Quick thoughts on the team event
First off, aww, I love this pic. Yay, team! :)
But do I think Meryl and Charlie were 7 points better than Tessa and Scott?
No. Nope. I've known all season that barring a huge -- and hugely uncharacteristic mistake -- that Marlie are going to win. But they should not be blowing Tessa and Scott away like that. It should be much closer. 7 points in ice dance is HUGE. They were only a point or so apart at the Grand Prix final. Ugh, whatever. The writing is on the wall in flashing neon letters, so I just hope Scott and Tessa go out and skate for themselves and enjoy every moment. Forget about the medals and the judges. I'm not saying Marlie weren't great, because they were. Both teams are terrific. But the scores should be much closer.
On a shallow note, I love Tessa's new dress! She has worn four dresses for this program this season, and their new costumes hit the right gorgeous-yet-dynamic note, I think.
Other quick thoughts (no time for pics and vids today):
Team Russia really brought it, and won as I thought they would. I/K finally delivered a clean free skate! About time. They have never lived up to their potential, so it's about time.
Good for Gracie! She did really well. Akiko was a little shaky, and I hope she has a great event in singles and ends her career on a high note. Although winning Japanese Nationals for the first time in Dec was definitely a high note. She's lovely. Kaetlyn did a good job considering her injuries this season and lack of competition time. Hope she can build on this in the women's competition.
Yuna Kim had better WATCH OUT. Julia has certainly vaulted herself up into strong medal contention. I predicted earlier this season that she would win the bronze -- assuming Yuna and Mao do not falter -- but if they do, boy is Julia looking good. She has flaws (her jumps are very small, a la Tara Lipinski), but she skates with such intensity and power for any age, let alone 15. Her spins are what really set her apart. I think spins are something more skaters should work on, because fast, tight spins can really set a competitor apart. Julia is obviously also blessed with incredible flexibility, which helps.
Yay, Kevin Reynolds and Jason Brown! They both did really well. Considering the awful season Kevin had, missing the GP series with skate problems, I'm so proud of him. Artistry has never been his strong suit, but he's come a long way, and I think his LP is lovely. Also lovely? Those THREE quads! And Jason was a delight as always. Not perfect, but he delivered.
What can I say about Plushy that I haven't said before? Incredible jumping ability, although he did pop two jumps, and the rest of this skating was meh as always for me. He was insanely over marked.
With the full men's field, I can't see Plushy on the podium, but can't ever count him out. I can only pray that he will be "injured" in the next few days and pull out of the individual event so Kovtun can compete. I don't think he would want to tarnish this final gold by then disappointing in the men's event. His bows today had a very final air to them, but we shall see.
Also, do I think Russia won the team event because of this alleged judging collusion? No. I agree with the IOC that it's just gossip with no evidence (at least at this point). The Russian skaters all delivered, and Russia won the team event fair and square (Plushy aside, because I don't think his being overscored made a difference in the overall result). I do think Marlie were overscored, but it wouldn't be the first time that's happened in a subjective sport. Nothing really to be done about it, apparently. Sigh.
Needless to say, I really hope there isn't any collusion. Sadly it wouldn't shock me if there is, but I hope not.