2006 Shawn Sawyer OLYMPIC LP Canada

Shawn Sawyer shows us some fantastic skating at the Turin Olympics. Like my reaction to Toller Cranston before him, I thought when I saw him......that 'this' is the future of men's skating. Unfortunately, the new point scoring 'Sport' approach to skating has made his ascension to the top ranks difficult. The emphasis on counting jumps seems to deny a skater with strengths in the artistic marks a chance to be heard. I could learn to accept this new scoring system if it was limited to the short program (that seems to make sense to me). A return to the 6.0 system for the long program might offer an opportunity to save figure skating from its eminent self-destruction. The programs and competitive events today are for the most part......boring, repetitive, intellectually unsatisfying, and an insufferable burden to audiences. They often dissolve into an 'ass busting' farce. Rules that develop a 'technical' short program, and an 'artistic' long might keep ad dollars flowing into broadcasts.....and the sport moving forward. I would hate to see it go the way of roller derby and barrel jumping.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• figure
• skating
• Shawn
• Sawyer
• Olympic
• long
• program
• lp
• canada
• mens
• flexibility

[anne91276]

I just can't stop saying how amazing Shawn Sawyer is! I have never seen a most flexible male figure skater until when he came along! What genius! I think we should definitely change the rules so that the flexible skaters like him should not be denied his right to express artistry! So far as I seen, he may be really the first graceful and flexible male skater in history! Now I don't have to have a typical view of male figure skaters showing technical elements.

[k9henrydog]

@anne91276 There is definitely a lack of artistic freedom in the new rules format......very little variety in programs anymore.......it's just a question of having music that impacts. Most rarely skate to their music.......I suspect we need a new event, artistic skating (Patinage Artistic).........but that requires an examination of business interests to support such a concept. I suspect it would work.........thanks for commenting, best wishes

[RovertJify]

This is beautiful skating, Richard. I'd never heard of Mr. Sawyer before this video showed up in my recommendations, but his positions, interpretive skills, flexibility, and jumping technique are all quite pleasing to see. You mentioned Cranston in the info, and the similarities stand out perhaps not so much in technique but in goals.

[k9henrydog]

@RovertJify Yes.......just a little dance and intelligence elevates skating to high art....it is a shame we don't see more performances like this one.......they are all boring gymnastic routines anymore....all the same........shame thanks for commenting, best wishes

[Menelorn]

I'm with you on this one, when I saw him at the Torino Olympics, I was thinking "Wow! I wish there were more men's skaters like this one!" There might have been a few steps out because of Olympic nerves, but the program was solid and wonderfully artistic. Musical placement was wonderful as well, and I think that is missing from a lot of programs these days. It would, indeed, be interesting if they moved to a 6.0 system in the LP. Then you'd still really have to balance to get up on the podium!

[k9henrydog]

I live for the day, we stop this nonsense! The LP needs 6.0 scoring since it is telecast most often. Makes for a faster flow of the event......and we all still love our 6.0's (and 5.8 and 5.9's to).....thanks for commenting.....

[RovertJify]

The positions, particularly, are very unique but executed without the flair that Cranston was known for. In jumping technique, I can also see hints of Toller, especially in landings when I think of that nice high carriage and edges on the exit - although Sawyer's larger combinations seem to lose this (in my opinion). Ah well, thank you for an excuse to ramble and a nice performance, bravo.