Nagano, JAPAN - 2002 World Figure Skating Championships, Ladies' Free Skate - Irina Slutskaya of Russia won this Free Skate, which helped her win her first World Title.
How many people will really remember Slutskaya skating to Tosca as opposed to Michelle Kwan skating to Tosca in 2004? On second thought, I think I will remember that weird melodramatic ending to Slutskaya's program with a chuckle.
I don't think this program deserved to beat Michelle's one: technically, there is no doubt, Irina was better, but Kwan had a more difficult and well-choreographed program!
Why does Dick keep talking about the judges being biased? There are four strictly eastern bloc judges (Slovakia, Hungary, Russia and Belarus) but there are also judges such as those from Italy, France, Sweden and Poland who would not automatically favor Slutskaya. (Especially Poland which has not had good ties with Russia)
I too, thought that Irina Slutskaya was the better skater. But now, she still skates which is absolutely fantastic. She still haven't lost her moves and her energetic streak. I saw one video where she skates in two shows alongside Shizuka Arakawa and Joannie Rochette.
@karrtt1234 I am with you there, Irina had been around long enough to improve her presentation (and although she might have), it was very juniorish... and she was totally over marked !!
I have neverrr enjoyed watching her... Though her jumping ability's amazing, her programs were dull and her artistry greatly lacking... Love her earrings and her sportsmanship though! Seemed to always be smiling, as Dick says at the end!
