This and That: 2018 Rostelecom Cup (Yuzuru Hanyu, Gracie Gold, Alina Zagitova, Mikhail Kolyada, 임은수)

[@TheSkatingLesson]

1995 World Pro/Landover: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqKqm4aapt-rsMk

[@corgeousgeorge]

I remember the Torvill and Dean Cecilia and I lurrrrrved it and I remember the battery operated candle with the Russian team and the announcers being all "Look how they never let the candle down til the very end, showing the extinguished love of Romeo and Juliet" and I remember being like 13 and watching and being all , "Now this is sum corny azz bullsheet right up in hurrrr." I much preferred Torvill and Dean. but y'know... I was 13

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Brian Brian Tarasova would be very happy with you 13 year old self. I believe they were all paid well for appearing.

[@JS-uz4ji]

Since 2010 it has been the same thing, the ineptitude of Mitch Moyer. Like if you wanna find somebody to blame there it is. Get it together USFS.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Ilia Al Monzon they never learn!

[@lexismith8325]

I wish I was alive for this stuff (I was born in 1995, so right at the tail end), especially because it was held in my area. The pro worlds were held at Landover, MD (were the Washington Redskins currently play) and later at MCI (now Capital One Arena, where the Washington Capitals and Washington Wizards play). It would've been so cool since I've always lived close enough to go!

[@claudsk33]

TIMESTAMPS: 0:42 - Jonathan's interesting blanket situation 2:24 - American ladies' song choices 3:15 - Gracie Gold

[@laurabujalance3616]

Thanks!

[@elccollins99]

Perfect!

[@lexismith8325]

You’re doing the lords work

[@oceanle]

gawddddd yasss!!!!

[@benbailey159bb]

Ta x

[@bridgetjeancross1659]

Thank you for having the balls to discuss the Gracie Gold situation. It needed to be discussed. Your thoughts on the subjects mirror my own. As a nurse, I was horrified and saddened to watch what was happening as Gracie took to the ice, during, and after. I wish her the best, yet she needs the right people around her. And she needs time to work on herself. We'll still be here for her when, if, she comes back, yet, it needs to be done in the proper manner.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Jeanette Hoban-Nielsen agree with you completely!!!!!!! 💯

[@a5615]

Another Tarasova gem live on air: Those who can't do singles (can't jump) - do pairs, those who can't do pairs (can't jump at all) - do ice dance. Those who can't even do ice dance - become judges.

[@bingsun2226]

Hahaha awesome when was it said??

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Ha!

[@Rochacha100]

I freakin love Tarasova. I wish her entire commentary could be translated every week.

[@colormyworld249]

@@Rochacha100 You must've missed the part when she told Elena Radionova "You have to lose weight, you like to eat too much, your skating is no good for anyone if you keep eating" in front of the federation at test skates. Or when she said 13 year old Gubanova looked like a duck when she did her swan program (she didn't - she was one of the most beautiful swans) and then next season when Gubanova skated at test skates, TAT for up and left midway through her skate because she wanted Konstantinova on worlds team, or when she told Alina's dad on national television and she likes Evgenia more. That's just a few examples. Tarasova is a disgusting woman. She was a great coach and choreographer, but a terrible person.

[@a5615]

@@bingsun2226 I think that it was during the ice dance warmup groups. I remember Averbuch was trying to stop her...

[@hellsbellsmichelle]

YES - that 3A transition OMG - we have watched that around 100 times. My daughter has tried replicating it (1A) on the kitchen floor. That is just the most insane and difficult and beautiful transition into a jump. Bar none. Shut the door. Close the internet. Hanyu wins.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

It is amazing!

[@gtestkey]

As much as I hate russian social media I have to admit there was not a single negative comment about Gracie. Keeping fighting even when you are down always considered to be a big thing in Russia. I saw people everywhere wishing her to overcome whatever she is facing.

[@annushka0113]

gtestkey good to hear that!

[@cdwag6]

"She could never skate again in her life and have succeeded" - YES! So much truth in that statement about Gracie. Thank you!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

You're very welcome. It is true!

[@samulitaskinen2419]

Tarasova btw LOVED Eunsoo. She talked about how she skates in a beautiful feminine way, and does just enough, never too much. And the other guys were trying to bring out Sotnikova/Kim battle, Tarasova ignored them and kept raving on Eunsoo. Really great recap around difficult subjects too!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Tarasova has great taste in skating ;) Thank you for that tidbit.

[@aracelichely2954]

TheSkatingLesson Did she supported the Sotnikova gold on Sochi agains Kim? Then I'm sorry but she didnt have good taste and sence of honesty, that time unfortunately she was biased towards russia, she lost the respect of a lot of people that time, but oh well. Greetings.

[@Ilovegymnastics-ks4ii]

Samuli Taskinen Other Russian commentators: B-B-B-BUT SOCHI! TAT: Y’all hear sum’n?

[@BillyWhaler]

The USFS officers who signed off allowing Gracie to compete at The Cup should be fired for gross negligence. That was predictable and cruel.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Doug Dorsey an absolute disgrace.

[@annushka0113]

I agree! It’s like she was set up to fail :(

[@dannyfromthebay2940]

ISU actually is why she was in. They have a come back provision and Gracie used her one time exemption. The federation didn't have much choice.

[@Citruscider34]

Totally!

[@BillyWhaler]

TheSkatingLesson would be great if you guys could follow up on why the USFS didn’t put up much of a fight against the qualification waiver. This could have been avoided. “Out of my hands” shouldn’t close the issue.

[@madeliner2021]

I really appreciate the way you talk about Gracie... I attempted suicide this past year and found myself in inpatient on two separate occasions, which was accompanied by a 20 lb weight gain and a possibility of not graduating. I was lucky enough to be surrounded by amazing, supportive people and put on the right medication. A couple weeks ago, I went to my first competition in a year and tried to do a senior long and completely bombed - I barely tried any jumps and got dead last. Of course I was angry and frustrated and felt extremely stupid for even trying, but my mom put it in perspective for me - “You’ve gone through an extremely traumatic year and only started skating again two months ago. Seven months ago you were fighting your own mind to stay alive.” I see this same thing in Gracie. I understand she wants to go to nationals, but she just needs to remember what she has gone through. Train another year. Do some shows and small local competitions. Maybe a challenge skate. Then take another look at whether or not a Grand Prix assignment is a good idea.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Madeline Rider so glad you have made it out the other end. I was hospitalized at 21/22.

[@JackAShepherd]

TheSkatingLesson Woah. Male ED? Sorry, no need to reply, of course... Just wondering ‘cause you put that out there, and ‘cause I’ve never known a dude with disordered eating and have kinda thought they were unicorns... As a woman I always assume that men couldn’t possibly get the EDs we do, but that’s surely not true...

[@TheSkatingLesson]

JackAShepherd It is probably the best for a private email.

[@JackAShepherd]

TheSkatingLesson I hear ya :-)

[@sameoldsteph]

Glad you made it through safely Madeline Rider! I was also in inpatient for 6 weeks for an eating disorder (20 something years ago - I'm not that young, lol). It's not easy!

[@annushka0113]

You guys DO have influence. Even non-fans on GoldenSkate refer to your vids. You two are filling a gap that skating fans crave! We are behind you and support you guys!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

They don't need to be 'non-fans;' perhaps they are just fans who don't realize it yet ? ;)

[@OldTownSkater88]

Ravi Walia might be a good coaching choice for Gracie. He really helped motivate Kaetlyn and helped rebuild her confidence when she returned to competing after her leg injury.

[@JackAShepherd]

Oh hell yes. Though I’m hoping Kaetlyn comes back :-o Everything Kaetlyn’s said about Ravi has given me the impression he’s a really special coach.

[@cal.e.fornya]

I really appreciate all the work you guys do for this sport's fans! I also hope Alina learns that it's okay for her technique to grow as she does. She has so much talent.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Curious Koala So much talent!

[@tb4522]

I like her so much more This year!

[@user-dw9rf3tm8q]

I hope she knows it’s okay to not be perfect. She always looks so sad in the kiss and cry if everything isn’t.

[@yingyingseah3294]

Your commentary on Gracie is absolutely spot on. You guys are the first ones who actually seem to care about her in a way that is not contingent on her getting back, acting happy and skating well at this moment in time. The internet is just full of schadenfreude and it’s just heartbreaking to see the fact that she isn’t surrounded by a supportive environment now.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Cara Ryder wishing her the best in whatever path she chooses. She has a lot to offer.

[@eiskunstlaufen1509]

Still watching the entire show, but nearing end of Gracie talk and already know this is the best show ever! You combined realness, compassion and truth so organically and beautifully. Kudos to you both! Bravo!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

We are honestly relieved that the compassion came across. Jonathan tried to express it on Twitter. I replied and was told to 'F off' by a fan. We honestly wish the best for Gracie and want her to succeed.

[@JackAShepherd]

TheSkatingLesson I’ve gotten the impression that a lot of the more, ummm, passionate mega-fans are, like, teenagers. There’s nothing at all you guys said here that one could argue was inappropriate.

[@jagodahalicka9163]

Someone finally summarised how I feel about the whole Gracie situation. Great video as always.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Jagoda Halicka so glad you appreciate it. We were really nervous to discuss it.

[@treelo11]

@@TheSkatingLesson I think you guys were very real about it. Everyone knew what was going to happen but we just kept encouraging her.

[@MysticTrillium]

I completely ignored my homework to watch this video. I appreciated the comments on Gracie and the Russian Ice Dance. I really like them as well! Unfortunately though, from what I've read, Yuzuru's ankle injury sounds fairly bad since it aggravated his previous injuries from last year. Personally, I don't feel Shoma and Nathan have more transitions than him but I understand he watered down his program because he was in pain. So I guess we just wait and see what happens. All the best and can't wait for the Kurt Browning interview!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Lourdes. S wishing Hanyu the best!!!

[@surdina88]

So - this was probably the craziest and the best This and That ever :) Totally agree with you about Gracie, kudos for managing to avoid all the rough edges during that conversation. Can only add that it wasn't just traumatic for her, but for the audience as well. All I wanted to do after that skate was give her a hug and go home to think about life rather than watch other girls skate. As if it's normal to let someone go through that in front of thousands of people. Felt quite depressed, hoped she would withdraw from the free. I must tell you - in person that free dance from Stepanova and Bukin is absolutely fantastic. They don't let you look away for a second, I was surprised that I loved it more than their short here, never would have expected it. And sadly, Hubbell and Donohue don't do it for me with their Romeo and Juliet program this year, so despite loving them for years I would put them lower at the final if all stays the same. And I love Ponomarenko, I hope he will be here for years to come, the free dance was such a contrast to Bukin, just beautiful! Sidenote: we had an insane amount of skaters' children here: Annabelle, Dmitriev, Ponomarenko, Bukin and of course baby Plushenko :) Eunsoo was fantastic in person and I felt properly offended by the Phantom program from Alina. When she did that Ina Bauer for 1 second I wanted to get up and leave. She has all the talent and work ethic to be great, yet she can't create a single "moment" in two programs. And the sound of glass, c'mon! Oh and Tarasova is so into Polina, to not get depressed I was watching her during the performances more, and she was giving it all. Thanks again, gonna go watch the Landover :) P.S. You should invite Gordeeva as a judge/competitor/guest to your fantasy Landover!

[@scavo2003]

As much as Stepanova/Bukin's SD/FD have great energy, she still does not have the skating skills of Hubbell or a few other female ice dancers Their PCS are questionable...

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Definitely questionable PCS.

[@surdina88]

@@scavo2003 I agree, but the momentum is so important in ice dance and they have it all.

[@LostGirlLostGirl]

@@evanperilstein5308 Tarasova's hate towards Alina (and mainly to Eteri) became so obvious to Russian (and maybe not only Russian) public so that she decided to balance it somehow by praising Alina. Tarasova's image of unbiased guru suffered during last months

[@surdina88]

Evan Perilstein Nope, that was another Dina (although I used to have the same surname as her as well!). Tarasova says what she thinks, but if she is too harsh about someone she will often try to balance it out the next time with being nice.

[@surdina88]

Yay! Thanks, guys, so much to talk about this week, couldn’t wait. Gonna get the popcorn and enjoy!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Dina Zaretskaya hope you enjoy it :)

[@Rochacha100]

Also: Alina and posture, the problem is more about the way the program is constructed, which requires that she race to keep up with the music. Notice how much better her posture is in the exhibition program.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Sadly, I see it in both places. I do think the construction could be better. Watch this for posture and then watch Zagitova. You will never be able to unsee it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKnGi56Da6t-rZI

[@grisgris6908]

Karen I totally agree. The program is so stuffed and cluttered that Alina always seems to be struggling to keep up, which makes for sloppiness.

[@justynazokiewska8223]

I love that you had the balls to talk Gracie. Soo I think sleeping can wait and I'll make myself good tea and watch the recap today.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Justyna Żółkiewska

[@pwetty4r4]

I remember a few episodes ago, when ya'll said something along the lines of Gracie not being ready and it just not being a good idea to put her out there like this. I had no idea what ya'll were talking about back then, but like you were soo right.

[@musicathena]

You two were amazingly supportive while still being realists about GG. I think that people who have drive to succeed often believe that they can fold time and arrive. Never happens, because the TIME for training is non-negotiable, in most sports and arts. I understand that people were not trying to harm her by pointing out how much she had overcome, but they instilled unreasonable expectations. Thanks for your kindness and your attempts to bring gentle realism into this situation. I learned from you--again. 👏

[@TheSkatingLesson]

It is very true!

[@a5615]

Tarasova said it would have been really dangerous for Gracie to skate the free. She could have seriously injured herself.She also said that she couldn't finish the long even without jumps. I'll reserve the other stuff she said...

[@TheSkatingLesson]

a5615 What else did she say? She was rather silent for much of the short program. You could have heard a pin drop!

[@a5615]

They try not to talk over the performances - skating is now shown live on the main TV channel in Russia (and ever since then they try to stay quiet). She talked about how Gold was an American beauty with a body of a goddess, had huge jumps, and one of the best coaches in the US. She said that you can't compete like this. One of the commentators talked about nationals and that he hopes she regains her form for nationals. Tarasova said that it's impossible for her to regain her form for nationals. It will take Gold years to regain her form, it's not as simple as losing 10kg (20 pounds). It's a state of mind that you need to have. Talks about how beautiful she is and than says that she couldn't skate the free even without jumps and spins and that she would gasp for air during the practice she attended. It's dangerous for the joints and for her arteries because you jump but you don't land on the legs as you were used to. Think about taking a 20kg suitcase (45 pounds) in the morning and going to train and skate (and jump) with this suitcase without letting it go - you can't skate like this.

[@Rochacha100]

Oh, please don't. I love Tarasova, and almost want to learn Russian so I know what she is saying.

[@treelo11]

@@a5615 The other commentator was Yagudin?

[@JackAShepherd]

a5615 Was Tarasova saying she’s gained 45 lbs? It’s tough to tell but I wouldn’t’ve guessed it was *that* much. Regardless though, just with respect to weight gain, disordered eaters almost always gain weight when they go into treatment, even if they weren’t anorexic/too-skinny before. Same thing with Yulia. Portia de Rossi, who was anorexic, went from 82 lbs to 168 lbs in a matter of months. The yo-yo dieting and purging just fucks up the metabolism so badly and it takes a little while to get one’s figure back, but one certainly can if Intuitive Eating is followed.

[@jcaslove1]

You covered the Gracie situation really appropriately and respectfully. I agree with Dave that it's nice to see Eunsoo's LP be so different from her SP, even if the SP fits her more. And it's true that Cain/LeDuc have a clear ceiling. I'm surprised Nina Mozer lets them list her as a coach when they see her once or twice a year. They haven't been scoring well in the LP even without counting falls, and while they can improve on those scores a bit, they don't have the element quality to generate big numbers.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

giamorrisonjc thank you for the kind words!

[@origamis9477]

Kolyada and young Kostner are similar: Beautiful jumps, clean technique, has potential to become great artist ..... but inconsistent.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Origami S I can see that!

[@Pastadudde]

spot on. major headcases,

[@kianoconnell9231]

I'm really grateful for everything you guys do for this sport. A big thank you from the bottom of my heart!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

You're very welcome :)

[@BrentWolgamott]

I was absolutely living for the lighting in this episode. Both of you guys did amazing. The levels and brightness just made it feel so warm and professional!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Brent's Lucky Slot Channel

[@skaterboy-cz9wj]

Well said and done I feel for Gracie Gold - so much pressure, expectation, things we don't even know nor can comprehend. I really hope she finds out what she wants first and does it really include competitive skating. to be clear it is not that I think she cannot do it but does she want it. Anyone with common sense had to wonder was competing so early a good thing. Gold has been jumping all over the place in a short period of time in respect to skating with desperation and falling apart at several comeptitions and then only doing doubles in exhibitions to taking time off, to getting help and then saying she is ready to coach and then come back. So much, so quickly but it takes time. It i sl ike coming back from an injury to early you reinjure yourslef to the point sometimes it is too bad or much worse. It was so alarming to watch her self implode on ice. This is not about her weight. it is about a human being, flesh, vulnerable. her competing in Russia did nothing to help her and left a horrible picture in our minds and hearts. I really hope she works on herself; forget nationals - that is unrealistic. Remember before this horrible skate 9not so much bad skating but just not ready she was falling apart at her competitions - again not just results but a s a person. It is like a person thrown in water and flailing arms trying not to drown but making things worse. Get well Gracie. Take time for yourself and to find yourself.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

skaterboy3718 I feel for Gracie so much and wish her the best.

[@lovisaaav6007]

When are they talking about gracie and when do they talk about alina?

[@LaChicaMadrilena]

You guys are on fire here! Your recap has been more entertaining than the Rostelecom Cup itself!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

LaChicaMadrilena

[@heyimaj111]

Cain and LeDuc finishing 17 points behind the Austrians without any fall deductions was pretty rough. And the underrotations and points lost on lifts and the twist are regular occurrences. They have made marginal improvements on the elements, but you’re right, there’s a ceiling. Tarasova and Morozov were good but a little overscored. Their throw triple flip is impressive but still looks new. I hope Gracie can get good people around her to give her advice and support, and I don’t just mean her sister talking about how brave she was for competing in Russia. Gracie is brave and admirable for returning to skating, but from there she needs good guidance. It’s one thing if she truly felt mentally ready to enter competition again, but the fact that she said she wasn’t mentally ready to even do a LP shows where she really is at right now.

[@wisejane12]

kudos for spelling Eunsoo's name in Korean! Love the timeliness of these videos. Makes the Grand Prix more interesting. Thanks for your comments on Gracie. Give her time. Give her real funding. Give her a real chance to recover her form and confidence.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Lifeandbuilding12

[@sparkl121]

Totally agree with the discussion on Gold. I don't like that people were just like "oh, it's good and brave she's going out there". Uh, no. she clearly didn't feel ready and it's irresponsible of her team to support whosever decision it was for her to just dive right into a high level competition after an extended time off. That's not being supportive. I hope she can keep making progress and ease back into competing at her proper pace.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

sparkl121 It was such a glib and irresponsible way of supporting her by applauding it and saying it was brave!

[@lexismith8325]

TheSkatingLesson I think a depends a bit on the context of the comments. Do I think she was brave putting herself out there after everything that she has been through and how awful people have been to her. Yes. Do I think she (and her coaches) were smart or responsible? No. I also think people are treating her a bit with kid gloves because 1) of her mental health and the awful comments that have been thrown her way in the past and people don’t want to be accused of being insensitive or putting anything online where she can see it, and 2) people really want her to not quit and want her back 100%, especially Americans.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

lexi smith I do agree with a lot of her sentiments. I’m not sure if everyone has been awful to Gracie. That narrative seems a bit untrue. There have been so many people who have tried to help her. Unfortunately, she hasn’t always been in a place to accept help.

[@JackAShepherd]

TheSkatingLesson Ya I agree and I’ve been very pleasantly surprised to see the wholly-supportive comments directed her way.

[@lexismith8325]

TheSkatingLesson Sorry, I should’ve clarified. I meant comments in the past about her skating since she’s been senior (too robotic (in a mean way, not just an opinion on her skating), etc), people talking about how disappointed they were after her last nationals, how she’s a headcase, etc. Especially since fans seemed to be very split between Gracie and Ashley (loved one and hated the other). The both got a lot of awful stuff thrown at them. People have been very supportive in this situation over the past year, I should’ve clarified. Similar to Alexa K, she has seemed, in the past, to be too much on social media. I remember an instance when a fan wrote after a competition (I think her last nationals) how “hard it was being a fan of Gracie”. Gracie commented that she was sorry. Of course, the fan was completely horrified Gracie saw it. (Gracie was not tagged or anything so Gracie must have been searching her name on Twitter). So that’s why I think people are being overly supportive- no ones wants to be attacked for saying anything negative or risk Gracie seeing it.

[@alexandralisogor7272]

Yes!!!!! Finally, it’s as long as it should be!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Hope you love every minute :)

[@alexandralisogor7272]

I did! It was one of your best episodes guys, seriously. I loved the way you handled the discussion about Gracie. As someone who currently struggles with a mental illness myself, I believe you were delicate, respectful and compassionate. Thank you for that. On a side note, I hope Mike will be a recurring star guest in your series. Mayyyyybe one day we even will see his face!

[@Qacc6]

The gigantic difference in sophistication between Kihira's program and skating and those of Zagitova...makes me question anyone's judgement who would give Z more PCS. The former a first time senior and the latter an Olympic champion..

[@BrentWolgamott]

Dave: “it’s Torvill and Dean, so they win....” Jonathan: “we have to keep making amends for Lillehammer..” TRUER WORDS HAVE NEVER BEEN SPOKEN!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Brent's Lucky Slot Channel

[@ella7437]

I totally agree Mikhail should go to Raf. He seemed to really enjoy himself and improve while he was there, and we know Raf likes him because Mikhail specifically said in an interview that Raf personally approached him at the Olympics and said he'd like to work with him over the summer. I'm just worried Mikhail won't want to leave Valentina because his English is very limited and he'll have to leave his home, family, and childhood coach. Edit: Just read an interview from a few days ago where Raf said he really liked Mikhail and thinks he’s a great skater. He also called out Russian journalists for all the shit they give him when he messes up and said he appreciates that he still fights. That basically solidifies my opinion that he should go to Raf lol

[@meaganbooks179]

that's true that's gonna be hard for him

[@femaleskater1185]

Mikhail is Russian and Raf, im pretty sure, knows Russian (since he's from Armenia), so the language issue shouldnt even be an issue

[@aidaaman1742]

+femaleskater1185 yes, Russian is Raf's first language, so no issues there apart probably from Mikhail assimilating but in the modern age of globalization that really aint an issue either

[@ella7437]

@@femaleskater1185 I meant more in terms of the fact that he will be living in a country where very few people speak Russian just in general, not problems with Raf

[@katspov9945]

I agree with the contrast to Katarina Witt. I was thinking about that this week. She returned with a different body, not having the difficulty level but you knew she was okay with it. That no matter what happened she was secure in what she was capable of and what she was trying to do. This thing with Gracie was not that.

[@lexismith8325]

I applaud y'all on the way you talked about the Gracie situation. I agree completely!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@lexismith8325]

TheSkatingLesson

[@TheGymnast71]

Thank you guys for talking about Gracie gold. All the other commentators wouldn’t touch it and it’s a hard subject but we need to discuss it and frankly I wish her the best but she wasn’t ready to swim with these sharks and I think it was a bad idea to go here anyway but I wish her health and happiness! Her ice skating career is such a short part of her long life ! I wish her success in all aspects of life

[@TheSkatingLesson]

We all wish her so much success and are with her!

[@lingyitong4609]

I agree with you guys on Tano jumps. Some girls can do beautiful tano 2Lo or 2T with their arms straight and elegant in the air, for example Kaori and Yuna's 2lo. But bended arm over head is far away from elegance. If they want to show off their jumping ability, I would much prefer a well delayed 3lz.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Agreed!

[@bettybleu12]

As a fellow Md girl, I used to live 15 min away from the ghetto Landover World Pro and went to a few competitions. I do remember the Czech Pair skaters running into the lights. And I got a cheek kiss kiss from the Finnish ice dancer. I don’t recall the event going 8hrs long. Perhaps 6 or 7 pm ending around 11ish. But the longer the better a treat for me. Where are those days??? I miss the world pros. That’s why Yuna, Tara, Michelle don’t skate any more triples. No purpose.

[@rosesavoy9035]

First! 😘😘😘❤️🇵🇹 love you guys! Jonathan looks so cozy!!!😍

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@eileenbagshaw5949]

I applaud both of you for discussing Gracie and I think you handled it in a tasteful manner. When thinking about the right way to come back, I can’t help but think of Andre Agassi when he was in a dark place and saw his world ranking plummet to somewhere in the 1,000’s. What did he do to comeback? Played a lot of challenger events (and not Grand Slams), hired a tough personal trainer and he accepted the fact it was going to take time to come back to his old form. The result: he eventually won the French Open. It’s this kind of approach that Gracie and her team should take when it comes to her training. It’s okay if it takes time to get there just make wise decisions and be realistic with your choices. I’m pulling for her and I really do hope that whatever she chooses to do, she’s satisfied with that choice.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Eileen Bagshaw Great insight. I agree!

[@colormyworld249]

I think Eteri is looking for whatever gives the most points, she's the overall coach in the team, neither the jump specialist nor the choreographer/artist. Daniil, on the other hand, I believe truly loves his programs and thinks they're amazing. You can tell in the way he speaks about them. He's a young choreographer, so I think he's just going through phases until he finds his identity. This year, he's experimenting with crazy cuts and voiceovers. It took years for someone like Wilson or even Bourne to get where they are. To give some perspective, I believe this is only Daniil's 3rd full season of doing choreography.

[@colormyworld249]

@@evanperilstein5308 Bourne is very talented, she's my favourite choreographer. But not everyone is that talented or starts off as well. Daniil has done some programs I enjoy very much, particularly Shcherbakova's dream catcher and her SP this year. Both of Kostornaia's programs were good last year, AFAIK, Daniil is listed as the choreographer of her tango? Also Valieva's SP is nice, and I like Sasha's FS this year a lot, though I know many don't. He also helped with Don Quixote, I believe (though I think his mother helped a lot more - she's a Bolshoi dancer). As far as music goes, I enjoy all of his programs last year. I think he's having a bad season of choreography, it just seems much more pronounced because he did these for high profile skaters, and also he did a LOT of programs. But lets see what he puts out in the next few years. A lot of good choreographers have had more than a few terrible programs, though Bourne is my exception to that.

[@colormyworld249]

@@evanperilstein5308 Alina's previous coach says she does best with "Eastern" music. I think a traditional Tatar folk music would be a good SP for her. But AFAIK, Alina picked Carmen. She has also said in interviews in the past that she also wants to try tango. But I think a modern program would work well for her too. There was a video of one of their dancing sessions with Alina dancing to Chandelier and she really stood out.

[@colormyworld249]

@@evanperilstein5308 Well, she said she wanted to do tango before the olympics, I believe before the mandatory tango in ice dance.

[@PtolemyXVII]

Daniil is immensely talented. He designs programmes as if it's experimental dance. Personally, I loved his interpretation of Carmen. The best I've ever seen in figure skating.

[@Pastadudde]

@Evan Perilstein: I read on wikipedia that Eteri has a degree in choreography, makes me wonder why she isn't the main choreographer for her skaters lol

[@angelalaurent2324]

Wonderful video Jonathan and Dave! Thank you! I watched Landover! OMG! It was everything you said it would be and more! It was absolutely hilarious!!! Thank you!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Angela Laurent you’re so welcome!

[@JonnyMason]

I remember Midori Ito skating with a rose which was over 6 minutes long at the World Pro landing a triple axel in the process. I love those competitions, it was so intense back in the day.

[@huiboon54]

I really love this episode so much (esp the landover babble). Thanks for the vid!

[@BabyxPosh]

also guys i really love your show thank you so much for everything you share and teach us. love 100

[@TheSkatingLesson]

pasha baiul :)

[@AgniMiss]

Eteri cares about the programs and of course she likes them, especially Karmen, not so sure about Opera. Don’t know why people think she’s cold as Ice and she doesn’t care, there not so many interviews with her about in all of them she’s very emotional about her job and girls. Thank you for the views, always waiting for a new arrival!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

It is about her body language and how to comes across compared to other coaches.

[@amyweber9127]

as a big fan of alina, her coaching situation honestly stresses me out. she appears to be an extremely hard worker and such a determined girl, but i’m scared that her coaches aren’t concerned about fixing the issues in her skating that need to be fixed, and give her programs and choreo that are underwhelming. i think that she is already amazing, but with the right coach, she could be so much more!

[@znhurston]

I, too, fear for Alina because her jumping technique probably will not hold up as she matures and her coaches have no incentive to fix it because they've got plenty more where she came from and at least one currently has two quads.

[@jychoi5026]

Actually they talked about it in an interview. She actually had to relearn all her jumps this summer, eteri admits that alina doesn’t even have muscle memory for her jumps at this point so she practices 30 to 40 minutes straight before she can even get the jumps down. This was due to her huge growth spurt (7cm) since the olympics. They’re working on it and it will take time. But last time she broke her legs and relearnt all her jumps she went from not being able to jump triples at all to mastering triples. She can do it. Let’s give her a little more time. Also they are working on Quads with Alina right now, so I really doubt they’re going to sideline her just because the juniors are coming up. And even if they did I really doubt Alina would just back down from it without a fight.

[@AnaGarcia-bb7qj]

@@evanperilstein5308 Anna S. Has quads and her triples has not great height. And Karen C and Polina T. Have huge jumps and still UR.

[@skatefan9495]

I think her coaching team's goal is to help her win World's and then move on to the younger skaters.

[@origamis9477]

I don't know if Gracie would listen to people around her because when people have mental illnesses, it is nearly impossible to make them listen or guide them one way or to the other (even if the way is brighter and happier). I blame the team and Federation like you do, but ultimately, you can't really stop an adult or/and force her to do something. You can't force a patient to open their mouth to eat food. You can't tell an adult patient to be happy, healthy and competitive. If she has the power and control over her opportunities, it may be impossible for her family and her team to stop her. I am not saying it is Graice's fault: it's her illnesses. I would suggest her to quit skating not because she's not competitive, but my sister got significantly better when she met different people in different environment. She would never think about going back to where she was. Meeting new people from different environment is the best way to find what you really love. She never seem to have that opportunity in her life.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

It is why she needs an experienced, trusted coach and team around her. Frank would never have allowed her to go to Russia.

[@kelly9876]

Agreed. I don't think that she should have skated.... but if she was going to skate, her team should have prepared her for what her score would/could be. She looked completely shocked in the kiss and cry. And there should have been a plan for the kiss and cry, instead those two idiots just sat there clueless

[@courtneycamden8888]

And here I thought I was fancy with my half-price Antrhopologie pillows from the pre-spring sale! Love you both!!

[@BrentWolgamott]

Oh my God “the dream“! Yes! That’s exactly what I thought when Gracie was skating. The dream where you don’t know the words or you’re totally unprepared, or you don’t know the song. We’ve all had that dream. But I never thought about it like that until you brought it up. Great analogy.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Brent's Lucky Slot Channel the nightmare!

[@george39821]

I literally just clicked the video and saw Jonathan, and I was like ''ohhh my goo.. DADDY!'' ahaha. I was waiting for this recap all week.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Jorge Lara Jonathan should sell a calendar with all of his looks!

[@PtolemyXVII]

To put a positive spin on Gracie, she can write a book about her experience and maybe a film about herself in the future. It won't be a comeback story but one about overcoming addiction, dependence, eating disorders, family strife and struggling to survive in an era when social media has shaped the self image of young women. Winning gold isn't the end all in figure skating. She will move onto bigger and better things.

[@10skyblue]

Yes, I was waiting for this :-)

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@selenity08]

I appreciate that you guys addressed mental issues in a realistic perspective without creating an expectation for Gracie Gold to have to achieve something.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Darla Cheung Thank you.

[@erin6621]

I keep thinking back to that recent interview that Gracie gave, when she is talking about giving sass to usfs officials at champs camp last year, that her internal talk was “Can’t you see that I’m crying out for help? We [paraphrasing] have a red alert situation here.” The fact that it took a fellow skater to help initiate some kind of intervention...because it wasn’t her team, the usfs, the agent...is so telling.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

It seems like she still needs a better team around her. It is truly sad.

[@Whatrabbitseat]

Which interview? I would like to read it

[@erin6621]

The interview on the KZbin channel by a parent whose daughter Gracie coached, that got taken down (I know that at one point someone reposted it but the guy asked them to take it back down again because Gracie had “other media obligations” to do before it could go back up or something. Someone please correct me if it did go back up).

[@laurievuitton1624]

I loved this! I appreciated the way in which you both discussed Gracie's challenges. I agree with you. It was difficult to watch. I am a Gracie fan, as you are, too. We all just want the very best for her & sometimes we need folks around us that will save us from ourselves & our own choices. It's really no different than substance abuse, eating disorders so I am surprised someone from her camp did not advocate for her best interests. It makes me sad.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Laurie Vuitton it was so very sad and difficult to watch!

[@JJonice]

All the skaters goes through this rollercoaster of emotions before and during the competitions... it’s the same for us 😓 Not easy mentally to do great during practices and to arrive in front of the judges and start to shake and destroy the work we built those last months 😕😕😕

[@simtopia2334]

1:04:38 afaik Polina went to CSKA and not Eteri got rid of her (she said there's too much competition there while with Buyanova they are all more relaxed). The issues she is facing now i bet 80% of them are because of the new team: you can tell with things like her spins (which ALL used to be level 4 with Eteri) how they are just not training enough the programs, not training enough the elements both spins and jumps and that's where the lack of confidence comes. With Eteri, she would have been the same skater she was last season, maybe with more injuries.

[@annystasia]

Thank you guys!! Alaways nice listening to you!) And thank you for bringing up such an important issue - mental health. Never knew one of you works with this. By the way, that "ZDOROVO!" and "BRAVO" sounded perfectly, almost accent free, as if you actually studied the language, and that's coming from a russian!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

annastasia thank you for such a wonderful compliment! I studied Russian via the Pimsleur method, but it has been a while!

[@annystasia]

+TheSkatingLesson aw, I see!) by the way, feel free to contact me if you need anything translated, like Tarasova's comments for instance) even though there are many Russians on the platform, just in case. And sorry in advance if my English is not perfect, I try to do my best

[@TheSkatingLesson]

annastasia will do!!

[@Eeyora1]

At Home with Jonathan: Actually one of my favorite shows you’ve done so far. Right now I’m so upset with how the Gracie Situation was handled. We totally need Landover back. I remember crying in 93 and 95 when didn’t win.

[@grisgris6908]

I like the natural background Jonathan!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Grisgris * I like it too! It is very calming. It reminds me of the farm house in A Muppet Family Christmas.

[@grisgris6908]

@@TheSkatingLesson Thank you Dave and Jonathan for this amazing content. I have no one to geek out on figure skating with so I live for these recaps!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Grisgris * you’re very welcome!

[@tb4522]

Some of Gracie's fans are SO obsessive, but think they are helping her. I've even commented that they need to dial it back, because they're putting pressure on her, not supporting her. But there response is always they're just showing their love for her. (*sigh*)

[@DSQueenie]

You’re right about this Gracie thing putting skating in perspective. It just Skating, your health and happiness is so important and she has nothing to prove.

[@kittyneko7]

Thank you for your discussion about Gracie. I’ve felt a heaviness all weekend over her, but I’m relieved to have words to put to the feelings. She simply wasn’t ready and I wish someone had helped her to feel confident withdrawing. I literally checked every day leading up to the Rostelecom Cup to see if she had. :(

[@TheSkatingLesson]

KittyNeko7 it was very difficult to witness. We certainly wish her well.

[@WesleyFoxley]

I’m a huge TSL fan and a MILITANT Gracie Gold fan. I appreciate this episode so much. I think the comeback is a good idea and I agree that she can do it with a much more serious time commitment. The radio silence, the GP assignment, the planned layout.. they had a lot of people (maybe themselves) thinking that she was gonna come back and hold it together. Thanks for the DL on Vincent... situations are what they are, but he is no Frank.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Wesley Fox glad you appreciate this episode!

[@skatfan]

Spot on about Gracie and her situation. I went to Landover through 94 - always a treat, and yes it was a really long day!

[@kriiis03]

40:38 Eteri cried during the Alina's short program . Alina dedicated her program to her mother . but it's great that you have something good to say about Zagitova ! Finally!

[@shannen8219]

Thank you for keeping it real on Gracie. I found it shocking that no one else would point these things out. Great recap. ♥️

[@TheSkatingLesson]

You're welcome!

[@aLife2Dai4]

If you are going to say “oh... i can’t say that any more” ... it’s better to just go ahead and own it and say that you think she should loose weight rather than be shady about it and say it in a backhanded way bc you are still saying it anyways but now not owning it which is angering. You guys keep having to comment on this issue which bothers me. ANYWAYS.... The rest of the comments I completely agree! She wasn’t ready at all but also i felt her spark was gone in that program... she skated w/o soul. I hope she figures herself out.

[@mariatopazh4718]

Guys thank you so much. It seems like a lot of russian journalists and fans just prefer to make a scandal and hype out of every scating event. Espesially when it comes to our ladies... I just prefer not to read any posts and comments about Zag-Med anymore, and your videos are just like presents) Thanks for mix of objectivity and fun, I love you. P.S. Just imagine this said with russian accent)

[@TheSkatingLesson]

It is that much better! You're welcome!

[@alexandralisogor7272]

Totally agree with you! Russian media are unbearable :( Russian fandom is even worse:(

[@sparkl121]

Also, it would be amazing if you guys could interview/recap with Vasiliev again. Still one of my all time favorites from TSL.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

We can certainly work on that!

[@wwechs2006]

Rest, ice, compression, elevation: RICE

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Thank you!

[@durcheinander5554]

Mikhail makes me soooo sad all the time with his inconsistency… Cause I think the same, it's not Nathan, and definitely not Shoma, that has the biggest potential of threatening Yuzu, it's Mikhail. He has beautiful, BEAUTIFUL lines, great proportions and his jumps are just royal. Jason might be the best on skating skills, Yuzu is the most well-rounded but I think Mikhail is my favourite jumper when he's on.

[@TheGymnast71]

Omg if the opportunity ever arises I think you would be the best interviewer for Ekaterina gordeeva . I'd love to hear that one.

[@musicathena]

So right about dear Sasha Plushenko, who is 5... Just to see his facial expressions is to see Zhenya again as a child. Such a happy energetic little man--but so INTENSE. It is fun that he has the 7-year-old skating buddy--not to mention skating with the supernatural Ilina Askarova, who is also 5. In the coming Nutcracker and Swan Lake, Sasha and Ilina will skate with Plushenko, Lipnitskaya, and Sotnikova, among others. They are fortunate in being surrounded by such fine skaters, not to mention Plushenko's lovely older students like Tarakanova. Watching the Instagrams for Angels of Plushenko, as well as Anais's beautiful videos posted here, I have seen many delightful and tender moments of Sasha's training. I am fairly certain we will be seeing these in documentaries in the future. And his serious concern for Yuzu's injury at the Rostelecom was so very touching...

[@xiangnibian8473]

I think the pressure of putting out more challenging jumps and programs Hanyu has onto himself makes the repetative ankle injuries. Hope Hanyu can handle well among challenges from more and more young skaters chasing him, the expectation from public for a perfect performance, and his own capability.

[@erikhai1]

My Rostelcom Cup moment was Daniil's reaction when Alina missed her 3F in the FS.

[@oceanle]

I need a tour of Jon's room where he's sitting. Looks sooo lovely.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

He gave me a room after the filming. The guest house he is staying in is lovely.

[@BabyxPosh]

people can talk about Gracie and her sp at Rosetelecom forever, there will be those who want the best for her, those who want to bring her down, those who will make comparisons with the past, etc. however, there could be so many different reasons why she did this that we can not even imagine. i think her best skating was this one her sp in Russia because she skated and i hope she did it to have fun, to test herself and have an experience that is only bringing her to the next level. it does matter that she went and did her thing. it was an experience and i hope for the best, and for me it was a pleasure to see her skate again and laugh at the kiss and cry. i hope she had a good time. i missed her

[@oliviacunningham1992]

Hey loved the discussion as usual - the Gracie gold part I think in particular was very insightful. I did notice Dave, that you seemed to cut Jonathan off a little bit at times - maybe just a note for future videos

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Olivia Cunningham it wasn’t intentional. We both do tend to jump in on one another. I do try to move the show along too.

[@tanyaluhrmann4006]

Utterly brilliant. Psychologically astute. Funny as hell. And Landover. Thank you.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

tanya luhrmann

[@SavannahRidout]

Here are my comments: - I like Johnathan's background and as a person who lives on a home built on throw blankets, was equally horrified at the IKEA comment. - We cannot whitewash mental illness and mental health at this point. We cannot, and to hear people mentioning nationals was, absurd to me. - I like Sofia in the same way I like Kaori, there's a slight joyful disposition that I appreciate. -While I was watching Stepanova/Bukin I was almost mourning for how much I loved the energy of Hubbell/Donohue last year. I want, a Cat Power program for them.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Savannah Ridout

[@michaelcraig666]

I also thought at first that Bukin had a love bite, but that was too deep and too fresh! Also wondering about Tarasova/Morosov chemistry? He is so expressionless and businesslike on the ice, but he just lights up when he's off ice and relaxed and smiles. I wish he could bring that personality to the routines. And poor Kolyada. After the short, I just wanted to give him a hug and a drink (except that would be creepy, coming from me). I could write a dissertation on the the body language in the kiss and cry after Gracie's program; so unbelievably uncomfortable and strange. Terrific show guys; you're the best!

[@justynazokiewska8223]

Michael Craig It May have been a love bite or the bruise cause it was not there in Finlandia and it looked like one.

[@michaelcraig666]

@kleinegritzige From the warm-up maybe? It did look pretty fresh. I'd have at least put a band-aid on it.

[@dugtass1324]

He had that bruise at GP Helsinki too. Ivan said it's a bruise from Alexandra's blade. It will not heal unless they change the lift that causes it. And tape doesn't stay. Poor guy.

[@michaelcraig666]

@@dugtass1324 Thank you! This makes sense...and it better be a pretty terrific lift to be worth a divot in his body!

[@davidandrusia5117]

Why the hating on Angela Nikodinov? I always adored her lyrical style. Anybody else?

[@davidandrusia5117]

@@evanperilstein5308 Rhank you, Evan, for clarifying!

[@butrflie7]

I remember that Dick Button said that her performance (the mummy) is the type that makes you want to get up and go to the refrigerator! I will never forget that. It was so rude but right. Then she came back in 2001? I think and had a beautiful program to sleeping beauty. Complete change in artistry.

[@davidandrusia5117]

@@butrflie7 Dick was so deliciously evil. It's too bad that her personal tragedy ended Angela's career just as she was becoming an artist of note. Her layback is still among the very best. I cringed every time I saw Michelle or Yuna do this move.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I loved Angela later on! Prior to 2001 Nationals, Angela rarely gave much effort to her presentation. She often phoned in her presentation and would give up after mistakes.

[@davidandrusia5117]

@@TheSkatingLesson Oddly, Angela seems to have no social media presence. I remember reading few years ago that she was coaching somewhere, but haven't heard anything about her since.

[@timmy_zupanc]

Thank you for expressing my thoughts on Gracie exactly! This whole situation was avoidable and that is what is such appalling.

[@AgniMiss]

@theSkatingLesson and about Danny G. reaction on Alina's flip, he is actually the one who really shows his emotions, Eteri and Serghei are the still and Danny is the soul. He was the comentator of the exhibition programs on the national RUSSIAN TV. During Alina's performance he was saying that Alina is his muse...I didn’t see Daniel treat anybody so tiuching, these words about the muse and about the fact that she understands him and embodies all his wishes ... Powerfull

[@dustinmuniz9170]

LOL Thanks for the shout out! Made my day! And please let me have my fantasy of all the scandalous comments that must be edited out. ;)

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Those are via text!

[@dustinmuniz9170]

One day I need to make it into that group text!

[@eiskunstlaufen1509]

It just got even better with the Watchtower reference!

[@eiskunstlaufen1509]

Landover❤️

[@eiskunstlaufen1509]

Then the Klimova/Ponamerenko candle reference ❤️❤️

[@JackAShepherd]

Brava! You guys managed the Gracie convo really well. You also opened my eyes because I was one of those people saying “She’s so brave!”... I am also recovering from disordered eating and it was inspiring to see someone dealing with the same issues put herself out there like that. But now I actually agree with you completely - re: her team. When Gracie started popping jumps, even in shows, it seemed to me she would get self-conscious, and if one’s self-conscious at a show, as you sorta said, it doesn’t make sense to do a competition in front of Tarasova and the rest of the world. In the few recent photos of her she’s always wearing big, baggy clothes... I can relate ‘cause I’m *exactly* the same way right now. The costume was incredibly strange... Looked like one of those Tonya dresses with the beige panels. I agree with you guys that it being this wholly negative experience is setting herself up for, basically - and I’m paraphrasing here, regarding your words - a bit of PTSD surrounding competition in general. ‘Twas a bad, bad, bad idea. What’s the “sweat lodge” you mentioned? Can you expand on that? Any idea why she got such low-positive/negative GOEs on her spins? They looked fast and centered to my eye.

[@tb4522]

I still think Gracie should get credit for being "brave", even though I think going the Sectionals route would've been better fir her, as it would've been a gradual pressure build up.

[@JackAShepherd]

TB Ya, I agree... I mean, it was definitely BRAVE - just misguided, on the part of her team, from the beginning. Like, a person who runs into a burning building is brave, but if you can save the people in the building without running through fire, it’s brave but not-optimal.

[@BrentWolgamott]

The inflation for Stepanova and Bukin went beyond the Free. They had SERIOUS issues on their patterns in both sections, to the point where they got the '

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Brent's Lucky Slot Channel Skating in Russia while Russian...

[@Davethreshold]

i LOVE Gracie, but I have to say you guys were SPOT ON about her. Compared to you two, I don't know much about it, I just love to watch it, but I KNEW this was going to happen. My first comp that I ever went to was S.A. 2014. I was astonished at her practices, and the way she treated her fans like they are family. It seems to be politically correct to say, "You are so brave," "Go for it!" etc. That was not what she needed to hear. She needed to hear that she was not ready! Also with AA and NA, (drugs and alcohol with me) everybody in the media acts like if one goes into treatment, everything will be o.k. NOT. Those give you a chance at surviving this life, but only if you learn to manage it. :-(

[@elizabethmartin8851]

Really well said on the Gracie situation! I think a lot of people let her down in allowing that to happen.

[@tyboogie1982]

If Brian Orser can make a comeback in 2000 when he was 39 and land a Triple Axel in competition, Gracie Gold can comeback too. This is only a wake up call. I'm rooting for you Gracie

[@TheSkatingLesson]

She absolutely can.

[@tyboogie1982]

@@TheSkatingLesson Also, I want Michelle Kwan, my favorite athlete, to come back too. 😁😁😁

[@pwetty4r4]

1:36:07 is when the talk about hanyu's injury

[@optimalrefundable]

i really appreciate y'alls insights into the sport. i'm a newer fan, and it's really invaluable. keep up the great work!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Cornelian you’re welcome! So glad you enjoy the show!

[@ashleynoelle1632]

I haven't watched yet but let me say I am more then excited to see what you guys had to say about Gracie !

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Hope you enjoy the discussion :)