We have watched Shen and Zhao grow over so many years, and I was delighted to see them take the gold in Vancouver. I, too, love Russian pairs, but Shen and Zhao have earned their place among the greatest pairs of all time. A great pair can have a wobble, then go on to triumph in a competitive program. Maybe that is what "great" means. S&Z grew over the years from having big tricks to mastering all the smaller things, and they became artists. And forged such a magical connection. Stellar.
Y'know, it's weird, and I'm not sure that I could tell you exactly why, but I absolutely know that I'm never going to find a pair that I like as much as these two.
I am with you 100%. I have seen many world class pairs who skate wonderfully with great technique, artistry, musicality, and even romance, of course, including Shen and Zhao. But just like what Dick Button once said: "you know, they are skating with heart. I think it's the most important thing that we are seeing in comparison to some of the other pairs." That was why they had the audience rising before their program even ended in many occasions. I think that may be your answer.
I feel that there is a huge divide between the Russian style and the Chinese style of pairs skating. I did not like these two at first because they were my first exposure to the Chinese style, which looked to me to be all knees and elbows and inelegant lines/positions. I still prefer Russian style, but these two are truly great and did deserve their Olympic medal fully, and would have been worthy of the gold if they'd won it.
I think you're being unfair. I'm a huge fan of Russian figure skating too, but I think what S&Z have achieved is nothing short of phenomenal: when we first saw them, they were all about power and big skills, but in terms of artistry they were behind. Now they're arguably the most artistic pair in the world without having lost the huge jumps and throws. That deserves nothing but our admiration and our awe, also because it takes a lot of work to evolve artistically! And they've worked hard.
absolutely. and after two years of retirement...they've come back to win olympic gold... Completely well deserved in my opinion, despite that hiccup on the lift in the long program. In my opinion, the amazing short program more than made up for it.
Yeah, the wobble on the lift was very uncharacteristic, but took nothing away of the beauty, the passion and the artistry of their performance. After they've won, I feel like there's justice in the world after all...
Beautiful, so lovely...if fate were not against them they are one of the few who deserve an Oly gold because of who they are and not one four minute performance. Comparisons to the famous Propotopovs not overdone.
I actually think Pang & Tong, Zhang & Zhang are getting better, at least their unisons are much better. It's very hard to ask S&Z to do those level 4 spins with good unison. When they did those simpler spins in their early seasons, they were not that bad.
Apparently Hongbo was planning to propose to her on the ice after the long programme, but when he kneed down Xue misunderstood and came down with him, so he didn't get a chance!
Just imagine how wonderful that would be! There wouldn't be a dry eye in the arena! A perfect ending to an extraordinary career!! Wish them the best luck in the world for their future together!! xo
I see they solved the timing problem that appeared at previous events. The program ends exactly where the music ends. And the program has been polished with refined details.
I see they solved the timing problem that appeared at previous events. The program ends exactly when the music ends. And the program has been polished with refined details.
You people really have to STOP nitpicking. It was a boring contest and they were the only bright spot. They were the only one's with good tecnnique overall and they have a magical connection. Stop pointing out minor errors.
They're really great but I don't think I've ever once seen their side by side spins in synch or a good death spiral. Twists, throws and lifts are always great to see. They've been cheated a few times, I hope they do well.
I guess maybe 1.a slight double foot of Zhao's triple toe. 2. a slight halt during the combination spin. 3. slightly untidy in the side by side spins?
St st st st stunning.
KiaOra53 11 months ago
We have watched Shen and Zhao grow over so many years, and I was delighted to see them take the gold in Vancouver. I, too, love Russian pairs, but Shen and Zhao have earned their place among the greatest pairs of all time. A great pair can have a wobble, then go on to triumph in a competitive program. Maybe that is what "great" means. S&Z grew over the years from having big tricks to mastering all the smaller things, and they became artists. And forged such a magical connection. Stellar.
ja3399 1 year ago
the most georgeous 3Loop throw in a history
Basileus1983 1 year ago
xue shen is so beautiful here, i love the opening moves
violajean 1 year ago
One of the best pair ever together with the Protapopovs and Gordeeva-Grinkov.
BigdealXXIII 2 years ago
You can definitely tell they're a couple. They work together like they're one person
Falln4DarkAngel 2 years ago
watching them gives me goosebumps~~
fagott821 2 years ago
They are always sooooooo in sync! I don't know how to explain it... but I am like addicted to their performances.
MangaGirlAtUniverse 2 years ago 6
Y'know, it's weird, and I'm not sure that I could tell you exactly why, but I absolutely know that I'm never going to find a pair that I like as much as these two.
Chsrles62 2 years ago 24
No explanation needed. :) They were phenomenal and revolutionized the sport, not only for Chinese figure skating, but worldwide.
intldawn 2 years ago 9
I am with you 100%. I have seen many world class pairs who skate wonderfully with great technique, artistry, musicality, and even romance, of course, including Shen and Zhao. But just like what Dick Button once said: "you know, they are skating with heart. I think it's the most important thing that we are seeing in comparison to some of the other pairs." That was why they had the audience rising before their program even ended in many occasions. I think that may be your answer.
twinphx 2 years ago 6
I know the feeling cause for me it's the same with anissina/peizerat in dance ;-)
moietmavieana 2 years ago 3
heartwarming....
flora830810 3 years ago 5
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I feel that there is a huge divide between the Russian style and the Chinese style of pairs skating. I did not like these two at first because they were my first exposure to the Chinese style, which looked to me to be all knees and elbows and inelegant lines/positions. I still prefer Russian style, but these two are truly great and did deserve their Olympic medal fully, and would have been worthy of the gold if they'd won it.
ariana1984 3 years ago
I think you're being unfair. I'm a huge fan of Russian figure skating too, but I think what S&Z have achieved is nothing short of phenomenal: when we first saw them, they were all about power and big skills, but in terms of artistry they were behind. Now they're arguably the most artistic pair in the world without having lost the huge jumps and throws. That deserves nothing but our admiration and our awe, also because it takes a lot of work to evolve artistically! And they've worked hard.
AnnaPavlovaFan 2 years ago 40
absolutely. and after two years of retirement...they've come back to win olympic gold... Completely well deserved in my opinion, despite that hiccup on the lift in the long program. In my opinion, the amazing short program more than made up for it.
ProjectRevolution 2 years ago 4
Yeah, the wobble on the lift was very uncharacteristic, but took nothing away of the beauty, the passion and the artistry of their performance. After they've won, I feel like there's justice in the world after all...
AnnaPavlovaFan 2 years ago
wonderful.. just wonderful.. they are the BEST!!! :D
vman7272 4 years ago 9
Wonderful!
Papapyes 4 years ago 3
They're the BEST!!
MsClassie 5 years ago 4
Beautiful, so lovely...if fate were not against them they are one of the few who deserve an Oly gold because of who they are and not one four minute performance. Comparisons to the famous Propotopovs not overdone.
fjellmannjenta 5 years ago 2
I don't think it's being nitpicky to say that they're sbs have always been a problem. (I've given up on the sbs of ALL the Chinese pairs!!!)
They're still one of the best pairs ever.
seiiircz 5 years ago
I actually think Pang & Tong, Zhang & Zhang are getting better, at least their unisons are much better. It's very hard to ask S&Z to do those level 4 spins with good unison. When they did those simpler spins in their early seasons, they were not that bad.
mao3axel 5 years ago 2
Apparently Hongbo was planning to propose to her on the ice after the long programme, but when he kneed down Xue misunderstood and came down with him, so he didn't get a chance!
Just imagine how wonderful that would be! There wouldn't be a dry eye in the arena! A perfect ending to an extraordinary career!! Wish them the best luck in the world for their future together!! xo
theBlueBrick 5 years ago
yeah! now that you mentioned it...i went back and look and he really did that. where did you find out?
sk8ergirl2014 5 years ago
he said so in a post match interview, after she said 'yes' of course.. ;-)
theBlueBrick 5 years ago
thanks for the reply! is there a video of that? i wanna see!! ^^
sk8ergirl2014 5 years ago
Their SP at 2002 SLC was very exciting. Few people have talked about it.
wangyinan928 5 years ago
I see they solved the timing problem that appeared at previous events. The program ends exactly where the music ends. And the program has been polished with refined details.
wangyinan928 5 years ago
I see they solved the timing problem that appeared at previous events. The program ends exactly when the music ends. And the program has been polished with refined details.
wangyinan928 5 years ago
You people really have to STOP nitpicking. It was a boring contest and they were the only bright spot. They were the only one's with good tecnnique overall and they have a magical connection. Stop pointing out minor errors.
ShamusMacGuffin 5 years ago
Yeah We know they're the best right now. But there's no harm pointing out it's not perfect.
wangyinan928 5 years ago
Wow... throw loop was incredible!!! Just look at that edge when she lands and the embellishment with her arms is so beautiful.
uncchristine99 5 years ago
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nice program , but savshenko and solkowy are the best!!!!
limide 5 years ago
They're really great but I don't think I've ever once seen their side by side spins in synch or a good death spiral. Twists, throws and lifts are always great to see. They've been cheated a few times, I hope they do well.
principessa0007 5 years ago
Their spins are always second rate. But Their death spiral has no problem. And indeed They had always been scored too low pre 2003
wangyinan928 5 years ago
2004 Worlds. Long program. IMO, best they've ever done.
charismaticrain 2 years ago
Have been dying to see this SP...it's gorgeous! Thanks for posting this so quickly!
seiiircz 5 years ago
WON-DER-FUL:) I love them
Agulec0 5 years ago
Technically breath taking.
wangyinan928 5 years ago
Thanks for sharing^-^
xuefan76 5 years ago
IMO, they are one of the greatest pairs of all time.
ShamusMacGuffin 5 years ago 3
Exquisite as ever
judeluo 5 years ago
They made 3 little mistakes, but wow. The performance quality was amazing regardless. I'm still amazed at how far they've come. Simply fantastic.
carminoff 5 years ago
could u bother to tell me tat ,in ur opinion ,what r the 3 little mistakes? ...
ngoyashiro 5 years ago
I guess maybe 1.a slight double foot of Zhao's triple toe. 2. a slight halt during the combination spin. 3. slightly untidy in the side by side spins?
wangyinan928 5 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
zhao's trople toe was ok
skyofsouthafrica 3 years ago
@wangyinan928
hihi would like to point out that zhao's triple toe is perfectly clean. The ice splash is from his landing foot, not his free leg.
lutz84 1 year ago
On the triple twist, he didn't set her down while on one foot. They had a slight stumble on the exit to their lift. SBS went slightly out of sync.
carminoff 5 years ago