This and That: 2021 World Figure Skating Championships Preview with Meagan Duhamel

[@Helen-me1vn]

If you watch Anna's interviews, she's the one who is outspoken with a clear understanding of what she wants from the sport. She may be expressive and sensitive to the music on the ice, but she has a strong character and mentality. Plus, she's one of the only ones who has the passion for the sport, and as she's actually happy when she's skating as she feels free to show her emotions...

[@coletterobichaud3465]

What’s wrong with posing nude? Liza is an adult. It’s 2021.

[@kthy31]

@@wotanworld5504 She is a literal child, of course she doesn't pose nude. If an adult like Liza does it, it is her right, she looks beautiful and this can draw more people to watch figure skating. The original comment is right though

[@susanwang5561]

@@coletterobichaud3465 but no one is saying it’s wrong here? Why drag Liza into this

[@annabondaruk4583]

@@rent4161 Why anyone has to “upgrade”? If it wasn’t vulgar it would be ok to show it to kids, but it’s not.

[@Helen-me1vn]

@Марина Россия3 Lol, she has a flat edge lutz not a flutz. She has beautiful posture, even Meaghan said so. And no skater is perfect. It doesn't take away from her love of the sport and the beautiful performances.

[@snowandglaciers6231]

I was scratching my head for 10 sec trying to remember who Kiyori is LOL. Regarding Shcherbakova, look, we all thought she wont last long since juniors, but 3 years in, she's still here and now 3 times russian champ. If she can do that, then she can managed to pull herself for the next 10 months. Yes, she's shy, polite, naturally pale, not as impulsive as Kostornaia, not as powerful as Trusova, but she has a great mental fortitude. In men's, i think Nathan will come on top. Crossing fingers Kolyada wont crush under pressure.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Wishing Kolyada so much luck for a personal breakthrough!

[@dashap3121]

@Liubov Zaprivoda who are competeing in other camps after 17-18 and show good results? Liza T is the only girl but she has overcome puberty. She didn't have any titles since 2015 when she was 18. It is not about Tutberidze or other coach, it's about female nature.

[@viktoria8189]

Anna only looks vulnerable and kinda weak because of her fragile appearance. This girl is really strong in reality, a true fan of skating and has pretty wise thoughts. Just watch some of her interviews ;)

[@irenem3306]

True!

[@AgniMiss]

Did Meagan listen at least one interview of Anna before making statements about her motivation to keep continuing to skate?! Anna seems to me the most intelligent and mature skater for the last few years. She looks ill? Maybe this year. Does other girls from eteri group look ill you say? is gracie gold healthy mentally and physically? Is Daleman healthy? absolutely not. And there are plenty of them that had lost their health and meanwhile had nothing achived in sports.

[@paulunsihuay4954]

This is the best comentary I've found, at least someone who realized about foolish Megan's thoughts, and even more they insist that there is doping in Eteri's girls, we know both this channel and Megan are Eteri haters but this is shameful and pathetic, what show their envy about Anna's work and talend

[@scavo2003]

What did she say about Anna's motivation? Don't even know if I want to know but I'm sure it was some hater comment

[@chocolateperfume752]

Beautifully said! I didn't pay much attention to Anna over the years, but I've started recently. I've read a bunch of stuff about her, and heard many interviews, she's the type of young woman that's incredibly headstrong and classy, which is rare to see. She has her own plans for the future and knows exactly what she wants. She even brought her books to study and finish up a bunch of school assignments. I genuinely hope she doesn't pay attention to haters, cause these past few days it's been awful reading what others say about her, especially coming from sasha's fans

[@wait_whatt]

You know what's really unhealthy and sad? When you are a retired athlete and push your own vision about how others should act and look on active athletes. Seriously, WTF she is saying about Anna? She shamed her not only for her body but also for her personality! If someone doesn't jump like crazy to celebrate victory it doesn't mean they lacks "energy" or doesn't enjoy the moment. And ofc It doesn't mean they are "tortured". Anna has calm personality and artistic style of skating, she is happy the way she is. Idk maybe it's a cultural thing and everyone in Canada is extroverted and loud, but in Russia we have a good saying: "happiness prefers quietness"

[@finethings2281]

Well said. This Meagan is absolutely ridiculous with her judge mental and mean comments, I feel somewhat sorry for her, jealousy makes he4 look pitiful.

[@RafaelCaver]

Period!

[@mootrail9487]

Anna skated beautifully, captivated an empty arena, bearing her Russian soul. It’s seemingly something which some fail to comprehend and I guess to even to truly admire. Bravo Anna:)

[@praetorrus]

You clearly underestimate Sherbakova and who she's as a person. Yes, she looks subtle, but has an 'iron will'. She was the first to jump quad in Eteri's group, then broke her leg, then returned. Yes, she skated ill in RusNats, but it wasn't her coaches who pushed her, it was she, herself, who insisted to compete there. She has an undying passion for skating and despite puberty problems that affect her skating and may result in problems next year, if she manages to avoid serious injury, she'll continue skating post Olympics and gonna be competitive.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I believe she can have an iron will and still be in a patently unhealthy environment. One girl ran away into the forest, another went into anorexia treatment, another got so thin she lost all of her triples despite 3S, another is on hormone therapy after her competitive career ended.

[@SamKreinberg]

@@TheSkatingLesson “ran away into forest” is metaphor 😂 as for Medvedeva, you can thank Tarasova for her weight, she didn’t want her Canadian eating habits anywhere close to her rink, got her skinny and ditched her to Eteri.

[@oleksandrakorolova629]

@@SamKreinberg who ran into forest 🌳? i don’t get it;)

[@irenerocha727]

I agree that Megan was no nice about Anna... she even question her cleanness to win the nationals ... not nice .. very bias ...

[@SamKreinberg]

@@oleksandrakorolova629 Alina Zagitova! She was also running to the fields too, girl loves nature! 😂

[@JoshuaFazeli]

The World According to Meaghan: If you’re not doing weekly 6 minute warm - ups in costumes with taped run throughs submitted to judges and technical specialists then you’re NOT doing drag. ❄️ 💅🏻

[@flankerpraha]

I think I can't enjoy Meghan Duhamel in the first place. It's not about saying she supports someone more, it's literally attacking a person (like "I wish XY to win" vs. "I wish AB to lose" for completely irrational, stupid reasons she gave). Such a disgrace to herself she made. Absolutely disrespectful, hating attitude. Which is not a suprise as she did similarly foul comments before about Alina Zagitova. And her "let Trusova work with foreign specialists" is like "Nah, he can possibly spendsome money on my friends" (which is funny as Kostornaia's programs made by Bourne were totally low-tier).

[@scavo2003]

She is just all sorts of unpleasant. I don't know.. Reminds of me Jamie Sale a bit

[@misa7401]

I would love to have that technology again from Japanese Nationals where they see where they jump and spin and how fast they are.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

It is very interesting to see.

[@bonnie9131]

Yes, I like that too.

[@dknt2923]

So Meagan Duhamel can't enjoy Shcherbakova's skating because of the way her body is? Well too bad, I couldn't enjoy Duhamel's skating because I couldn't tell whether it was a man or a woman but I wasn't openly badmouthing her. Perhaps she should concentrate on herself instead of body shaming teenagers.

[@scavo2003]

Meagan should have a look at the photos of Shcherbakova from practice. She looks like a healthy young woman.. And just because she was thin last year doesn't mean she has some kind of eating disorder. Honestly that comment from Meagan was disgusting

[@finethings2281]

Bravo 👏

[@jeglop]

What is the matter with Meagan that she must always bash someone and state her opinion so assertively?..

[@TheSkatingLesson]

She is honest is a skating world that normalizes being anything but...

[@jeglop]

​@@TheSkatingLesson Well, that's an interesting comment considering that you are a part of this world. Honesty is one thing, being assertively critical is another. It is nice to give people the benefit of doubt and allow, simply allow that she might not be right in everything, that's all. Essentially this results in one's saying the same thing in a way more acceptable to others.

[@kennydreadfuls861]

I mean... she is literally an expert. You don’t make it to a worlds podium without being an expert. I’m bold with my opinions and I am definitely not an expert in this field. So you can disagree with her opinion, but I think she has earned her voice being heard in this forum.

[@dancereternally86]

Can't believe how incredibly meanspirited, rude, judgemental and cruel Meagan's comments about Anna were.

[@simtopia2334]

I mean, she is not wrong. Nationals and the Channel One Cup have been a bit of a cringe watch with Anna, she always look in pain, her body looks too thin, and it seems practices in Stockholm have not been doing that well either, there are photos of her crying. If she is ill, i don't understand this push to get her to the competition anyway, i find it forced and unnecessary. Russia can get the gold medal with Trusova or even Tuktamysheva, Eteri will have her moment regardless next season with the juniors moving to seniors, Shcherbakova is still the 3 times national champion so she could have totally WD from this competition.

[@wait_whatt]

@@simtopia2334 Did we watch the same competitions? In Nationals and Channel One cup I watched Anna was strong and magnificent and her recent pneumonia wasn't showing in her programs. Regardless her body - I am 26 and probably have the same weight as Anna. Still I eat whatever I want, is happy and healthy. I get that you have the right to tell whatever is on your mind, but FYI people have different body structures and saying thin people is "cringe" is bodysmaming and, you now, cringe.

[@annabondaruk4583]

Before they judge they should check the picture of Anna’s parents, both of them are slim, her mother is very slim, and I assume Anna has the same body type as her mother.

[@triplea_qgb1963]

1:14:45 ladies

[@saurabhvashist4051]

Meagan saying 'Eatery' is everything!!! 🤣

[@mlmichellelin]

ittiry and miSHEEN!

[@deryan3364]

She has been pronuncing her name like that for years :D

[@timothyhh]

Whenever I read Eteri's name I say "Eatery" in my head. Thanks, Meagan!

[@Constantin9va]

@@deryan3364 Classic Canadian style snark 😉

[@irenem3306]

Haters do hate...

[@ifindyourlackoffaithdistur2840]

This woman is disgusting. Anna’s mother is also slim, having 3 kids. That’s genetics. Her body is normal and healthy. Not only Tuktamisheva’s body is healthy, people have different genetics and figures. That’s absolutely inappropriate who the hell is she to decide whose body is fine and whose is bad. It’s bodyshaming and lookism. She insulted girl for nothing. Atrocious

[@miriam3848]

Eteri does have a history of pushing her students into extremely unhealthy eating habits though, basically starving them. So worry is justified

[@ifindyourlackoffaithdistur2840]

@@miriam3848 that’s what Eteri’s haters lie. Girls have diets, but it’s normal - every sportsman needs a diet to maintain physical abilities. She can’t comment on smb’s body that’s so rude and abusive I’m shocked. I thought western society was polite and accurate

[@creativebodyflying]

they just can't believe girls can be thin, because kids in US are so used to eating steroid foods and fast food, so they grow a lot in their puberty. I've been to US many times and saw, what kids are eating in schools. It's terrible.

[@ifindyourlackoffaithdistur2840]

@@creativebodyflying agree. They can eat burgers every day for dinner. It’s a typical day-to-day meal. I eat burgers once a 3 months for example. Not because I cannot afford it, it’s just bad for my butt ))

[@miriam3848]

@@ifindyourlackoffaithdistur2840 Julia's anorexia and recollections of being fed only meal replacement cocktails, Evgenia's stress fracture and the fact that first thing she did after leaving Eteri was hire a nutrition specialist, the lasting trend of Eteri's girls saying in intervews that keeping a fit figure is simple - just shut your mouth and don't eat... The trend reminds me of the 90's rhythmic gymnastics. They have somewhat changed their practices since, and rg gymnasts don't look as emaciated any more.

[@michaelcraig666]

Roman's spliced together FS video is still one of the best things to come out of the past year, so more of that type of creativity would be so welcome. Thanks for this show; I felt unprepared for Worlds, but now I'm ready!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Totally!

[@thomaslawson3770]

It is bodyshaming! Where is your tolerance? A shame!

[@susanwang5561]

You guys are SO biased towards Anna. She is so strong mentally and she genuinely loves skating. you say you want “well-rounded” skater, then goes on criticizing Anna ( who has the most emotion, expression during skating among these three ladies). It is just hypocritical. Also, people are saying no body shaming, but judging Anna for having a thin body...I do enjoy watching TSL, but I just can’t bear with Meagan’s prejudices.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I don't believe she was necessarily being shamed for being thin. There are other reasons people feel she is unhealthy. Some look at hair, etc. I tend to love her skating and said as much on the show. I do worry about the physical and mental health of athletes on Team Tutberdize and I will not apologize for that. We have seen far too many broken athletes tossed aside. Many of their skaters, like Zagitova, begin hormone therapy after training, which all but confirms that they are indeed taking the hormone blockers that are discussed (Lupron).

[@susanwang5561]

@@TheSkatingLesson where does this information coming from?(that they are taking hormone blockers) 😲

[@TheSkatingLesson]

@@susanwang5561 It is well discussed within Russian skating. It is not a secret.

[@susanwang5561]

@@TheSkatingLesson So no real evidence basically😂 just like Simone Biles takes ADHD drugs to suppress growth (don’t know if it’s real or not) Anyway, I just disagree with some of Meagan’s statements. Thanks for the time you put making TSL and replaying!! I do enjoy most of the episodes

[@S80-r1o]

@@TheSkatingLesson if that’s true about the hormone therapy, that’s very sad

[@sashafan2]

Oh God, Dave has been predicting doom and gloom ever since she won her first Rusnats, she has already won her third Rusnats and he still does it.

[@S80-r1o]

Look at Anna’s planned program content, he was right after all...

[@sashafan2]

@@S80-r1o Planned content and actual content are 2 different things.

[@S80-r1o]

@@sashafan2 look at the practice notes :((( very sad, poor Anna

[@sashafan2]

@@S80-r1o practice and competition are 2 different things as well. Anya also had bad practices at Rusnats.

[@SamKreinberg]

@@sashafan2 they think Eteri girls should be clean everywhere: in practices, in warm up and in competition, otherwise it’s luck. Meanwhile, they already prepare to call Anna undeserved winner if she wins. Don’t bother with them.

[@AM-ml4ww]

Anna Shcherbakova 2021 World Champion... Eatery that Meagan☺

[@mustyfan1584]

The return of our favorite guest! And on Saturday no less. You’re really treating us.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Enjoy!!!

[@dashap3121]

I would recommend you to watch Anna's interviews and not feel sorry for her. Don't like Meagan's biased manner.

[@SamKreinberg]

@@rent4161 So she wasn’t feeling well first night, so what? It was 20 days after she came back to rink! It was probably because she barely did run-throughs after her illness. Literally only foreign fans care about this.

[@evamasters5028]

I think that with Anna, Meagan resonds intuitively. Whatever facade the Eteri Public relations want to spin, I can feel that Anna is following direction and not letting herself be genuine. Her performance may be good, but its vibe is lackluster.

[@triplea_qgb1963]

@@SamKreinberg it doesn’t make sense. How can a skater who was clearly struggling to breathe after her SP, suddenly perform so well and not be out of breath the next day for FS? I also recall that she struggled to finish her FS run-through. No matter how resilient and brave Anna is, it doesn’t make sense how she could do that physically.

[@sfs6501]

@@triplea_qgb1963 it does make sense because she has the motivation. She took a rest after morning practice. We can see her struggling after landing each jump. I think its fortunate that she skates to slow music in FS which helped her to still cope with musicality and artistry altho she struggled to get at her maximum power. Compare it to her performance at Russian Cup, she often smiled a lot during program, but not at nationals. She just wanted to defend her title and thats where the power came from, it makes sense

[@dashap3121]

@@evamasters5028 we all have different tempers

[@CocogoatMain0501]

Dave can we have Meagan back for the worlds recap? She's my security blanket

[@TheSkatingLesson]

We have some great guests planned! Meagan will be back for sure in the future.

[@RafaelCaver]

No pls

[@Bnizzofashizzo]

I find it to be so interesting that Megan has a hard time understanding why someone doesn’t improve given that her refinement to her body movement was A figment of her imagination throughout most of her career and the improvement to it was imperceptible to us. Also, the Chinese team has seemed to figure out the side-by-side Triple sal and even if they never did, I would bet any dollar amount that more of us go to rewatch their skating than Megan and Eric ‘s. For most of her career, while Megan did achieve some truly brilliant technical feats and was very good at laying it down when it counted, she ended her career skating like a wooden Pinocchio doll and there was still a rigid and ( taking liberty with a word ) terse quality to her body movement . Why didn’t that improve to a magnitude that would make someone notice? Because I am telling you, it was just as bad when she retired as it was when the pair was formed. Was it because that was the nadir of her ability ? What’s more shocking is that she was the queen of arguing with people in comments and trying to defend it... she should have the easiest time understanding how even after a pandemic , some skaters won’t improve to her lofty standards , the same way she didn’t improve. Tarasova’s disdain might have been harsh about Meghan but, she was right!

[@_V_G]

My thoughts exactly👍

[@Bnizzofashizzo]

@@_V_G , I definitely respect her career but she literally avoided at every turn in the road fixing the most glaring error that she had. Instead of refining her body movement, she added a new trick. But you mean to tell me, she doesn’t understand how someone else doesn’t fix their things? She should be an advocate for understanding

[@bettybleu12]

Completely agree. Even her quad throw salchow or lutz. While impressive on the difficulty, her leg wrap and position in the air made them look so gauche. Skating with the elegant Eric, they look so awkward together.

[@erinsheley]

Meagan is my favorite interlocutor with you guys. She fits in so perfectly, doesn't dominate the conversation in the way that some of your co-co-hosts do, and provides hugely interesting insight as a recent competitor. It's exciting to have big names on TSL to preview/recap but sometimes I don't love that the third commentator disrupts the normal banter that I love from TSL. She's a perfectly integrated third voice.

[@erinsheley]

Like, specifically, Joe Inman and Doug Haw are fascinating guests who I would love as interviews. (Joe for his deep expertise and discernment and Doug for his tea). But both of them tend to take over the show in a way that disrupts the Jonathan/Dave takes I need in my week.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Glad you enjoyed Meagan!

[@timothyhh]

@@erinsheley I thought Inman and Haw were more akin to special guests rather than co-co-hosts in which case I think it's ok if we mostly hear from them. Besides, the more Doug talks to more tea he spills.

[@kristenjunker1632]

@@erinsheley Joe and Doug are also at the top of my list.

[@paulunsihuay4954]

All russian skaters are tested in most of championships and always the results are negative, and now, again you state that they are doping? this is a shame a both of you are pathetic, if you have proves of doping in Eteri's girls, just show them, you talk about abuses and that they look miserable? do you have proves? as "impartial and objective" you are so show them, abuses and doping we saw in USA women gymnastic team, and there are a lots os proves about that and victims silenced in order to get a medal

[@evanperilstein5308]

My prediction for the women: 1. Trusova 2. Shcherbakova 3. Kihira 4. Tuktamysheva 5. Sakamoto 6. Tennell 7. Miyahara

[@emilieleroux2595]

I would rather see 1-Sherbakova 2- Kihira 3- Trusova or Tuktamisheva 4- Trusova or Tuktamisheva. In a recent interview, Plushenko said that Trusova was struggling a lot with puberty

[@zeze-6767]

I really hope Sasha wins 🥺

[@emilieleroux2595]

@@zeze-6767 She would deserve it ! She's such a pionneer and à fighter

[@emilieleroux2595]

@Марина Россия3 I really hope ! It would be fanstastic !!

[@pjeb184]

Yes i am an Anna fan ; but please stop saying that she looks unhealty . I had a girlfriend that was 1m68 and weighted 44 kg when she was 18 . Today she reached 48 kg . she never folowed any diet and was an aikido teacher for more than 35 years. Look at Anna's mother and so manny girls of Anna's age .. they are skinny AND healthy.

[@susmus5034]

Anna looks totally fine to me. She has grown in the past year but she looks healthy to me. Both her father and mother look skinny, it is normal Anna inherited their bone structure and physical appearance.

[@evanperilstein5308]

I mean, Daniil praised her in an interview for only eating one shrimp at dinner. One shrimp! That’s not healthy. Most, if not all, of the Eteri girls have eating disorders. Yulia’s anorexia wasn’t an isolated incident. Team Tuberidze encourages disordered eating. Zagitova said in an interview this past year that she gets on the scale in the morning, and if she weighs too much, she skips a meal. Then she weighs herself again at night. That’s not healthy. That’s considered disordered eating.

[@sfs6501]

Agree! I NEVER weighted over 43 on my lifetime, and I am 23 now, heighted 1.6m and gratefully I never got sick worse than a regular flu, never been hospitalised since baby. Some people literally CANNOT gain weight but that doesnt mean they are not healthy. I feel bad for those comments talking bad accusitions towards Annas health

[@pjeb184]

@@evanperilstein5308 What i said is that Anna is naturally skinny, but of course like absolutaly every athlete she is on diet to remain at her ideal weight ; but believe me if this is to low you can't perform. Never forget that overweight is a far more common problem than anorexia. Sorry but the rest is anti-Etery propaganda.

[@hannibaljustincase9985]

@@sfs6501 the difference is- you're not a professional athlete. and of course there will be rumors about Anna's weight, especially after Julia's anorexia and Alina's and Zenia's remarks about very particularly controlling their calorie intake. Anna is my favorite Russian skater at this moment, but she looks underweight, just like Julia used to- so it is obvious fans of this sport are worried. these are not any vile accusations, no one wishes Anna ill, we all want those skaters to have long and as healthy as possible careers, that is exactly why people are worried about Anna. this is not an attack.

[@itsevangaming6691]

Everyone in the comment section who is body shaming the skaters SHAME ON YOU. THEM NOT HAVING THE BEST PRACTICE DOES NOT MEAN ITS BECAUSE THEIR BODY. IF YALL WHO WERE BODY SHAMING WERE SMART YOU WOULD KNOW THAT THEIR ALL HUMAN NOT ROBOTS AND HAVE A BAD SKATE SOMETIMES. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE YALL BODY SHAMERS TRY SKATING OUT THEIR AND SEE HOW EASY IT IS.

[@irafigurist1842]

Megan thinks that great choreography is outside of Russia. That is not nice to say. Russian schools are producing great skating this year and Misha’ Fs is the best fs of the season ( local choreo). It is offending us Russians to say that better choreo is outside. They should utilize Russian schools and dancing traditions to their best potential inside Russia. They can ask the Bolshoi and Kirov to help out with choreo. Nobody can beat these.

[@irafigurist1842]

In addition Trusova should go to Nikolai of Vaganova (Цискаридзе) to critique and provide help with her choreo. Nikolai has impeccable taste and will be happy to help a potential Olympic champ.

[@nadezhdakabanova9796]

It is really good point about Kostornaya moving to Tuthberidze-Pluschenko-Tuthberidze and geography. There are great trainers, there are geographical distances, but age matters too. Kolyada is 26th and he is from S.P, Kostornaya is from Moscow and she is 17th, she lives with parents and depends on them, that is making moving to another city much more difficult.

[@triplea_qgb1963]

@@wotanworld5504 I don’t think they would want to deal with the drama.

[@viktoria8189]

The next year is the Olympic one. New coach - new process, new programs, zero chances to be on the team I would say. Going back to Eteri - at least some chances to make the team. I think that was her logic.

[@simtopia2334]

I don't think it's geographical because parents travelled across all Russia to get an audition at Sambo70, Mishin's school and other clubs, i think it's more a funding/political situation and competing regions not allowing skaters to leave Moscow perhaps, despite i'd agree with Meagan that training in SPB seems healthier in general and in their position i'd also choose to go there.

[@abbibrophy7671]

No surprises there Megan picking Trusova who is all muscle just like Megan unlike Anna who is a fragile delicate skater - nothing at all like Megan - its the difference between Megan and Katia Gordeeva

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Skaters typically like skaters who remind them of themselves. Tara always loved Sotnikova.

[@S80-r1o]

@@TheSkatingLesson hahahah the SHADE ;))))

[@hannibaljustincase9985]

@@TheSkatingLesson and Medvedeva's TEXTBOOK 3Lz :)

[@S80-r1o]

I love Meghan but she’s really challenging Ted Barton for the worst pronounciation of names hahahaha

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Both Canadians...

[@dominiquedominique6462]

But she is definitely not competing with Ted in his love for Eteri 🙏

[@S80-r1o]

@@dominiquedominique6462 eatery*

[@dominiquedominique6462]

@ S 80 😂

[@finethings2281]

Meagan should learn first herself how to pronounce those names if she considers herself an “expert”

[@etherealtb6021]

On SATURDAY? It is like Christmas has come early! 🤪🤣

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Happy holidays!

[@JoshuaFazeli]

I thought and said the same thing out loud! ✨🎄❤️

[@yosily]

Dave said at one point that skaters tend to like skaters like them. It’s so true, seeing that Meagan likes Tuktamysheva and Trusova so much

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@TKDkristina]

Actually you are spot on. All the comments Meagan made about Anna now makes sense to me...

[@bookreader7506]

Of course, I am not an expert, but I cannot see such a huge change in Sasha's technique that others see in a new team. I think Sasha improves only for maturing. She is growing and its effect on her skate. EP looks like he doesn't know how to train the 'rocket' and just gives her the ice and allows her to do whatever she wants. He even said Sasha many trains herself... But the European champion can not train by herself like Sasha and collapse in a half-season.

[@Victrola66]

I agree, I only wish her artistic side would improve as well. To me she still goes out there with the singular goal to showcase her jumps...no matter what music she skates to. I see no story in either the short or long. Which is such a shame because she is a very bright and fun girl, clearly very in the know of pop culture. And I can't believe I am writing this but even back when she was with Eteri, the Fifth element and GoT - it made more sense than what she skates now. So hopefully the next new programs are more creative.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Look at how Trusova does her crossovers. They have improved from 2019-2020 to this season.

[@chocolateperfume752]

Omg I so agree with u. Sure she polished her jumps (but honestly it's not like they're MILES ahead of Anna's, as most ppl keep saying) and footwork a bit, but there's so much still missing. So many ppl comment how figure skating's not only jumping but then trash other skaters and hype sasha who's overscored as well

[@evamasters5028]

@ Chocolate Perfume: You are funny. Nobody is "miles" ahead of anybody else at that level. They all fight for a few extra points which will decide the winner. There is noticeable progress with Sasha and not at all with Anna. Eteri skaters peak at 15 and it is flat or outright downhill from there.

[@MrJonez96]

If people didn't know she switched coaches nobody would say she got better. It's just a psychological thing.

[@se7701]

Off topic but on the subject of Russians and masks - as someone who’s Russian but been living abroad for 10 yrs and now came back to Moscow for a few months, I get the outrage and I’m myself constantly furious at ppl never wearing masks in public places here. That being said, I want to paint the picture of how it’s like here to bridge the gap in understanding why the Russians keep doing that, because I think it’s a little unfair to constantly blame the skaters/coaches so aggressively for this. First off, unlike in the US and Europe, there’s never developed a new ‘social standard’ of wearing masks. The government has never coherently mandated wearing them - even more so, there are barely any restrictions on social gatherings (except when it comes to jailing ppl for protesting against the government). Some shops mandate masks, but others don’t care, and public figures don’t ever wear masks, there is just no consensus on the importance of masks. While from the perspective of a place where that is a strict requirement this is firmly implanted in everyone’s psyche - imagine if they never were required, do you think ppl in the US would just develop the mask-wearing standard by themselves? I honestly don’t think so, I think it took many conversations in the society to relay the importance of that. On the contrary, in Russia the government has realized that quarantine measures make them unpopular (as everywhere in the world) and decided to pretend like covid is not a thing. Second, as a result of this, literally most people here have had covid, and I think that makes people less scared of it - even though most of us here know somebody who passed away from it or had a very serious case of it. But it also does seem to me that hospitals here are better with treating it - while there are no stats to truly compare, I know that here doctors have to actually come home to visit the person that tested positive and keep track of how they’re doing, and hospitals admit, for free of course, many people at much earlier stages than critical (which, as far as I know, is the only stage when ppl can get admitted in many other places), and because of close monitoring in the hospitals and early treatment with meds like antibodies injections ppl manage to not get to those critical stages and hence not to stretch icu resources in the same way. Doctors that come home to you recommend you do a CT scan, monitor your lungs, if you have temperature for more than a few days. Many people here take plenty of igg/igm blood tests, which are pretty cheap and widely available, after the illness to monitor if you are still immune. I think covid is not perceived to be as lethal here as in many other places. Third, half joking but, life here is just hard full stop and the chances of you dying here on the street in winter from an icicle falling on top of your head is kinda high as well as all the other hazards - and you kind of take a risk here by just living here you know. So risk tolerance is high here. So all of that is to say - there are many things that are just very different in different countries, and the extent to which covid is viewed as a crisis differs. I know it’s natural to take the viewpoint of the society you’re immersed in and see it as the only true position, but I think you’re forgetting that your position is the result of your elected representatives, respected scientists, news and hence people around you constantly stressing some points and highlighting importance of things - such as properly wearing a mask over your nose. To you it seems completely natural, because there is a collective understanding that we are in a crisis mode - but how would these skaters acquire this awareness if nobody in their surrounding talks about it? It’s not a thing for them, just an inconvenience, they don’t believe they present a health hazard. It’s unfortunate, but I think you also have to get off your high horses for a minute sometimes and try to be a little more compassionate.

[@НаталияЩетинина-с2п]

Megan is very biased about Anna

[@TheSkatingLesson]

She has opinions and it entitled to them.

[@TKDkristina]

@@TheSkatingLesson she should not comment on someone's body. It is bodyshaming. Some people are naturally pale. What does it even mean? "I cannot enjoy the programme because she looks sickly". She was always pale and thin. If anything she is growing into a fine young lady now.

[@annabondaruk4583]

The more far to the North of Russia you go, the more pale people you will see there. I’m from Saint-Petersburg (800 km to the North from Moscow) in this city there are only about 30 +few sunny days per year... and long snowy grey winters... I’m pale all my life, you can see my veins through thin skin, that also adds to the perception of me being pale...If i have just few hours less sleep at some night - I look like I’m ill or something... but i’m not... just pale and thin skin.

[@НаталияЩетинина-с2п]

@@TheSkatingLesson I know about that. I just express my opinion, I'm entitled to this, that Megan's opinion is biased, and not objective. May be she has no personal opinion, she just say what others say. It's very boring....

[@TheSkatingLesson]

@@НаталияЩетинина-с2п No one is truly objective. It is impossible. We all have a bias. I have a bias. You have a bias. She has an opinion that is different than yours. But you are also biased.

[@mits669]

Of course, Megan will choose Trusova because she is as muscular as she is. And in the end she's too biased towards Anna

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Most people like skaters who remind them of parts of themselves.

[@angieortizurena3327]

Wow, do you see the winning numbers of Lotto besides reading minds through a screen! What a power you have!

[@DSQueenie]

8:29 remember though some skaters countries had their ice rinks closed. In the UK the rinks were only open for elite skaters from mid May to November and have been closed from March to May and November until now. They won’t reopen until May 2021.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

The only top UK skaters at this event train in Montreal. Luckily, they have been able to prepare for the event.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I am very excited to see Fear and Gibson perform well. They have great chances post 2022.

[@hannibaljustincase9985]

As much as I'm rooting for my middle child Anna, I think Trusova winning gold would benefit this sport the most. Sasha has the most publicity worldwide and mainstream media gets very excited about her quads, I feel like her win would get more people interested in this sport than Anna's or Rika's.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

The drama between Plushenko and Tutberidze would become out of control.

[@dominiquedominique6462]

And do you think that ISU is fearing this war?

[@evamasters5028]

In terms of mega trends, skaters like Sasha or Kaori are in perfect position to capture the public imagination. Women power has been an ongoing trend this century, culminating in the US with Kamala Harris finally breaking a ceiling and that after the backlash against diversity under Trump. I wish Kaori had a shot at a medal. Her Matrix is phenomenal and the stuff of which history is made of. It is remarkable that she comes so powerful in this program, while the Japanese culture holds a very traditional view of where women belong. But since it cannot be Kaori, Sasha is probably the one.

[@dashap3121]

It is getting more and more russophobic...so sad

[@singsongeric]

I love when an athlete actually takes an interest in their sport, studies the ins and outs of it, and then is able to clearly articulate their thoughts to brings so much insight to us fans. There are more highlights in this video than I can even mention separately, but I've learned so much and I loved Meagan's take on everything. So honest, refreshing, and she tells it like it is

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I appreciate it so much too!

[@singsongeric]

@@TheSkatingLesson I'm always surprised when some elite level skaters or gymnasts (just using them as examples cuz I don't follow any other sports) have zero clue wtf is happening in their sport or around them other than just obeying their coaches. Maybe it has to do with the average age of athletes in these sports, or the nature of the sports themselves, but I've always found that odd (especially considering how many hours a day they are immersed in their sport). When Meagan talks about how she wants to show up every year with clear improvements and how she clearly articulates strategies to gain the most points, I feel like lots of skaters just leave that all up to the coaches, or at least I don't hear it very often from other skaters.

[@josephroberson5414]

"Maybe they're just not capable of more." I've never heard that before outside of Michelle Kwan alluding to it in her interview with you. She said it was about knowing what you could do and accepting your limitations with the goal of skating a clean program. Props to Meagan for keeping it real from a skaters point of view.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

She is amazing. Unfortunately she has gotten hate. She is very honest and gives her perspective from a good place of intention.

[@pablogutierrez4817]

Meagan is my favourite guest. I waited a whole week. She is great because she is so unfiltered and full of knowledge. I can’t wait to watch Worlds next week

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@RS-qr7vr]

Agree, she does not try to cater to what certain fandoms want to hear and does not worry about how it might affect her popularity.

[@ada4524]

Vey weid comment by Meaghan about Yuzuru doing the same programs all the time. Zigeunerweisen, Romeo&Juliet, Seimei, Chopin, Parisian walkways, Prince, Origin...these are so different not only in music style itself but also how it was performed and interpreted. I can understand that Let me entertain you is similar style like Prince and Heaven and Earth like Seimei. But Shoma has much more similar ones to Dancing on my own: Winter, Moonline sonata, Ladies in lavender, Turandot... The different ones were/ar only Tango and Great Spirit.

[@iris7484]

I think it might be that the technical elements and big choreography moments are the same. The Ina bauer always comes at the same place, the hydroblade same thing, the spins have been the same, the accents have been the same... The attitude of the music is different - and to be fair many skaters do the things they do the way they do them, over and over again, it's not just Hanyu.

[@susmus5034]

She is biased, and ignorant, don't expect much from her.

[@ada4524]

@@iris7484 Yes, this exactly. If we judge Yuzuru for reusing his signature moves, than we should use the same standards for others: Shoma and his cantilever, Jason and his split jumps and spirals, Misha/Nathan do often spread eagles, and so on. And similar with spins - it's normal for skaters to do same positions for their entire career actually. Yuzuru is a bit extra in this regard - he always tries to use his hands and arms creatively to accentuate music.

[@benbailey159bb]

Well he repeats programs so much it's not an unfair comment: ● Chopin Ballade: 4 different seasons ● Seimei: 3 different seasons ● Origin: 2 different seasons ● Otonal: 2 different seasons ● Parisian Walkways: 2 different seasons

[@shelleyc853]

@@ada4524 and honestly, I'd rather watch Yuzuru repeats, than some other skater's new material. And I also don't think they're all the "same" to different music either. He's a little more subtle than doing entirely contrasting genres, but calling them the same is unfair

[@joeblack7942]

Ну пиздец. Меган не болеет за Щербакову. Кому вообще нужна ее поддержка?

[@evamasters5028]

The grapes are very sour today!

[@keepermodekeepermode1803]

@@evamasters5028 She is very sour in her mouth because she is jealous of Anya)

[@evanperilstein5308]

No mention of Yuma Kagiyama? That’s a big omission. I expect him to be anywhere from 3rd to 6th. If he skates a clean short and skates his lp like he did at NHK Trophy, then watch out. He is a dark horse for a bronze medal. The GOE he gets on his jumps is extremely high, and he has incredible skating skills, so even though his PCS probably won’t be as high as the others, it shouldn’t be that low.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Well, we know you like to play imaginary producer.

[@littlebachmonster]

@Evan Perilstein - Yuma has no chance in this men’s field.

[@Essylte]

@@littlebachmonster I wouldn't count him out.

[@evanperilstein5308]

@@littlebachmonster Yes, he does. He is a dark horse for bronze. I expect him to make the final group and finish top 6. Jackie Wong is predicting him to finish 4th. I’m predicting him to finish 5th.

[@evanperilstein5308]

@@TheSkatingLesson No need for the dig! Yuma is a dark horse for the bronze medal, and he will probably make the final group and finish top 6. All medal contenders should be discussed!

[@hbattagl]

Wearing masks properly is such a basic, responsible thing to do. Please please voice it to ISU so they REINFORCE it. Thank you very much, Meagan! (P.S. I am from Japan and masks are logical.)

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@hbattagl]

@Nathaniel Walker Hi Nathaniel, I am sorry if my comment has made you unhappy. I said logical because it’s scientifically proven. Japan has decorative (symbol only) monarchy and no dictator so no one is telling them to wear masks. I think people began wearing masks in order to combat hay fever, and then gradually spread among the population because it works. I for one have asthma and wear surgical masks because they do block allergen, and regulate temperature in the airway. I am sorry to hear that your mum had COVID-19 and I hope she recovered quickly and fully but the doctor was probably right to tell her that she could go shopping then (maybe not now due to the time passed and the new variants?) because she would have had antibody?

[@hbattagl]

@Nathaniel Walker Oh dear! I am very sorry to hear that and I hope she is OK now? Please take care of your mum, yourself and everyone.

[@corgeousgeorge]

@@kristenjunker1632 How does it feel to be a complete POS every day of your life? Must feel nice not caring about anyone but your own selfishness. Stay blessed and hopefully nothing but good things happen to you.

[@AndxxNatalie]

@Nathaniel Walker The other option is that a lot of countries like Japan have a more collectivist ideology... Where it's normal to consider and prioritize the health of those around you whereas American cultural norms tend to centre around an individual and the ideology of 'freedom' at the cost of the collective... And that's played a large part in the masking argument, much more than science/info from the authorities. And frankly, not loving the slightly racial undertones here of an entire race being obedient and controlled by dictators. The States continue to look blundering and selfish. 🙄

[@susmus5034]

Seimei, Parisienne Walkways, Ballade no. 1, Let's Go Crazy or many other programs are all iconic and memorable and will be continued to be watched by millions for many, many years.

[@susmus5034]

On the other hand sorry Meagan but I can't remember any of your programs you did in your competitive career. You were never known for your artistry or good programs, only for technique.

[@littlebachmonster]

@@susmus5034 This is true, but because Meghan has no artistry, she knows a bad program when she sees it.

[@susmus5034]

@@littlebachmonster exactly because she never had artistry she doesn't know how to differentiate between a good and a bad program. On top of that she is biased and ignorant.

[@Essylte]

@@susmus5034 I don't think Megan sees how much Olympic Channel has posted Yuzuru Hanyu's programs over the years. Talk about hypocrisy, I never really saw her and Eric until 2018!

[@MrSpaceRaptor]

Some very triggered Fanyus here, is this just cause she said he has a tendency to re-use his programs a lot? I mean... he does. I didn't hear any bias coming from Meagan, she had both praise and criticism for Yuzu, I thought her points were completely fair. It isn't like she hyped up other skaters and only gave criticism to Yuzuru. She didn't say his programs as a whole are forgettable, just the ones from this season are. Which is fair enough, the short doesn't do it for me at all (hate that song) and the long is nice but nothing groundbreaking from him, I was personally just relieved to see him skate it so well at Nationals and hope he can deliver 2 clean programs at Worlds.

[@helenluo5112]

A note on how to pronounce 'Sui' (as in Sui and Han) - don't try anything too funky if you can't get the tonality in a reliable way - just say "Sway" (there is a 'w' phoneme in there, but the s is an s, and not a 'sh') I hear you guys saying "schwee" and that's not accurate (chinese pinyin is not intuitive at all!)

[@shelleyc853]

I love Meagan and hearing what she has to say, but the comments about the Korean girls "all looking like little replicas" rubbed me the wrong way..

[@S80-r1o]

This channel says the same thing about all of the Russian juniors too, even calling them robots on a factory line :///

[@evanperilstein5308]

@@S80-r1o Well, it’s true to an extent. IJS doesn’t allow for skaters to show much personality. They’re too busy doing transitions.

[@Constantin9va]

@@S80-r1o Eteri call her own factory a factory tho.

[@S80-r1o]

Why are people taking her remarks about Anna so personally? Given Danny g’s words about her eating habits last year, I do think there is cause for concern. Megan is very blunt and has always been like that, no need to attack her

[@TheSkatingLesson]

She definitely comes from a good place.

[@annabondaruk4583]

If you check pictures of Anna’s parents you will see she has body shape of her mother (very slim too)... father is also slim

[@avelinogarcia9882]

i am sad to feel those coments against Eteri ...and did they imply that ANNa was under some kind of druggs when she won nationals? that is new .....sad! Well...those are all north american so i should expect they do not like Eteri....pure envy...

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Or they have eyes...

[@susmus5034]

They are biased, and ignorant.

[@irenerocha727]

They would love to have an Eteri in US

[@darkflame3669]

I am east european and still hate Eteri and everything what she stands for. Being Russian don't give you an excuse for abuse, especially when we talk about children. Grow up! Winning is not everything, the impact on the skater's life matters.

[@SergejKrolik]

@@TheSkatingLesson Eyes or not - but Russians knows perfectly that winners at WC definitely will be tested - therefore suspecting them now is both useless and malicious.

[@jtangel98]

Idc what anyone says Zach Donohue is my man and he deserves a gold medal

[@TheSkatingLesson]

He has a great chance!

[@AT-jm4dl]

I don't think Mishin will simply just accept anyone that wants to work with him. There was an interview with Artur Dimitriev where he said that Mishin did not want to train his son.

[@hannibaljustincase9985]

Not to even mention, I don't see Mishin accepting any lady who can sabotage Liza's success. They treat each other like family and I'm sure Mishin is focused on Liza the most when it comes to Worlds/Olympics

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Kostornaia is not 'anyone'

[@triplea_qgb1963]

@@TheSkatingLesson the Russians fans treat her as if she’s irrelevant now.

[@evamasters5028]

I think there is more to Kostornaia's move to Plushenko than what meets the eye. She was the top skater at the end of last season and I am guessing that between the pressure of regaining her 3A, injuries and adjustments in "supplements " Aliona was desperate. And unhealthy, while also pressired in Khrustalni. I also listened to an interview with Rudovskaya, she was talking about worrying so much about Aliona's health. I think with all "supplements" there comes a time where the risk of a little more outweighs the benefits. I also think we are talking about a cocktail, and these things always have side effects, they do affect the mood and mental health. When you stop some of them, the body experiences a withdrawal (not unlike with addiction.) One last point on Mishin-he is very close with Plushenko. So I can't imagine that Aliona could have approached him, but through Plushenko. She seems pretty inept in her parting with coaches (poor girl, her parents should have taught her some basic courtesy), so she wouldn't have known how to talk with Plushenko to ask for some training with Mishin. It is obvious to me that her parents are clueless about running her career or protecting her. So they just sent her back.

[@flankerpraha]

@@hannibaljustincase9985 It is known that Alina Zagitova asked Mishin to train her and he rejected. Only then she went to Eteri.

[@andreagoldstein4070]

I am so ready to watch some skating this week and let's hope nobody tests positive. Thanks for having Meagan on again, she is always a great guest.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I hope so too!

[@hellsbellsmichelle]

43:30 but isn't that true of many skaters. Ashley used to have her jump passes in the same place too. Same with dance, there are some skaters who do the same stationery or couple spin in exactly the same positions. 46:00 Kolyada's FP this season is one of the best FPs I've ever seen; Nathan's SP Caravan (two seasons ago) and Rocketman FP (last season) are two of the best programmes I've ever seen. Jason's Sinnerman makes me want to nominate him for an Oscar. Shoma's SP ..... I've never been able to buy into Shoma, until this SP. Now it's "GO SHOMA!"

[@akblades6338]

I can't even imagine how much stress Yuzu will be under this week, having to travel to Sweden of all places and face the risks of contracting Covid, which in his case may make him very seriously ill. About his programs, maybe Meagan can someday skate his programs like Parisienne Walkways, Chopin, Let's Go Crazy, Seimei, Hope & Legacy and Origin just with single jumps. If they are similar, you practice one and you can skate them all. I have a feeling they are actually alot more different and difficult than you might think.

[@susmus5034]

@@rent4161 she said his programs are the same even when the music is different. She should have said this about Chen not Hanyu. Chen's programs, all his movements are the same, he only changes the music. Also Hanyu has a lot of iconic and memorable programs from the past 10 years, if I have to pick three it would be Parisienne Walkways, Seimei and Ballade no.1. Not sure what Meaghan is on, honestly. But what she said about Chen's jumps that he always jumps on the same spot is true, and it is not easy to notice on TV. Anyone who saw him skating in person can see how bad it is, it makes his skating and programs lazy because he can only jump or spin on certain spot of the rink.

[@yohanes2034]

@@susmus5034 I think Meagan was talking about the theme of his programs and music choice. Sure Yuzu choreograph each program to be special and different but the programs theme this season has been done before.

[@susmus5034]

@@yohanes2034 Heaven and Earth has a completely different theme than Seimei had. I don't expect them to know Japanese culture, history and music, but when they say such things it mean they are completely ignorant towards other cultures. Not that it surprises me in any way because North Americans are usually extremely ignorant and on top of that they are lout about expressing their opinions.

[@yohanes2034]

@@susmus5034 yes Seimei and Heaven and Earth are from different Japanese historical figures from different era and different struggles. But it still taps the same inspiration. Also his let me entertain you SP has similar feeling like Parrisian and Prince SP. I actually quite enjoy both programs but I can see why people would say that it's not different enough from what he has done before.

[@susmus5034]

@@yohanes2034 Not all skaters should skate to well-known but different Western pieces all the time, like classical, latin, soundtracks etc. I like how Yuzu is proud of his country and culture and isn't afraid to show it in programs. Seimei and Heaven and Earth look completely different to me, just because it is Japanese programs no one should say these have similarities. They are from different eras, they stories and what Hanyu wants to express aren't similar and musically it is also very different. I haven't seen someone as versatile as Hanyu in the past decade. From White Legend to RJ, to Let's Go Crazy, Ballade, Seimei to Otonal, all very different programs chore-wise, stylistically, musically.

[@SonOfAGun1814]

GO JASON!!!!!!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@dashap3121]

Are you suggesting doping when talking about Scherbakova's recovery? Why do you do this for the second time already?

[@evanperilstein5308]

Russia has a history of state sponsored doping. That’s why they were sanctioned by the IOC. Also, we can see that something is fishy with our own eyes. The Russian girls are consistently landing quads, even at the ages of 12 and 13, yet we don’t see girls in any other country consistently landing quads. This does not just come down to technique. There is something more going on. Also, if someone is having difficulty breathing (and a fever allegedly) due to the long-term effects of having pneumonia, then they shouldn’t be able to skate a perfect program with two quads. That just defies logic. She was probably on some style of steroid. Steroids can give you a temporary high and make you feel like you can do anything. For example, Trump was on steroids when he returned from the hospital, ripped off his mask and said he had never felt better. Steroids can make you feel superhuman.

[@sukanya5764]

@@evanperilstein5308 That's interesting...I'm a bio major so I get what you're talking about. Just a question, do you really think they could be doping? Figure skating as a sport does not really see doping as much so I have my own doubts...but if they did use steroids I'm disgusted.

[@kthy31]

@@evanperilstein5308 They are consistently landing quads because a) they have the ideal physique for this and b) they train much differently from most other countries. They practice these quads time after time after time each day. The system in Russia is way different from most Western countries. Also it is not really "Russia" - many skaters inside Russia struggle to land quads. It's just a handful of girls that land quads. If you could just make people land them consistently by doping, Kostornaia would have had one last year lmao

[@vytautassvanys9281]

@@evanperilstein5308 The doping scandal is as much a provocation of the Western secret services as the stories of Skripal, Litvinenko, Navalny with the aim of demonizing and humiliating Russia - pure slander and provocation. All those cases are based on neither facts nor logic. The fact is that in the last decade, significantly fewer cases of doping have been detected By WADA among Russian athletes than among athletes from other countries.

[@susmus5034]

@@vytautassvanys9281 100% this. They want to bring down Russia because they are more successful and stronger than USA and USA wants to be the no1 as always. They cry all the time because they are far away from the success of Russian ladies (ladies skating is still the most important in US, they don't care about ID and men half as much). I always laugh when they accuse the Russians of doping 0 evidence 😆

[@Анна-л4ъ3ц]

Meagan is just such a hater and jealous person. I am very glad that nevertheless what she said about Anna and how she bullied her for her type of body, Anna is the World Champion! Congrats Anna and haters gonna hate ❤️

[@evanperilstein5308]

My prediction for the men: 1. Nathan 2. Yuzuru 3. Mikhail 4. Shoma 5. Yuma 6. Vincent/Boyang/Jason

[@createchaosgossip]

Yuma over Vincent?

[@phyrruskarimarmalgold3660]

@@createchaosgossip Please do respect his own opinion

[@evanperilstein5308]

@@createchaosgossip Yes, unlike Vincent, Yuma’s quads are never underrotated and get enormous GOE. And if PCS is judged fairly, then Yuma has much better skating skills than Vincent. Yuma scored 188.61 points in the lp at NHK Trophy. That’s a better score than anything Vincent has achieved in the past two seasons. Yuma is a real dark horse for the bronze medal, especially if he skates a clean sp.

[@evanolds100]

@@evanperilstein5308 did Vincent not get close to that even though he singled a quad flip and underrotated his 2nd quad lutz

[@evanperilstein5308]

@@evanolds100 Vincent has a habit of underrotating his quads. I will be shocked if he skates clean with nothing called under. And it’s not like he’s gonna get huge PCS. I stand by my prediction that Yuma will beat him.

[@S80-r1o]

Vincent Zhou’s layout is giving me hives

[@themovieonyoureyelids]

I'm vaccinated and nothing has changed in my routine, still wearing a mask everywhere and using hand sanitizer like crazy because you CAN transmit it to other people even if you don't get sick. Despite living for the russian drama and loving the skaters I'm so angry at them and specially at rus fed since they are the ones to blame for the events in Russia not following any health guidelines. And seriously, how is it so difficult to put a fucking mask? I hope everyone stays safe but I can already see this competition being a super spreader 🥲

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@freedomlife3623]

Totally agree with you. Hope the international figure skating federation will enforce the rule strictly, so nobody will be infected. An athlete’s career can be cut short if they are infected with COVID.

[@janethuppi6041]

I'm with you. Fully vaxxed and fully masked. I'd like to see masks used during flu season. I hope Worlds go off without a hitch. Maybe they should take points off a skater's score if their coach isn't wearing their mask properly. Or blow an air horn when their nose pokes out. That would be entertaining.

[@jeglop]

How difficult is it to go to pubmed, familiarize yourself with the research on masks and not swear at people or make disrespectful comments, but use scientific arguments instead? Pretty difficult, eh?

[@themovieonyoureyelids]

@@jeglop well, for me is not that difficult to have information, since I'm a family doctor and deal with patients with COVID everyday since the beginning of the pandemic, a bit more than a year now. I know from first hand experience how the effects of following a basic health guideline can save people's lives. Or maybe all those families I helped not getting infected when a relative was sick in their house by simply orienting them to keep respiratory hygiene at home - like, you know, wearing masks, and respecting social distance - were a fluke. I guess I'll have to tear my diploma up now and consider all the work I did during the last year with COVID patients a waste of time, since a man on the Internet told me I'm obviously wrong.

[@evamasters5028]

About Kostornaia not going to Mishin, I think there is a lot of politics behind the scenes and the truth is Aliona is too much of a product to be able to switch to a coach with a different training techniques and philosophy. Khrustalni has made all the choices for her, and it looks like neither her nor her parents are capable of understanding how to run her career. Her goal and likely last shot at medals is the Olympics. My guess is that her parents just pressured her to go with what seemed to them the safest bet. Additionally Rusfed currently backs eteri in all possible ways, so they may have put their weight behind the move. Kostornaia seems utterly miserable in a few shots and interviews I have seen after she left AofP. They even got her a dog, I think this is intended as emotional support.

[@evamasters5028]

@ Watan World: Nonsense. After leaving Eteri and Plushenko, no coach in Russia would have agreed to the reputational risk of having her fail under him/her. Davidov is completely unable to stand to eteri and mostly teaches kids. Who has he lead to world or Olympic gold? She only had two choices in Russia (and actually in general, because she would not have been able to work with international coach): remain with Plushenko or return to Eteri. That is, if she wanted to have a shot at medals once again.

[@feyanormorfol2457]

@@evamasters5028 Mishin forced Alyssa Lozko to retire after she "betrayed" him with moving to Eteri. What are you talking about? Mishin is not that kind old granny. And Liza the Emperess will always be his number 1.

[@marycoyne1889]

Does anyone know how to watch the world championships in Mexico?

[@youdeservetobehappynow7584]

Where to watch? It isn't available to my country. Is there a FB live ???

[@МаринаФейнман]

Bodyshaming is such a thing on this channel 💔

[@johnseals1986]

First like once again 😉 Excited for this episode. Love you guys!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

You're the best!

[@PeiwenTanbassoon821]

I feel consistency being rewarded is preventing the athletes from challenging themselves more

[@jamiejoonks]

Agreed. But perception has always played a role in the sports results :/

[@evanperilstein5308]

I would rather see consistency than splat fests.

[@PeiwenTanbassoon821]

​@@evanperilstein5308 the thing is new elements take time to get use to. I rather be patient with someone struggling for a season or two but gain something eventually than the consistent same thing forever.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I am confused what is being suggested/argued here. Are we discussing components?

[@PeiwenTanbassoon821]

​@@TheSkatingLesson Mostly component. I just feel most skaters are too scared of giving the judges a bad impression and revert back to their safe zone before "finishing their antibiotic"

[@S80-r1o]

From social media, tarasova/Morozov seem in a much better place mentally this season

[@TheSkatingLesson]

They have certainly seemed to be in competition lately.

[@SamKreinberg]

Sign of mentally strong athlete is missing in warm up and nailing in program. I know it’s frustrating for you like it was with Zagitova (because yall root against Eteri girls no matter how you deny it) but mental strength and pulling it off always will be more impressive than somebody more talented failing.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Um, that isn't necessarily a sign of positive mental strength. A mentally healthy athlete will go out with self belief and consistency and perform the elements well in practice, in the warm up and in competition. That is an example of positive self motivation. An athlete who needs drama and someone to scream at them to do something is an example of negative motivation.

[@SamKreinberg]

@@TheSkatingLesson who said she needs screaming? Last I recall, her last name is not Kostornaia. Anna is very passionate about skating.

[@finethings2281]

@@SamKreinberg TSL live with that continuous myth that Eteri screams at her students and they keep repeating this from video to video, remaining in total denial.

[@Frooti.loopz23]

Even if I was vaccinated, I would still wear a mask.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Me too. I had COVID and still do!

[@Frooti.loopz23]

@@TheSkatingLesson I'm an essential worker, and seeing people refuse to wear their masks is infuriating.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

@@Frooti.loopz23 I am not essential, but I agree completely!

[@L.Spencer]

It's about respect.

[@BillyWhaler]

Always worth mentioning - Zagitova IS the reigning World Champ. No outliers. With a little change and luck in career timing she could been podium for 2021 Worlds.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

With a LOT of change and luck. She barely made it to 2019 Worlds.

[@BillyWhaler]

@@TheSkatingLesson well, her team didn’t help much. She wasn’t expected to be 2018 ‘s golden girl and then she was a placeholder for the Tripe A crew. Zag got dealt three years of junk - junk costumes, junk Music, junk choreo. Unrelated - Megan D should be hired as the ISU creative director.

[@SamKreinberg]

Keep reminding him, he’s still pressed she didn’t meltdown there.

[@chocolateperfume752]

@@TheSkatingLesson zagitova had to face a lot of things, she overcame everything and gave her absolute best, but never mind, we all know how badly u wanted her to fail and kept dismissing her and her achievements, do please keep attributing everything she does to "luck"

[@triplea_qgb1963]

@@SamKreinberg he’s being realistic with her chances.

[@graceliu2549]

I love Meghan's comments about the young Russian pairs. Mishina/Galliamov and Boikova/Kozlovskii are young, fresh, fun, and joyful in their skating. The girls are NOT Ksenia Stolbova. I love watching these these two young pairs with such youthful exuberance.

[@evanperilstein5308]

I miss Stolbova. I like a dramatic diva.

[@Ian.D.]

@@evanperilstein5308 Both Dima Kozlovskyi and Sasha Galiamov give off a diva vibe to me. They haven't channelled their inner Stolbova yet but they're almost there.

[@_V_G]

However talanted Kozlovskii is, after his disrespectful comments IMHO he is a disgrace to FS.

[@graceliu2549]

@@_V_G I don't think those comments were directed at anyone in particular. I'll give him a pass. Kozlovskii is very animated at the end of programs. It's hilarious how Boikova has to duck to avoid getting hit when he's celebrating.

[@_V_G]

@@graceliu2549 well, not sure about that. Right before B/K lost to M/G, and Kozlovskii was furious. So, when next time B/K wone and he shouted that disrespectful words, everyone kind of understood who he is referring to.

[@МаргиналТВ]

снова "жаба душит"? опять "русские виноваты"? понимаю что тема не ваша, но...обсудите тогда своих американских гимнасток, или гимнастов, ну короче этих мужеподобных андроидов

[@divinearia1601]

Meagan had absolutely nothing positive to say about Nathan other than that he's a good human being. She didn't even bother at least talking about his consistency. Without any prompting, she offered to talk about what bothers her about him then proceeded to spend her entire segment on him trashing him and his programs. After all the negativity and zero positivity, she says she has nothing against him, loves him, and that he's one of her favorites, lol. How can anyone take her seriously? And I enjoy Kolyada's program because of the beautiful music but how did that program try to "push" anything, say, when compared to Nathan's? Pls explain. Nathan's minimalistic program was a non-conventional type of program since it was more intellectual than emotional so it pushed the envelope in that sense and, at the very least, it really pushes the difficulty aspect of figure skating. Kolyada's did exactly what now in terms of pushing the sport? You must have all been writhing in pain when Nathan's "horse-shit"(according to you) long program that you all dislike so much won him the world championship. And it's so obvious how much you all love and favor Jason. You never have anything even slightly negative to say about him. Even when his jumping needs work for him to have any real chance in international competitions, it's something you just gloss right over as if they're unimportant or as if winning isn't exactly what competitions are all about.

[@farhanar6572]

I am shocked that you three grown adults spreading rumors about a young skaters. Can you talk and pay attention to your own skaters who still can’t do two triple triple combos and complicated transitions ?

[@evanperilstein5308]

Hmm... I wonder why Russian girls as young as 12 and 13 are landing quads consistently and we don’t see this happening anywhere else in the world (Alysa Liu’s 4Lz was never rotated, so that doesn’t count). It has to be more than just technique and training methods. And Russia has a history of state-sponsored doping.

[@natalie_lucky]

@@evanperilstein5308 Russian girls are just hardworking They understand that they need quads because of much competition in Russia

[@evanperilstein5308]

@@natalie_lucky Russia got suspended by the IOC for doping in other sports. Thus, suspicion that Russian skaters also dope is only understandable.

[@evanperilstein5308]

@@wotanworld5504 The doping is state-sponsored. There is no evidence that other countries are engaging in state-sponsored doping, although I’m sure there are.

[@wesdcv3818]

@@evanperilstein5308 but what about Rika's 4s and Young You training 4t? A lot of very talented girls trying quards outside of russia, I remember an interview with that polish skater, Kurakova (?), who told she'd been training quards like in 2018? Imo it's great nowdays skaters from all over the world are trying to learn and execute smth new.

[@MaryWehmeier]

My first reaction--- OH MEAGAN! THIS should be good. Love her! Thanks Dave!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Hope you like it!

[@AndxxNatalie]

I need to write a cover letter before watching this (this is the perfect motivation to get 'er done), but popping in here to say I am SO excited to watch this. Super cool that Meagan joined you!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Enjjoy!

[@anthony7136]

Dave, you have blessed us early this time! Ig I will take an hour from studying ❤️

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@kamui3477]

何を考えてMeagan Duhamelがシェルバコワを「痛々しい」と批判しているのか意味不明だ。 シェルバコワほどエテリに影響されず、一番自発性を持っている選手は他にいない。Meagan Duhamel は感性が無さすぎる。 It doesn't make sense what Meagan Duhamel criticizes Shelvakova as "painful."　She is the strongest player ever. No other player is as unaffected by Eteri as Shelvakova and has the most spontaneity.　Meagan Duhamel is too insensitive.

[@themangochannel]

I love Meagan's comments about Tuktamysheva. I love that Tuk has longevity and that she's a mature young woman with power rather than a child who can only rotate because of being super thin. I know I'm watching this after Worlds. But Meagan is so great and real I wanted to hear her insight anyway

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@arianagrymski2692]

Where is everyone getting the planned program content?

[@katya38151]

I love hearing the thoughts of world-level skaters... hope to see a famous ice dancer break down the current dance field (not just the top tier) with you guys 😄

[@eloisex007]

yes! get mark hanretty to discuss top 20 dance teams in the world!!

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Would love to have it, but dance is so political that everyone associated with it is typically afraid to say anything.

[@es8874]

Просто некоторым нашим заокеанским друзьям жрать надо меньше, тогда и гормональной терапии не понадобится. Ваших коров мы на вашем чемпионате уже оценили. Спасибо, нам такого не надо, кушайте сами!

[@sunnyc3137]

If beijing olympics + covid restrictions allow fans to throw gifts on the ice, do you think the Pooh rain will happen? Or do you think xi jiping will ban Winnie the Poohs? (He already banned the movie)

[@TheSkatingLesson]

I think the IOC would ban things being thrown.

[@Frooti.loopz23]

The movie??

[@sunnyc3137]

@@Frooti.loopz23 the 2018 live action Winnie the Pooh movie

[@saurabhvashist4051]

I hope the Beijing Olympics face widespread boycott. I'd rather that IOC be forced to change the host city. Wouldn't mind Pyeongchang repeating.

[@neles2656]

@@saurabhvashist4051 Sadly I don't think thats going to happen. Same with FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022.

[@kellymoran7001]

Love when you guys have Meagan on, it’s always a treat to get her insight!!! ❤️

[@TheSkatingLesson]

[@GiselaCheung]

I am baffled by how you guys always say that Yuzuru Hanyu have similar programmes, he is one of the few skaters that I can recognise the programme without music in training gear...... he had used different music genre, from classical to modern to Japanese music. Seimei and Heaven and Earth are not your typical 'traditional Japanese music' , Heaven and Earth is from a TV series in the late 60's while Seimei is from the early 00's. One is a historic drama and the other one of a fictitious traditional tale......the two pieces of music have totally different vibes, saying that they are similar is almost like comparing Dunkirk with Harry Potter. He often put in different jump combination each programme and the layout of each are completely different. Just like to understand the reason to your opinion.

[@lachowna2912]

I love it when Meagan comes around as a guest, she's keeping it real and honest. That's very rare in skating :) so thx, Meg, You're doing great. Would love to have like even a quarter of her energy level though. And commitment - the way she spoke about using the time off ice and real competition to work on yourself and improve ... pure grit and proffesionalism. Also, great insight and views on the sport, as someone from inside the locker room, very refreshing to see and hear. Especially because she doesn't shy away from stating an opinion. Well done, boys!

[@chocolateperfume752]

So Meagan favors sasha and liza? Well idk about that seeing how they lack so much in their skating, particularly liza

[@TheSkatingLesson]

They are both gutsier, grittier skaters...like she is. It makes sense.

[@chocolateperfume752]

@@TheSkatingLesson lmao what? Talking about them like they're sooo INCREDIBLY superior to Anna?🙄 Like I said they lack so much in their skating as well as jumps, but hey gotta love anyone who's not from eteri's camp

[@TheSkatingLesson]

@@chocolateperfume752 Skaters tend to like other skaters who remind them of themselves. This is just not a surprise. We have talked about this for year re: Tara Lipinski.

[@Essylte]

Pleasantly surprised to see this video before Sunday, guys! By the way, Hanyu's programs are new this season, so I don't know what Megan is talking about. Ten to Chi - Heaven and Earth - are in a different era than Seimei was, but I don't expect you guys or Megan to know much of Japanese history. And also, what about Parisian Walkways at 2014 Sochi was not memorable? All of his programs were/are stellar (the Prince SP!). I have to question some of Megan's memories. As for Nathan, he hasn't repeated his programs, and this season's isn't as bad as she says. The Carnival SP was fun, not unmemorable at all. Not worried about Nathan; he's going to be on the podium either way, and he'll be at Beijing. The third place finisher will be the most interesting, because there are so many good competitors coming. Jin, Zhou, Kagiyama, even Jason Brown without a quad. Sui/Han vs. the three Russian teams...it's true we haven't seen Sui/Han much at all, and should they make a mistake in either program, they'll end up without the World title. On the other hand, they're known for making strong comebacks, so...Jonathan is right in that they're just a huge question mark to us all (save their coaches and country). Peng and Jin could place 3rd or fourth; would be nice if they were second. I do expect one of the Russian teams on the podium; doesn't matter which one, because all 3 will be going to Beijing anyways. It would be really nice if Knierim/Frazier managed to get 5th, if not 3rd. Combined with Cain-Gribble/LeDuc, they should be able to get the USA 3 spots. I would love to see Madison Chock and Evan Bates get on the podium for this year's worlds, because their snake-charmer FS is FABULUOUS (love her costume and her whole vibe!), and I don't care much for ice-dance. Tuktyamysheva might have a chance of the podium should Trusova or Scherbakova fall, but Rika has both quad and triple Axel. It's expected to have two Russians on the podium 1-2, but really, who knows? Having multiple quads doesn't necessarily mean one of them will win; Kostornaia beat them both internationally - with no quad. Depending on who is on the technical panel and the judges at Stockholm, they could go 1-2 or 2-3, if Scherbakova's edges get called. Tennel and Chen can get 2 spots for US ladies' for next year. May Sakamoto's Matrix spiral put fear into the judges here!

[@yohanes2034]

They are different sure, but IMO both programs have similar theme and style as Yuzuru old programs. Let me entertain you taps the fun, rocker side of Yuzu as like Parrisian Walkway and Prince SP. While Heaven and earth is basically Seimei 2.0, both about Japanese historical figures and Yuzuru portraying that figures. For next season, I want to see him in entirely different style like Tango for SP and he can keep the FP.

[@triplea_qgb1963]

Shcherbakova’s edges will never be called unless she leaves eteri. The fed made sure no eteri girl will get edge calls after cup of China last season.

[@Essylte]

@@yohanes2034 Parisian Walkways is Blues music. LMEY is pop rock, so no, they are not the same. Guitar? Yes there are, but the themes are vastly different. Seimei is about a twelfth century sorcerer/magician who exorcises evil spirits, while Heaven and Earth is part of an old Japanese movie about a Japanese warrior Uesugi Kenshin. Seimei is like King Arthur - a lot of fantasy and myth attributed to them. Kenshin was a real historical figure who fought in battles. I thought that Megan would have done her homework, considering how important it is for skaters to choose their music for programs.

[@Essylte]

@@triplea_qgb1963 It'll be interesting to see how the judges and tech panel score her without and the other Russians without their flag (or Alla & Lakernik) following them.

[@yohanes2034]

@@EssylteI was talking about the overal feeling of his programs (not dissecting deeper to which genres of the music or commenting historical accuracy) which in my opinion feel the same as programs he has done before. I am still enjoying his new programs though, as far as he is still skating and performing new programs I am happy.

[@nadezhdakabanova9796]

It is known intrigue in men competition, but I think there is no doubts in ladies pedestal : 1st - Sherbakova ( with not ideal flutzes [not clear edge flip/lutz] still persistent with distinct spins and consistent component's quality. 2nd -Trusova, just base value of elements bits everyone (that have never happened to be executed clean at tournaments that mattered) and allows to make mistakes and still park at the silver medal position. 3rd place is Rika Kihira, her 4S and 3A should be rewarded.

[@kevinhsu8184]

LOL. I love how Meagan called out both Yuzuru and Nathan. One basically does same choreography but just change out the music and the other jump on the same spot over and over! She's gonna get hate from Yuzuru fans but she's not wrong. ;)

[@TheSkatingLesson]

She is not wrong about either.

[@susmus5034]

It's Chen who does the same programs but only changes the music, not Hanyu. Even though Hanyu skated twice as much as Chen did. Hanyu has been competing in seniors for 11 years and he showed he is the most versatile skater out there who skated to very different music and choreos in his career. Like it or not. If you disagree you are biased and hate Hanyu for some weird reason.

[@ladida9084]

@@susmus5034 or we can have different thought's and opinions? I think both could have tried a larger variety, but especially yuzu since pyeongchang

[@susmus5034]

@@ladida9084 Yuzu wanted to skate to two programs dedicated to his idols, Plushenko and Weir. Then he got seriously injured and skipped half the season in 2018/2019. He keps both programs, yes, but perhaps he didn't want to continue to career after the 2nd injury? Who are you to judge him? He never said he wanted to go to PyeongChang. Had he not injured himself in 2018 maybe he would have landed the 4A already and would be retired today. You can be happy he continued his career and shows us two new programs this season. Enough of the constant criticizing already. He has nothing else to prove.

[@ladida9084]

@@susmus5034 I'm not saying he has anything to prove, he doesn't. Im just saying everyone has their own opinion (especially in a subjective sport) lets not go after people for telling us what they see and feel, its not hate

[@MM-co4lf]

I think Meagan makes a good point about the limits of a person's potential. I think quads are great but its unfortunate that technical merits seems to just trump over artistic development and expression. Jason's programs are very beautiful, but without those quads he just is not given a better standing up against other skaters. Its unfortunate.

[@pgk3052]

Jason's performances can be otherworldly. A true artist.

[@evanperilstein5308]

I think PCS should be weighted more than it currently is, but it makes sense that you have to have quads now to be competitive. It is a sport, after all. Jason would have been great in Stars on Ice back in the day.

[@MM-co4lf]

@@evanperilstein5308 There is no denying that quads today have their place in figure skating. At least in men's competition we started to see quads being consistently executed in the 90's. However, I feel that with the new points system technical merit seems to only matter whereas the artistic component matters much less now. If we look at the very start of the sport, one of the names it first took on in French was "Le patinage artistique". There was an emphasis on artistry. Now, of course things do evolve and change as the history of the sport itself shows. However, in the past there was the dialogue between technical merit and artistic impression. These days, in my opinion, it seems that its pretty much only technical merit that is rewarded. I think this is especially evident in the ladies events.

[@S80-r1o]

Nathan’s free program is the emptiest jump drill I have ever seen. Worse than trusova’s GOT

[@skatefan9495]

Not true. I think the program is really well-choreographed to every beat of the music. Notice how even his strokes match the musical emphases. I would give Nathan high nines for comp., performance and interpretation for this program. I hope he can skate it clean.

[@S80-r1o]

@@skatefan9495 you’re entitled to your opinion of course, but I wish I could see what you’re seeing

[@susmus5034]

Well said 👍

[@censoredyoutube4902]

@@skatefan9495 I love his long program this year. It's not his usual style. But he's so flexible. He just needs to skate clean and then it will be a perfect routine.

[@strawberrylime33]

I kinda have to agree with Megan about the Korean ladies skaters. They need to ditch the warhorses and add more life in their performances.

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Their programs at Nationals were not the best this season. I hope they get more original choices next season.

[@AC-co6cp]

Really, and do what? Kpop? Traditional Korean music which you have no frame of reference for & complain that it's too different?

[@oFribble]

@@AC-co6cp lol no need to be so hostile.

[@AC-co6cp]

@@oFribble Hostile? No, frustrated. Ppl say they don't want warhorses, but then you give skating fans something different and they complain it's too different. Or lump a country's music together as one.

[@susmus5034]

Meagan talks about not caring about choreography at all but Liza should get top scores and this person will probably be one day at competition judging these skaters. You wonder why there are so many problems with judging these days, because judges don't care about the rules, they give out scores based on who they like. 🤡

[@TheSkatingLesson]

Meagan is not a judge.

[@susmus5034]

@@TheSkatingLesson she expressed interest in working as a technical specialist.

[@timothyhh]

I think she was being somewhat hyperbolic when she said Tukt should get all the scores. And has she ever expressed interest in being a judge someday? If she did I missed it. Either way, it's a little early to be accusing her of corrupt judging, don't you think? At least let her sit on a panel before you do that.

[@susmus5034]

@@timothyhh iirc she did her technical specialist exam in 2018 and expressed her interest in working at competitions. And no, judging from her comments I don't have much hope that she will be unbiased, fair and will be able to do her job properly.