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

#2

Craziness... Kristi Yamaguchi is trending #2 on Yahoo!'s Trending Now tab on their homepage. Right in between Medicare and Spring Equinox. I guess Thin Ice created some buzz. Does this mean more professional skating shows in the future? I'm sure Kristi will move down shortly.... I'm thinking Northern Iowa University will be a big search topic in about 10 minutes!

Not enough Thin Ice

After taking advantage of the warm weather and late sunset for some spring yard work, I checked into ABC's Thin Ice. The show pairs skaters who have never skated together to well, skate together. It has a judging panel made up of Kristi Yamaguchi, Dick Button and Katarina Witt.

I was sad it was only an hour of skating! I thought it was going to be dorky show, possibly worse than the pitiful Skating with Celebrities of a few years ago and that's why it was only slotted for two shows. Instead, I was enthralled watching the programs. The judges commentary was great, especially from Mr. Button!

Loved Stephane Lambiel and Shizuka Arakawa skating together. Good use of showing off their singles skills in a fun program and not attempting to get into dance positions or lifts. Stephane brought in a quad! Little hand touch but that was cool.

I wonder if this is successful in the ratings if this become a short series in the fall? While I love my skating on webcasts and I know I get more coverage of skaters online, I miss the cheesefests of professional skating on TV. All that's on now are the icky Disson skating shows that pair an old band performing with some skaters. Thin Ice was all about fun, upbeat and current music paired with great skaters. The show actually showed skating without cutting away to a band or audience. Super sweet!