<p>I think people have complained about corrupt judges being kept around - to no avail. I’m not sure if it’s the IOC or some figure skating board who decides these things but if they are concerned about the public perception of the validity of their scoring then they should be very sure to weed out corrupt judges.</p>
<p>Since they haven’t been as concerned about that as the viewing public is, I can only assume that it falls under the category of there being “no such thing as bad advertising” or a similar philosophy where they think controversy brings more viewership and is therefore good for the sport. I disagree with that. </p>
<p>Why are the scores kept anonymous in figure skating? Wouldn’t making them public force the judges to be more accountable? I don’t know much about the scoring stuff, but did notice that in some other events, the highest and lowest scores are eliminated. That seems a bit more fair.</p>
<p>did they give you a logical reason? The one that is based on score components? </p>
<p>Disregarding the technical component, if you look at the program component (kind of like artistic) scores, Yuna and and Sotnikova were virtually identical both in free and short programs. There were no Russian judge during short program, so apparently non-Russian judges agreed that both skaters were virtually equal in their skating artistry in a short program. So, I don’t see an anomaly that their program components were virtually identical during free program. The only difference was the elements (technical) score and there is no doubt that Sotnikova’s program was technically better. </p>
<p>I know, I am repeating myself. But when I prefer logic over feelings when I try to make my point.</p>
<p>So far I have not seen anyone take the scores apart and provide some kind of analysis. The only complaints I have heard that it is fishy. </p>
<p>It is ironic that when it was implied that ice dancing scoring was fishy, there was not that many complaints because American pair was the beneficiary.</p>
<p>It is also ironic that after the short program when everyone else still assumed that Yuna was going to win, the media touted free dance as a 3-way tie to the gold. Only when Yuna didn’t win, the headlines became “upset win”, “unexpected win”. </p>
<p>Back flips are illegal because all jumps must take off on one foot and land on one foot. Could she one-foot a back flip? That would be impressive.</p>
<p>It’s fun to watch people scrub the floor and shout in the curling competition. I watched the China-Sweden game early this morning although I don’t know much about the rules and strategies of the game. Sweden won the bronze medal.</p>
<p>Actually the official reason is because all jumps have to land on one blade (not take off) and backflips usually land on two feet in gymnastics. She was able to land back flip on one blade. She is only woman and man who has done this successfully in competition.</p>
<p>Anyway, by landing on one blade, she made a move legal, but of course she was penalized for it anyway. The unofficial reason for making back flips illegal is because they are very dangerous - which is really a good reason. In retrospect it is a good reason she was penalized and the move did not become legal. I am afraid to think of all the injuries legalization would have resulted in. </p>
<p>I think Surya Bonaly and her judges had a very contentious relationship. Her one-footed landing was a direct challenge to them, and they didn’t like it at all. Scott Hamilton kept his backflips for exhibition skating only.</p>
<p>Here’s a link to an article that posts some of the numbers of the women’s skating. There are some “interesting” numbers there. Kostner’s choreography was judged lower than Sotnikova’s? Hmmmmm.</p>
<p>I don’t understand how the scoring works in figure skating, so I didn’t ask for their logical reasons because I really don’t care that much. Their comments mixed both emotion and logic. I think the article greenwitch links to explores much of what they have been saying. The outrage over this result does not seem to come from South Korean fangirls, but from skating insiders. </p>
<p>I have a feeling that those of us who watched ladies’ figure skating live, listening to Tara and Johnny, were more satisfied with the results than those who watched in prime time with Scott and Sandra. Johnny and Tara politely allowed us to enjoy Ashley Wagner’s program, but them promptly told us what she would be marked down for. They also implied tht Asada didn’t give enough in her program while Adelna did. They were satisfied with the podium. Sandra, on the other hand, gushed a lot of Adada’s program - something like “a skate for the ages.” </p>
<p>Missypie - I agree with you. I watched the skating during the day and then most of it again at night. Tara and Johnny were far superior to the “big dogs” Actually, with the exception of the hockey announcer, NBC should replace all the “big dogs” for 2016</p>