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Comments by: YACCS

 
Hi Maria. As you've probably noticed, I haven't posted on my blog in awhile. I just haven't felt the urge to write. Predominantly it's the post-Olympic letdown. I've watched the Olympics for so many years, you'd think I'd stop being surprised by the results. And the judging scandals haven't helped to my gloomy mood about my favorite sport.

To answer your question, while I am glad that Sale and Pelletier received their second gold, I share some concerns about the precedent. Already we're hearing cries of "Foul!" from every skater who feels misjudged. Marie-Reine Le Gougne continues to change her story every day, leading one to wonder if she was approached because she was "emotionally unstable". At least one account from 2000 World Championships suggests Le Gougne has fallen apart before, again blaming pressure from outside sources. As for the silver medal, in most other "ties", they haven't awarded the other medal, so the final results will be 1-1-3 or something similar. I'm mostly thinking of swimming races.

I'm concerned that the French judge will be a sacrifical lamb, but I'm more concerned how Ottavio Cinquanta will try to change the sport irrevocably with his new judging system. I hope that his system will not go through. I hate the idea of giving elements difficulty levels like diving or gymnastics, forcing even younger skaters to try harder moves before they're ready. It might also punish those who are good all-around skaters but can't keep up with the technical firepower. I hope that the pairs scandal will bring about some change in skating, though I'm not getting my hopes up. Skating is a sport where you gradually move up, sometimes at a glacial pace. Every year you try to be better than the last year. And the ISU should consider "trying to be better". And fairer. And more open. Closing ranks only prompts more pressure and more secrecy and more "Of course it's fixed" comments from the average public.

But I'm not quite "embarrassed for our sport" like Sandra Bezic. Nor am I swearing never to watch the sport ever again. Because I know I will. Worlds is in my hometown next year. And four years from now, I'll probably be watching the Turino skating, rooting for someone who will disappoint and being surprised by someone who doesn't.



posted by Julia at 7:43 PM