- Joined
- Mar 5, 2014
I am rather upset with Mao's performance, though, watching it, I suppose it couldn't be helped. Her flip is wonky now because she's fixing her lutz and I know it can't be helped. Once her lutz settles, her flip will also settle and then she'll do the 3flip-3loop as well. I know all of this but I'm still upset!!!
I wish Mao could get more support with managing her mental game. I don't think Mr. Sato is very good at that. It's not just with Mao that he's not that great. He's generally not that great with managing the mental aspect of all his athletes, and I know it's kind of hard to ask a man in his 70's to develop a new skill set but if he's a first-rate coach, he ought to develop his ability to manage his athletes' emotions more.
Mao's jumps were beautiful in warm up so I don't think that is the problem. I think her mental resolve and focus is probably vulnerable because she has suffered from repeated illnesses and fatigue and evidently lost weight at the busiest point in the season with so many back to back competitions when she didn't even compete last year. I do agree that it appears she needs someone experienced in managing stress to help her. But, there is nobody more upset by her performance than she is based on her downcast head in the Kiss and Cry, so I just want to sympathize with what she must be feeling and hope that she comes back strong and fighting in Sochi LP style tomorrow. I think Mao has already done way more than enough. I just want her to by satisfied with her performances and cast off the weight of other peoples' expectations.
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