1998 Olympics

[SkateSpectator]

Who do you think should have won the Olympics? Tara or Michelle?

[Calgary88]

I remember watching the two programs in '98 and thinking Michelle was robbed. But now, I'm wondering if Tara didn't deserve to win based on technical performance alone? Certainly Tara was not the artistic skater she is now (she's improved tremendously) but she had the higher level of difficulty and Michelle didn't. Plus, overall, Michelle's performance that night didn't have the sparkle that she's known for.

I'd like to see the two performances again and judge.

[JDC1]

I thought Michelle but I thought it was close. I don't think Michelle was all that different from Nationals I think Tara was much improved, and at the time they both flutzed and Michelle was notiecably slower.

[bluerose]

Tara, all the way.

[icenut84]

Tara, no question.

[Dolly]

Tara got my vote. She was amazing!

[duane]

Very close, IMO, and could have gone either way. Technical difficulty is why Tara receives my vote.

Michelle: 5.7/5.9
Tara: 5.9/5.8

[WeBeEducated]

The person who skated with the most speed, landed the most difficult jumps, and exhibited the best interpretation of her choice of music-Tara.

[Dilng]

Definitely Tara!!! I have the 1998 Olympic tape. Tara skated with such joy, speed and her technical ability was amazing. Michelle skated slowly and carefully and didn't show any joy until she finished her last jump. Tara was so wonderful that night. It was definitely my favorite Olympics!!!!

[Tapper]

Agh, this is such an old heartsore! I think Michelle should have won. And that's all I'm gonna say about it!

[Mistyeyed]

I'm with you Tapper. It's definately a sore spot. Michelle I would have chosen to win.

[danibellerika]

Tara without a doubt.

[mission99]

I do believe that Tara Lipinski was better that night and I voted for her. However I think if the skate order was reversed and they both skated the same way, Lipinski's marks wouldve been much lower because they probably wouldve been saving room for Michelle who was leading after the short and was favored.

[icenut84]

Originally posted by mission99
I do believe that Tara Lipinski was better that night and I voted for her. However I think if the skate order was reversed and they both skated the same way, Lipinski's marks wouldve been much lower because they probably wouldve been saving room for Michelle who was leading after the short and was favored.

Even if Tara had skated first and therefore had had lower marks in order to "save room" for Michelle, that doesn't mean Michelle's marks would automatically have been higher following her performance.

[Roma]

I heard somewhere that Frank Carroll told Michelle in '98 that people are going to tell you that you were robbed but it's not true: Tara was a little better tonight. If that is the case, then I think it is a really realiable assessment. (If, however, it was Christine Brennan who 'quoted' Frank, then totally forget what I just said.)

[duane]

Originally posted by icenut84
Even if Tara had skated first and therefore had had lower marks in order to "save room" for Michelle, that doesn't mean Michelle's marks would automatically have been higher following her performance.

Very true, but I agree with mission99; that if Michelle and Tara's skating order had been reversed, the outcome probably would have been reversed as well. When there are two great performances, I think the odds of winning are more in favor for the latter performance because, for the most part, the judges leave room, and are more impressed with their most recent memory.

[AshBugg44]

Tara undoubtedly. She had a 3l/3l and a 3/.5/3 combination. Way higher technicaly difficulty than Michelle!