Elbkup, I watched this a couple of nights ago and also Alexa and Chris's 2017 interview from GS. Two things just leaped out at me. In (which one? :confused2 , Chris said he and Alexa used to each be thinking "what can I do for the team?" But now they think of "what can we do for the team?" I think this is part of the reason they've made such strides in the quality and beauty of their skating together. And skating together for almost 7 years now. I re-watched their 2015 worlds skate, and the in the GS interview, Alexa said that after her illness, they both have such an awareness of what a privilege it is to be able to train every day again. These two attitudes bode well for their getting through these struggles. I think that if Chris can heal well from his injury, this long break between competing will be good for them and a stabilizing force. I guess if he'd had the surgery yet, someone here would know. It's going to be a long wait, but I look forward to seeing them next year.
Thanks Skylark!! Alexa and Chris's downward trajectory has been heartbreaking for me to watch because they are so capable and talented... their situation sort of parallels that of my favorite ice dancers Maddie and Evan who had a difficult Olympic Year to say the least due to Maddie's foot injury. It was a long road back for her.. longer than she expected but they strategized well returning with 2 wonderful programs and a 4 CC Gold Medal... good for them .. I expect the same from Chris and Alexa but it is so tough coming back from her surgery and now Chris's injury... wishing them the best