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

Anticipation for the 2009-2010 season

With the Nebelhorn Trophy under way, here are the people and events I'm most looking forward too this season:

Who will have the most Micheal Jordan-like comeback ala coming back to play basketball for Bulls comeback after playing baseball versus coming back to play for the Wizards after a first retirement.

The 2006 Olympic men's champ, Evengy Plushenko, will be competing again after four years of touring in Russia, dabbling in Russian politics, getting divorced and married again. Will he still have the jumps, especially the quad? Melissa Gregory & Denis Petukhov worked with him on his programs.

Stephane Lambiel, the silver medalist in 2006, is also coming back. He is coming out of his 2nd retirement since the last Olympics. Plushy's last competition was the Olympics. Lambiel followed his silver by winning the world title after the games. He was entered in a few Grand Prix events the following season. Mid-season he said his heart wasn't in it anymore and retired. He found some passion later and ended up with a couple more medals at worlds, but no titles. Last year, he retired after some injuries were not healing as quickly as he would of liked. His biggest obstacle comes this week in working to gain Switzerland a spot for a man in the Olympic competition at the Nebelhorn. If he assists in earning that spot, I'll be interested to see if he keeps his interest in competing.

Sasha Cohen, the ladies silver medalist in 2006, has decided to return to competition as well after attempting an acting career in between touring with Stars on Ice. Looking forward to seeing the spins and spirals she's known for in competitive programs. I hope see found some consistency and focus through having to perform almost nightly on tour for stretches at a time.

Isabel Delobel and her partner Olivier Schoenfelder will have a comeback of sorts. Isabel is due to deliver her first child soon. This working mom will be a skater, I love it!

Beyond comebacks I'm looking forward too:

Watching and comparing the seasons of Belbin & Agosto and Davis & White before the US Nationals. Then seeing the battle for first at Nationals. I have a feeling Davis & White could overtake Belbin & Agosto this year in a head to head match up.

Johnny Weir's programs choreographed by David Wilson.

The ladies competition at Nationals with two spots to the O's and worlds.

Seeing how skaters who changed coaches in the off season fare:

Mirai Nagasu and Carolina Kostner to Frank Carroll, should give them some confidence and better preparation.

Jeremy Abbott with Yuka Sato after parting with his coach of many years, Tom Zakarasjc.

Caroline Zhang after swtiching coaches and then going back.

Brian Joubert made a change over the summer in his quest for Olympic gold and gaining 2nd last year at worlds.

Finally, I'll be interested to see the continuing saga/answer of that burning question, "to quad or not to quad?" Particulary in the case of Brian Joubert.