This and That: 2021 World Figure Skating Championships (Hot Takes)

[@MartychM]

5:44 Men 18:27 Pairs 21:48 Men 26:50 components and scoring 28:38 Men 53:13 Ladies 1:12:08 Pairs 1:21:09 Ice Dance 1:25:07 Personal top moments

[@dustinmuniz9170]

I’m so glad you did the hot takes episode. I’ve actually enjoyed your rock star lineup of guests for each of the disciplines...but also wanted some Dave and Jonathan unfiltered commentary! It’s the best of everything with this coverage!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Enjoy!

[@corgeousgeorge]

Now THIS is the one I've been waiting for. I do love it when you and Jonathan are on your best behaviors when you have guests over and we get a little different insights on what has been going down but it just can't beat when you two are together alone and just lettin' it RIP!!!!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️

[@kimle2355]

I don't understand why people are mad. I really appreciate all your videos and opinions. I don't always agree with everything but that's why it's called "opinion" lol. You guys have really good insights into the sport. I love Dave's attitude and Jonathan's honest but kind way of wording his opinion on skaters. Please keep the videos coming!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️

[@B___T985]

Some people are impossible to please. I agree with you, I am loving all of these Skating Lesson videos this week!

[@МарияАрманд-щ8н]

Yes! Absolutely. This video especially, - good analisis, good attitude, putting things into perspective and context. I am 62, sometimes struggle with Dave`s pronunciation,and it is still worth getting through it. Thank you guys for being so faithful for what you are doing and for navigating decently in this often toxic world of fandom. Cheers!

[@B___T985]

@@МарияАрманд-щ8н TOXIC is the perfect word to describe it. I used to share skating pictures on Instagram, but I stopped and made my page private because one too many crazies left toxic, weird, or just insane comments. Most of those people are beyond reasoning with. I don't have the patience for that! There are so many awesome skating fans, but unfortunately the bad apples are the ones you remember most, for bad reasons. 😩

[@TraCarol83]

You guys gave the return of the world championships the respect, excitement, and occasional side-eye it deserved!!! Thank you for all the coverage! Holy cow- next season is an Olympic season!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️❤️

[@TimSirin]

Omg I was craving just having you two break down the world championships so bad! 😍 thank u!!!!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️

[@jacquelineblance4861]

Dave and Jonathan thank you so much for your time and dedication in making all these recap videos and for the special guests you had on. You guys really made a huge effort and we truly appreciate it. I have loved all the recaps! Keep up the great work! Thank you thank you 💜💙

[@TheSkatingLesson]

🙏🙏🙏

[@user-cv4nk4tr3b]

I want Trusova to keep skating for years. Not because I love her now but because she has potential but it might take her years to achieve it. I think she can sustain at least some quads and can you imagine if she keeps going for a few years and slowly improving consistency and skating skills? 18-20 yr old Trusova could be amazing. I want to see a russian "late bloomer," she's still so young by any other countries standards and she doesn't have the issue of needing more tech content, she needs experience delivering under pressure and maturing her performance.

[@junkfood1991]

Yes, I hope before the next season she can work on her weakness and be confident with her artistry and expressiveness. I want her to be amazing and shock everybody with her beautiful skating not just jump jump jump.

[@chocolateperfume752]

I think she said in an interview she'd like to make it to 2 olympics, and then settle down

[@dominiquedominique6462]

Me too!! I would love to see Alexandra out of all Russian teens as a late bloomer (if I have to choose just one) And I honestly think it is still to early for her to focus too much on her artistry, complicated transitions and so on... She is still like a young calf in the green meadow, she loves those big jumps and so she jumps :-) And I appreciate her honesty, cause it shows. But if she can make it to next Olympics, then we’ll probably see many other qualities.

[@zofilep3612]

You are so right. She is just 16 years old, and people expect her to not have nerves and do everything perfectly . Its unreal how cruel figure skating fans and experts in Russia can be. In any other country she would be treated like a goddess, she has huge potential

[@louise3894]

I am really rooting for her in years to come. She doesn’t need to be a big winner yet. She needs to learn from every competition, she’ll work on her artistry, her performance, and she is a natural athletic. I thinking leaving Eteri was very smart - I don’t think she’d still be around if she hadn’t left. Even if it means waiting a few years to prove everyone wrong.

[@sol62442]

Nathan is very popular in Japan too. I went to an ice show when I was on vacation there and he probably got the most cheers of the night, and his gift box was overflowing

[@meaganbooks179]

he is also very popular in Russia too

[@mooony94]

He is popular everywhere but his home country!

[@meaganbooks179]

@@mooony94 where us he's popular

[@rop888]

He is. He's so popular Mariah and Romain got invited to ice shows in Japan just by being associated with him lol

[@jjkaykay8552]

He is also very popular in Korea, he get's a lot of publicity there.

[@mjsison292900]

You spoil us by posting 5 videos about the World Championships 😊

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️

[@nenavujicin7882]

But, the interviews were great !!!!!

[@Victrola66]

My top moments: - Nathan's free program ❤️ - Yuzu's short program 😎 - Yuma and Liza's reactions to winning silver 🤗🥰 - Mishina and Galiamov's win to music by Queen because you are not allowed to skate badly when Freddie Mercury is watching from above ✊

[@Opethiansoul]

Such a cute comment 😻

[@susanfield3680]

Agree!! All great moments! Also loved Sui & Han even if it wasn’t their best. They’re always magic!!!

[@AgniMiss]

People should respect Nathan even more for the fact that everything he does seems so easy! it is NOT easy! it's actually so admirable that we do not know his situation (like David said) and i'm pretty sure he has some personal history. considering all this, for me he is the greatest Champion! He is the most well rounded person, huge talent, and him winning Olympics would mean so much for the sport and not only!

[@L1623VP]

I know. I don't think people appreciate now nearly impossible it is to not "show the work" when Nathan skates at that level of difficulty and making it look absolutely effortless, like he just exhaled that program right out.

[@SaintHaHaLOLZ]

Posting this with just enough time for us to finish watching the Ice Dance recap is such a power move.

[@annatikhonova6409]

Trusova is a fan of Nathan Chen. She talked about it last year. Everyone likes Nathan. Figure skating might be the only sport where you don’t care about the flag and just enjoy your own favourites.

[@Victrola66]

I am a tennis fan and I would say the same for tennis players. Like there can be rivalry and beef between some players personally but it is never about the flag. Or least I have yet to hear about such a case.

[@Victrola66]

Anna is also a fan of Nathan and he of hers. He came up to her during her interview although he just had his skate.

[@meaganbooks179]

@@Victrola66 well it was really sweet an gentlmen by bring her 17th birthday cake after her gala post a picture with him also they both seem simler skating as well their educational of their parents too. like Nathan has simler to Patrick to skating of course Hanyn

[@Ogusername-h7e]

That’s heavily due to the subjective art component of the sport

[@Boymanjusri]

Children are not born racist, they learn to become racist under the influence of the society.

[@elizabethlockhart8044]

I absolutely love the diversity in your guests, I love hearing everyone's perspectives and learn something from everyone, especially you guys. Thank you; you're a gift to figure skating fans such as me. Keep on doing what you're doing!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️❤️

[@sporeKAfan]

Nathan's performance is a masterpiece of artistry and technical perfection; it is a textbook example as well as a piece of skating history. He won the only standing ovation of the competition.

[@harryfranklin1263]

As someone who became a fan of figure skating in 2022, I feel like people's opinions of the Philip Glass program are colored by which version they saw first. The video of his worlds FS was the first time I saw it, and it immediately became my favorite Nathan FS. The step sequence in the middle is just gorgeous, and the ending choreo sequence is exhilarating. With that said, earlier in the season, the program was much less developed and a bit underwhelming. I could see how someone who followed this program from the beginning of the season would be unimpressed artistically and not have the same emotional connection to the performance, despite how much it evolved over time. All this to say, I'm really impressed by the work Nathan and his team put into continuing to grow the program over many months to make it the masterpiece it eventually became.

[@mustyfan1584]

I love the 4 recaps! I hope you continue them for future worlds, because we absolute love and appreciate them. I’m sorry some people were shitty about it this year.

[@sayomsskiver]

For me, Nathan's athleticism is artistic at this point. Watching some of the things he's able to do is incredible. Kevin Aymoz is similar in that respect (but more creative). Some of the athletic features in his programme were outstanding. 24:08 When Johnathan put his hand on his chest after Daisuke's name was mentioned... I really felt that 😩🙌👏. Daisuke's versatility was all time. Never seen a skater as versatile. Agree with the recalibrating of PCS! Thanks for this guys!

[@michellepotter1542]

You are spoiling us with this amazing content! Thank you so much for providing quality videos on a topic we love

[@dewaynewestmoreland3773]

So happy for Elizaveta. I was so excited. So good to see her back on the World podium. That for me was a good moment.

[@hellsbellsmichelle]

Dave and Jonathan, you guys have been amazing these past couple of days. The ISU could learn from your dedication.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️❤️

[@nenavujicin7882]

My top moments of WC= 1.Yuma kid was WoW, just WoW- he will be ready to attack Olympics podium, and dominance of Yuzuru - Nathan, no doubt. 2. Plu & Steph at Kiss& Cry, ( but this time as a coaches), brought me back memories on their competitive moments. 3. And, of course, Liza's tears was one of the most touching moment.

[@nvadqs]

Another one!!!! Wow wow! what a force of nature you, Dave and Jonathan, are!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️❤️

[@debbiesamuelson9919]

I’ve never commented before but I felt I needed to after seeing some reactions online. One comment talked about Nathen and his “style”. The person said they loved the choreographic sequence and the speed and fire. They asked why he couldn’t do that the whole skate. Were they listening to the music? The music during his step sequence was beautiful, slow and gentle. The steps interpreted the music. Another person said he gave a good performance but she preferred programs that included two triple axels. That would be nice but I appreciated the two jumping passes in the bonus that included a 4t Euler 3flip and a 4t 3t. These were landed beautifully. I can’t believe what people find to criticize. Debbie May

[@olegrostov9722]

I can' belive too ...Someone write about Natan's skating - "He doesn't feel any musical note"

[@lisal-tg2zk]

@@olegrostov9722 What, they're deaf too?)

[@katrinastack5245]

Bless you both for blessing us with all this content 😅

[@ElizabethSwift]

Loved all the guests but glad to see just you two

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️

[@evamasters5028]

All your guests for the world's are great. Let's appreciate that they found the time to share their wealth of knowledge and insights about figure skating with us. And risked being hated in the comments section and beyond for expressing unpopular opinions. 🙏🙏🙏

[@TheSkatingLesson]

🙏🙏

[@pgk3052]

I absolutely enjoyed each guest with our lads. Well done, Dave and Jonathan!

[@olgab4767]

Nathan is fantastic! He is a conglomerate of power and artistry.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

He is!

[@coletterobichaud3465]

I loved your guests - all of them! Thanks for the FREE content and all that you do! Much appreciated 👏

[@RM-uc4mf]

Im Asian living in Asia. I will defend Nathan's hardwork with my life!!!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I agree that he works so hard!

[@susanfield3680]

Incredible work ethic!!

[@Boymanjusri]

Imagine if Nathan choose to represent China.. he would become a national hero, a celebrity for one billion people and making tens of millions dollars in endorsement. Now, he is just an obscure Asian American athlete nobody knows and nobody cares in this country. And American say, oh, you work so hard, I respect you! Undertone, you are asian you should work hard. But you lack charm, you are not artistic, and keep quote...

[@kathhqq7]

@@Boymanjusri Mainland Chinese don’t like Nathan though. Most of them are rabid Yuzuru fans. Not to mention if he was from China he probably wouldn’t even have the resources to become the skater he is now.

[@Boymanjusri]

@@kathhqq7 what resources this country has provided him? Yes judging power is a huge resource. I definitely agree! All those GOE and PCS !!! But I would say fro early on his family provided everything for him,,, just like patrick Chan’s family . Very typical devoted Chinese parents. By the way, if he choose to represent China, instead of US. As Naomi Osaka did for Japan in tennis, a very calculated move of course; Chinese fans will embrace Nathan and abandon Yuzu, I am 100% sure about that. I just know it.. Chinese fans are even more patriotic than Russian fans.. and there are so many reasons to dislike Yuzu: he is Japanese, and he is not the masculine type Chinese society promote these days..,

[@readingnerd1]

Yess! I love the all-start lineup, what a flex !! but sometimes I need some messy real opinions from my boos. The work put into this worlds content by you guys shows. Great job !!

[@meapn1180]

The night after my vaccine, when I couldn’t sleep because of the soreness and chills (still 100% recommend it, of course!) I spent the night listening to TSL, so now I subconsciously associate your guys’s voices with the joy of getting vaccinated and knowing it was working lol! So please keep the videos coming, sorry you’ve had mean comments come your way.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I hope you feel better!

[@kittyslinxalott7815]

Jonathan I had exactly the same reaction to Nikita’s facial expressions during the free dance! Thanks both for your efforts this season.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

🤣🤣

[@Essylte]

This was a fun recap, guys! I don't mind that Sui/Han got silver or that Hanyu got bronze; there were mistakes made, they haven't really been training like they normally do b/c of the pandemic, and there are injuries to consider. When all is said and done, Hanyu will keep going for that 4A, and Sui/Han will rest, recover and train for Beijing 2022. This year was for the Russians, who've been training so hard and have had the most access to ice and competitions. Anyways, about the judging, you think the judging system will change again after the Olympic season? If the judging goes on as it does, someone high in the Olympic organization may want to nix figure skating as a sport and put all the money into something like snowboarding (or something with better judging). It's clear to me that Vincent Zhou needs to redeem himself in the eyes of the USFed. Jason earned his spot for the Olympic season; USFS can't want to shoot themselves in the foot by not choosing him. Karen earned the USA 3 spots; I hope she gets to go to the Olympics again.

[@tranquilitytranquility1407]

As a Russian, I agree with you. Our team did well, thanks to hard work, but also access to training and competitions (thanks RusFed!) but it doesn’t in any way take away from the greatness of some of the skaters from other countries, many of whom had limited ice time, no competitions or were unable to train with their coaches. I hope that next season everybody is able to train and compete and show their best at the Olympics. As for the US team I’m very happy for my boy Jason and Karen Chen, they better be going to the Olympics! As for Vince - this was a real heartbreak for me, I have a soft spot for him. He is a talented skater and I hope he gets it together next season and gets his spot on the team.

[@Essylte]

@@tranquilitytranquility1407 I can see Mishina/Galliamov going for 3 Olympics. They have good energy.

[@trylogic4084]

@@Essylte He's 22 and she's 20, so it's definitely reasonable to think that they could last for another two Olympic Cycles. The turnover in pairs and Ice dancers is not as frequent as with single skaters in Russia, so it's more likely to happen with them, but there are always talented youngsters coming up in the ranks.

[@marywestmacott2290]

This is the best coverage of the worlds! We are so spoiled. Spasibo!

[@bakedpotato6653]

Nathan actually has the best spread eagle among men and ladies- look at his stretch.

[@danielaguzmanramirez7960]

Keegan measing says hi lmaoooo

[@SeabassFishbrains]

This is just what I was craving! The special guests were fantastic (Especially Todd!!) but classic TSL will always be my favorite

[@paskatefan]

Do you mean Todd Eldredge? If so, yes!!!!!!!

[@olgavrubel5321]

It’s almost 3am in London and you are posting a new video. What are you doing to me, cruel people. Ok, going to sleep at 4.30am

[@cquinnth]

I appreciate your passion for and knowledge of the complexities of the sport of figure skating. Over the years I have always favored the artistic skaters although painful to watch when they falter. Nathan Chen, to me, has a good enough artistic presentation through his technical skills. His mind is outstanding , the concentration phenomenal, and the person deserving of all his awards. I find it offensive when people find him not human or call him a robot. He is a talented hard worker. For some reason the bronze medal winner kept his head down throughout his program, not good. Me too has passed Alex by and I don’t think he is the best person to comment on women. You two do a great job discussing all the nitty gritty of skating , personal tidbits, and deep analysis.♥️

[@natalysimmons6929]

Thank you for such an interesting conversation!❤ (And I couldn't take my eyes off Jonathan's gooorgeous vase during the whole video😍)

[@maria375s]

You really are spoiling us, thank you for all the recaps! The more TSL content, the better!!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Enjoy!!

[@David.Aragona]

Thank you guys for all the work you put in this week. Really appreciate the thoughtful approach to guests and the extra content.

[@rebekahquinley8093]

These recaps are better than the competition.

[@loc1976]

Btw, memorable moments for me: Liza realizing she would medal, Boikova manhandling those passes out of her coach's neck and stomping out, Yuma copying Yuzu on the podium, Nathan's last 30 seconds (I always admired his athleticism but never connected much with his skating, but that last bit was powerful and it was a first for me). I agree the whole men's event was the best part of this competition.

[@PeiwenTanbassoon821]

Finally! The one I was looking forward to the most!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️

[@hellsbellsmichelle]

ME TOO!!!!

[@bekovas]

I love the way you switch to whispering as if those you are discussing won't hear you

[@trylogic4084]

Yes!! 😂 I've always thought the same thing. I think, "Don't whisper, I can't hear you!, and it's on video for the whole world to hear, anyway!"

[@shumlina]

Thanks for all these Worlds videos. You two are lovely!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Glad you like them!

[@shumlina]

@@TheSkatingLesson Taking a break from doing 3 essays and getting ready for exams, and this has been helpful!

[@mistyblades5702]

I was having a bad day at work (from home), but watching both of you made me less upset. Thank you.

[@dedmatters]

Just nearly 6 minutes in. But I'd like to say, as an Asian who still lives in the motherland, and who was English as her 3rd language: hmmm, in defense of the old Russian man, he is an old Russian man. He prefaced his statement with an apology for his limited vocabulary of English words. I didn't mind it. I understood it even. There has to be a bridge between the skater's pov and their appeal to the judges/global audience. And to my fellow hanyu fans griping about the eurocentric lens on the music, we're in the growing pains stages. Deal with it yeah? I confess, even I didn't like his free music - it didn't have the rise and fall/ narrative flow of seimei. It gave me (what Jonathan would call) generic loveliness. Tho of course I still loved it because I love him.

[@saramisthal6658]

You both are killing it with this awesome content. I absolutely loved all of the recaps but so happy you did this video!! Also loving patreon and cya live. Thank you!

[@elenamorozova1276]

I love Nathan! He is fantastic skater.

[@shannonmcmichael8843]

Thank you for all the recaps and the time and effort you guys put in!! It’s been amazing to get so much TSL ❤️

[@revaew1379]

You could have done ten words recap and I would watch every single one, probably more than once! You both are the highlight of my week and Dave your vast gymnastics knowledge also makes me very happy! I always get a kick out of seeing you liking Andy Memmel's insta posts 💜❤️

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I love Andy!!!

[@zytolda]

I've already watched pair's twice

[@user-iw5ou5yo6u]

It’s true! All Russian commentators love Nathan, Yagudin named him the next Olympic champion during Worlds. But it’s not surprising, they’re never impressed by artistry alone, you have to be perfect, outstanding. Also Yagudin made a ton of nice comments about Jason which was weird 🤡

[@Victrola66]

Yagudin may be a very controversial character, but I think he does give credit where credit is due.

[@yohanes2034]

I wish somebody could translate that because I'm dyibg to know what he said both in SP and FP.

[@cyrielle_]

Exactly, Russians just love the technical prouesses more than anything. They loved Yuzuru when he was the most advanced technically last quad, and now they're impressed by Nathan ability to consistently deliver 4/5 quads FS competition after competition.

[@walterwyte01]

Yagudin about Nathan, Hanyu and Yuma: "Chen is a star who has flared up so brightly that he has practically no rivals with his current skating. Regardless of further results, we will respect the only two-time champion of the Games in the individual tournament, Hanyu, he has been unattainable for many years, and with his pure skating it was almost impossible to beat him, '' said Yagudin. - But now the picture with Chen clearly shows us that time does not stand still, in figure skating it just runs forward. Another evidence of what has been said is the 17-year-old Kagiyama, and this is already the next chapter of men's single skating, if, of course, he moves forward systematically and nothing drastically changes, Yagudin believes. - This skater at the last minute of the program over-rotates the triple axel and quadruples, so I'm 99 percent sure that quadruple axels will also be executed, and this leads to the fact that men's single skating can still reach a higher technical level than at the moment."

[@walterwyte01]

Anna Scherbakova about Nathan Chen: "The schedule made us (ladies) very happy, we saw that we would finish a day earlier than the guys, this is a very rare chance for us, we were able to cheer for them in the stands. It was an incredible feeling, there were all the strongest skaters in the world. I was insanely impressed by Nathan Chen's skating, it was an incredible performance. And he made an even greater impression since I'd normally watched him on the Internet, and then I saw it live, watched with bated breath and worried more than at my performances. I saw his training, all this is a great experience for me, I was infinitely happy to see it."

[@jjkaykay8552]

I was ranting to a family member who doesn't care about skating this weekend, main point of my rant after the men's short was "maybe Nathan needs to lose here cause the pressure of being undefeated before the olympics will be so high." I really am worried about him going in undefeated, the media is going to be harping on it in the lead ups and during, but then again if he say loses the grand prix final the media will have a different story to hype up. There's no way for him to get away from the pressure, I just hope it doesn't get to him.

[@renatam.a6607]

About Yuzuru, there is video of him, at very young age, about 12 years old, saying his dream was to win two olympic gold medals. He lived with this dream his whole life. After the 2018 Olympics he needed new motivation, he wanted to keep skating and competing, he needed a new goal, and that is the 4axel, this is the goal to keep him motivated without the heavy pressure of winning another olympic medal. I think he is not so focused on winning another olympic gold as he was in previous olympics, but this doesn´t mean he will not try. Up until the 2021 wolds he never assured if he will go to Beijing Olympics or not, for the first time he said he intends to go. Hanyu said he is not sure about going back to Canada but has nothing to do with the quarantine situation. He said he learned so much training alone, he tried different training methods, he also said he has more freedom training alone, he can play the music whenever he wants to. I feel he will not go back to Canada, he pointed to many positive things about training alone.

[@akblades6338]

Yuzu never said he intends to go to Beijing. He said if the Olympics comes before he achieves his goal of the 4A, he will consider going.

[@adriankristofferson1]

This! This is what I was waiting for. Thank you @theskatinglesson!! 💙

[@RED-cy7ig]

I love Alex Ouriashev blunt statements. You don't have to agree with him but it does give you insight on how other coaches and judges might think.

[@dkadkins6545]

Loved what you were doing. Keep it up. People are going to complain no matter what.

[@sayomsskiver]

I think Nathan's gonna do it. He already had the blip at the last olympics and I think he's learnt. He's also comfortable with the maths of it all, he knows that even with a mistake or even two he'll still be able to win, which is mentally less pressure. When skaters thinks it's "over" the skating often suffers. If Yuzuru makes a mistake he knows there's not that same cushion.

[@LS-ox3sc]

As a former skater who grew up skating in the Chicago-land area, I appreciated hearing from Coach Alex. He is a legend. You may not like what he has to say but he is a master of his craft.

[@BrentWolgamott]

The rules for repeating jumps are relevant for Yuzu. Because he can’t just “add another 4Loop.” He could, but then he couldn’t repeat his 4Toe (which is a more consistent jump for him). The rules are: you can repeat EITHER two triple jumps, OR you can repeat one quad and one triple. (and of course, any repeated jump must be in combination if if wasn’t the first time). AND since almost every skater chooses to repeat their 3Toe (in combination with other jumps, so they can get their 3 allowed combinations in), he can ONLY repeat one quad. So you can’t just do 2 quad Sals & 2 Quad Toes like he did at Pyeongchang. Yuzu’s issue is he doesn’t have a big “toe pick” jump. He NEEDS either the Quad Lutz or the Quad Flip to be competitive with Nathan. That’s the issue.

[@latetoi]

It was nice to see Trusova not skate R&J back to back with Usacheva’s R&J for once.

[@Анна-л4ъ3ц]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Victrola66]

Oh yes 😂😂😂

[@jacquelineblance4861]

Lmao. True story.

[@trylogic4084]

I pray very sincerely that Mark Hanretty comes back. I just loved him. I had thought that he was only a former ice dancer, but I had to look that up when he was being so specific when commentating the single skaters. He was also a single skater for 9 years. He's perfect for this job. I learn nothing from Johnny and Tara anymore, and they're as annoying as ever.

[@kuklakid]

I’m with you

[@carlairis3889]

I really enjoyed this, Well Done! I would've liked more rhapsodizing over Mishina/Galliamov! although I appreciated/enjoyed Dave's list of their great qualities. I think they've got magic -- it's just not the same kind of magic that people are accustomed to in pairs. What they have developed and will continue to develop is something entirely new in pairs. The way they're both stars, and the great way they each present and celebrate the other in his/her starring moment - Sasha's moment calling attention to Nastya's glorious running edge after throw jumps; Nastya calling attention to his great transitions. They're so on board with each other, and generous with each other. They elevate themselves as a pair. I'm a fan who wants the artistic to be equal to the technical, and I think their artistry is partly ingrained, contained within their technique, because their elements are so gorgeous. (like the Canadian coach, Doug? said it should be). Nastya's positions in lifts are perfection. Some don't even notice their lifts, which are beautiful and never show an unattractive or questionable moment -- as Bechke alluded to more generally, not about MG, in her commentary. M/G have something intangible that I haven't quite got words for yet. Tamara sees it and magnifies it. I love that Nastya told that Alexander Stepin choreographed both programs. So beautiful.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

They were fantastic.

[@yingyingseah3294]

I think a lot of the Nathan love was similar to the love for Yuzu vs Patrick back in the day. Patrick had better artistry initially (Yuzu developed it over time) and Yuzu was the pushing the tech. Yuzu was initially the underdog with so much emotion and potential, Patrick the multiple world champs. Now Yuzu is the established GOAT and Nathan is viewed more as the person pushing the tech, with the fire of a younger skater trying to establish himself rather than holding a position. Especially with not making the podium at Pyeongchang, Nathan's ability to keep fighting, working at his artistry and consistency at tech is so inspiring and most likely ONLY because Yuzu is still there to push him.

[@rop888]

Yeah, I feel that too. Nathan's interesting in that even if he's been around awhile, is 3x world champ, 3x GPF champ, 5x national champ, since Yuzu is still around and the GOAT it does seem like Nathan is still chasing him. So he's still in the young upstart position. He's also still the one pushing harder and harder tech. There is no 16-17 year old who can outjump him. And there's not going to be one in the next year either or probably ever. So he still seems like somewhat like the underdog even if he keeps winning by double digits. Honestly, it's a good spot to be in for him.

[@jt98116]

Oh dear ones - never read the comments : 0 But, I do realize why you might need to. And as usual +10 for Jonathan's vase game!!!

[@ElishaaLi]

One of your best this and that episodes!!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️❤️

[@CocogoatMain0501]

heartbreaking for rika tho...

[@yohanes2034]

One of the most difficult thing to watch in that night. Second Satoko bombed her free (I was waiting for seeing a clean Tosca program from her)

[@ddjr6673]

Guys. Thank you SO much. Thrilled to listen to your guests and to hear your analysis. I am not on Twitter/Instagram etc. This has been amazing. Again, thank you (and love that you love Fear and Gibson).

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@susmus5034]

25:15 there was not one but actually two earthquakes. The first one was on 13 February when Hanyu's rink was closed for a week. The second one was on 20 March on Saturday when Hanyu missed his plane and had to chance flights, which resulted in arriving to Sweden later than planned. He was talking about small things that kept piling up, he didn't mention what he really meant but I think he faced lot of problems that week. Not even mentioning the asthma on the day of FS. He looked really off already before the free skate, somehow very distracted, disconnected. I have never seen him in such condition before, it was strange to see. He has been training alone for a year now, so it must be difficult for him even if he says he learned a lot from training alone and there are advantages of it. Chen afaik trains in person with California so is in a pretty good situation leading to the Olympics (training secured, no school etc).

[@emana6824]

i feel bad for yuzuru his obsessive fans making him look bad and people hates him for it.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

We don't hate him for it.

[@vanessafreitas1000]

How can someone be mad at you, guys? You’re adorable. Not only I love your takes about the technical stuff but I also like that you point out those differences between cultures. Also I guess I’m the same age as you are. So I get all the references. Greetings from Rio 🇧🇷 ❤️

[@jennifer5512]

Yay! Glad for a video of just Dave and Jonathan! Thank you for all of the videos! I really enjoy the guests but Dave and Jonathan videos feel more like hearing my friends chatting. Friends who are obviously way more knowledgable of course! Also, Dave, I'm really sorry that you get hateful comments like that. That's on them, not you. No one covers skating like The Skating Lesson and considering the landscape of sports today, we need to be grateful for that.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Glad you like them!

[@debbied2715]

I LOVE YOU GUYS...even when I do NOT agree with your opinions(I get mad but not your problem!!) because you have the experience, the wonderful years of knowledge and the comments are wild! these recaps are so awesome, thank you for the great guests!!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

🙏🙏🙏

[@emilyd3521]

Loved all the recaps, and so happy to see a bonus episode with the two of you! Truly the best part of this unforgettable, pandemic worlds.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@Kwolfe2608]

Have loved all the recaps! Thanks so much for all the time and energy you have put into getting us a range of perspectives including your own!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

❤️❤️❤️

[@jjh2456]

You mentioned the Michelle “brand.” Keep in mind during that during that time of her career she was coached by Raf. That is a Raf brand thing. He does that with a lot of his skaters. Also keep in mind with Nathan over the past few years Nathan has taken each competition as they come. When he needs the all the bombs he has them ready. When he doesn’t need all the bombs he just tucks them away for when needed.

[@noran7809]

Exactly ! :)

[@Fatima502]

Listening to you lads adds a entirely new dimension to my enjoyment of the championships. So much that I'd missed first time round.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@zytolda]

Thanks for all recaps. They were great

[@Jontor11]

Oh Trusova. She will never be consistent when she trains this many quads. I'm sure she trains the 4Lo as well as she wants to land it first before Samodelkina does. Trusova should concentrate on two 4Lzs, one 4T and a 3A in the long. With a 3A in the short as well, this could be a winning and consistent concept.

[@mooony94]

To me it seems she is more into living upto her quad queen status then winning, u could tell from her reactions and this is a dangerous mindset coz I'm sure ruaaia wanta medals and they r alot of juniors with consistent quads breathing on her neck ..

[@rop888]

I honestly don't get strategy behind her layouts at all. She just said she wants to do what Nathan does, okay. But Nathan's layouts make sense and take time. 2019 worlds Nathan was doing a 4T3T in the second half, but the other jumps were triple combos. By 2020 GPF he had worked towards adding in the 4Teu3F all season and now has two quad toes in the second half that he has landed cleanly all season by 2021 worlds. He still doesn't do two 4lz's or two 4F's and he can actually land a clean 5 quad program. If he's falling on quads he takes them out, like how he didn't do a 4S all season long in 2018-2019 until WTT. He's not doing a 4loop much since he's not consistent with it. While she's throwing out quad combos in the 2nd half and multiple 4lz's she can't land. She just does quads for the sake of doing quads and doesn't seem to actually be working towards any real goal.

[@SamKreinberg]

That’s what happens when a person basically doesn’t have a coach. Eteri wanted none of that and Plushenko will let her do anything she wants as long as he gets a piece of fame from that.

[@emnegedir8936]

Sasha is obsessed with numbers of quads. But she will never be able to give the Nathan’s fantastic performance with superb balance of technical complexity and artistry. Sasha bragged in the Russian TV about her 5quads at WC as if all quads were landed. Jumping 5 quads at training practices perhaps doable also to other skaters with quads...

[@mooony94]

@@emnegedir8936 honestly I doubt she ever did a complete program with 5 quads landed in her practice either..

[@Victrola66]

On a completely irrelevant note, I am probably the last person here, who did not know that Jonathan has such a beautiful voice. I only recently found out that he is an opera singer ❤️😏

[@justanotherclaud]

Whaaaattt

[@Citruscider34]

And he went to a prestigious music school haha

[@LC-ig2jm]

As a big opera fan, I can vouch that Jonathan has a very beautiful voice. I’ve heard him in person on several occasion. Bravo!

[@biggestgymfan7230]

I really need Daria to get a quad or triple axel she is definitely my favorite current Russian skater and I need to see her at the Olympics.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

💯

[@xuelingliu3687]

I love Nathan and his skating. I feel like he is my son. Thank you so much for defending him. Even I know, he is so strong that can soar through that nonsense by himself:)

[@BrentWolgamott]

“They used to invite Roz to the ProAms, so she could finish last, but skate beautifully....”. Dave, when I tell you I FELL OUT. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@stulochealthdesipad4020]

About the Karen comment, i think we all saw that you guys tried to save Alex comment with the additional comments and shifting the focus toward the judges taste like you think we wouldn't see he has prejudiced against "oriental" things lol. As Asian, I understand that there are people who don't like our culture and we understand that figure skating judging and culture is very european centric and its judges is full with biases. The asian skaters also knew themself, hence why we didn't see much of them skating to asian tunes whether it was folk, classical or even modernized version until very recently. But, what I don't get is, why it is became a problem when it was the Asian who skated to that but it was fine when some russian girls doing it ? He also said that classical music is fine, but i m pretty sure the classical music he means is exclusive to european one, like Rachmaninoff or Tchaikovsky, ignoring there are other types of classical music. Of course we don't really called it "classical music" here, but it is the equivalent of that if we compare the genre characteristics and its historical significance . To see the amount of people excusing his comment and told us not to be offended is quite disheartening as well. Especially when it is not even your culture to begin with. Rather than trying to pacify us, wouldn't it be better to try bringing the awareness to the judges to accept any type of music ? This is 2021 for God sake. You guys keep complaining about warhorses, but why do you think people keep doing it ? It is because they are the most save choices that anybody could do.

[@shomaunofan8486]

Nails it. Also to point out (as Asian) the butterfly lovers are “classic”. Saying u don’t like the music is fine, but to ding her for the music because it’s too oriental-that just cringing. I almost want to ask if he would like it if music is piano music (not many but few that play quite well in YT). Just curious

[@Essylte]

@@shomaunofan8486 Can't wait to see how high Karen scores in Beijing when she uses that program and gets higher scores than they think. It'll shut up that old white Russian dude for sure. Also, I remember a Russian pair or ice-dance team trying to skate to Hanyu's "Seimei" music. He should tell that pair to not skate to such Oriental music and stick to Tchaikovsky/Rachmaninoff, LOL!

[@tatianamokienko]

@Елена Стрельникова а зря так уверены

[@arthurtheaardvark13]

Totally agree! I hated especially Liza wearing a Chinese character on her back - it reeked ‘ignorant white gets a Chinese character tattooed on her back’

[@omyogagal]

We still live in the post-colonial world that many white people are clueless with their own ignorance. These duo is no exception. As an Asian living in the West, it's a constant reminder that white people like this see themselves as the center of the universe.

[@Ogusername-h7e]

I really wish Rika wore a bun and didn’t do tights to the heels and ditched the gloves and looked like a figure skating leading lady. I prefer Anna over Rika in the short. Anna has a better look and has more authentic soul to what she does

[@kerryperryman3025]

I have to agree the ponytail is distracting. Her short program costume I don’t think suited her either. She is wonderful skater and hope to see her do well next year.

[@jessicabruni2535]

Agree. She looks like a junior skater not a senior lady😑

[@jessicabruni2535]

@Марина Россия3 Rika

[@kristenjunker1632]

Totally agree about the pony tail. I seriously wonder if her jumps would be a bit better with bun vs. ponytail... But the last time I mentioned that I was told that she can wear her hair however she wants. LOL.

[@Ogusername-h7e]

@@kristenjunker1632 Hahah I get that all the time too!

[@juliefields5334]

Lol I have not even listened to the Ice Dance breakdown yet, but here I am! 😂 I truly appreciate all your hard work going into these videos!! And I agree with Jonathan that the silver medal moments of Empress Liza and Yuma were my favorites. Mainly I was just happy to see live figure skating at these championships. Excited for WTT yay!!! 🥳

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@Rachel-rs7jn]

100% on recalibrating the components. It's too far from 50/50 now with all the quads. And it would allow ladies to do quads in the short program.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

💯

[@jtangel98]

Nathan Chen is amazing 🤩 I also love Hubbell and Donohue but I miss Papadakis and Cizeron too.

[@72586jejones]

I love you both. Thank you for such great content each week. Let's all say a prayer that we get Russian drama each week from now until fall when competition season starts again.

[@stevenpereira4258]

I really admire david and jonathan. They so obviously know the sport, and boy can they turn a phrase. Just a great team that i appreciate.

[@janyshendrickson3833]

Thanks for the 4 discipline recaps Dave. Always enjoy hearing the valuable, educated perspective from your guests. Great input. 👏👏👏

[@TheSkatingLesson]

🙏🙏🙏

[@evanperilstein5308]

Your discussion about the ability to do a spread eagle was interesting. Considering how incredible Kostornaia’s skating skills are, I’ve always found it odd that she can’t do a proper spread eagle. She’s still my favorite skater in the current ladies field, it’s just something I noticed a couple of years ago when she had to do a choreographic sequence with a spread eagle for her R&J program at senior nationals.

[@gavrgavr9861]

Spread eagle isn't just about skating skills but rather about stretching. And Aliona isn't best stretched.

[@evanperilstein5308]

@@gavrgavr9861 Aliona is more flexible than most male skaters, and many male skaters, such as Nathan Chen, are able to do a proper spread eagle. It’s probably just something with her hips.

[@gavrgavr9861]

@@evanperilstein5308 I guess there's also some minor issue with her back which also probably makes it feel uncomfortable... and I think also that spread eagle isn't as beloved by athletes and coaches jn Russia as it is in the US, just an observation.)))

[@colleenshaughnessy7081]

It's always interesting with skaters. Like Michelle Kwan and her layback spin - eventually she found the different variation which was beautiful, but her standard layback....not so much. Like Aliona and her spread eagle!

[@walterwyte01]

When Dave mentions his encounters with Galina it is always the most hilarious part of the video

[@olgas6520]

16.00. Bravo Dave! And very interesting discussion about components, I've thought about it a lot

[@adamG2001]

“You’re giving foot like Anna” OMG!!!!! I’m dying so hard!!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@matthewhines9787]

40:45 Talking about Yuzu training intensely for a shorter amount of hours; I always liken it to when people would talk about Bulgarian gymnast Jordan Jovtchev, and how he would go into the gym and train for about 1.5 to 2 hours a day. Four days a week he'd go in, warm up, knock out basic competition routines, then work his current upgrades.

[@lacefern7347]

People like Nathan because he can skate like a man and be beautiful at the same time.

[@kuklakid]

Exactly

[@0c0p0c0]

Sherbakova is by far the most musical. Kamila Valieva, at least this season, is half the time off of music and gets the big component scores based on reputation and couple of accents.

[@alexac3098]

THANK you.

[@evanperilstein5308]

This is true, but Kamila also skates faster than Anna and has better extension and turnout. Anna doesn’t point her toes, especially during her camel spins, and her skating skills are lackluster (watch her crossovers and see how one foot does all the work while the other barely moves).

[@lomein222]

@@evanperilstein5308 The crossovers problem is probably from her past leg injuries. Throughout her program she seems to use mostly her one leg.

[@evanperilstein5308]

@@lomein222 No, it comes down to poor crossover technique. It’s how she has always done them. Although, they have gotten worse over time.

[@Jumblebelle]

@@lomein222 Russian coaches commonly teach the crossover technique of only pushing with the back leg and leaving the front leg in place (or even lifting it off the ice, bizarrely)