So sounds like Nathan has decided to focus on skating full time. Good news!
Hopefully he adapts well to the rule change. It’s an awkward timing to change things around 1 season before Olympics when the world is going through a pandemic.
I'm curious about Raf saying Nathan was back from Dallas. What was he doing there? Were any gyms or rinks open?
I'm curious about Raf saying Nathan was back from Dallas. What was he doing there? Were any gyms or rinks open?
But one thing seems clear (and comes as no surprise ) he wants him to do even more quads. Probably chasing the dream of an And if anything, the brand new BV changes just gave him and Nathan even more incentive to go for the 4Lo again...-quads program (+ 3A). And if anything, the brand new BV changes just gave him and Nathan even more incentive to go for the 4Lo again...
Iirc, 4lo was on his plan for next season during one of his interviews last year.
He attempted 4Lo at JO two years ago so he must have been landing it in practice at the time. And he also mentioned it in the interview with Nick McCarvel.
https://youtu.be/21nxJePE7F8?t=664
He's probably landing it decently well in practice but just needs to build up the stamina for a 6 quad program.
I actually didn’t get the sense from this interview that Raf wants Nathan to do more quads, at least it’s not the only or most important focus, which I thought was refreshing.
If it was just about the jumps I don’t think he would’ve said there are a lot of things he needs to work on. He even suggested dance classes which I’ve never heard him say before regarding Nathan, which makes me think he’s a lot more well-rounded than just a jump specialist.
I agree with this. I think Nathan has mentioned in past interviews that Raf was the one who pushed him as a junior to try a variety of styles for his programs (made him go outside his comfort zone). Nathan also mentioned in a recent interview (it’s in my post from a page or two back) that he’s learned the art and beauty of figure skating from Raf. Probably more to Raf then the public image of a technical specialist (but, of course, there’s that, too).I actually didn’t get the sense from this interview that Raf wants Nathan to do more quads, at least it’s not the only or most important focus, which I thought was refreshing. If it was just about the jumps I don’t think he would’ve said there are a lot of things he needs to work on. He even suggested dance classes which I’ve never heard him say before regarding Nathan, which makes me think he’s a lot more well-rounded than just a jump specialist.
Someone asked TeamRaf to clarify if Nathan is done for the semester or done with Yale in general, the reply the person got was: "Nathan is done with university until the Olympics." So Nathan will be able to train full time the next two seasons.I wouldn't be so sure about that. Those interviews are Raf's ramblings translated from russian into english, so he could've just meant that Nathan has finished his semester, i.e. he's finished with school 'for now'. And just a few weeks ago Nathan didn't rule out returning to Yale before the Olympics, so...
Honestly, depending on the global situation next season he could probably still juggle skating and school. Like if Yale classes are online only, or if most of the skating season is canceled.
He spoke for only a short time and introduced a group of graduating high schools seniors. But he looked good, wearing a black suit jacket and navy shirt w/ white polka dots. His hair was great, too!
https://youtu.be/mINuSSCXRRA