Additionally, there is something pure in her eyes as she skates, pure joy and love. I look at skaters today and I see practiced emotion, not pure-not raw. You can see Michelle crying at the end because of her overwhelming emotions. That plays a huge role in skating and is a core in the sport-expression. I feel as if skaters today lack that.
@allenglandlawns the brilliance of Michelle Kwan is from the artistic expression in her skating, something that is tragically missing from most skaters today
Even in a program where she didn't skate her best, she is still amazing. I miss having her in Figure Skating and wish others would elevate their skating to this level. Jealousy and hatred would be the only reasons anyone would speak down on her. Shame on all of you!
Oh give me a break. Jealousy and hatred are the only possible reasons that people aren't gushing over Kwan? Couldn't be that she was mediocre and this program was boooooorrrrring and off time and she still grabbed the Gold and flashed that I'm so awesome grin. Shame**less** is what Kwan is and other skaters couldn't elevate to her level, they're way way way too far above her!! Have been for a long long time. When you have to resort to the old default reason why people are less than impressed you know you're having to really scrape the bottom of the barrel to defend your apparent idol. Personally, I'm grateful that the Olympics are still sacred, even with all the 'help' from the judges this **amazing wannabe** still couldn't beat the big girls. And I don't hate her. I despise what she did to the sport of figure skating, I can't stand her attitude, and I think she's totally and absolutely lacking in character and class but hatred. Really? I think she's an entitled little snot who expects to be given whatever she wants and talks in a monotone voice much like she skates. What's the next reason? Racist? Nope. Not that either :)
+Sandy Vale I think her actions far out way your words. this is not a great skate. I can admit that. But Kwan had an artistic ability that is not often matched. There were many times when she lost. And I never cried out that she was robbed. Neither did she. She had grace on and off the ice and still does. She was a legend in her own time and still years later I haven't seen another female skater match that. They come and go. They are great. But Kwan stayed on top for many years. And regardless of what anyone thinks, the only way she was able to maintain that was hard work.
As nice and polite as your reply is Nicole, I don't agree totally. Kwan threw a hissy fit and refused to be interviewed after the 1997 nationals where she was all over the ice and shouldn't have even place. She was ***given*** silver and a place on the worlds team. She finally agreed to be interviewed but only in her room, and the audience actually booed when Kwan placed above Nicole Bobek but Nicole was gracious about it and sat for the interview. She booed her marks in SLC and thumbs downed them. Hardly classy, especially since she shouldn't have been handed first to begin with. Her flippant little interview with Katie Couric (I think) was just arrogant. And then came 2006 which was is and always will be totally inexcusably selfish and wrong. Along that line you might notice that Kwan was the only one to openly support the crap decision and dirty deal that Mirai got in 2014. As far as beauty and grace on the ice, Sasha has her beat, and so does Yuna Kim. And even though Sasha is nervous she is also more daring and athletic than Kwan and there is none to match Yuna. There's a young Russian girl Juliana who skates to Schindler's list and it's incredible. Kwan was mediocre and got more breaks than any skater in history. Not to be insulting because you are nice you must remember that Tanya Harding is a legend as well. Kwan probably did work hard in the beginning but I believe that she eventually developed a sense of entitlement and arrogance that showed in her skating and demeanor. If you watch closely at the 2002 long program's beginning? She was curt with the little skaters picking up Sasha's flowers and barged onto the ice. She turned on the grin only after lumbering around. This was a once in a lifetime experience for these young girls and she was rude to them. This is the last thing I'll say on this too long of a post. Kwan in no way shape or form deserved that Bronze medal in SLC. If you look on the internet you can still find articles that tell of the favoritism and Kwan's true colors. Thank you for being so nice. People like you I will respond to. The frothers and huffers and name callers I will not.
+Sandy Vale Well thank you for your response and I respect your opinion. I will however always love Michelle Kwan. Always have. And anyone who is in the public spotlight is open for scrutiny. I also agree with you about all the other skaters you mentioned and they are also very artistic and elegant. Much respect to the sport and any athlete who puts themselves out there. 😊
stpark22 This was a great program, iconic in every way skating to Bolero and choreographed by a legend. She went out at the top of the game with a program the summed up her career stylistically and athletically.
@@Jacobeeez Maybe just because you like Sarah Cohen's artistry more than Michelle's. Sarah's artistry was about beautiful and just beautiful. Michelle's artistry was about beautiful and feeling.
in a way im glad she never won gold at the olympics(even though she deserved it in 98) because then we wouldve never seen her perform so many other wonderful programs.
One of many things I love about Michelle is you could always count on her to do at least a very good performance. She never failed to accomplish several triple jumps (five here, not her best by far) and impress us all with her wonderful style.
@Novak D Yes, it would have helped her. If she had landed the flip in Salt Lake in 2002 the judges might have kept her above Slutskaya even without the triple-triple, and she would have won overall even while losing the long program to Hughes. But in any case her lack of triple-triples made her vulnerable. Still puzzles me why, after the 2001-2 season, she stopped even trying to do triple-triples.
Do not care what you say about it---Michelle Kwan is the only figure skater ( male or female ) that gives me goosebumps to see perform. Elegance artistry and joy on the ice--which cannot be faked--define this woman and her legacy as a competitive skater at the top of the sport. BRAVO Miss Kwan !!
I loved this performance. Even her first moves in the beginning when she looks up and does 2 turns into flowing arm movements. Just brilliant artist content worthy of a 6.0 in my opinion. I agree when the announcer said "It was a love fest for Michelle Kwan" but- deservedly so. She was the 7 time defending champion coming into this event and everyone in the US wanted to see her try and win a gold medal in 2006, so no S**T the US crowd was behind her cheering her on doing every move with her!
that is why michell won so many medals most decorated skater in my book she should have won in 1998 tara is lucky she won what has she done after the olympics michelle beat her a month later at the worlds same with sarah. michelle beat her to at the worlds michelle is the most graceful skater. like it or not also a college education
I've notice, for a while now, that Michelle always had a problem ending her programs on time. And this started happening after Salt Lake when she started skating only in a few competitions. She's beautiful to watch
I can't believe people are bashing her performance. The 6.0s may have been given to her as they were being handed out left and right during this event but you can't honestly say she didn't deserve to win against Sasha on this competition, it just so happened that it gave her a record win. And btw, the 6.0 record was already hers long before this event came around.
The other thing to note. Points are given or deducted depending on the elements that was successfully delivered or failed. Judges are just following the rules given to them. Athletes are not given the right to protest the results, even if they know that they successfully mastered the performances unless there are revealing evidences that the judges have deliberately abused the rules.
That's ironic (you saying that she doesn't match other skaters in artistic values because Kwan is known as the most decorated skater in history. Renown skaters acknowledge that. Kwan doesn't need to rely on arms flailing (sadly, skaters today do that) and over exaggerated motions to be called artistic. She, consistently, is in the moment and that raw emotion in her skater is more than enough for others to see the artistry in her. Hence she has so many 6.0 in presentation, more so than technical
If I remember correctly, the judges were handing out 6.0's left and right at this competition. I'm pretty sure Sasha Cohen got a few in her short program even with numerous technical flaws. Of course Kwan got some...and of course she "lapped it up". Haha, wouldn't you?
I've always thought that no one else could skate to this music on the elite scene...except Michelle Kwan. That said, the music offers no change of pace and when you're alone it's not the same as it was for Torville and Dean...and even in their version I felt they were into each other more than the music.
This is a fantastic performance, despite the popped lutz. It may not be the best Bolero ever but that doesn't mean I can't love it. I'm sick of people like allenglandlawns and getrealandsee commenting on Michelle videos. Don't even bother replying to them, just vote them down! Maybe, hopefully, we'll be able to enjoy Kwan videos soon in PEACE!
She was great here. ( But this isn't her best performance ) She got her 9th National titles here. She skated with her heart and passion, emotion....she did very hard for years and years. Her longevity was unreal and hard to close for the other skaters.
@mariahfan444 Yeah, I suggest you do a little research. These nationals were still under the 6.0. when it took place. The problem was Michelle herself, imo. I feel that after 2002 she really didn't continue growing as an artist or even made an attempt to. She seemed to depend only on her connection with the audience due to the years she contributed to the sport. Everything she did looked the same 2002 onwards; everything down to her arm movements.
I don't agree what you said. Michelle was 25 years old in 2005 , she got more and more hurt even she took care herself so well. People used to hope Michelle gave us more and more.
As much as I love her, this music was such a mistake... It doesn't build, and is certianly not up to par with any of her other long programs... and she has always been perfect at picking music!
Over the years I have watched Michelle trying to see what everyone else does and I don’t see it , I see a fantastic skater , but skates as well as many many others , it is maddening as I try so hard to see it : but cannot . I am not up on figure skating but the only time I have been moved is by Sasha Cohen who I feel is a gift , But did not even win gold at worlds when Kwan and slutskya were absent . Lol
By the way, I don't seem to se any 'mistakes' of Michelle Kwan in terms of execution and the completion of program requirements. There is nothing wrong with the music OR the choreography itself for that matter either. Either like this video or don't bother watching.
She has never pouted about not winning Olympic gold. She expressed her disappointment, but that was it. She had an injury in '06 and could not compete at Nationals that year and petitioned for a spot on the team. She made the team because she had the best chance of winning/medaling compared to the other skaters. Just bc a person places does guarantee a spot on the world/olympic team. FYI Kwan was bumped off the '94 Olympic team when Kerrigan petitioned after being assaulted.
I agree with you mlc2005 as well. Compare this with Tosca in 2004, or Lysacek's Bolero this worlds 2009, and she seems to be slow and lacking energy. But 'lacking' in her terms, of course! She's still amazing
+Buggerbeef Nope. Sasha fell, Kwan didn't. Game over. Cohen had plenty of chances and fell in every long program. No use staying bitter all these years later.
+Meghan Elizabeth Oh really? Kwan was off time, downgraded one of her jumps and had that Gold in her trophy case before she stepped onto the ice. Do some reading on the SLC Olympics and you will find that even if Kwan fell 3 times she was guaranteed at least the Bronze and there she is wearing it. She was gifted the short (the BBC video is no longer on you tube but the Brits were very clear in their thoughts.) And there are still articles out there if you care to read them.
This was about the point in time where i felt she needed new connecting steps. Just felt I seen all of this before but only thing new for her was the music.
@WOWitsANT No matter what. Michelle is still perfect to me. I'd rather have her consistency than seeing a bunch of falls mar a perfectly solid performance because sometimes, the ability of the athlete to recover despite a fall. Some times one fall can lead to another fall and that would ruin the confidence of the athlete. Also, I've seen one too many skaters fall as if on purpose and these type of fall calls for a serious deduction.
I agree, any racist comments need to be removed, as they have no place in a discussion about a sport and a performance. As for the topic at hand: I'm a Kwan fanatic, and I felt that she gave her signature passion and emotion here, but the music choice fell a little flat in that it didn't have the build, crescendos, and inspiration we are used to from her. IMO, this program would be a crowning achievement for most, but Kwan's standards were so high that this felt a bit of a let down.
michelle never understood the new judging system. She still played it safe with this program without the technical needs. THAT'S WHY SHE LOST THE worlds this year badly.
It definitely was not one of Michelle's best. But if that performance would have belonged to another, less well known skater...I'm sure they would have been quite excited. I'm curious as to who you think should have won this championship
Do you know why this performance wasn't as stunning as her previous ones? Because this was the year that figure skating shot themselves in the foot...they changed from the 6.0 system to the horrid CoP, turning proimising elegant skaters into mechanical robots skating around for points. Michelle is amazing and was still able to retain her signature heart, but she definitely changed under the new system. So it ain't her fault lol!
This music is synonymous (google this word bitch, I know you won't understand it) with Torvill and Dean who achieved numerous perfect 6.0s with their program. Quan herself enlisted the help of Christopher Dean with her choreography. NOW DO YOU GET IT? LOL
I agree that this is widely regarded as her worst choreographed program (however, I think it still ranks, compared to other skates, as decent). The standard she set was SO high, that a "normal" program was regarded as bad. However, to jump that this means she's "one of the most overrated skaters" is a huge leap. Come on, Sabbie100, she won 5 world championships with NO controversy... .She deserved everyone, and she had some MAJOR competition there. So, please, show some respect she earned.
Now, don't even mention the issue of "stalking". MissThingSings wasn't purposely stalking you. She was trying to make her opinions clear and concise. Twilligert123, on the other hand is a stalker and I am trying to keep her out.When getrealandsee was stalking Michelle Kwan by posting mediocre commentaries, I was just trying to keep her out. When getrealandsee posts, it is usually due out of compulsion.
Falls does not make one a good figure skater. You need a balance of both artistic and technical elements. You also need an enticing choreography and to be creative on both the theme and variation of a program. You need it to help represent you and your originality. Michelle represents both, artistic and technical expression when properly executed. One not need to have a fancy tricks on the book to help define the type of skater she is.
So my question is How can this program be boring? I find it so difficult to fall asleep during Michelle’s eye opening program! The current ladies from 2010-2020 : too boring.
People expected Michelle to be perfect all the time yet when she makes a small mistake they crucify her. Yet now fall and compete like crap and win medals. This new skating system is a joke.
Falling is and should not part of the performance. The debate of what constitutes a clean program is to perfectly execute the overall components without messing it up. Sasha had the chance to make a clean program without ruining it with falls that would mar a clean program of hers. There are too many athletes who have ruined their programs by falling or missing jumps. You are always confusing yourself by mixing Sasha and Michelle up.
Why doesn't getrealandsee collect all of her baggage and shovel up her way to Yu Na Kim's forum? Maybe if she was in Yu Na Kim's forum instead we wouldn't be seeing the same pitiful nonsense throughout Michelle's forum! Maybe Getrealandsee really also wanted Yu Na Kim all for herself too! I feel so bad for Michelle!
Getrealandsee hmm Michelle certainly did NOT fail. You have failed to prove yourself to my attention. She was forced to remove herself because of her injuries. If you want to see Miki Ando trying to skate through her injuries, go ahead and see how close Miki Ando was to being eliminated! And second, why not go to Alissa Czisny's skating 2012 forum and see how Alissa is succumbing to the same fate that threatened Miki Ando!
loco madre nor was she robbed of it either. One doesn’t automatically receive the gold medal. First, the judges review the points given after each skaters complete their performances. Second, they evaluate each skaters performance through techniques delivered, including the elements used and observed which includes successfully completing the required components. Third the judges discuss and then makes their final decisions. I bet being a judge is the most stressful position, which is why every thing about them matters. But for us being critics, it’s not the same thing as being a judge of a figure skating competition.
I don't think the music was a mistake; the choreography just didn't really suit Michelle. Also, I didn't get why she had such an angry expression on her face. Instead, she should have shown more playfulness and flirtatiousness. With that said, there were certainly many brilliant moments in this program, the double lutz notwithstanding.
I don't think I have ever seen a dumber person on youtube and that says a lot. Kwan owned Nationals. Not being perfect every time didn't change the facts she did all the little things right that the baby ballerina's couldn't touch
Loooove Michelle But aside from the straight line footwork, this program was just bland to me and did not compare to Sashas that evening. Yes, Sasha fell and had a slight touch down but Michelle doubled a jump and ended after the music, so she wasn't perfect either. If it had been up to me I would have given it to Sasha this year.
Some people deserved the Olympics gold but never got it, like Michelle. Some people didn't deserve the Olympics gold and got it, like A..B..C...D...E...F....
So do you think someone who messed up her program deserved a gold medal? Are you that realistic? Then, maybe Alissa Czisny also deserved a gold medal for messing up her jumps with her splatfest. The point here, Buggerbeef, you are plain unrealistic when someone who does not execute the required component of the program, even if she has lovely spirals. Why don't you review each of the videos including that of Alissa Czisny and see for yourself. Mao Asada and Michelle Kwan never won Olympic gold.
@allenglandlawns yup, just like you totally bad mouthed Evan Lysacek on his awesome performance in beating the daylights out of Evgeny Pushengo...that's all you do on these sites, allen, is down others...I guess we should remember the old saying. "Pity the poor soul who must condemn others to lift themselves to a place they cannot get to on their own."
Overrated does not make one a perfect skater. Michelle Kwan is absolutely perfect whether you believe it or not. She is not certainly overrated. The only overrated skater should go down to Rachael Flatt. Her spirals cannot match to that of Michelle's and Sasha's. If Michelle Kwan wasn't perfect enough, she wouldn't be where she is right now.
Dick Buttons lost me as a fan forever during this performance. He's a biased jerk. Sasha falls all over the place and he praises her Michelle double one jump and he talks about how the performance was a failure. This performance was damn near perfect and Dick was so desperate to help NBC promote Sasha I seriously bet he was paid extra to say what he said.
Totally agree! I picked up on that...he was very hard on her from the start. Never the less, Michelle Kwan SLAYED the ice! Question, has she offically said she was done the the olympics? The last I heard was that she is keeping all doors open which is not a "no".
She made one mistake, but she didn't fall. That's why she constantly won over Sasha. Sasha had superior extension and spins, yes, but she fell in nearly every program. Kwan may have doubled a second lutz here or there in her final years of competition, but she stayed on her feet and off her ass. That's why she won. Well, that and her superior performance ability which no one has matched. This wasn't my favorite performance of hers, but it was still a well-deserved victory, and no one but the pathetic trolls who watch her videos over and over again dispute that.
Earl Cohen: You mean the youngest Olympic champion in history, and the first woman in history to do two triple triples in an Olympic program, or the most flexible skater to ever step out onto the ice? No, I don't think so. It's Kwan alright. Has to be. Sarah didn't win a national title, and Tara won only one before retiring so no 'confusing' them with the subject of this video. Sasha only won once as well so it can't be her. Nope. No confusion. Kwan wouldn't go away but that doesn't make her the greatest skater in US history. It just makes her the most well known and that isn't always a good thing. Just sayin' :)
+loco madre You're obsessed with skater whom you don't enjoy watching. Go watch a Sasha video. Enjoy seeing her fall. Why you comment on Kwan videos is beyond my comprehension. Take your hate elsewhere!
+Meghan Elizabeth Do you have exclusive rights to you tube? **Do Not** be barking orders at me please and just for the record the reason that Sasha might have fallen a bit more than Kwan is because Sasha took risks and was extremely talented and passionate. Of course she didn't stand a chance in the odious era of Kwan and she bronzie Kwanzie is wearing Sasha's bronze from SLC. Oh, and Sasha won silver in 2006 after Kwan lied and cheated her way onto the team, held a big old poor me press conference and left. Sarah Hughes was robbed at Skate America and the ***audience*** booed. Now Sarah and Tara are Olympic Gold Medalists. How's about you take your obsession with this mediocre crybaby and enjoy her off time low risk repetitive programs and stop playing psychologist or whatever. Fact: Kwan is **not** the best ever...she just hung on and on and on and her career ended on a poetic justice note.
wow, someone has issues... what makes Michelle the greatest is she won 5 world championships and how many nationals?? Hmmm... and Sasha was so out of control half the time it's no wonder she never got very far. Tara... flash in the pan who jumped in at the right time and had the excitement of her age in her favor and what makes a better storyline than having the youngest olympic champ since sonja henie so ya during a period where the olympics were hella rigged it's no wonder she won. I haven't always agreed with michelles artistry choices but her elegance and feel for the music is far better than anyones.
getrealandsee I will report you one more time IF you continue to bully EVERYBODY with your lies and IF you harass Michelle Kwan. I will personally inform you tube as well
You sound like you can skate better. I would like you to videotape yourself figure skate. I want to see how awesome you are. I want to see this choreography.
This was still in 6.0 in 2005 Nats. US Nats did not go CoP until 2006. Michelle was "Injured" for 2006 nats because she new even a jump challenged Sasha would have beaten her. This Bolero program was originally choreographed by Christopher Dean, Michelle could not handle the steps and transitions and "Dumbed" it down right before nats in order to land all the jumps. Then She fell at worlds and was OFF the podium! THANK GOD. USFSA had pumped the well of MK popularity for about 3 yrs too many!
What you said about Michelle just show how great she was. Michelle was 26 years old and got hurt in 2006. The other skaters gone with the wind, but Michelle always there. So it's great and she's great.
The sad fact is that Kwan never really improved after the 1998 season. She had a good run up until 1998 but got lazy and rested on her laurels and judging favoritism to keep her going through the next agonizing 7 years. She won a lot of medals but most were not deserved and took valuable accolades from more fitting skaters.
I agree but did anyone seriously doubt that the gold would go to kwan? Off timing..no problem....this gold was never in the mix...it was kwan's because she had to have yet another record..why? I don't know but what I do know is that she was held up and propped up...she was handed titles and medals..(including Sasha's bronze from 2002)...she's arrogant and oblivious...never had to worry at nats...the only time she lost was in 97 and even that mess was her ticket to worlds. Tara had to be PERFECT!
I agree with both you and HowsaBowsaYowsa (no relation to me)...nauseating...kwan touts and touts and touts so many medals and titles and records that were handed to her...this is for sure one of them...after 97 the nats were nothing but a dog and pony show...crap...she didn't even skate in 06 but slithered her way onto the Olympic team and as planned dropped out after sucking up all the photo ops, press, sympathy, praise, gushing...threw the leftovers to Emily...hardly good sportsmanship!!
