Retiring Skaters

Subject: Retiring Skaters Wed May 04, 2011 11:10 pm

US pair team Caitlin Yankowskas and John Coughlin just annouced they are splitting. No mention as to whether either of them plans to continue skating with another partner or solo. This is disappointing. I liked them a lot, and they were just starting to gain momentum. Apparently Caydee Denney and Jeremy Barrett just split up two months ago too. I wasn't as crazy about them, but this is making things really grim for US pairs skating...
http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/figureskating/news/story?id=6478973

Anyone else know of any retiring skaters right now? It's the off season, so you always have to expect some...

Subject: Re: Retiring Skaters Thu May 05, 2011 12:36 am

Quote :: It takes years to develop the kind of unison, chemistry and cohesiveness that make pairs so spectacular to watch, and the U.S. teams have had less staying power than a Hollywood marriage.

This.

I'm disappointed. After a decent finish at Worlds, I was gaining hopes that this pair would grow and get better and do good for U.S. pairs... Ah well.

I haven't heard of any other skaters retiring as of yet. I'm just glad that at this point in the game we're not losing Jeremy or Daisuke.

Triple Flip Posts : 461 Join date : 2011-02-18

I was very sad about them too... They quickly became my favorite american pair this year, I was expecting great results from them in the future, this split is so unexpected. There are rumors that John will be now skating with Caydee which I think is strange if true.

Subject: Re: Retiring Skaters Thu May 05, 2011 7:04 pm

babayaga wrote:: I was very sad about them too... They quickly became my favorite american pair this year, I was expecting great results from them in the future, this split is so unexpected. There are rumors that John will be now skating with Caydee which I think is strange if true.

I really hope she continues to skate. Her artistry is sooo strong, and her skating is just so beautiful to watch! She was getting pretty strong technically too.

Posts : 8 Join date : 2011-05-10

I'm disappointed. After a decent finish at Worlds, I was gaining hopes that this pair would grow and get better and do good for U.S. pairs... Ah well.

I haven't heard of any other skaters retiring as of yet. I'm just glad that at this point in the game we're not losing Jeremy or Daisuke.

crystal bracelet

crystal tiaras

Subject: Re: Retiring Skaters Tue May 10, 2011 2:31 pm

Well Ryan Bradly just retired:
http://www.ctpost.com/sports/article/After-winning-1st-US-title-Bradley-calls-it-quits-1373598.php

I have to say that performing really is his thing much more than is competing. Too bad he never was better in competition, cause few skaters are as entertaining as he is.

Subject: Re: Retiring Skaters Mon Jun 06, 2011 5:55 pm

Lot's of skaters - mostly Americans - retiring (or quite possibly retiring...) One skater coming back to competition, and more:

http://www.examiner.com/figure-skating-in-national/ito-competes-again-zawadzki-ditches-coach-kwan-to-dc-and-other-news

Subject: Re: Retiring Skaters Tue Jun 07, 2011 7:27 am

Star85 wrote:: Lot's of skaters - mostly Americans - retiring (or quite possibly retiring...) One skater coming back to competition, and more:

http://www.examiner.com/figure-skating-in-national/ito-competes-again-zawadzki-ditches-coach-kwan-to-dc-and-other-news

Midori Ito on the ice again!! I sure hope there will be vids on youtube! Rockstar

Subject: Re: Retiring Skaters Tue Jun 07, 2011 5:44 pm

chiyori wrote:

Star85 wrote:: Lot's of skaters - mostly Americans - retiring (or quite possibly retiring...) One skater coming back to competition, and more:

http://www.examiner.com/figure-skating-in-national/ito-competes-again-zawadzki-ditches-coach-kwan-to-dc-and-other-news

Midori Ito on the ice again!! I sure hope there will be vids on youtube! Rockstar

Me too! That will definitely be interesting to see.

Subject: Re: Retiring Skaters Wed Jun 15, 2011 1:07 pm

Four more skaters have announced their retirement:
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/figureskating/story/2011/06/15/sp-canada-skaters-retire.html?ref=rss

Shawn Sawyer, Joey Russell, Adam Johnson and Diane Szmiett are all Canadian skaters. I thought Shawn Sawyer had already announced his retirement. Maybe it was someone else?... And wasn't Joey just starting to come up in the ranks finally? He won bronze at nationals this year. Hm. And Shawn won silver. Well well, no one was really challenging Patrick already. Looks like he will have an even easier go of it for a while. This isn't very good news for Canadian men... Oh well. They have current world champ, so I guess they can't complain too much. Lot's of room for new guys to come in. Wonder who will step up?

Subject: Re: Retiring Skaters Mon Jun 20, 2011 12:17 am

Recap of retiring skaters, and coaching changes (some mentioned here, and some other that are not):
http://www.examiner.com/figure-skating-in-national/chronicling-the-off-season-splits-retirements-and-coaching-changes

And link to Midori Ito competing again:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUljJwPaJKo

Anyone know what she placed?

Subject: Re: Retiring Skaters Mon Jun 20, 2011 3:17 am

Star85 wrote:: Recap of retiring skaters, and coaching changes (some mentioned here, and some other that are not):
http://www.examiner.com/figure-skating-in-national/chronicling-the-off-season-splits-retirements-and-coaching-changes

And link to Midori Ito competing again:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUljJwPaJKo

Anyone know what she placed?

On her wiki page - Its written that she placed 2nd at the ISU Adult Figure Skating Competition!
She is such a courageous skater! She moves me! Smile

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2PuYT660WQ&feature=related a lovely lil program on her skating life!
God - They should make a manga of her life! Very Happy

The relationship she has with her coach is so wonderful! I love you

Subject: Re: Retiring Skaters Mon Jun 20, 2011 9:32 am

yes, she got 2nd. But according to her protocol, she did not do all the elements permitted. So she could have easily won. I just think that her goal wasn't to win, but to have fun Smile

http://www.deu-event.de/results/adult2011/Adult2011_MastersEliteLadiesIIFreeSkating_FS_Scores.pdf

Subject: Re: Retiring Skaters Mon Jun 20, 2011 1:02 pm

bibi wrote:: yes, she got 2nd. But according to her protocol, she did not do all the elements permitted. So she could have easily won. I just think that her goal wasn't to win, but to have fun
http://www.deu-event.de/results/adult2011/Adult2011_MastersEliteLadiesIIFreeSkating_FS_Scores.pdf

Lol she lost by only 5 points with only 3 double jumps, one of which she messed up... She has like half the number of elements of the other lady. Were there other skaters or just these two? And judges #1 and 4 are my new heros for giving Midori senior level PCS, especially #1 with the 9 for SS!! Well deserved too... Go Midori! I hope she keeps doing these comps and adds a few more jumps as she gets them back under control. With a longer program, more technical program, I'm sure more judges will start rewarding her on PCS. I've always been a very competitive person, but I can't imagine the other ladies won't feel motivated to try harder in order to keep up with her, even if they are in their 30s or 40s or older.

It's so nice to see her skate and enjoy herself on the ice again. She smiles like no other... though Mao's smile is a pretty darn close second Wink

ETA: And that 2A was HUGE!!!!!

Subject: Re: Retiring Skaters Mon Jun 20, 2011 2:55 pm

yes they were only 2 in that category Razz

Subject: Re: Retiring Skaters Mon Jun 20, 2011 3:47 pm

bibi wrote:: yes they were only 2 in that category

Not much competition there then... Suspect

Posts : 13 Join date : 2010-07-07 Location : NYC

I am happy that Midori went out there and skated. Her double Axel was the best I've seen her do in any vid over the last year. I think the reason she came in second was that the woman, who finished ahead of her, skated what was, essentially, a long program, while Midori skated a short--it ran about 2:43 seconds.

On the other hand, please note, in Midori's program component scores, the multiplier "factor" is 1.60 instead of 0.80 in senior competition. Thus, to compare her with senior skaters, her program score would need to be cut 49.20/2 = 24.60, which would be about the equivalent of Sarah Hecken's component score in the short program at 2011 Worlds.

You can see Hecken's SP here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x92fYuBirkI

Of course, I leave the final word to any ISU judge out there who might want to comment, but I don't think we can really compare Midori's program to Hecken's in terms of components. If Midori truly wants to come "out of retirement," she still has some way to go.

To the extent that she wanted to skate for fun's sake in adult competitions, she won the heart of everyone in the auditorium. And ours as well.

Subject: Re: Retiring Skaters Sat Jun 25, 2011 5:41 pm

MORE US drop outs. This time it's 2009 U.S. silver medalists in Ice Dance Emily Samuelson and Evan Bates. I'm not into ice dancing, so I'm not really upset by this, but things were already looking grim for team USA with all these retirements. It's like, you have to wonder who's next?!

I think maybe we should change this threads title to Retiring US Skaters (and others). lol.

http://www.examiner.com/figure-skating-in-national/samuelson-and-bates-add-to-us-ice-dance-casualties

Subject: Re: Retiring Skaters Sat Jun 25, 2011 11:00 pm

^Do you know if Evan is returning to competitive skating this upcoming season (or even next season)? Because he was never clear on whether or not he was retiring after his DWTS appearance.

Subject: Re: Retiring Skaters Sun Jun 26, 2011 10:06 pm

Cloviece wrote:: ^Do you know if Evan is returning to competitive skating this upcoming season (or even next season)? Because he was never clear on whether or not he was retiring after his DWTS appearance.

I haven't heard any news on him... I just checked usfa.org to see if he's on the team and he's not. I didn't expect him to be, but I hadn't checked what it is going to be for next season anyway, so I was curious. I would guess that it's going to be a little while before we hear if he's going to be at worlds or not - or ever compete again at all.

So speaking of team USA, has anyone checked this out lately? The 2011-2012 team envelope is weird. Alissa is the only girl in team A. Rachael and Mirai are both in team B. This seems strange to me. Mirai was bronze at nationals and four continents. She was also silver at last years nationals, and gold in 2008... And Rachael bombed at worlds because of her injury, and had a bit of a bumpy season, but she still has a pretty impressive record as well... Hm. They're in team B with four other girls. Wonder if this means they will be getting about the same amount of assignments as the rest of them - which will be a lot less assignments than they usually get.

And that's not all. Richard Dornbush is the only guy on team A. Jeremy Abbot is in team B! Yikes! And there are NO pairs in team A. And there is no one in the reserve team except for some synchronized teams.

Some of this must have something to do with all the retirements recently. But I'm thinking more that maybe USFA isn't screwing around this year?? Maybe they were in a very unforgiving mood when deciding team selections, and decided hardly anyone deserved a pat on the back? lol. They usually keep their most decorated skaters in team A, along with others who did really well in the previous season. If a skater has a bit of a bumpy season, they will often stay in the same team, as long they didn't have a completely disastrous season (ones like Alissa has had), and there weren't enough skaters who did significantly better who deserve the higher ranking.

So... huh scratch

! It's going to be really interesting regarding the GP season, cause it sounds like they will be sending a lot of the newer up and coming skaters out on more assignments.

Subject: Re: Retiring Skaters Mon Jun 27, 2011 1:23 pm

Star85 wrote:: Some of this must have something to do with all the retirements recently. But I'm thinking more that maybe USFA isn't screwing around this year?? Maybe they were in a very unforgiving mood when deciding team selections, and decided hardly anyone deserved a pat on the back? lol. They usually keep their most decorated skaters in team A, along with others who did really well in the previous season. If a skater has a bit of a bumpy season, they will often stay in the same team, as long they didn't have a completely disastrous season (ones like Alissa has had), and there weren't enough skaters who did significantly better who deserve the higher ranking.

Actually, this may be exactly the reason. Because honestly, after the Olympic season it seems as if team USA has gotten well, worse? Like, much, much worse. Hardly ever on the podium, and save for Alissa, really doesn't have much of a winning team period. I love Mirai, but she's been so inconsistent (although she was injured) and as much as I like Jeremy, he just bombs when at the most crucial moment. And I know there are a few Rachael sympathizers on this forum, but I really just wish she'd retire-- as harsh as that sounds. TBH, Carroll getting pissed about Flatt's injury at Worlds was completely justified.

And then of course all of these retirements. I didn't even know half of them were retiring until I read this thread (although I don't really follow ice dancing and US pair skaters too much). If the US federation doesn't get any stricter with the rules/expectations, there really won't be any true contenders for the podium. Canada, Japan, Russia, France, etc.? Way ahead of the game at this point. And as much as I like Alissa, I feel she has/had hit her peak. Mirai, if she can be more consistent and keep a level head, can be a real threat when Sochi comes around.

Evan...*sigh*. Although I admit he's not the best skater ever, he is very consistent (and even though I don't like Carroll, he did emphasize his strengths and play down his weaknesses no doubt) and I really do like him. Honestly, I kind of miss him and Weir making snarky remarks towards each other, lol.

Subject: Re: Retiring Skaters Mon Jun 27, 2011 7:05 pm

Cloviece wrote:: Honestly, I kind of miss him and Weir making snarky remarks towards each other, lol.

Aaah the good old days... I kinda miss it too. I've got to admit I'm not that thrilled with Evan returning. He looks like a decent enough guy, but I never could bring myself to like him or his skating. Can't help it, sorry. I love great lines, elegance and control and Evan, while I admire the fact that he is very tall and still came this far, just doesn't do it for me with all that leg and arm.

I hope the Choreo step sequence requirement spares us a bit a flailing in his programs.

Subject: Re: Retiring Skaters Mon Jun 27, 2011 9:22 pm

chiyori wrote:

Cloviece wrote:: Honestly, I kind of miss him and Weir making snarky remarks towards each other, lol.

Aaah the good old days... I kinda miss it too. I've got to admit I'm not that thrilled with Evan returning. He looks like a decent enough guy, but I never could bring myself to like him or his skating. Can't help it, sorry. I love great lines, elegance and control and Evan, while I admire the fact that he is very tall and still came this far, just doesn't do it for me with all that leg and arm.

I hope the Choreo step sequence requirement spares us a bit a flailing in his programs.

Oh yeah, the Evan and Johny show Laugh

I admit, I miss those days too Yep!

Guess my prediction with Evan was WAY off mark... hehe Embarassed

. With no hint, or even being on team USA roster, he's coming back next season for the GP. I actually really like Evan a lot, so I'm happy about this Very Happy

. And this does give USA some hope in this, how should I put it... drought(?) the US is going through now.

Subject: Re: Retiring Skaters Tue Jun 28, 2011 1:00 pm

"Drought" is definitely what it is. But yeah, hopefully Evan can bring some drive to team USA. Maybe everyone will get their act together, especially the men. Although it's going to be hard to go against PChiddy (and of course Team Japan).

Subject: Re: Retiring Skaters Mon Jul 18, 2011 11:56 pm

I think Canada is trying (emphasis on trying Razz

) to give the US a run for their money in retiring skaters this year. Here's another casualty: http://www.torontosun.com/2011/07/18/davison-skates-into-retirement

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