No surprises so far in Team Event

A Russian Cinderella story on ice.
Photo by Ivan Sekretarev/AP

People who are surprised with the results after the first day of Team Competition in Sochi are the ones that don't follow the sport, pure and simple. That the US media has done such a poor job of being realistic has not helped people understand or prepare for the idea that the rest of the world has caught us up.

As I stated in my previous post (Let the Games begin!), Team USA is going to be fighting for a podium placement, but it will not be gold. After the first two disiplines results for the team event - USA will be lucky to make the podium at all. But there are still more chances to win points, and we have the best coming up.

The skating events started (early morning for those of us in North America) Thursday with the men of the ten countries represented. Over all it was a well skated event, though many came crashing down at least once. By far the most talked about skater going into today was Evgeni Plushenko of Russia. Plushenko is the elder statesman in the event being 31, and this is his fourth Olympics. Should Team Russia make the podium - a good possibility - Plushenko will have medaled in all four games - which would seal his name in the record books. Plushenko has been absent from the sport for some time as he battled with injuries and surgeries, but he battled back to make the team. Russia had one spot in the men's event, and it was highly controversial that they went with Plushenko who had rough competitions at nationals and did not compete at the European Championships.

However, Plushenko showed the world he is not to be written off so easily. While visibly slow and scratchy on landings and spins, and obviously winded at the end of his short program, Plushenko found himself finishing 2nd out of 10. Not too shabby for the "grandpa".

Evgeny Plushenko showed emotion
after he finished his program.
Photo by Ivan Sekretarev/AP

Also, unsurprising, Patrick Chan and Yuzuru Hanyu are also in the top three, with Hanyu on top. Helping Japan secure the (very temporary) lead, which is well needed since Japan's pairs and dance teams are their weak links. Hanyu was nearly flawless in his short program, while Canada's Patrick Chan had some minor issues. If there's one thing to be surprised about - it's that the judging seems quite fair so far in these Winter Olympic Games. And, in of all places, RUSSIA.

On the not so great end of things, Jeremy Abbott once again reminded fans and viewers alike why he's the skater that is so great - who's never won anything of actual substance internationally. Abbott's done this to us before - four years ago in Vancouver. And he repeatedly does as he did Thursday. Abbott went out and wiped the ice. You could tell as he took his starting position that he was nervous, and that the nerves would take over. With the fall on the quad you could see in his face it was done, and for the next two minutes Abbot and skating fans alike let out a collective groan. So much talent in a skater who just was not made for competition.

The pairs short program also had a lack of surprises. Russia was clearly the front runner going into this event, and it showed. Canada and China join the Russians for the top three. And, in a good effort the US pair managed a fifth place finish after the short program. They had an issue on their side by side jumps, but overall had a great performance and were rewarded for it. That helped Team USA a bit, but there's a giant hole for the team to dig out of if they hope to make it to the final.

As it stands, the points after day one of Team Event are as follows:

1 - Russia - 19 points
2 - Canada - 17 points
3 - China - 15 points
4 - Japan - 13 points
5 - Germany - 10 points
6 - France - 10 points
7 - USA - 10 points
8 - Italy - 8 points
9 - Ukraine - 5 points
10 - Great Britain - 3 points

Tomorrow there is no competition for the skaters as it will be the Opening Ceremonies. Skating resumes Saturday with the Short Dance and Ladies' short program. the USA should make a big jump up in the standings after the dance portion, but it's anyone's guess if Ashley can shake off the results at nationals - and all the naysayers and haters that followed - and take on the pressure put on her to make the final. She has the ability to be great, but she has to have a handle on the nerves. Otherwise we'll see another skate like Abbott's. And there'll be no way to stop the hate.

Let the Games begin!

Photos from NBCOlympics.com.

The 2014 Winter Olympic Games kicks off this weekend in Sochi, Russia. The Opening Ceremonies are on Friday (tape delayed for the US, of course), but there are events happening the day before - and they're awesome.

Anyone who's followed my blog for any length of time knows that I'm a figure skating fan. I'm not one that know every rule, every technical term, or what not - but I've followed the sport for *gulp* 25 years. I won't ever meet the requirements for ISU judge, but that doesn't stop me from having predictions that have at least a little knowledge behind them.

This is the first Olympics that there's a TEAM figure skating event. Don't confuse it with synchronized skating - this ain't it. The ISU has been toying around with the concept for a few years, and they've recently implemented it in their line up of competitions - it typically is after the World Championships.

Apparently the different skating federations have decided that choosing the skaters to represent in the team event is to be closely guarded for strategy. I'm not sure how or why that works, but the teams are being named as close to competition as possible. The Team consists of one skater or team per discipline per country. Two substitutes per country can be added/switched for the long programs. Skaters for the Team Event must also have qualified for the Individual Event of their discipline at both their Federation and the International Skating Union (ISU) level.

Skating fans have been discussing for weeks now as to who will be skating in what portion of the team event. The skaters for Thursday's competition have been named, and there's no surprise on the list. The Sochi Official site does not have any info past the Men's and Pair's short program entrants, and only a few teams have gone on to list their entire team. Team USA made statements throughout Wednesday naming who they planned to send out for the short programs, with some news reports also listing the long (a lot of contradictions).

Here's what we know about Team USA going into the Team Event:

Men's Short - Jeremy Abbot
Pairs Short & Long - Castelli & Shnapir
Ladies Short - Ashley Wagner
Dance Short & Long - Davis & White

It's rumored that Gracie Gold will take the Ladies Long. One should also safely assume that Jeremy Abbot will get to skate both short and long, however fans are hoping Jason Brown gets to skate his long to River Dance in the team event.

Looking at rosters, it's a good chance that Team USA will be on the podium, but they're not a lock for gold. Russia has a strong team with several skaters looking at medals in the individual events which bodes well for a team event (Pairs, Mens is possible with Evgeny Plushenko, though he is not unbeatable). Couple that with them skating in their Home Country and it's a good bet that they're looking at a gold. Team Canada is also incredibly strong (Mens & Dance). Team Japan have strong ladies and men, but don't come close in pairs or dance. USA has only one discipline where we realistically have a chance to win and that's ice dance. Our pairs are mediocre at best (when it comes to the best in the world), and our ladies and men are good skaters when they're on... but they aren't always on.

The US media, and NBC in particular will breeze over this fact... but don't let them fool you. USA *could* win, but it will take a lot of determination on the part of the team - and faltering from other skaters - to make it happen. It's possible, but not likely. Still, I expect them on the podium.

I look at Russia or Canada taking gold.

Closing Thoughts on the Winter Olympiad

So seventeen days have passed rather quickly. The closing ceremonies are complete, and now we wait four years until the games return - this time in Sochi, Russia - where the best in the field will compete once again for themselves, their team and their country.

It's true, for many we follow one or two sports closely and the rest we only see every four years. Still, when the games rolls around we become enthralled with every part of the games. Whether or not we're cheering on our countrymen we are all connected together by television (and now computer) as we watch the greatest dramas unfold.

The games started out on a rather tragic note with the death of the Georgian Luger, but that sadness was quickly replaced by the joy of wins in many events by many countries, only to be reminded -once again- when Canadian Figure Skater Joannie Rochette's mother passed away on her way to see her daughter practice on Olympic Ice.

It seems Vancouver was destined to have some of the greatest moments and stories of the Winter Games. Joannie Rochette rose from her grief to claim a bronze medal at a point in time where the color of the medal - or a medal at all - didn't matter. It was about skating for her mother. It was about the curling teams wonderfully ugly - yet stylish - pants. It was about favorites hitting their mark, and it was about new stars rising to the occassion. It was drama, it was passion, it was the Winter Games.

Golden Heart

Well, she did it; Joannie Rochette skated - and skated masterfully - in the ladies' short program last night, just two days after losing her mother suddenly to a heart attack.

One has to wonder just where that sort of strength comes from. Joannie was on the verge of tears as she took the ice for warm up only to have a solid pass. She was once again visibly emotional as her name was announced and the crowd's overwhelming response resonated within the arena. After a few deep breaths she took her position and for two and a half minutes she held the World captive with a magical performance.

If there was a dry eye in the place, the cameras couldn't find it. If there was a commentator or judge or official not pulling for her - you'd never know it. Joannie skated through the pain to a third place, placement and is in a great spot for tomorrow nights final.

But it's not about medals now. It wasn't about medals last night. It was about skating for her mother, the friend and parent she lost so suddenly. It was about healing, it was about getting through the grief. It was a tribute. It was for herself. It was an Olympic Moment that will be remembered forever.

Our hearts are with Joannie Rochette, and her family, as she is giving us hers.

Ladies' Night!

It all comes down to the 'finale' and tradition mandates that Ladies close out figure skating competition in the games. In most years they bring the more drama - but I don't think anything comes close to the drama the men have and had the other night.

So who's in it for the gold?

All eyes are on Yuna Kim of Korea (look for the NBC commentators to call her Kim Yu-Na because they think they're that cool) to take the Gold. She has a massive amount of momentum, and if she can stand up on everything she should win, she is -after all- the reigning world champion. Look for her on the podium, and if you're not in it for the ladies, she has Brian Orser for a coach. He has two Olympic silvers to his credit, and he's one of the best North American skaters of all time - and certainly one of the best Canadians of all time.

Mao Asada was crowned best in the world by fans when she burst onto teh senior scene at age fourteen. Too young to skate in Torino this will also be her first Olympics (same for Yuna). Mao has had a difficult couple of seasons, due mainly to her struggle to master the Triple Axel in both the short and long program. It's become an obsession that will most likely cost her Gold in Vancouver. Still, if she does hit them she'll be unstoppable.

Joannie Rochette came to Vancouver with Canada's hopes riding on her shoulder. With the recent, tragic loss of her mother she has - in Sandra Besic's words - become the "Daughter of the Olympics." No longer is the color of the medal important, or a medal at all, but just two great heartfelt skates for her will be enough for fans worldwide. Still, if she lets herself just get into the programs and forgets the pressure - which in a way is completely gone - she could still be the spoiler of the event.

Japan's Miki Ando is the hit or miss spoiler girl, but she's been on fire as of late. She's a World Champion who's let the pressure get to her, but with Japan's hopes focussed on Mao Asada, Miki could swoop in for a top spot on the podium. It's all about the pressure and how she handles it. She's skating to programs that suit her style and personality, and the judges still favor coach-choreographer Morosov's style. If she skates the way she has all season the "It Girls" may be in trouble.

For the first time in a long time America's sweethearts are not favored to win any sort of medal. It's disappointing to those in the American Media - though they've found darlings in others such as Lindsey Vohn - but all events go in cycles where the big names in skating come from elsewhere. We're seeing the shift in Pairs and Ice Dance where Russia has dominated for half a century, we're seeing it in Ladies. Even in men's skating we're seeing the shift come back to the US after Former Soviet countries (mainly Russia with one Ukranian champion thrown in) dominated the title from 1992 till now.

Rachel Flatt is coming in as the newly crowned US Champion. She's a solid skater, a solid competitor. But she lacks a certain something. She doesn't get the American public as excited as a Michelle Kwan, Sasha Cohen or Tara Lipinski. She's reminicent of Nancy Kerrigan - she has admirable qualities on and off the ice, but the something special seems to be missing. Rachel is the best hope for a top ten placement in Vancouver, but we've seen so many shake ups in the "should bes" in the last ten days that anything is possible.

Mirai Nagasu sums up the other half of the US ladies team. She's spunky, she's got the goods, if she can just rotate her jumps fully. Many believed that it was Mirai who won, and not Rachel the night of the long program. She has the crowd eating out of the palm of her hand with the charisma she has when she performs. However, the confident Mirai we saw in Vancouver is someone new. She reemerged ready to skate and ready to compete after last season's disaster of a year. If she continues with her newly refound confidence Mirai could pull an upset over her teammate. But don't look for either on the podium.

So, tomorrow night brings out the ladies feisty and hungry for their time in the spotlight. Here's hoping the princesses become queens!

Photos (c) Getty Images, Associated Press and Reuters c/o DayLife.com

Tango Romantica

Tonight was a night of no surprises. Such is life in Ice Dancing. Though, if you're one of those that watches only every four years, it could be shocking to see three North American teams within points of each other all vying for positions on the podium.

If you've been watching every season leading up to Vancouver, you aren't surprised. You're also not surprised that it seems the American "It Team" of Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto have lost the good graces of the judges - though they are still in medal contention be prepared to see the gap between third and fourth to grow. Such is life in ice dance, the other North American teams have been together longer and it shows in their competitive programs.

Original dances are Sunday, so we'll see where they all place once the folk dances begin. Look for a late coming skater spotlight on here tomorrow.

Photo (c) Getty Images c/o DayLife.com.

The Drought Is Over

The cloud has lifted. The jinx is over. What other cliches can we throw at the surprise last night? Evan Lysacek broke all sorts of streaks last night with his win over heavy Gold medal favorite Evgeni Plushenko - and the win shocked everyone, including Lysacek.

Skating first in the final flight of men, Evan Lysacek was visibly nervous and tight - giving commentators Sandra Besic and Scott Hamilton cause to worry he wouldn't deliver. But, deliver he did. It was cautious, without the abandon that usually comes within his programs - especially during footwork - but he laid it down. And the others followed suit with only minor mistakes coming from most.

One has to wonder if Evan had resolved to "skate for silver" instead of Gold. Everyone seemed to assume that if Evgeni Plushenko stood up - and why wouldn't he? - he would just be handed the gold (this blogger believed that even though she chose Evan Lysacek for the USFSA's fantasy skating team). When the scores came up it was shock, joy, pain, frustration, a mix of emotions heard round the world. In sports history it goes down as one of the biggest upsets of all time.

Evan is the first American to win Gold in Men's Figure Skating since 1988 when Brian Boitano narrowly beat out Brian Orser of Canada to win the gold in Calgary. Evan is the first reigning World Champion since Scott Hamilton won in 1984 in Sarajevo. Evgeni got all the attention for trying to be the first since Dick Button (yes, another American) to win a second, consecutive Olympic title. It didn't happen. It was Evan's night.

It was Frank's night (finally, a gold medalist out of his camp!).

It was America's night.

But, ultimately, it was Evan's night.

Bring on the Men!

With the Pairs Long Program tonight, and the Men's short program tomorrow, there's no good time to do a pre game post (some of us have jobs outside of blogging for the games, unfortunately). Not that anyone but me reads these things, but at least someone is having fun.

Tomorrow night is going to showcase the world's finest the only way the Games can. No event is going to be more jam packed with drama and athletics. There's no real favorite three to podium, but there are some big names that are recognizable, and all men are hungry to win.

The only pretty much shoo-in for the Gold is Evgeni Plushenko. He's come back to competitive skating just this season for this event. He's definitely gotten the judges' blessing here in Vancouver. All he needs to do is stand up and he'll nab gold. Granted, anything can happen, but as we saw in Torino, where others have to be well-rounded athletes, all Plushenko has to do is show up and jump. Sadly it looks like that's what will happen here as well.

World Champion Evan Lysacek is the favorite as far as US media is concerned, mainly because he is ranked first in the World. Evan is a fierce competitor who knows what it takes to win. While he's not the reigning US Champion, he is the highest ranking American internationally in Vancouver. Evan was fourth in Torino, coming back from a disappointing Short Program to have an incredibly Long program and some said he should have been higher (in third) at teh end of the night. Evan has decided not to go for the quad in this competition after he failed to complete it in Spokane last month, but anything can happen and he can't be counted out.

Stephane Lambiel is another athlete who's come out of retirement, so to speak, for another chance at the Olympic Games. The "Flying Zebra" landed on the podium in second place four years ago, but injuries have plagued Stephane, and it's been a true battle for him to get back in form for Vancouver. No one spins like this guy, though, and his smile is infectious. He's definitely got the lady's vote, but he's going to have to give everything - including his promised three quads - to have a chance, especially without a triple Axel.

Ladies man, Brian Joubert, is hungry for the title. Brian has been in this game a long time -longer than any of the US men- and wants to prove himself in Vancouver. He's come close so many times, finally winning a world title in 2007, but has not delivered the way he wanted to. Brian is critisized by many to be a "copycat" type skater - for many years he was dubbed the mini-Yagudin for his style of skating - who lacks musicality or artistry. Still, the man can jump. Hopefully he'll keep his ego in check and not want it so badly he misses the mark.

Speaking of egos, Canada's Patrick Chan is their best hope for a medal in the men's event... and he knows it. Patrick has been plagued by injury and foot in mouth syndrome this season. When he's not ranting on Joubert's lack of artistry, he's comparing himself to Plushenko in age and ability. The problem for Chan is now that he's let his mouth run he's going to have to nail everything and then some to prove himself right. That hasn't happened so far this season. Still, if the pairs short programs are any indication, Patrick will most likely have help to make sure he's in medal contention. While he's good on transitions, he's going to have to watch each landing to be in contention.

Also a man of transitions - and a quad AND a triple axel - is USA's Jermey Abbott. Abbott defended his national title in January and goes into the games as the two time US National Champion. The big question is - will Jeremy ride that high to a podium placement, or will it be a repeat of last year where he peaked at nationals and it's all downhill from here on out. He's definitely the most all around skater the US has, if he can keep it together when it counts the greatest.

The US team is strong, as Johnny Weir could also find himself with a shot at the podium. Johnny's practices have been pretty fantastic judging by all of the reports, and he's a new Johnny from four years ago. He's not trying to thumb his nose at the USFSA and making a name for himself, this year he seems to be playing nice and actually wearing the team colors. His practices are his statement that he's in it to win, and who knows, he could finally shake those demons. But will he also shake the Friends of Animals and PETA crowd? After the bad press he got for his nationals costume with the fox fur on the side, Johnny scrapped that costume and went back to his original costume for the games. Still, he's reportedly continuing to get threats which have "forced" him to live in the Olympic Village instead of a hotel. Can Johnny ever just be a skater and not someone surrounded by controversy?

Tomorrow night is going to be AWESOME.

Photos (c) Getty Images and Associated Press c/o DayLife.com

Opening Ceremonies - No Surprises

Watching the Opening Ceremonies last night - still not a fan of the tape delay, even if I understand why it's done - I imagined that if Alaska were to get the nod anytime soon it'd look pretty simular. Not a slight, or showing a chip on my shoulder, or anything, it's just something I've noticed about Western Canada and Alaska - we're so similar.

Which, yes, did annoy me a tad when Bob Costas and Matt Lauer -while watching/commentating the ceremonies- noted the different First Nations peoples and suggested that they were all native to only Canada. It is, no doubt, a misconception so many have - after all Eskimos are the only natives Alaska could possibly have - but apparently making such a comment is the most offensive thing one can say to a Canadian this morning. So, I digress.

If that is the only way I can find fault with the way things went last night, then I guess that's saying something - though there were other portions that I thought could have been better. Really anything is better than Torino's (though the groups of people forming different images was really cool) opening ceremonies with the disco music.

It's been said that this time the ceremonies lacked heart or energy or... joy. And it's being blamed on the actual choreography/storyline. I think it would have been much better had the death of an athlete not happened just hours before in the horrific way that it happened. This is not to blame the dead, just my reasoning for the seemingly subdued reaction it got (honestly I thought it an amazing display of technology and showmanship).

It also didn't help that the lip synching was off, Bryan Adams failed horribly with that - you'd think they'd study those vids of Britany Spears and Ashley Simpson before trying something like that on such a huge stage. And it was definitly off during the Operatic version of the Olympic Hymn (my ears are still ringing).

Over all though it was an amazing night. The whales were freaking awesome, with the "water" spouting up. WOW. And the trees were cool. Fiddling cloggers were kinda creepy. My highlights were the whales, the poetry recital (loved the cheeky "zed"), and the moment of silence. And who doesn't love watching the Parade of Nations - especially when their team comes in?

The moment that Georgia walked into the arena was truly touching. They got a huge standing ovation, but you could see they were grieving. It's being reported todday that their other luger has withdrawn from the competition, that sliding the track that took his teammates life would be too difficult. My thoughts and prayers are with all of those who knew and loved him and the luger community who lost one of their own and must continue on.

And the torch lighting - even with the glitches - was fab. But was anyone truly surprised as to who they picked (Gretzsky)? Who else BUT "The Great One" would they choose? I mean really? My only question - did Brian Orser ever run with the torch? and if no, why didn't he?

So, now, the games are underway! The next two weeks are going to be awesome.

Pair's Short - Numbers Drawn

Pairs, come out with your blades a-blazin'!
http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-figure-skating/schedule-and-results/pairs-short-program_fsx020201Tu.html

1 SHEN Xue / ZHAO Hongbo CHN
2 SERGEJEVA Maria / GLEBOV Ilja EST
3 SULEJ Joanna / CHRUSCINSKI Mateusz POL
4 DENNEY Caydee / BARRETT Jeremy USA
5 HAUSCH Maylin / WENDE Daniel GER
6 JAMES Vanessa / BONHEUR Yannick FRA
7 BAZAROVA Vera / LARIONOV Yuri RUS
8 EVORA Amanda / LADWIG Mark USA
9 LANGLOIS Anabelle / HAY Cody CAN
10 KOSTENKO Ekaterina / TALAN Roman UKR
11 DELLA MONICA Nicole / KOCON Yannick ITA
12 KEMP Stacey / KING David GBR
13 MORAND Anais / DORSAZ Antoine SUI
14 MUKHORTOVA Maria / TRANKOV Maxim RUS
15 VOLOSOZHAR Tatiana / MOROZOV Stanislav UKR
16 KAVAGUTI Yuko / SMIRNOV Alexander RUS
17 DUBE Jessica / DAVISON Bryce CAN
18 PANG Qing / TONG Jian CHN
19 ZHANG Dan / ZHANG Hao CHN
20 SAVCHENKO Aliona / SZOLKOWY Robin GER

No Surprise For Men's Olympic Team

Yesterday afternoon was one heck of a men's event. Yes, there were some falls, yes there were some tears. Mainly from Ryan Bradley's fans as we realized his dreams of the Olympics will probably never be realized.

The little things really started adding up for all of the men in Spokane Sunday afternoon. Jeremy Abbot was the sole skater who rose to the occasion and nailed everything. He rightly deserved his placement and his score. It was pretty inspired. The question this blogger has is: will this be a repeat of last season? Will Nationals be his shining moment and then the rest is downhill? We'll see next month.

The biggest shock, possibly, was Evan Lysacek actually going for the quad. To be honest, no one was going to touch Jeremy with the long program he had, but it was still a risky move on Evan's part. He fell, not completing the rotation. Interestingly enough this US Nationals has had the most fair judging that skating's seen in a very long while - and I think EVER in the history of a National Championship (in any country!).

For Sandra Besic to come out and say that Evan deserved the title (this was prior to Jeremy taking the ice) based on the "magic of the program" was laughable. Evan made simple, basic, mistakes in both the Short and Long program; he practically gave the title away.

This should not concern those who believe Evan to be the best shot at a medal. He typically does not skate lights out at nationals - Spokane 2007 being the major exception since Evan became one of the Elite - and seems to save it for Worlds. With the Olympics being the main prize and goal, it should not come as a surprise that he was merely attempting to tick off the elements. This has worked in the past for Evan - he is World Champion the same year he barely made the World Team - so why think it won't continue to work.

Johnny Weir was the spoiler. No one knew WHICH Weir would show up. The confident ready to win avante garde skater with nothing to lose, or the scared to death he's going to fail skater who just hopes he stands upright for four-plus minutes. It seems that both came to the table. Johnny was on fire in the Short Program, he was sassy and completely his own skater. And it worked. He nearly tied Evan, and had their skating orders been reversed, their scores/placements might have been as well. But, the long program brought out the ball of nerves. It was incredibly evident that the pressure was beinging to take its toll on Johnny. The USFSA made it clear last season that they weren't going to give out favors for him, and he knew it going into the Long Program.

The one downer was - there aren't four spots on the Men's team. Ryan Bradley made costly errors in the Short Program only to completely rebound in his Long Program with two quads and more personality than the rest of the top skaters COMBINED. Such is the trademark of Ryan Bradley, and if SOI doesn't sign him up they'll make the biggest mistake - and they can't afford that right now.

So half of the US Figure Skating Team for Vancouver has been decided.
Pairs are Caydee Denney & Jeremy Barrett, and Amanda Evora & Mark Ladwig
Men are Jeremy Abbott, Evan Lysacek, and Johnny Weir.

Can't wait for the rest of the events, it's a great year for USFigure Skating!

Photos (c) Getty Images & The Associated Press c/o DayLife.com