- Joined
- Nov 6, 2014
I don't think that a former World Champion can be called a perennial #4 skater...
I don't understand you. But Mihara was also at the Worlds in 2017.
I don't think that a former World Champion can be called a perennial #4 skater...
I think Tuktamysheva is the Greatest #4 Skater of All Time. Skater with a bronze medal of GPF and with 3A.
I mean... who does Michel even have for competition back home?
I don't understand you. But Mihara was also at the Worlds in 2017.
I'm probably among the minority, but I much prefer Mai over her training mate, Kaori. I just find her stiff and awkward from the waist up, especially her arms.
Not disputing any of Kaori's wins or placements anywhere. She deserves her spot on the world team. I just don't enjoy watching her skating as much as other Japanese ladies (Satoko, Rika K., Wakaba, Marin).
have you seen her live? i find her very "small"... on tv she is exquisite ... but at the rink, the time i saw her.. and yes.. maybe she wasn't at her best... who knows? everything looked small and bland and not drawing the crowd in... and i went there as a huge fan. but if the question is "is mai the best of the 4thss.... i would say yes... in the sense that i'd rather watch her skate than michal " but i know some will disagree
I have also seen her live and was a bit disappointed. She was one of my favorites and her performance wasn't drawing me in.I’ve seen Mai live, and I actually have the opposite impression than you. I thought her skating was even more beautiful live—so quiet, so ethereal. Not sure if that’s what you mean by skating small, but I fell in love with her skating after watching her live!
Brezina is a three time national champion. I really don't think you can say that he was never a Top 3 Skater in his country.
Compared to Rika, Wakaba, Marin, Satoko, and Kaori, Mai is just less appealing. It's very unfortunate for her, because in any other country - even Russia in certain years - she would definitely be in the top 3. Good SS, jumps, and spins - but she isn't AMAZING in anything, and her performance/choreo is kind of bland compared to her countrywomen. That said, I do wonder if Japan will regret sending Satoko over Mai, since Satoko is and always will be very prone to URs.
I’ve seen Mai live, and I actually have the opposite impression than you. I thought her skating was even more beautiful live—so quiet, so ethereal. Not sure if that’s what you mean by skating small, but I fell in love with her skating after watching her live!
Compared to Rika, Wakaba, Marin, Satoko, and Kaori, Mai is just less appealing. It's very unfortunate for her, because in any other country - even Russia in certain years - she would definitely be in the top 3. Good SS, jumps, and spins - but she isn't AMAZING in anything, and her performance/choreo is kind of bland compared to her countrywomen. That said, I do wonder if Japan will regret sending Satoko over Mai, since Satoko is and always will be very prone to URs.
I appreciate there are many takes on this rather ambigous title. But I was say the best no. four might be Tiffany Chin who was fourth at the 1984 olympics - thank goodnesss for historical videos; and for sure Bourne and Kraatz who placed oufth at the olympics. Liza would match her right now as she is the odd woman out in russia, Agai it depends on what you are looking at. Gracie Gold was an amazing 4th at the olympics and worlds. Mirai Nagasu and Ashley Wagner when they came fourth at their nationals during the olympic years might be deemed the best no.4. This one is h ard to answer because it is really unclear no.4 where, when, context.
I agree. When I first saw Mai skating at Worlds practice in Helsinki, I couldn't take my eyes off her. Just watching her stroking around and doing crossovers was very pleasant to watch (save for the spirals...). But since then I can't say I've felt the same, though I only have TV to speak of (and 2017 ACI but she wasn't peaked then).
I feel bad that she'll forever be stuck with David Wilson's most bland and uninspiring work. But as for Satoko, hey, she medalled on the GP circuit, made the final, is a 2x world medalist and just off the Olympic podium. And really you only need 2 of the 3 skaters to secure 3 spots. Japan has never lost 3 spots with Satoko on the team...I understand the rationale.
Mirai was never 4th in Olympic years...
She was, however, fourth at the actual 2010 Olympics.Mirai was never 4th in Olympic years...
I'm probably among the minority, but I much prefer Mai over her training mate, Kaori. I just find her stiff and awkward from the waist up, especially her arms.
Not disputing any of Kaori's wins or placements anywhere. She deserves her spot on the world team. I just don't enjoy watching her skating as much as other Japanese ladies (Satoko, Rika K., Wakaba, Marin).