Heartbreaking. No other way to put it. He could not have drawn this up any better. He was the defending world champion, two big names had stumbled, he had a masterpiece of an original program, and he was the last of the medal contenders to skate. He could have blown the roof off the place and easily would have put up 5.9s if he'd hit. Instead... What a disaster. Poor guy.
You know it isn't in victory that true character shines, it is in defeat. In his defeat, Kurt's character was brilliantly shining. Kurt became one of the G.O.AT.s as he continued in a career he is passionate about, and while he did not achieve Olympic gold, he achieved a greater legacy. One of perseverance, strength of character, and a love of the sport that he gives to others when he skates, choreographs, and mentors skaters, and through the love he shares with other greats of the sport.
Some athletes just don't have any luck at the Olympics. There really could be a support group. Olympics can bring moments of greatness and sometimes moments of heartbreak. Kurt is IMO the best male skater to never win an Olympic gold medal. Four world titles, always original, yet the Olympics were his Achilles' heel.
I love his footwork sequence. The U.S. broadcast on NBC (Scott Hamilton commenting) does his footwork more justice, and really explains why Browning is the best in the world in footwork.
Well, Brian Orser mentioned the versatility of Kurt's footwork and said it was fantastic, and all those things were definitely true. I'm not sure what more you'd want Brian to do... cry, yell and gush over it? Seriously...
I think the one thing that judges unanimously would have voted 6.0 on across the board, would have been Rod Black's ability to be a fool and a terrible interviewer with no heart or tact whatsoever.
ECHOES. Well Said! Kurt goes in the history books as being the one who landed the first quadruple jump in competition. Even more than his major technical skill, he was always entertaining. My husband & I sponsored skaters for a few years, so had access to some behind-the-scenes information. The word was that Kurt is a very kind, considerate person - A CHAMPION OFF THE ICE AS WELL AS ON.
I really hate Rod Black for this interview. Kurt Browning may not have an Olympic medal but he was by far the best skater. His footwork, spins were second to none.
Commentator Brian Orser - (quote after Kurt falls) "He didn't need that". That's as observant as turning to a friend whose house just burned to the ground and saying "Guess you didn't need that today".
I wish he would have replaced the flip with a triple loop if he was struggling with the flip in practice. Even with the easier solo jump, his artistry would have kept him in the top 3 after the short program.
The reason he fell on that triple flip was because he went into it correctly which make it a difficult jump when done correctly, most skaters have a habit of cheating that jump not using the toe pick but choosing to use the salchow entry, if done correctly its a difficult jump.
Is the Olympics really considered THE top event for figure skaters? I know it is always listed first when a profile shows rankings, but I was wondering what others thought. For the Olympics, it was Urmanov's "calling card," but he never did better than 3rd at the Worlds, while Browning and Stojko seemed to do better at the Worlds and come up short at the WO.
Very proud my country (usa) marked him the same as Canada did both times...WE have been piled on when there is a error and we know it hurts. Maybe Canada will return the favor some day.
i totally disagree that this is the best short program. he's a great skater but this seemed like an exhibition skate!!!!! and the footwork went in one direction and was slow. i thought elvis' short program was superior.
I think Brian Orser is being too kind to this guy. I never cared for him. He was always an arrogant show off who peaked too soon and stayed around too long.
