More Drama, Final Comment

The Kim-Orser split continued to light up the skating blogosphere over the past week. Still a lot of he-said, she-said and speculation but no real answers as to what caused the split. Brian Orser talked to the media probably too much while also saying he was confused. At the same time, a handful of people affiliated with Yuna released statements to some Korean, Canadian and American outlets including social networking sites saying that they knew everything but weren't going to tell.

Sometimes, skaters just want to spread their wings and try new avenues. Sometimes, skaters feel their training space is getting too crowded with competitors or perhaps it's not competitive enough. Sometimes, the skater is just not as focused as the coach and friction can occur.

Elite skaters leave coaches all the time, so I'm still scratching my head as to why Kim's management didn't make a simple announcement that she's trying other avenues after her Olympic gold and seeing how far she can stretch her skills.

I can understand why Orser's management, IMG, made a simple statement last Monday.

Meehee Park, Kim’s mother and a representative with AT Sports,( Kim’s agency), met with Brian Orser and Tracy Wilson on August 2, 2010 in Toronto, Canada.  They both informed the two-time Olympic Medalist that he would no longer be retained to coach Kim.  No reason was given for the sudden and unexpected decision.  At the present time Kim continues to train at the Cricket Club in Toronto, Canada. 

Under Orser’s four year successful tutelage Kim captured the World Championships, the 2010 Olympic Gold Medal in Vancouver and countless other titles.  In addition to Kim, Orser coaches many future hopefuls including U.S. skaters Adam Rippon and Christina Gao.  

“I am honored to have worked with such a talented and gifted skater,” said Orser. “I wish her all the best as she moves forward in her skating career.”  

 Brian's still coaching skaters he's coached since last season. Those skaters have competitive events coming up and someone will ask how Kim is doing at one of those events. Orser would have to spill the beans that he doesn't know, and then Orser-Kim split would hang over that competition. Again, I'm not quite sure why Kim's team didn't think of this and go ahead and make an announcement first so they could control the story.

I'm lead to believe Kim has a support team growing around her since her Olympic triumph that doesn't know much about skating. I'm sure the new "team members" are providing good business advice to manage her win and image and are therefore people that she and her family trust. I'm sure the new management help is experienced in production and promotion which helps with he show opportunities. However, not putting out some basic info about a coaching change points to little experience in competitive skating.

Yet, this expanded team that may not be as skating-savvy doesn't give clues about the seemingly unhappy parting of ways. Tony Wheeler notes in his blog some buzz from the Toronto Cricket and Skating Club that it's not been a happy atmosphere. My guess is things went a little sour after Kim placed second at Worlds. While I thought it was great that see went on to compete and medal post-Olympics, there's a perception by some she could have used the time off.

I also think that post-worlds something got lost in translation. Orser talks about being told to work with other skaters as Kim is figuring out what she wants to do for next season. This reminds me of the Chinese custom for a hostess to present her best dish by saying modestly, "This dish is not so good," and then all of the guests heavily compliment the hostess on that particular dish. This really means, "This is my famous casserole, eat up!" and the guests ask for the recipe. I feel like Kim's camp dared Orser to work with other students by telling him he should go ahead and do so.

Whatever it was it's not fun to be at a rink with drama. As an adult skater I don't hear as much of the drama around the rink and gossip with skating moms. It makes coming to the rink a bit more enjoyable as a place to escape the drama of work. I've also had the pleasure of attending a PSA seminar with Orser and he seems to create an encouraging atmosphere. So here's hoping he has a great season and the Toronto club gets back to normal.