Maria Butyrskaya (RUS) - 1997/1998 Champions Series Final, Figure Skating, Ladies' Free Skate

[@GioMariatex97]

What I like about this program is the great mix of power and elegance, this choreography really worked well for her!

[@TonyWheeler]

The first 2 jumping passes were absolute perfection (no flip though!) She did end up landing 5 triples with a 6th two-footed, so it was a great skate for her (especially at that time). I feel like the judges were sending Slutskaya a message in '98: you've done the cute stuff for 2 years and earned a World medal, grow up now and show something different. Maria, on the other hand, really settled down this season and Otonal was the beginning of showing her artistic talent. Judging was fair IMO.

[@warriorgr]

Her triple lutz and toe-loop jumps at the beginning should be taught in figure skating seminars.

[@tyboogie1982]

I think that's the best Triple Toe she's ever done. Solid as a rock.

[@ChristineTheHippie]

That could be though in 1997 she did a more serious number (didn't really work for her). And two years later she took that message and was much more mature and polished. Her strength was always her athleticism but she developed the package much more after this year.

[@Degrasman_Maddog]

What the hell was wrong with the Japanese Judge. That judge gave Irina Slutskaya an 5.3 but gave this an 5.6...... WTH!!!!! Maria was overscore a little bit in this competetion and should ahve finished 4th