<p>I think that was the short program, not the free skate.</p>
<p>That Swedish skier was a riot. He wears 4X size clothes and he’s not that big. He, and other skiers, had visible straps holding their pants on and their shirts and coats would ride up during every jump and they would be pulling them down, while skiing backwards towards the next jump! The Swede’s pants went the lowest and his undershorts had the Swedish flag colors. Just think how much speed he lost for that baggy style1</p>
<p>The free skate was on this a.m. On nbc sports network. They will replay tonight, and shefell is accurate in the description. </p>
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<p>No, it was the free skate. I watched it this morning and it was incredibly disappointing. It’s part of the reason that I prefer Ice Dancing. It’s enjoyable to watch but there isn’t someone lying on the ice in every performance. It really takes away from the enjoyment of the routine when the skater falls one or more times, as almost every single man did today.</p>
<p>I’ve heard speculation that the fact that they made the two parts of the competition back to back instead of a day in between might be why they were so ragged. And also many had just competed in the team competition as well.</p>
<p>Had not planned on getting hooked, but then I saw the viral Jason Brown video last month. He was really something in that performance!</p>
<p>At worlds they usually have a day off between the mens/ladies short program and the free program. Back-to-back is weird. </p>
<p>What an awful competition.</p>
<p>Well, I haven’t seen it yet and now I’ll use that fast forward button more than usual. </p>
<p>I’ll save my enthusiasm for snowboard cross, which starts tomorrow!</p>
<p>Bookworm, our local NBC station had a great segment about your young relatives, and they showed the video of the fall. Awful, awful accident I almost cried when I saw it. </p>
<p>This must be the year of former champions trying to hang on too long. First Peyton Manning. Now at the Olympics, we’ve seen Victor Plushenko, Shaun White, Bode Miller, Shani Davis – all former gold medalists who I wish had retired before Sochi. </p>
<p>Figure skating is a weird thing. Sometimes it seems like a spirit inhabits the arena, for good or ill. Tonight it was an evil spirit. But IIRC the ladies’ free skate in Vancouver was a night of superlative performances. None of them had a fall or major mistake. </p>
<p>Talk about backing into a gold medal for that free skate! Or should I say tripping and falling into a gold medal. Just terrible performances by the “top” men.</p>
<p>BB, I missed it, but thanks so much for letting me know. I’ve seen the video of the fall several times but nothing else. Their GM wants them to move from snowboarding and go to college. I won’t say more on a public board. Thank goodness the kids had parents who nurtured their interests, not pushed an agenda on them.</p>
<p>Just saw the video. Again, thanks, BB.</p>
<p>LasMa–not to derail thread, but though Peyton Manning won the conference MVP with one of the best QB seasons ever, made it to the Superbowl, but had one bad game, he held on too long? that seems a bit harsh.</p>
<p>I watched the men’s skating last night and I see what you all mean. All Fall Down Olympics.</p>
<p>What a game between the U.S. and Russia! Oh my goodness. One of the most exciting games I’ve ever seen.</p>
<p>What a hockey game! So exciting. I only watch at the Olympics because I am not that fond of the fights etc. in professional hockey. Love watching the women, too. </p>
<p>World’s best hashtag: #DawnsEarlyLight</p>
<p>Yes, the Vancouver ladies’ free skate is forever etched in my mind. It was one of the few times that everyone did extremely well. Whenever I watch figure skating, I expect to see a few stumbles, but that night was magical.</p>
<p>Feel sad and disappointed for the men’s skate. Can’t help but think that they will be forever reliving the night and wishing that they could have a do-over.</p>
<p>Regarding former gold medalists past their prime: what is there not to admire about athletes pursuing Olympic glory? I suppose it would have been ideal to go out on top, but there is much virtue in their dedication and gumption to chase after something that is extremely difficult to attain.</p>
<p>Glad I caught the end of OT and the shootout in hockey. What a game!</p>
<p>Got up early for the hockey game and am glad I did so! Even rousted S2 in his dorm (at his request) because he wanted to watch it.</p>