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.

Cracked Ice

Oh Snap! There's a been a seismic event in the skating world. Skater Kim Yuna has left Brian Orser as her coach. This was seemingly a perfect partnership and wonderful story in skater-coaching relationships.

Kim was this junior phenom from South Korea. Over four years ago she defeated Japan's phenom, Mao Asada at the Junior Worlds despite Asada's jumping arsenal that included a triple Axel. Preparing for the future, she went to the Toronto Skating and Cricket Club to work with "Mr. Triple Axel" Brian Orser.

I've heard  Kim's mother eventually asked Brian if he would coach her full time. Here's where the charming part of the story begins, Orser, had never coached before and never thought he would. He had been asked to help rebuild the Toronto Skating and Cricket Club as he was winding down his professional skating career. It wasn't meant to be a full time coaching gig. However, his world collided with Yuna's and they seemed to help each other rediscover the joys in skating.

Kim went on to win consecutive bronze medals at worlds in 2007 and 2008. Following the 2008 season, she dominated the skating world culminating in gold at the 2009 world champs in LA. She would go into the Olympic year as the favorite for taking the coolest souvenior of the games - Olympic gold.

Amazingly, she had a unique coach in her corner to guide her through the Olympic pressures and expectations of a nation. Brian Orser narrowly missed winning two consecutive Olympics, one in the epic Battle of the Brians in Calgary. Despite missing the top of the podium, he has two Olympic silvers which is still more than most. He knows how to handle rivalries and pressure while turning out triples. With the Olympics in Canada, the media started to write stories of how this could be Orser's gold. He brushed off such talk and focused on keeping Yuna prepared.

The golden story line played out on the ice in Vancouver and was the first gold medalist since Kristi Yamaguchi to go one to the world championships. It looked as if Kim would be carving a name for herself as one of the true skating greats and would go on to compete the next four years. However, the season caught up with her and she finished an impressive 2nd. Her rival, Mao Asada won.

Skating shows followed during the summer and finally, the Kim camp announced she was skipping the Grand Prix season. Disappointing, but there was word she was planning to compete at worlds, it was understandable she needed a break to come back strong.

However, this news of the break leaves the head shaking. It appears something has been brewing during the "off-season" in between the shows. Kim's mother apparently gave the official word at the beginning of August, but Orser's management team just announced it today. Apparently there was hope for change of heart. Orser's announcement seems to point the finger at Kim's mother and management team. Then there was this strange tweet today from @Yunaaa:

Would you please stop to tell a lie, B? I know exactly what's going on now and this is what I've DECIDED

Now @Yunaaa is not listed as a "verified account" but it's followed by verified accounts from several skaters that train with Kim. From the history of posts, I've assumed the account is related to Kim's team although I'm not exactly sure who manages the account. Even though this may not have come from Kim or anyone truly close to her, I have a feeling this break up will get ugly.

It's unfortunate situation as it seems Kim Yuna will probably no longer compete in ISU events. She was raising the bar, so it's sad to see her go.

For more info:
Aaron's take at Axels, Loops and Spins

Eric's take at Minnesota Ice

Kelli's post at State of the Skate

Phil Hersh reporting at the Chicago Tribune