Mao: post-Sochi news and articles

p351 wrote:

Hello all,

I am new to the forum (long time lurker) and I'm not sure if I am posting the following request in the right place so forgive me! I was wondering if any of you awesome sleuths have a link or video of Caro/Mao/Yuna/Akiko interacting backstage at Worlds 2013. I believe that in the video there is a beautiful moment when Akiko cries during Mao's Swan Lake and Caro has a funny interaction with Mao . Please let me know if you can find it - I think it is a wonderful display of friendship. Again, sorry if this is in the wrong place .

http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNTI4NTY0MDIw.html
Not sure if this is what you are looking for, but it's some backstage moments of Mao during WC 2013
I think Akiko was saying thank you to Mao for doing a good job in the FS while she wasn't able to
There is also a cute Kanako moment, taking pictures rinkside during the podium and one with Mao after the victory lap
Gotta love the three sisters..missing them already

Small medal Ceremony for a cute Kosnter/Mao moment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJB5TPaggwM

I don't think I have seen others, please share if you find any!
p.s. I am guessing its more fitting to request videos in the sharing is caring thread but this is where the majority mingles so I wouldn't know either hahaha

Ooo thank you Emory903! This was exactly what I was looking for. I am going to miss the three sisters SO much (and Caro!) so I love seeing moments like these. Thanks again!!

you're welcome. I am glad to be of help.

another news clip about the Nagoya stop of the smile exhibition
http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNzAzMDM3ODcy.html
apparently an ice cream parlor has a soft serve swirl - 3.5 turns in honor of Mao 3A
the power of Mao hahah:D

I found a real good HD video of Mao's performance of Caprice No. 24 with the step sequence for Bells of Moscow as an encore in 2009 COIJO before the Olympics and Worlds. Outstanding performance!!! It has very few views so I know it's new.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWLgDPiNv-E

thanks everybody for your link

does everybody know why there rarely any mao video with eng sub
did it get remove from youtube earlier
she has tons of documentary n done a lot of tv show every year
even from the montage that i see even when she still in novice level and doing the 3-3-3

all the translation that i know was the one u guys did post in mao news thread


if u have the link to mao video with eng sub
please share

WowMao wrote:

I found a real good HD video of Mao's performance of Caprice No. 24 with the step sequence for Bells of Moscow as an encore in 2009 COIJO before the Olympics and Worlds. Outstanding performance!!! It has very few views so I know it's new.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWLgDPiNv-E

thanks for the clip!
Such memorable performance! JO/COI is usually considered the unofficial season-opening competition (invited skaters only skate for FS of the season). So the Stsq of Bell here would be really close to it's 'original form', as sometimes skaters revise part of the program throughout the season.

It's still very far, also I'd be wondering who will be invited to JO this year, after watching the clip...

news clip
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1r8fvn_140425-super-news_sport
Team Japan meeting the Prime Minster of Japan?
Looks like the PM really likes Mao, Yuzu suggested that he hug him first then he can hug Mao so it wouldn't be weird...very cute

emory903 wrote:

news clip
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1r8fvn_140425-super-news_sport
Team Japan meeting the Prime Minster of Japan?
Looks like the PM really likes Mao, Yuzu suggested that he hug him first then he can hug Mao so it wouldn't be weird...very cute

The event was the PM's meeting with all the Jpn Sochi olympians and para-olympians.

BTW, Mao's currently in PIW ice show for this weekend. This is probably the last ice show of Apr. for her. And according the the news here:
http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20140426-00000027-spnannex-spo

Mao is invited by Denis Ten to his show "Denis Ten and Friends" towards the end of May. It's reported that Mao will go to Canada in Jun for the new Ex. Mao mentioned that she wants to leave the ice for a little while and probably to travel to some warmer places in South.

lovely article translated
http://nanoka12.tumblr.com/post/84038594958/mao-asada-i-wanted-to-put-the-medal-on-nobuo-sensei
great look back for Mr. Sato and Mao's relationship

God I'm soo curios and nervous, I really want to know what Mao is going to do, I just really have no clue    

Here are some of Mao's performances I found on youtubeis in HD. Whatever she decides on retirement, it's wonderful to have all these performances in such good quality.

2013 performance of Swan Lake at 4CC's
HD really nice smile at the end
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwJLtB7rl-Q

4CC's 2008 LP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp5aoeVYcHg

Here is one of short program Worlds 2008 English commentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmpg-aTewLc

2008 Japanese Championships Ex Por Una Cabeza
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97iu9hl9MX8

WowMao wrote:

Here are some of Mao's performances I found on youtubeis in HD. Whatever she decides on retirement, it's wonderful to have all these performances in such good quality.

2013 performance of Swan Lake at 4CC's
HD really nice smile at the end
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwJLtB7rl-Q

4CC's 2008 LP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp5aoeVYcHg

Here is one of short program Worlds 2008 English commentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmpg-aTewLc

2008 Japanese Championships Ex Por Una Cabeza
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97iu9hl9MX8

Thanks wowmao, nothing better then to have so many HD videos of Mao's phenomenal performances.
The wait is really unbearable, at times I feel like Mao will continue, but then there are times when i'm becoming unsure of it, the lack of news is also not making it easier. Just waiting for the announcement and the ice show feels like an eternity     

Well, we all should know something within the next month about Mao's retirement. But, I am just going to stay in the middle and not try to guess either way.  I do love her skating and through her artistic expression her spirit as well. Like Coach Sato said in the wonderful article that emory 903 posted,  “Finally we reached a point where we are on common ground, which is right now. Mysteriously she has become someone who can produce something profound.”

I think it is this sense that she has finally reached such a dazzling artistic and technical level, the purity of her skating, and the fact that she is the last truly great skater left that makes people feel such an empty void when confronted with the possibility of her retirement.  One poster at youtube summed it up best. Cupoftea4u said, “Mao Asada reminds me of the Albert Einstein” quote: “The value of a man (or woman) should be seen in what he or she gives and not in what he or she is able to receive.” Mao has not received an Olympic Gold, though she has given us Priceless Performances worth more than even platinum. These have given her 3 world titles: top 10 of all time and number 3 in the last 45 years.

However, I think it is impossible for most of us to conceive of how difficult it was for her to give us those gifts. As the Eurosport announcers said when she finished her World’s performance, “You can’t imagine what it takes to go out there and perform like that under such pressure.” Mao said it best in the article emory posted,
Though I think physically I can continue there’s still the emotional side. If a new target does not appear it can’t be done. But the experience of being able to give my best on the grand stages of the Olympics and the World Championships will be a treasure, whether I continue skating or not.”

Based on one quote in that article, it does sound like she will at least take a break.   “After the World Championships in March, if I retire from competitive skating or take a break, I’ll only have one month of training with Nobuo-sensei left and I do have feelings of loneliness.”

I am like you wondering about with no real idea of what she will decide.

Off topic observation: Have any of you noticed Mao's Biellmann at the end of Bells of Moscow? I love the way she cradles her black-gloved hand against her chest while fully extending her finger tips up and out in a dramatic gesture while still performing her beautiful Biellmann. It is honestly the most beautiful and dramatic move I have ever seen. Do any of you know why she quit doing them that way? It does look more difficult.

Mao wouldn't be Mao without her Biellmann, so I thought it would be nice to pay tribute to its founder: Denis Biellmann. She is another great skater and innovator like Mao who never won Olympic Gold (1980) or even a medal. School figures put her in 14th, and she was only able to make it to eighth after the short, and fourth after winning the long program.   Here is a video of her 1980 Olympic performance:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1_QiK85KRg

Fortunately, Biellmann was able to win Worlds in 1981, then decided to retire because she hated having to come back from School figures. Mao's idol Midori Ito also had problems with school figures. I wonder if Mao will think about having to come back from Russia inflation and her own deflation after winning Worlds a third time.  Here is Bielllmann's World 1981 LP. The spin is at about 3:50.  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucCMZffihRA

emory903 wrote:

lovely article translated
http://nanoka12.tumblr.com/post/84038594958/mao-asada-i-wanted-to-put-the-medal-on-nobuo-sensei
great look back for Mr. Sato and Mao's relationship

Thank you for posting this great article! You really are fantastic at finding info on Mao.

WowMao wrote:

emory903 wrote:

lovely article translated
http://nanoka12.tumblr.com/post/84038594958/mao-asada-i-wanted-to-put-the-medal-on-nobuo-sensei
great look back for Mr. Sato and Mao's relationship

Thank you for posting this great article! You really are fantastic at finding info on Mao.  

Thanks for the video links... it's much needed at a slow news time like this

Thx guys for these great posts! Did I understand correctly that Mao is no matter what her decision on retiring or continuing her career will be, not continuing with her current trainer? They will seperate for sure even when Mao is choosing to continue her career?

Hope someone can give me an answer to this question.

Thank you!

I don't know exactly if Mao's quote about having only one month left with Sato means forever or only a temporary break, if she decides to continue. But, I have  heard that Coach Sato may be thinking that his age would make it too difficult for him to continue as her coach.

I know Mao keeps really quiet about what is bothering her, but do any of you know if the rumors I have heard about her back pain are true? On the other hand, her statement that she has no physical problems with continuing in the sport suggests otherwise.

One of Mao's all-time greatest skates and certainly one of her most under-scored: Grand Prix Final LP 2007 over 73 in tech and a ridiculously low 59 in PCS. I heard this is where the break with Rafael Arutunian happened. Is it just me or does she seem a little uncomfortable around him here? I know she was tired of living away from Japan and finally got a chance to return to her university to  a new rink that gave her more time and space to practice. I think she is more comfortable and happier around Sato, You can really feel their close connection and mutual respect and warmth towards each other.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAzLc0mtfq4

in English not as clear though:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYJ_mG6Qvno



Beautiful exhibition: Great quality How Deep is the Night 4CC 2008

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZJUgH6Mjv8

WowMao wrote:

I don't know exactly if Mao's quote about having only one month left with Sato means forever or only a temporary break, if she decides to continue. But, I have  heard that Coach Sato may be thinking that his age would make it too difficult for him to continue as her coach.

I know Mao keeps really quiet about what is bothering her, but do any of you know if the rumors I have heard about her back pain are true? On the other hand, her statement that she has no physical problems with continuing in the sport suggests otherwise.

One of Mao's all-time greatest skates and certainly one of her most under-scored: Grand Prix Final LP 2007 over 73 in tech and a ridiculously low 59 in PCS. Shouldn't that have been Sotnikova's PCS in Sochi? I heard this is where the break with Rafael Arutunian happened. Is it just me or does she seem uncomfortable around him here? Maybe she is just upset by the PCS score. I know she was tired of living away from Japan and finally got a chance to return to her university to practice on a new rink that gave her more time as well. She is just so much warmer and happier around Sato.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAzLc0mtfq4

in English not as clear though:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYJ_mG6Qvno



Beautiful exhibition: Great quality How Deep is the Night 4CC 2008

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZJUgH6Mjv8

You know what, if you look back at Mao's performances and the kind of layouts she did, that each on their own was historical and something unseen for a female skater to do, and see the kind of scores and treatment she got from the judges each time you will understand how underscored a phenomenon she has been during most of her career. I have never followed a skater who gave soo much to the sport, took risk time after time without getting rewarded even when she time after time succeeded and pushed the technical boundaries to a level this sport never witnessed before. one of my alltime favourite performances of Mao is her 2008 4cc freeskate to Fantaisie-Impromptu:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvCn6YT6p2A

here she once again landed a beautiful 3A followed by six other triples, with two other 3-3 combination, beautiful spins with great variety and positions to die for, a passionate step sequence beautifully woven to the classical piece, and notice that every element was done with ease, despite delivering something extraordinary she made it look like a no big deal, and ofcourse everything was done with as much refinement and elegance one could wish for. everytime I watch it, I always feel this is a champion at work.

another favourite performance I really really love was Mao's 2008 sp from Worlds

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uz-AktwtDfs

This is such a gourges program not just because of the technical content but for the amazing choreography from start to finish, something I notice with Mao's programs is there is no need for trivial things like unnecessary over dramatic movement, every element of hers from jumps to spins to spirals and steps all grab your attention and admiration on it's own. with many skaters I feel that it's their music that awakens emotions and excitement, and not particularly because their elements or skating are impressive on it's own. I also love how she flies across the ice, and attacks every element.

To answer your question about Mao's back pain, I remember she had them for a period last year during the GPF, but as far as I know it was only for a short period of time and she shortly after got better and recovered. but regardless Mao is doing every difficult jump, combinations, biellman spins, most demanding footwork ect. this sport has, all elements that take a tool on the body even on a natural flexibil body and for a natural jumper this is demanding, you also have to remember that Mao hasn't taken any break to rest, and on top of it has a tendency to overwork herself, so occasional back pains when she overworks herself would be hard to avoid. good thing Sato was by her side, to balance her training and convince her to rest from time to time.

WowMao wrote:

I know Mao keeps really quiet about what is bothering her, but do any of you know if the rumors I have heard about her back pain are true? On the other hand, her statement that she has no physical problems with continuing in the sport suggests otherwise.

One of Mao's all-time greatest skates and certainly one of her most under-scored: Grand Prix Final LP 2007 over 73 in tech and a ridiculously low 59 in PCS. I heard this is where the break with Rafael Arutunian happened. Is it just me or does she seem a little uncomfortable around him here? I know she was tired of living away from Japan and finally got a chance to return to her university to  a new rink that gave her more time and space to practice. I think she is more comfortable and happier around Sato, You can really feel their close connection and mutual respect and warmth towards each other.

I remember there was a special segment broadcast aired on her back pain during the World Team Trophy 2013 ...let me see if I can find it
But other than that and the period which ballerinamao mentioned, her physical injuries has not ever really made it to the news
Like you said Mao is a very private person, and I feel like she has been taught to have a "don't complain, just work harder" attitude; which I admire so much but that's also why I feel she probably has had more injuries than what we would know of.

As for the weirdness with Rafael, I have always felt that it has been there ever since the beginning, but really only due to the cultural differences...I feel Rafael, being Russian, is stern in nature but has grew accustom to coach in a western style since being in the US, while, of course, Mao is quite reserved,  Japanese culture in mind. Tat is also Russian, but since she is woman, I feel its more comfortable for Mao to have Tat care for her in a motherly way. All in all, I have loved all her coaching relationships. All of them have such admiration for Mao. However, Team Sato is my favorite.

Found it but it's more of a look back at her season....I thought it was longer, oops
http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XNTQwMjc4MTQ0.html

regarding mao situation with rafael, there is an article than kind a give insight of what happent from rafael side http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/showthread.php?89937-Rafael-Arutunian-quot-I-know-what-Plushenko-knows%85-quot

emory903 how come i can't watch video in youku, the video bar that shown the buffering still working but the start button doesn't work

long time no see...Mao chan!
https://twitter.com/asadamai717/status/463653066567213056/photo/1

from Mai's twitter pic.

You have expressed my thoughts exactly. I prefer Team Sato because they fit her cultural sensitivity and understanding better, not to mention the low key, typical of East Asia, but sincere warmth and respect that they share for one another.  I feel Mao belongs in Japan whether she keeps skating or not, and that Sato is the best coach for her. She has just captured the imagination and wonder of the entire country in a way that seems almost unprecedented and she is quintessentially Japanese. This authenticity is what I think makes her so compelling. There is a deep sense of cultural and aesthetic roots to her skating. Also, she is a great artist because she is a deeply private person who can somehow,  through the power of her skating, reveal the true depth of her soul and move viewers to a profound emotional response, as if you feel you know her every thought and feeling.    

I also think Tarasova as a full time coach was and would be excellent for Mao, but I guess that wouldn't be possible since it seems Japan is better for Mao. I could really feel her deep emotional attachment to Mao when I heard her announcing in Russian during her Sochi free-skate. Before the performance, she pleads, "Mao, Mao gather compose yourself!" Overwhelmed with emotion and even crying, she said what a clever girl Mao was, what a wonderful sports lady and she said simply thank you very much over and over again.  Simple but deeply moving. I totally agree with your view that a really strict female coach is fine.    

In regards to the culture clash  you mentioned between Aurturian and Mao.  I think he was a good coach because she did some of her greatest performances under his guidance, and he stood up for her in the article posted by bebece by saying that Mao didn't quit after the Olympics like Kim and that she could capture an audience at any time. I also think he was genuine and didn't mean anything improper. But to me from an East / West cultural perspective, Aruturian seems to show an improper degree of familiarity around Mao in her great performances:  Czardas at Worlds 2007 and Fantasie Impromptu at the Grand Prix Final 2007. There, he basically lifted her off her feet in a big bear hug when she left the rink at the Grand Prix Final and nudged her repeatedly with his arm when the result came up, while her eyes were fixed on the scoreboard. Compare this to the reserved and gentle embrace of Sato. It seemed a little over the top from even a Western perspective, but for Japan I would think it is more improper.

For quite a few years, I have lived in Kazakhstan, which has a lot of similarities to Japanese culture in terms of reserve and strict rules of conduct in public; and it is considered inappropriate to embrace anyone, even a wife, in such a way in a large public setting, especially considering the relationship of a middle-aged male coach and young female skater. As I said in the last post, I really sense that Mao felt discomfort from this, especially at the Grand Prix when she was just a little older and wiser. Personally, I believe the split was good for her. After all, she won 4CC's and Worlds right after.

bebece wrote:

emory903 how come i can't watch video in youku, the video bar that shown the buffering still working but the start button doesn't work

No idea, it works fine for me. Maybe try it in chrome?
If you still can't watch it, let me know, I will try to upload it to another site

WowMao wrote:

I was quite surprised by the degree of familiarity that Aruturian displayed around Mao in the two performances, especially her great ones:  Czardas at Worlds 2007 and Fantasie Impromptu at the Grand Prix Final 2007. He basically lifted her off her feet in a big bear hug after the Grand Prix Final and nudged her with his arm when the result came up, while her eyes were averted. Compare this to the reserved and gentle embrace of Sato. It seemed over the top from even a Western perspective but for Japan it seems much more so. I have lived in Kazakhstan, which has a lot of similarities to Japanese culture in terms of reserve and strict rules of conduct in public, and it is considered inappropriate to embrace people in such a way, especially considering the relationship of a much older male coach and young female skater. This is just my opinion, but I really sense that Mao felt discomfort from this, especially at the Grand Prix when she was a little older and wiser.    
   

I have to say I don't find Rafael's reactions too over the top. He really seems genuinely  happy for her and proud of her. From having watched his interactions with Michelle Kwan during the short period that he coach her and now with Ashley Wagner, I feel that's the way he is around all of his pupils. Strict when needs to be in practice but playful and supportive in the K &C.
I do agree it's uncomfortable for Mao to be the receiving end of such gestures. In comparison, Mr. Sato is even more reserved than Mao so any congratulatory gestures between them is usually initiated by Mao or at least done in a lesser degree. You can really tell the difference when Mao hugs Mr. Sato vs when she is hugging Mrs. Sato. She is so much more comfortable when hugging a older female than an older gentleman. Which is also why I love Team Sato. Mr. Sato is there to give his nod of approval and Mrs. Sato is there to give us the enthusiastic reaction that Mao deserves, to celebrate her wonderful achievements.
There are many lovely moments of Team Sato, but this one is one of my favorites.
During the GPF 2012, when Mrs. Sato lays her head on Mao shoulders. She just looks so happy and proud of Mao. Love it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSBzvkeiIXI&feature=player_detailpage#t=418