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Figure Skating
With Amy Rosewater
Washington Post
Tuesday, March 25, 2003; 2 p.m. ET
Can the U.S. women sweep the World Figure Skating Championships? What changes have been made to the judging system in the aftermath of the Olympic figure skating controversy? Is Olympic gold medallist Sarah Hughes ready? Can Michelle Kwan capture her fifth world title?
Washington Post Special Correspondent Amy Rosewater was be online Tuesday, March 25 at 2 p.m. to discuss the World Figure Skating Championships.
The transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Orlando, Fla.:
Many skating insiders are suggesting that, for skating's sake, Michelle Kwan should consider calling an end to her Olympic pursuit -- because she is preventing younger U.S. skaters from breaking through, providing new story lines and creating excitement among fans. I think it's like asking the New York Yankees, the L.A. Lakers, the Williams sisters and Tiger Woods to voluntarily step aside so other teams (or other players) can have their chance at being champions. What do you think about that suggestion?
Amy Rosewater: First of all, let me introduce myself. My name is Amy Rosewater. I am a freelance writer in Baltimore working for The Washington Post during the World Championships. Amy Shipley, the Post's Olympic writer, is at a news conference and was unable to attend this chat. So...you're stuck with me...
Here were go...
Michelle Kwan is in an interesting point in her career. She could decide not to skate in the competitive Olympic ranks, but then, where would she go? The so-called professional ranks are really no longer in existence aside from the touring business and she can --- and has for years --- participated in that.
My feeling is that even though she says an Olympic gold medal does not mean much to her, it really does and she would like that to cap off her amazing career in the sport. As long as she continues to win national and world titles, why not continue?
Washington, D.C.:
Dear Amy, First, I wanted to compliment the Post on its special section on Friday. Second, I saw the men's practice and thought that Ryan Janke looked awesome. He has a grace and presence on ice that few skaters have. Can you tell me more about Ryan and his future prospects?
Amy Rosewater: First of all, thank you...
Second of all, Ryan Jahnke has impressed me at these championships. He skated with such poise in the qualifying round, especially for someone competing at worlds for the first time. He needs to add a quad to his arsenal, but if he can do it, he could have an interesting future in the sport. I love to see surprises in the sport and he has been a fun skater to watch.
Fairbanks, Alaska:
How do you gauge the current situation with many countries (such as the U.S., Japan, Britain, Denmark, Australia) opposing the ISU's plan for a new cumulative scoring system? What do you think the odds are that Ottavio Cinquanta will be able to successfully implement it?
Amy Rosewater: A loaded question considering the latest developments...
I don't have enough time/space to fully answer this question here, but Cinquanta seems to be winning some judges over. In a news conference this morning, several judges admitted they are "converts'' to the new system.
Washington, D.C.:
I watched the 1991 U.S. sweep by Kristi Yamaguchi, Tonya Harding, and Nancy Kerrigan. It's wonderful to have a team with such depth (although Sasha Cohen did NOT perform her best at Nationals). I'm hoping for a repeat this year!
Amy Rosewater: With Irina Slutskaya out of the competition, a U.S. sweep is not out of the question. Keep in mind that Elena Sokolova and Victoria Volchkova are also in this competition as well as a few talented Japanese skaters. It's tough to bet against Michelle, Sasha and Sarah, though.
Baltimore, Md.:
Hi - I have tickets to Saturday's practice session. Is there a practice schedule? I'm assuming it will only be the top women preparing for Saturday evenings competition. Do they all practice? Is it appropriate to ask for autographs at these sessions? Thanks!
Amy Rosewater: Hello Baltimore!
Not all of the skaters will practice, but feel free to ask for autographs. Good luck!
Yonkers, N.Y.:
This skating season is almost over. Who were in your opinion the best surprises and who were disapointments?
In all the years you've been covering figure skating, which promissing skaters never reached their full potential, and which skaters did you think would never be among the elite but defied everyone's expectations by becoming some of the best?
Amy Rosewater: Let me answer the second part first. Easy answers here: Nicole Bobek and Christopher Bowman. Just think of what they might have accomplished....Wow.
As for skaters who would never be among the elite but defied everyone's expectations, let me think for a minute. Paul Wylie certainly came through in the clutch in 1992. I always liked his skating and was so happy he performed so well when it counted. Who knew Sarah Hughes would ever win the gold for that matter? So often she was in Michelle's shadow and poof--- she became a gold medalist. If I think of any more, I'll post it at the end of future messages. Great question!
Oh yeah...surprises of the season. Brian Joubert of course was a surprise early on. Hopefully, his qualifying skate here isn't indicative of the rest of his competition at worlds. Ryan Jahnke obviously was a surprise. I don't follow dance as closely as everything else in skating, but how about Belbin and Agosto as a surprise? As for disappointments, I'd have to say Slutskaya's season was not the best. She's a great person and hopefully, she'll rebound.
Alexandria, Va.:
Amy, I know that the top skaters can make over a million dollars a year. What about a second-tier (Angela Nikodinov, Ryan Jahnke) skater? How much do they make, and from what sources? Do foreign skaters earn less even if they are at the top of the sport (Alexei Yagudin)?
Amy Rosewater: The second-tier skaters can still earn some money. Angela, for instance, is represented by IMG and has performed in shows, etc. It's obviously not millions, but they can sign endorsement deals (ie. skate companies, etc.)
Foreign skaters don't do as well. I was talking with Scott Hamilton about this very issue a week or so ago and he said you have to be an American woman to make the most out of your opportunities. Unfortunately, he said with a laugh, he is an American man. Still, he's done quite well for himself.
Washington, D.C.:
Amy, Can you explain what goes on during the practice sessions at a competition? Why don't some skaters appear? And when their song is played, many don't do their full routine or any of the jumps -- would it make them too tired for competition? And why do judges watch skaters practice?
Amy Rosewater: Practices are important for a skater in terms of gamesmanship. Some choose to use the practices to lay out their program and just get a feel for the ice. Some use the sessions to showcase quads or other big tricks to the judges. Others actually use the sessions to practice. Judges like to watch to get a feel for a skater's program so when they are scoring they know where all the jumps will be.
Washington, D.C.:
Amy,
Who do you predict to win the Ladies competition?
Amy Rosewater: I like Michelle's chances. I know that's a safe bet. Sasha could give her a run for the money but remember, she has to skate three programs at worlds --- two long programs. If Sasha can skate three clean programs, she will be tough to beat.
Ann Arbour, Mich.:
Depending on the result of the womens' event, who among the top brass do you think will stay or leave competitive skating after this season based on their placement at these Worlds?
Amy Rosewater: I think Michelle will stay until 2006. Ditto for Sasha. I think this might be it for Sarah. She has wonderful opportunities on and off the ice.
Glendale, Ariz.:
Hi Amy,
Do you think in mens' skating that too much emphasis is put on quads?
What do you think of some male skaters' "go for broke approach" when it comes to the quad? I ask that question because a lot of skaters are ready and willing to risk shooting themselves in the foot by trying one or two quads in their programs when they can't land them consistently in practice.
Amy Rosewater: There is too much emphasis on the quads, but the skaters who can land them make them fun to watch. I covered Timothy when I worked as a reporter for The Cleveland Plain Dealer and I always enjoyed the ease in which he landed quad after quad. I think if a skater can land them consistently in practice, he should go for it. The ones who are so consistent with them are simply doing them to break into the top. It's just a fact of life now that you have to have a quad to be a contender.
Arlington, Va.:
Amy, I'm confused. I read something about Sacha Cohen needing three good performances but I thought skaters only skated twice during a competition these days (short and long program) since figures were eliminated.
Amy Rosewater: Let me clarify that. At the World Championships, the women/men skate a qualifying round in addition to the short and long programs. The qualifying round is a long program, and it's worth 20 percent of the total score. At nationals and Grand Prix events (excluding the GP Final) have the short and long programs. Hope that answered that!
Littleton, Colo.:
In the past two years many figure skating journalists have been critical of Michelle Kwan for the lack of technical difficulty in her programs. Some have even gone as far as saying she just can't jump anymore. I watched her short and free programs at the U.S Nationals in january, and even though she landed six triples without a 3/3, I thought Michelle had the best jumps of the night. The takeoffs, air position,complete rotations, landing position, the deep edges on her landings (that last 3 lutz just blew me away) were all absolutely perfect.
Do you think her technical precision is/has been overlooked compared to skaters with more difficult programs but with serious technical flaws?
Amy Rosewater: I think Michelle is a wonderful skater. I think that she is criticized simply because she is so strong and has so much potential that people wonder why won't she push the envelope more? You're right that her jumps were strong at nationals and she should receive credit for that. Other skaters have flawed jumps, to be sure, but I like to see people pushing the sport. Even though the women nowadays who are trying triple axels don't necessarily have the artistry, it's great that women's skating is making some strides. When someone puts it all together (ie. Yagudin) it's wonderful to see.
Queens, N.Y.:
Do you have any information on how the Chinese pairs tean Shen and Zhao are doing? I heard Shen took a really nasty fall on the quad throw jump.
Amy Rosewater: Shen did take a nasty spill on a throw quad salchow in practice late Saturday. She was able to skate in the short program last night and was wonderful. Oddly enough, it was her partner, Hongbo, who struggled, not her. She was in pain afterward and had two pain injections. It might be tough for them to get through the long program but she sure is a tough competitor.
Bergen, N.J.:
Hello Amy,
After the U.S Nationals, who among the junior and novice girls do you think will be the next big stars of skating in the years to come?
Amy Rosewater: Watch out for Breatisa Liang (a senior competitor but a youngster nonetheless). I have been following her for a while and she has great potential.
Kimberly Meisner (I think I spelled her last name wrong) is someone to watch, too. She won the novice title. In the junior level, there's Emily Hughes (Sarah's younger sister). She didn't have a great performance at nationals, but she has potential. There are many others.
Dallas, Tex.:
With all of Michelle Kwan's accomplishments to this point( seeing as she may add more to her resume) as of now where would you rank her nationally and internationally among the all-time great female legends of the sport?
Amy Rosewater: She is a legend. With or without that Olympic gold, she will always be remembered for what she accomplished. You can't say enough about her.
Virginia:
Amy, do you skate?
Amy Rosewater: I don't skate now but I have a good excuse. I have a 1-year-old at home!
I did skate in Cleveland for 12 years but I must admit I was a human Zamboni! I loved it and competed at low levels. The only way I was making it to the Olympics was writing about it!
Palo Alto, Calif.:
What do you think of the new skating federation founded by Pfenning and Jackson? Will it ever be able to wrest control of the sport from the ISU?
Amy Rosewater: It's interesting for sure. I think they'll run into funding problems (a million dollars does not go too far these days) and they will have trouble becoming sanctioned by the IOC. I think the main goal of this organization is get attention and make the ISU wake up. They have already achieved that goal. We'll see about the rest.
Ventura, Calif.:
Hi,
A lot has been said about the Japanese women in the past couple of months because of their technical skills. None of them are consistent, and besides Fumie, they seem to lack charm, interpretation of character and musicality. Do you think they are overrated?
Amy Rosewater: I guess we'll find out this week. I'm looking forward to watching them.
Pleasanton,Calif.:
Hi Amy,
If Sarah Hughes does decide to attend college full time and leave competitive skating behind, do you think Robin Wagner will coach another promising skater or will she retire as well?
Amy Rosewater: I don't think Robin will retire. She truly loves skating and coaches because she has a true passion for the sport. I hope she will pass on that passion to other skaters and I believe she will.
Uniondale, N.Y.:
Hello Amy,
I have heard a lot of different things concerning age restrictions from the ISU. I know that after the '98 Olympics, a female skater had to be at least 15 by july 1st of the previous year in order to become eligible for Worlds and other senior-rank competitions, unless she medaled at Jr Worlds(Like Sarah Hughes was eligible for the 1999 Worlds). I recently read on a few skating forums that now a female skater must be at least 16 (by July 1 of the previous year), regardless of whether or not she medaled at Junior Worlds. What is the official ruling by the ISU on this subject matter?
How will it affect the ladies' field in the U.S in the years to come?
Amy Rosewater: I wish I had that answer at my fingertips, but I don't. I know that Sarah Hughes was grandfathered in so to speak because she had medaled at junior worlds... Sasha, meanwhile, had a chance to compete underage but she didn't medal at junior worlds (I believe that was in 2000). For Sarah, her medal at junior worlds was hugely important for her career. It allowed her to skate at Worlds for several years before some of her top competitors (ie. Sasha) and it gave her the confidence and experience to do what she did in Salt Lake.
Washington, D.C.:
Amy,
I read an article today that basically said, when they same skater is on top for so many years, it prevents younger skaters from becoming the "next big thing". It was aimed at Michelle Kwan. What do you think of this theory?
Amy Rosewater: I'm not sure which article you're talking about but here's my two cents. I really like Michelle and I think these other girls have their chances to knock her off her throne but they haven't done it yet. It's really up to them to do it. Michelle shouldn't be blamed for having success.
Boston, Mass.:
Why are the media always so quick to hype the American women's team as sweeping an event all the time? This short-sighted sweep talk has been going on since 1991 and only makes the American women look unsuccessful every time it doesn't happen. The more the sweep talk happens, the bigger the yawn.
Amy Rosewater: You are right and these are patriotic times. I think this year is quite different than 1998 when everyone talked sweep with Kwan, Lipinski and Bobek. (Who really thought that would happen?)
With Slutskaya out, however, I think it could happen this year.
Amy Rosewater: I have to go. Dance competition is underway.
Enjoy the rest of the week!
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