Evgeny Plushenko: Men's figure skating

Some skaters have decided that high-scoring quadruple jumps aren’t always worth the risk: Judges deduct points when a competitor fails to complete a quad jump, so a well-executed -- and easier -- triple jump could possibly be worth more.

Comments

[markiejoe]

Plushenko is a jumping phenomenon, but overall he skates without a trace of humanity. He's an amazing automaton who fails to move me in the least.

I truly hope one of the other men with the full package wins gold.

[Jessica]

Agree completely with markiejoe. Last time Plushenko was given the gold by the other men but I don't think they will make it quite so easy for him in the free skate.

[Cassie]

Quad jumps were a big thing back in the late 90s and early 00s. I'm glad to see that there isn't so much emphasis on it anymore - it shouldn't be the end all, be all of skating...

[Jutta McLean]

Not only is Plushenko an amazing automaton, as markiejoe pointed out, he is also an extremely bad looser. Only he considers himself a "looser", 2nd best in the world is not loosing. Get over it - Plushenko! His arrogant attitude and behavior (clasping hands behing his back and rolling his eyes at the medal ceremony, etc.) doesn't help. I hope I NEVER see this arrogant egomaniac again.
By the way, Johnny Weir was robbed and I'm not even a fan of his. Didn't hear him whining - good for you - Johnny and Congratulations to Evan!

[Phoenix]

Ice dancing will take place from february 19-23rd. Men's free skating is about athletic ability first and artistic expression second. Plushenko's program was much more difficult -- he won the event.

[MacSmiley]

Um, something's not quite right about that jump graphic.

The only jump that starts off with the skater facing forward is an axel. Since the skater lands backwards, the triple axel has 3 1/2 rotations... not exactly an easy jump.

A quadruple axel has never been landed successfully in competition, so this graphic can not be accurate.