Fabulous article. I fear it rings true.
http://www.rollingstone.com/culture...n-figure-skating-losing-the-cold-war-20150325
http://www.rollingstone.com/culture...n-figure-skating-losing-the-cold-war-20150325
I'm actually amazed that Rolling Stone(!) would publish an article about skating ...
If the Soviet system was so good, why weren't any of the USSR republics producing any singles' gold medalists [save for very few compared to the US] until after 1991 (after the USSR was dissolved)?
And even then, Soviet-born lady champions were so few in number (Baiul [Ukranian], Slutskaya, & Butyrskaya). It was only the latter 2 keeping the ladies' discipline alive in Russia until the government began funding skating to have good results in Sochi.
Everyone keeps bragging about Russia but most likely they won't be getting any medals from anyone but their Ladies. No Pairs medal or Ice Dancing where they have become mediocre and the Men have been less then mediocre for a decade so not everything is working in Russia either at least in Men's and Ice Dancing.
Everyone keeps bragging about Russia but most likely they won't be getting any medals from anyone but their Ladies. No Pairs medal or Ice Dancing where they have become mediocre and the Men have been less then mediocre for a decade so not everything is working in Russia either at least in Men's and Ice Dancing.
This is a sport after all and there's bound to be peaks and valleys. After dominating for so long maybe it just isn't in the cards for U.S ladies to win worlds? Just look at Russia's men situation, after Plushy and Vags, we have Kovtun. . .
Russian men "less then (sic) mediocre" compared to whom? The US? Plushenko was mediocre for the past decade?
I tend to agree with the article.
The American ladies are not "hungry" enough - with Ashley as the exception. Polina might be. Gracie certainly is not.
IMHO, the USFSA should be investing in the young and coming skaters than piling tons of money into headcases like Wagner and Gold. I think calling Wagner "the most talented skater" is also ridiculous, there is a lot of young talent that shows a lot more promise.
IMHO, the USFSA should be investing in the young and coming skaters than piling tons of money into headcases like Wagner and Gold. I think calling Wagner "the most talented skater" is also ridiculous, there is a lot of young talent that shows a lot more promise. Personally I would be putting more money into improving coaches and conditions for skaters like Polina Edmunds, Karen Chen, Bradie Tennell, maybe even some of the Novice/up coming Junior skaters who have a lot of promise.