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“I see London, I see France —-” Ok, even I can’t believe I started this week’s blog with that, just because the skaters are headed there to compete!
We are coming up to Week 5 of the Grand Prix Series and I want to talk a little bit about what’s been happening so far. For instance, I am over the moon for Chinese pair team and current World champions Wenjing Sui and Cong Han of China. I had the chance to talk to legendary choreographer Lori Nichol this past week to chat about her work with both this pair team and one of my all-time faves Carolina Kostner.
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What I love about what Lori has done with Sui and Han is giving them a program (actually both programs) that will continue to grow over the course of the season. The free program draws me in on an emotional level. World champion Paul Martini was at CBC on Saturday and we sat and chatted about skating during the show. I respect Paul’s opinion a whole lot and it occurred to him that Sui and Han’s emotional connection will continue to be revealed as they get more miles on their free program and don’t have to think as much about the extraordinary things they are performing. I can’t wait.
A friend (you know who you are and a BIG thank you) sent me THIS LINK to Yuzuru Hanyu’s terrible fall on a Quad Lutz during practice at the NHK Trophy event.
With thanks to the Twitterverse, explaining this unexpected fall in words couldn’t really translate the awfulness of it. With good reason, Yuzuru withdrew from the event and I am not alone in hoping that he has a speedy recovery!
The men’s event has been so very interesting so far, and I am looking forward to seeing who will make the final six going to the Grand Prix Final next month. With three of the top world champion skaters not headed to the Final: Patrick Chan, Javier Fernandez and Yuzuru Hanyu, it remains to be seen who will walk through the door left open by these incredible athletes.
Stay tuned for another great week of skating!
Don’t forget our weekly Facebook Live on Wednesday at 7:00p.m. in my ‘virtual living room’ on my Pj Kwong (author) Facebook page. The podcast comes out tomorrow and features Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje in a casual but very informative conversation from Skate Canada featuring a surprise (walk-by) guest!
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