Jeffrey Buttle is one of the most complete skaters of the 00s - there doesn't seem to be a weak area in his skating. What a beautiful performance, and so nice that he could retire at the height of his career after having achieved everything. The many skaters he choreographed for continue to carry his greatness.
Everyone who griped about Evan Lysacek winning the 2010 Olympics with two flawless programs (but without a quad) against a defending champion with a quad (but with other errors) conveniently forget that very thing happened two years BEFORE the 2010 Olympics at these World Championships. Jeffery Buttle skated two flawless programs without a quad and defeated defending champion, Brian Joubert, who had quads in both programs but with other errors. Back in those days, it was mathematically possible to defeat someone who had one or two quads in their programs even if you didn't have one, with a clean program, better footwork, spins, and choreography. Under the COP at that time, a quad toe was worth 10.3 points, but a triple axel-triple toe was worth 12.8. Today, with the guys doing 4 to 5 quads in a LP, it's not possible anymore, but back then it definitely was.
What is wrong with Dick Button's eyes?!? This was a vastly superior program and performance to Joubert's. That's why Buttle won by such a large margin. My respect for Button has dropped quite a few notches.
I think it was Paul Wylie who seemed the most surprised with the outcome... though I'm not sure why. The only element where Joubert had a clear advantage was obviously the quad since Buttle didn't do one. Otherwise, Buttle's remaining elements were of generally higher quality than Joubert's, which was more than enough to compensate for the lack of a quad. When I was watching this 12 years ago and Buttle finished, it wasn't even a question in my mind that Buttle would not only remain in 1st place, but that he would increase his lead.
