympics. I think it would be the coolest thing ever for him to defend his Olympic title, as much as I like Weir as well. It's just more legendary if Plushenko does it, and it would still be a slap in the fact to Weir haters if he pulled off a silver =)
Ariaelf 3 years ago
It was right before this year's world's when Joubert made his snotty remark. I'll see if I can find a link somewhere and send it to you. Joubert is indeed a fine skater and probably would be one of the favorites for 2010 - but only if Evgeny doesn't compete. But there's no excuse for poor sportsmanship and to knock a champion like Plushenko! Well, let's say that most of the skating world didn't agree with Joubert...
pellebravesskylar 3 years ago
Yah, I'd love a link. "Washed up..." how ridiculous. He was still pulling quads and triple axels in exhibition/pro shows even while retired and with the few vanity pounds. He'd had a son, gone through a tough marriage and divorce, become the countries greatest celebrity after the Olympics...give him a break if he didn't continue with the near-starvation-Olympic diet after turning pro...it's not like it affected his ability to skate in the least. Joubert is just expressing WISHFUL thinking ;)
Ariaelf 3 years ago
I'll see if I can find it. Yeah, Joubert was just trying to pysch him out - won't work. Johnny Weir says that Plushenko has always been a source of inspiration for him and recognizes what a great champion he is. Yay, Johnny!
pellebravesskylar 3 years ago
You can always count on Johnny and his love of all things Russian, Plushenko probably being first on that list ;) He even wanted to train in Russia at one point. There are a lot of great pics of Evgeni and Johnny messing around back stage, "kickboxing," armwrestling, etc. They are how great competitors should be, fighting on the ice and friendly off the ice. As for Joubert trying to "psych out" Plushenko, it's laughable. By the way I've seen recent pics and Evgeni is trim and fighting fit!
Ariaelf 3 years ago
Awesome - who doesn't relish seeing the great become greater? I always anticipate seeing the best that there is somehow even eclipse themselves! I loved Evgeni for that - he really is able to combine all that there is in skating and do exceptionally well in all measures. I will never forget the first time I saw him skate - I think he was maybe 15 - and thinking to myself, "this youngster has what it takes for greatness." Am glad he proved me right!
pellebravesskylar 3 years ago
Hear, hear =)
Ariaelf 3 years ago
Interesting. Well, Plushenko was amazingly consistent, and for whatever reason, I liked his jumps more than Yagudin's - they were absolutely jaw-dropping. Plushenko is a very lyrical skater which is incredible, considering his impressive athletic ability. Usually, it seems a skater is either one or the other...but with Plushenko you have both qualities. And he's pretty cute, too! :)
pellebravesskylar 3 years ago
I think Plushenkos jumps may look better because he always executes them with perfect control and graceful, flowing exits. Yagudin jumps for the stars but isn't as consistent or artistic with them. Interestingly though, Plushenko didn't develop his artistic style until after his teens... before he was just another jumping kid-genius... to me that is a good argument for people sticking with the sport competitively past 15 or 18! You must really LIVE LIFE to express emotions as an artist (IMHO)
Ariaelf 3 years ago
I agree. Look at Todd Eldredge - very much a mechanical skater in the beginning with little to recommend but his jumps. But he became an incredible spinner. He was not musical enough to ever threaten Yagudin or Plushenko but he still became a more elegant skater and competed in his last Olympics when he was 30. And Brian Boitano will always be the top American male skater for me for the same reasons. He was known for his athleticism but I think of him now as really a more lyrical skater.
pellebravesskylar 3 years ago
True! My first memories of Boitano were amazing artistic pro/show programs shown on TV when I was a kid. I thought he had incredible artistry first and foremost. Imagine my surprise when years later doing research on my favorite skaters and watching old tapes on youtube, I discovered that he used to call himself just a "jumping robot" and that his coaches were afraid if he didn't develop some artistry he would have no chance against the other skaters! He certainly "matured" in his 30's +!
Ariaelf 3 years ago
Yes, he was really kind of robotic as a youngster but so matured. Met him at a recent US Figure Skating Championship - very kind and humble. He is still so handsome and his skating is out of this world! If jumping difficulty hadn't become so important, he and Petrenko would likely still be competing! Viktor is another that has gotten better as he has matured!
pellebravesskylar 3 years ago
True. Speaking of jumping difficulty though, Plushenko said in a press conference that he's been very disappointed with the sport not progressing after he and Yagudin retired. That at worlds you could do a 3-3 combo in the short program and win...whereas in the 2006 Olympics, he named 10 guys who were doing quads in their programs. The best skaters should be able to do both - artistry and jumping, and I'm hoping that with Plushenko coming back for 2010 Olympics the rest of the field steps up!
Ariaelf 3 years ago
The paucity of quads might be due to injuries suffered by the skaters. That may be why we don't see them as mcuh as we did even four years ago.
It's absurd that given the way the sport has changed so much - especially in the last 20 years - that no changes have been made to the skates to accommodate the skaters. I'm betting that changes to the skates (hinged blades?) which reduce the impact on the landing leg would result in larger numbers of harder jumps.
pellebravesskylar 3 years ago
I don't buy it - they're not doing them for two reasons - 1 they dont have to if they all don't bother and 2 the new code of points makes it not worth it. You only get 2 extra points for a quad over a triple, but if you fall, you can kiss placing goodbye. Its not worth the risk under the system, and no one is willing to be the daredevil and force everyone to compete. As far as injury, Weir can do a quad and he's not injured, I doubt suddenly every skater is injured, plus Plushenko was
Ariaelf 3 years ago
Plushenko was ALWAYS injured, he still did them! He's been through 6 knee surgeries, a hip surgery, still has a bad back, and to this day he lands them in practice.
As far as equipment, hinged boots which allow for flexing the ankle forward on landings have been available for a couple of years. Figure skating is so rooted in "tradition" that they havent caught on yet, though Alyssa Czisny uses them. Also skaters who have already mastered their jumps arent going to want to relearn in a new
Ariaelf 3 years ago
gosh yes! we all sooo loved Olga Korbut! Her work seemed so 'childlike'....a gift to the world, at a time when it was greatly needed. She was the first Russian really, to be 'liked' by Americans...at the time, we really didn't think such feelings were possible!
k9henrydog 3 years ago
Love ya, Khenrydog! You have the best videos, but more importantly, you are always kind and gracious to all. We need more people like you, not only on Youtube - but everywhere! I really love all your responses and positive attitude!
pellebravesskylar 3 years ago
oooooooo...I'm blushing! Your note is an answered prayer! I had such a hard week with some real creeps down at the voting polls! You encourage me to keep smiling!!! "Around the globe, to bring you the best in figure skating videos" I hope I am living up to the legacy!! best wishes....loved your posting thread!!
k9henrydog 3 years ago
I think that everyone really loves your video postings and kind, knowledgeable remarks! We're really lucky to have you on YouTube!
pellebravesskylar 3 years ago 2
So many jumps and all perfectly executed. An excellent skater. Thanks a lot for posting this. Great to see Scott again.
IanScott750 4 years ago
Yes, this is about as "thrilling" as it gets!! best wishes
k9henrydog 4 years ago
Scott Hamilton = skating. His amateur skates were good, but this guy, when not dealing with the restraints on competition guidelines turned skating on its ear as a pro. Great to see him when he was setting out on his lifelong journey, thanks for posting this video.
IrishLinB 4 years ago
Thanks for commenting, it was a magic moment...and how wonderful that we have access to it......great entertainment...from a real entertainer!!! best wishes
k9henrydog 4 years ago