Mao: post-Sochi news and articles

COHK wrote:

WowMao wrote:

Here is the latest version of Mao's radio show for 3/23. She is so full of life on her show and has such a gentle and kind voice. She spreads joy and hope like a bright rainbow.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0UmUaUA8q0

I'm so behind in providing a summary of the radio show . The following is the summary of the show from 3/23. Actually, the official website of the radio program always posts a post-broadcasting memo right after the airing of each show (with lots of photos). This link is for Mar. 23rd (4th round):

http://www.tbs.co.jp/radio/maosmile/ps/20150323.html

Summary of 4th round:
- First of all, Mao has graduated from university on Mar 19th. She talks about how she feels about graduating.

- She talks about her recent activities, for one, she had the chance of teaching kids in skating lessons. So she shares her thoughts about how she enjoyed teaching kids and how fast they learn and grow.

- She reads a letter from the audience, who asks if she’s into any other sports, and if she supports any sports team, such as local Nagoya baseball team? But she says she’s not familiar with baseball, actually.

- The song she picks for today’s show is “Far away” by Libera (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCjr9VgTCbI) [After listening to the song, I just hope Mao will skate to it one day in the future!!]

- The 2nd interviewee of the show is Hiroyo-san, who belongs to the “For.S” group from Saga University at Saga city. The group is one of the awardees of “Young Japan Action”. Mao had joined the group to experience farming and various activities with the members.

-For the last part of “three things”, a 16-yr-old says one of her three things is to go watching FS competition for once. And Mao mentions that for FS competitions, her favorite arena is Yoyoki Arena at Tokyo, since it’s where she won her first GPF medal.

- Finally, she calls-out to a 20-yr-old girl, who studies fashion at school. One of her three things is to have a ‘figure skating fashion show’. Mao really gets into the topic and starts to talk with the girl about her FS costumes. It turns out Mao does have one that she dislikes: she says she doesn’t like the black dresses of Tango (she says she changed at least 3 times that season and she likes none of them). Then the girl mentions the blue pants suite for Scheherazade is the most memorable one for her.

Okay~  in a couple of hours it will be time for the 6th round!

Thanks a lot for your summary translations of Mao radio shows CONK. It's nice to hear what Mao is interested in and what her favorite places are.

Deleted post

Thanks, WowMao, and welcome, SunshineMao!

The updated news about Mao: Mao had an open recording session for her radio talk show. The session was held last Saturday at Kyoto, with audiences invited (not sure how many ppl, but the auditorium seems to be quite big!)

And the special guest to the recording session was: Midori Ito!!

Here's the link to the the news clip:
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2n6z27_%E6%B5%85%E7%94%B0%E7%9C%9F%E5%A4%AE-%E6%86%A7%E3%82%8C%E3%81%AE%E4%BC%8A%E8%97%A4%E3%81%BF%E3%81%A9%E3%82%8A%E3%81%A8%E5%AF%BE%E8%AB%87_sport#from=embediframe

Part of the content of the talk show is described here (sorry, but it's in Japanese):
http://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000147.000003392.html

The content of this talk show will be broadcast in Mao's radio show on Apr 20th and 27th.

There is a great translation by rosewood of Mao's interview with Midori Ito at the following link:

http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/index.php?threads/the-mao-cheer-thread-after-finishing-the-season-i-could-truly-say-figure-skating-is-wonderful.89260/page-24 post number 707

Here is also a link to the April 20th radio show that the interview appeared on, posted by NMURA:
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMSTObWxtfc&feature=youtu.be

I forgot to mention thanks a lot for that news clip video of Mao and Midori together CONK.

I loved the interview with midori, even if midori was the guest I learned alot about Mao

That interview with Mao and Midori is adorable.

Here is Mao's radio show for April 27th. She is becoming a veteran DJ: a Delightful Joy to listen to. This is the second half of the interview with Midori Ito. Double the pleasure of listening to two living legends with kindred spirits, since this is the 2nd show. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrJ6YKPr_6g

Here is a nice link with some wonderful comments about Mao. Mao has also moved up on the site and is currently the highest rated female on the list: ahead of Michelle Kwan and Yuna Kim. But, I mainly like it for the compliments for Mao.

http://www.thetoptens.com/favorite-figure-skater-of-all-time/

I have posted some of these before but these links show how many people view Mao's performances as the best in a number of polls. Mao's reputation has improved dramatically. A lot of people can "see through" the ISU's consistent efforts to hold down her scores, especially relative to Yuna Kim and more recently Russian skaters.

You can find it at:
http://www.goldenskate.com/forum/showthread.php?50412-Your-five-favorites-of-all-time-in-each-discipline
The top five in each discipline of all time. The top 6 for women are based upon how many lists they appeared in:

1. Michelle Kwan 32
2. Mao Asada 30
3. Yuna Kim 26
4. Midori Ito 16
5. Sasha Cohen 15
6. Carolina Kostner 14


http://www.goldenskate.com/forum/showthread.php?49712-If-you-could-only-watch-10-FS-programs-for-the-rest-of-your-life-which-would-you-choose The results for the poll If You Could Watch only 10 FS Programs for the rest of your life which would you choose:

1. Michelle Kwan Lyrica Angelica 12 Nationals and other performances
2. Mao Asada Rochmaninoff 2 9 Sochi
3. Chen Lu Rochmaninoff 2 5 Worlds 1996
4. Kostner Bolero 5 Sochi
5. Sasha Cohen Romeo and Juliet 5 2006
6. Oksana Bauil Swan Lake 4 1994 Olympics
7. Yulia Lipnitskaya Schindler's List 4 Team Olympics or Europeans

http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/index.php?threads/best-winning-performance-by-a-japanese-lady-at-the-world-championships.93008/
Best performance by a Japanese lady when she won the world championship
Poll closed Feb 22, 2015.
Midori Ito 1989
30 vote(s) 42.3%
Yuka Sato 1994
14 vote(s) 19.7%
Shizuka Arakawa 2006
21 vote(s) 29.6%
Miki Ando 2007
5 vote(s) 7.0%
Mao Asada 2008
8 vote(s) 11.3%
* Mao Asada 2010
11 vote(s) 15.5%
Miki Ando 2011
4 vote(s) 5.6%
* Mao Asada 2014
30 vote(s) 42.3%

It's truly amazing that Mao's hero and triple axel role model, Midori Ito, should be tied with Mao for number 1.

Who had the best winning Grand Prix performance? While Mao won this one for her endearing Nutcracker Performance in 2005, this poll is also interesting because Mao received quite a few votes for her spectacular redemption in the 2007 Grand Prix Final LP, even though she didn't win "officially." The person posting the poll must have assumed she won based on how great her performance was, just as many assumed Mao must have won gold at Sochi after watching only her LP. I thought she was judged quite harshly by the tech crew and in PCS in the LP and should have won the Grand Prix Final in 2007.
Poll closed Oct 28, 2014.
http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/index.php?threads/favorite-grand-prix-champion-cop-ladies-now-done-right.93376/

Irina Slutskaya 2004-2005
7 vote(s) 13.0%
Mao Asada 2005-2006
11 vote(s) 20.4%
Yuna Kim 2006-2007
4 vote(s) 7.4%
* Mao Asada 2007-2008
5 vote(s) 9.3%
Mao Asada 2008-2009
2 vote(s) 3.7%
Yuna Kim 2009-2010
2 vote(s) 3.7%
Alissa Czisny 2010-2011
8 vote(s) 14.8%
Carolina Kostner 2012-2013
10 vote(s) 18.5%
Mao Asada 2012-2013
3 vote(s) 5.6%
Mao Asada 2013-2014
2 vote(s) 3.7%


http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/index.php?threads/favorite-grand-prix-champion-cop-ladies-now-done-right.93376/

What are your favorite FS-(but not title-)winning performances by a lady at Worlds? Pick 2.
Katarina Witt, "West Side Story" (1986)
55 vote(s) 31.1%
Midori Ito, "Scheherazade" (1990)
70 vote(s) 39.5%
Michelle Kwan, "Taj Mahal" (1997)
59 vote(s) 33.3%
* Mao Asada, "Czardas" (2007)
88 vote(s) 49.7%
Yuna Kim, "Miss Saigon" (2008)
63 vote(s) 35.6%
Yuna Kim, "Concerto in F" (2010)
56 vote(s) 31.6%

rosewood posted that someone tweeted that Mao was witnessed where Coach Sato has a spring camp. No confirmation that this is consistent with her plans to return to competition or part of her preparation for The Ice. Either way it is good to know that she may be back training with Coach Sato because her skating blossomed beautifully into a vibrant rose nestled beneath a weeping willow under his tutlege.  http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/index.php?threads/the-mao-cheer-thread-after-finishing-the-season-i-could-truly-say-figure-skating-is-wonderful.89260/page-24
 
Here is a great new video on youtube: Mao's best Nocturne performances 7 years apart in really good quality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvMJ-4_rTCI

In both her Sochi LP and Nocturne at Worlds 2014 and the early performance of Nocturne as well, Mao's emotional expression is like an incoming tide that swells slowly with the wave like motions of her balletic lines and extensions carried out with tender care, diligence, fine-tuned flexibility and flashes of athletic brilliance. The complex movements, transitions, spins and jumps are a fine weave of elaborate tapestry that draw me slowly into a trance, until I am carried away to a beautiful oasis once she descends into her soulful dance. She tells a highly personal story with the movements of her body, released from deep within her genuine spirit.


Here is also a really good quality of performance of Caprice with Abba playing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W72o4XqdVXQ

Hey everyone, it's been forever since my last visit. How I missed this place. Thank you all for keeping this thread alive!

WowMao wrote:

rosewood posted that someone tweeted that Mao was witnessed where Coach Sato has a spring camp. No confirmation that this is consistent with her plans to return to competition or part of her preparation for The Ice.

Though I'm still conflicted about her potential return, for reasons I've already explain a couple of times, the initial reaction to this news was; "oh God, please, yes"! I miss her so much, though I will support her decision no matter what it'll be, to tell you the truth, I'm not ready for her retirement. Even though I know what the judges will do to her if she stays on, I still don't want to see her go.
 

WowMao wrote:

Here is a great new video on youtube: Mao's best Nocturne performances 7 years apart in really good quality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvMJ-4_rTCI

In both her Sochi LP and Nocturne at Worlds 2014 and the early performance of Nocturne as well, Mao's emotional expression is like an incoming tide that swells slowly with the wave like motions of her balletic lines and extensions carried out with tender care, diligence, fine-tuned flexibility and flashes of athletic brilliance. The complex movements, transitions, spins and jumps are a fine weave of elaborate tapestry that draw me slowly into a trance, until I am carried away to a beautiful oasis once she descends into her soulful dance. She tells a highly personal story with the movements of her body, released from deep within her genuine spirit.

This is so beautifully written. I couldn't agree more!

And thank you for posting this video.

WowMao wrote:

I have posted some of these before but these links show how many people view Mao's performances as the best in a number of polls. Mao's reputation has improved dramatically. A lot of people can "see through" the ISU's consistent efforts to hold down her scores, especially relative to Yuna Kim and more recently Russian skaters.

This. And IMO, it was about time. She is one of the most underscored/screwed over skaters of the past decade. And Lakernik should've been fired for what he did in Sochi. Mao did not deserve to medal, not with that SP meltdown, but she deserved a clean 8 triple LP and a WR. Thanx to Lakernik, she received neither.

But ultimately she did win. Like you said, thanx to her magical LP performance in Sochi, she made people see what a joke ISU's juding system really is.

Apparently, she wants to come back? http://www.goldenskate.com/forum/showthread.php?55236-Mao-Asada-plans-comeback&p=1159488#post1159488 (there's an article there, but I can't find a translation.)

l-spiralmao wrote:

Apparently, she wants to come back? http://www.goldenskate.com/forum/showthread.php?55236-Mao-Asada-plans-comeback&p=1159488#post1159488 (there's an article there, but I can't find a translation.)

I'M SO SO SO HAPPY and most importantly i'm soo delighted to hear that we will see her beautiful skating again in competition. she is irreplaceable.

l-spiralmao wrote:

Apparently, she wants to come back? http://www.goldenskate.com/forum/showthread.php?55236-Mao-Asada-plans-comeback&p=1159488#post1159488 (there's an article there, but I can't find a translation.)

Someone translated the article on the first or second page. Bottom line, she started training with Sato to see how well (or not) her body is responding before deciding if she should resume competing, but won't make a decision either way until the 18th of May.

zarinaballerina wrote:

Though I'm still conflicted about her potential return, for reasons I've already explain a couple of times, the initial reaction to this news was; "oh God, please, yes"!    I miss her so much, though I will support her decision no matter what it'll be, to tell you the truth, I'm not ready for her retirement.    Even though I know what the judges will do to her if she stays on, I still don't want to see her go.    :  

You just perfectly described my thoughts & emotion when my friend texted me an article about her resuming practice, zarina.    I always love your posts.      Yaassss!!!  

WowMao wrote:

Here is a great new video on youtube: Mao's best Nocturne performances 7 years apart in really good quality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvMJ-4_rTCI

In both her Sochi LP and Nocturne at Worlds 2014 and the early performance of Nocturne as well, Mao's emotional expression is like an incoming tide that swells slowly with the wave like motions of her balletic lines and extensions carried out with tender care, diligence, fine-tuned flexibility and flashes of athletic brilliance. The complex movements, transitions, spins and jumps are a fine weave of elaborate tapestry that draw me slowly into a trance, until I am carried away to a beautiful oasis once she descends into her soulful dance. She tells a highly personal story with the movements of her body, released from deep within her genuine spirit.

A tide that swells- such a cool & beautiful analogy, WowMao!    

shar wrote:

l-spiralmao wrote:

Apparently, she wants to come back? http://www.goldenskate.com/forum/showthread.php?55236-Mao-Asada-plans-comeback&p=1159488#post1159488 (there's an article there, but I can't find a translation.)

Someone translated the article on the first or second page. Bottom line, she started training with Sato to see how well (or not) her body is responding before deciding if she should resume competing, but won't make a decision either way until the 18th of May.

Still conflicted, but I can't wait to see her skate again, either only in shows or competitively. I hope she's taking enough time to make the final decision and isn't being presured into rushing. Yes JSF, I'm talking about you.

maowataiyo wrote:

You just perfectly described my thoughts & emotion when my friend texted me an article about her resuming practice, zarina

I think there are a lot of Mao's fans who want to see her back at competitions, but are worried about how the judges will react to her. If she decides she wants to continue, I really hope she'll be getting a fair treatment, but I'm not holding my breath, TBH.

And if she comes back, I hope she'll stop with 3A obsession.

zarinaballerina wrote:

I think there are a lot of Mao's fans who want to see her back at competitions, but are worried about how the judges will react to her.  If she decides she wants to continue, I really hope she'll be getting a fair treatment, but I'm not holding my breath, TBH.

And if she comes back, I hope she'll stop with 3A obsession.

I don't really have a lot of expectations that the judges will react positively either if she does choose to return. Unfortunately like in a lot of things in life, figure skating is very youth oriented and even when Mao skated great the judges didn't appreciate her then so...

A selfish part of me wants her to only return to competition for one season & have the competition of her life, have no regrets & turn pro. I don't want her to compete all the way to the next Olympics in Pyongchang because it's in SK and what some of the fans there & the media there did to her still angers me when I think about it

I know Mao is competing in a world that a lot of us can't see so she might still incorporate the 3A if she is practicing it again. I just hope she doesn't feel the need to do it it the sp. This is mere speculation though. She's older now & she took a substantial time off even if she continued to do shows that mentally she wasn't in competition mode so even if she is practicing again there's a good chance that she still may choose to retire. I will support & love Mao no matter what she decides. I just don't want her to have regrets if there is still an inkling of wanting to compete.

To behold, revel, be awed and moved by her artistry and incomparable skill on
this frozen stage would be a soulful gift she graces and bestows upon us...again.

Thank you maowatiayo and zarina ballerina for your responses to my posts. Good to hear from you again Samurai Mao.

rosewood posted a translation of a song by Ayumi Hamasaki and played on Mao's last radio show. I am sure she will be full of as much or more anxious anticipation as we will be until she finally reveals her decision. If I had to predict, I think the lines of the song indicate that she will continue.


*No one tells you the answer
If there is any answer,
you've got it already
If you've decided you'll go through with it at any cost,
it's time to keep your face up*


There isn't any answer, anywhere,
But this moment will not come again These lines echoes the advice of Midori in the interview again translated by rosewood, "But there are things which can be done now." and Mao's response, : I learned things which can be done only now are things to be done,"


Taking all these quotes together and the fact that she is back working with Sato-Sensei makes me think she will continue..Not to mention her hero, Midori, made a comeback and Mao has always fought to keep the flame of her memory burning in competition. If Mao does return, I just hope people will separate the scores from the performances because figure skating is so much more than breaking out the tape measure for jump height (which Mao has the most of on her triple axel anyway), examining minute hooks on the ice which may or may not be present, or taking one group of judges as the ultimate truth. There is a vision of perfection that Mao brings to her performances which transcends the scoring system and makes numerical assessment seem base. Mao is not a strategist but an idealist who is able at moments to embody her ideal in a symphony of synchronized motion, which freezes time as you eloquently said Samurai Mao on the "frozen stage." By the way, I really loved your description of Mao's artistry as embodying the concept of Shibumi. I will let you quote it yourself if you wish.    


I may be wrong, but it sure sounds like Mao is going to come back.

More breaking news from rosewood: On 14th Mr Sato revealed that Mao lands 3As during training. "She's doing it(3A) too. Some are good and some are not. Still there are things to work on, even though some of them looked good seemingly," said Mr Sato. Preparations for her come back is going well.

Asada started training under Mr Sato at his home rink Shinyokohama Skating Center from this week.

More details at:
http://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/inde....89260/page-25

I know some Mao fans want her to get away from the triple axel, but to me Mao's triple axel is one of the most aesthetically pleasing things I have ever seen. Light, high, distant, symmetrical, accelerating rotation from a slight delay, and her defiant stance against a scoring system that tries to deprive her of rightful credit for it so often. The triple flip and loop is the same. Let the ISU make fools of themselves for downgrading jumps that are so obviously rotated that even the judges give it well over +1 GOE. Mao's legacy may then be continuing to unveil the stark injustice of the scoring system and meanwhile we can gaze enraptured at these breathtaking jumps that capture an ideal and reveal it to the world.

I know I have posted this before. But, I have been working on trying to get my tribute to Mao's Sochi LP to rhyme. Still not quite finished.

Mao's Olympic performance was packed with epic grandeur
like a Shakespearean tragedy with a silver lining for texture.
-only the medium of expression was not written in words,
but molded from a multitude of exquisite positions that turned
into a series of limber spins and accented with wave-like runs
to a string of quick whipsaw jumps that drilled into the utmost
depths of my soul.

This vigorous warrior princess set the athletic standard in the ladies' group
by tackling the triple axel together with the combination triple flip and loop.

Mao offered her open arms and palms to engage the audience
lifting them dramatically like curtains slowly rising for stage presence
to reveal the first act in a role she alone had the capacity to play.
She veered left using the diagonal width of the rink as a runway.

As she launched into take off, her arms swung into motion.
Her back straight as a knife blade to cut the mounting tension.
Leaning deep into her forward edge, she folded her arms across her chest
to spin quickly. My heart raced as her rising symmetrical spirals hit their crest.
Her delayed rotation accelerated into a quick whirlwind that broke the suspense
She spread her arms wide and leaned back to the jumping site for an instant,
as her right blade hit the ice clean and began to slide sideways.
Meanwhile, the announcer, Tatiana Tarasova, who lovingly named
Mao "her little dove," made a guttural utterance
in relief once the jump was wonderfully done.

Then, Mao extended her arms wide to embrace the crowd,
as the triple axel turned on the switch for her soul to speak out loud.
She flew through her triple flip quickly and lightly whirling like a streamlined swallow
Her winged feet just touched the icy surface before flitting into symmetrical twirling motion

Mao exited her jumps with an undulating flow back to where the jump had been,
waving farewell to a forgotten friend or a loved one she would never see again.
She lovingly cupped her hands and brushed them gently under her neck,
with an angelic smile lifted to the sky as bittersweet memories beckoned
for a distant someone between her broken leg, pancake and flying camel spins.

Her balletic grace was a mermaid swaying back in forth on one skate
as her limbs displayed the fluidity of seaweed drifting gently on the waves.
Only Mao had the infinite subtlety, complexity and grace
of the Japanese tea ceremony at her fingertips to taste.

As the program progressed, her speed between jumps increased
in sync with the surge in the music, as it mounted to a climatic release.
Through the triple lutz, the triple toe / double axel combo and the triple salchow,
she was more than game to run a gauntlet of triples no woman had the power
to tame. I waited with baited breath for an inevitable mistake that never came,
As my mouth grew wider, my eyes started filling with water,
So, I crossed my fingers, hoping she'd finish before making an error.

On her entrance to the triple flip / double loop combo, she lifted her arms
softly like wings gently soaring before darting into the air with the charm
of swift rhythmic flight. Her wave-like flow in every motion
that moves the emotions like the moon does the ocean
then transformed into an abrupt downward thrust of her arms,
like striking piano keys on entry to her eighth triple jump as an alarm.
When the triple loop was done, she flung her right arm back suddenly. With her final goal
in sight, she rid herself of the melancholy ghosts that haunted the hollowness in her soul.

Then, as the blare from the horns began its strident swell,
the pounding of the piano crescendoed into crashing bells,
and the whine of the violins began to cry,
Mao hung suspended in the revolutions of her illusion,
sit extension and Biellmann spins.

After this, she plunged into her step sequence, where tears begin to rush as a flooded river.
The battling ballerina pranced freely, whirling her arms along every trajectory that sent me into shivers
as she balanced her body, twisting quickly to accelerate the vortex in her pirouettes, then rocking back
and forth rapidly in semi-circular turns. She portrayed the fierceness of a lovely lioness on the attack
to the roar of the audience, as they clapped in time to her nimble quickness.

Next, she leapt into the air with arms and legs outstretched, then tread into a transcendent dimension

that exorcised all her Olympic heart aches, grievous mistakes and acumulated humiliations

to embrace a peak performance that surpassed the rise to Everest. She kicked her limber

legs over her head, turned upside down and wound round like a windmill churning in a river.

Then, she spun upright, as her arms and hands glided in wide sweeping gestures

while flashing a wild samurai smile, as the crowd clapped in time to each step she measured.

Finally, she dashed through her fan spiral and glided in a wide arc through her arabesque,
as she descended back to earth redeemed in the completion of her 4 year quest for success.

It was the performance she proudly staked her reputation on
when so many thought all hope for her in Sochi was gone.

In her final act, she tried to stand frozen in her last pose looking up nobly
with her right arm folded over her chest to hold in the overwhelming emotion.
At that moment, I pictured her facing heavenward to dedicate her amazing
triumph to the dear spirit of her mother while whispering in praise,
"I did this all, including the triple axel, just for you. Mom, How did I do?"
During this dedication I conceived, she started sobbing uncontrollably in bidding adieu,
as her head and arms began to shake, then dropped down as she faced away.
A platinum performance tinged with the question of "What could be?" was erased
by the SP tragedy bringing bittersweet tears to her and a huge host
of those from all over the globe. With a nod of the head, she composed
herself to face the fond applause from the audience. Her arms opened wide
and her flowing tears metamorphosized into a bright, beaming smile
as Mao, the Ballerina Phoenix, arose to show joyous relief in her glorious achievement.

Thank you Mao Asada for digging deep to reveal the full beauty, purity and resiliency of your brave athletic spirit. It is the most complete performance I have ever seen. It moved my emotions like the moon does the sea because you did it so naturally.

Wow, look at the great poetry going around. Fantastic job Samurai Mao & WowMao! I can tell all the reverence both of you guys have for Mao's beautiful skating

I love Mao's triple axel. I'm just not sure it's worth the risk in the short program because it set the tone of the competition for her whether or not she hit because you got jealous creeps like Amano doing whatever he can to hinder her confidence by unjustly deeming it under rotated. And if she missed she basically had to play catch up in the long. I know for Mao the 3a signified her mantra of always challenging one's self so I guess it depends on if she does actually return, what exactly are her objectives in terms of strategically trying to win competitions or is she returning for something greater outside of titles or both.

maowataiyo wrote:

figure skating is very youth oriented and even when Mao skated great the judges didn't appreciate her

That does not explain Kostner or those like her. Maturity can translate into an almost unbeatable PCS advantage. It is true that judges have discriminated against Mao, but age might not be the reason. 2/3 of the medalists at the last 3 Olympics have been 20 or over. (I am not saying she should or shouldn't go that long, just making a point about age.)

maowataiyo wrote:

I love Mao's triple axel. I'm just not sure it's worth the risk in the short program

There is nothing to lose, because an Axel is required, and a 3A counts toward it.

It was an unfair risk to do a 3A in the SP when it had to be done in combination. For that, Mao is a hero.
The stupidest, most sexist rule in skating was a mandatory 2A in the SP even if the girl had done a 3A. That is asinine. The risk was missing the entire 3A-2T combination for a reward less than a standard 3-3. Nothing to gain and everything to lose.

If Mao did not courageously land a 3A-2T at the Olympics, the 2A rule would NEVER be changed, and no other female skater would ever attempt a 3A in the SP. She alone is responsible for correcting this injustice, through her athletic heroism. It necessitated someone actually risking everything for a 3A in the SP, to make a case for rewriting the rules.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2010/03/30/more-sports/jsf-to-ask-for-triple-axel-rethink/

The SP is now the least risky place to do a 3A, because a solo Axel is required, and a fall or UR 3A is still more than a 2A - but if it lands it hits the jackpot. There is nothing to lose, no risk at all - and everything to gain.
It took half a decade for the other girls figure this "loophole" out. Probably 4-5 will be trying to land a 3A in the SP next year. Gracie Gold said she would try it, and probably a few others are capable.

BelieveInMaoself wrote:

That does not explain Kostner or those like her. Maturity can translate into an almost unbeatable PCS advantage. It is true that judges have discriminated against Mao, but age might not be the reason. 2/3 of the medalists at the last 3 Olympics have been 20 or over. (I am not saying she should or shouldn't go that long, just making a point about age.

I somewhat agree with you that there is a PCS advantage for mature skaters (although still not enough imo) but my point was't necessarily talking about pcs scores specifically. I'm talking about general buzz a newcomer can generate that can carry over in overall scores (with pcs & goes included) versus vs the "Old Guard" of skaters such as Mao coming back when I didn't feel as though the judges really appreciated her then so I'm still not sure they would appreciate her now. Same thing with Kostner, she has a lot of great qualities like speed and beautiful step sequences, but I don't think she was given a substantial pcs advantage vs other skaters who chose to do more simple straight line ss or more basic choreography, at least not at Sochi or worlds.

BelieveInMaoself wrote:

There is nothing to lose, because an Axel is required, and a 3A counts toward it.

I'm aware of the rules & I totally agree that the 2A requirement was so stupid (still pisses me off), but I don't think it necessarily would be bad strategically if she didn't do it in the sp because if she missed it or it was deemed ur she wouldn't be rewarded the points she was striving for even though she risked so much. And unfortunately, no matter how clean, fully rotated she jumps some idiot can arbitrarily call it ur like Amano or the tech caller at Sochi for her 3f-3l. I'm just not sure it's worth the risk since it is such a difficult jump & may set the tone or group order she appears for her long. But I guess since Elizaveta did do the 3a in the sp at this years worlds, Mao may feel motivated to do so again. Who knows...I'm kind of excited & nervous to see what she'll reveal where she's at mentally in her press conference.

Today in a Reuters article, when asked if Mao would return to competition, Coach Sato said, "I hear she is leaning in that direction," according to the Nikkei business daily. That said, it's not easy to make a come back after one year break. Mr Sato also said in another article, "While she says she'll compete, we need to make it clear that it's realistically possible." The first goal would be to be back in good condition as it was before the break.

Mao just updated her blog saying that she asked Mr. Sato in March to coach her again to return to competition as an athlete. They started training in May. She has been told by Coach Sato that if things go well she will enter competition and if things do not she will not enter competition. As of now, she can't declare yet that she will be competing. When things are more definitive she will make an announcement herself so she would like for people to wait until then. Today's press conference is for "the Ice".

Those were the main pts

http://mao-asada.jp/mao/