NoVa Sk8r
01-18-2005, 01:11 PM
Another article in the Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A2121-2005Jan11.html) discusses the notion that today's elite skaters are switching coaches like never before.
At first I thought, "Are you kidding me?" Nicole Bobek practically turned that into an art form. The article does end up mentioning her.
One of the interesting ideas is, "Many believe Michelle Kwan began the trend of frequent coaching changes when she left Frank Carroll."
Kwan--always the trendsetter. ;)
Some tidbits:
-A recent blitz of coaching moves among America's finest figure skaters has left fans, coaches and other skaters feeling as if they need scorecards to keep up. Nearly every top singles skater at the USFS Championships has made a major change at least once since the Salt Lake City Games, and several have made multiple moves.
-Coaching changes have always been part of the sport, especially among skaters who felt neglected at ice rinks crowded with stars. But for the most part, the top skaters of the past--Brian Boitano, Kristi Yamaguchi, Nancy Kerrigan and Todd Eldredge, to name a few -- spent years with the same mentor.
There were exceptions, of course. Nicole Bobek changed coaches nearly as often as she changed costumes. Paul Wylie and Scott Hamilton made major changes in mid-career. Even legend Peggy Fleming jumped around. The majority, though, seemed to strive for continuity and comfort, while some of today's skaters seem most comfortable being uncomfortable, seeking quick fixes through new voices and new environments.
Article tries to provide explanations for the changes:
-With youngsters winning the gold medals at the last three Winter Games, skaters who fail to advance with similar speed grow impatient and frustrated, especially on the women's side.
-The large paychecks available to Olympic-eligible skaters have extended careers. The big money and fame also have expanded egos and decreased tolerance for dominant, powerful coaches, some say.
-Increased interaction among skaters and coaches through shows or summer exchanges heightens the chances skaters will bolt from one high-profile coach to another.
-The rise in the 1980s of choreographers, now an essential part of each skater's repertoire, makes coaches who used to be responsible for every aspect of a skater's program less involved and, perhaps, more expendable.
At first I thought, "Are you kidding me?" Nicole Bobek practically turned that into an art form. The article does end up mentioning her.
One of the interesting ideas is, "Many believe Michelle Kwan began the trend of frequent coaching changes when she left Frank Carroll."
Kwan--always the trendsetter. ;)
Some tidbits:
-A recent blitz of coaching moves among America's finest figure skaters has left fans, coaches and other skaters feeling as if they need scorecards to keep up. Nearly every top singles skater at the USFS Championships has made a major change at least once since the Salt Lake City Games, and several have made multiple moves.
-Coaching changes have always been part of the sport, especially among skaters who felt neglected at ice rinks crowded with stars. But for the most part, the top skaters of the past--Brian Boitano, Kristi Yamaguchi, Nancy Kerrigan and Todd Eldredge, to name a few -- spent years with the same mentor.
There were exceptions, of course. Nicole Bobek changed coaches nearly as often as she changed costumes. Paul Wylie and Scott Hamilton made major changes in mid-career. Even legend Peggy Fleming jumped around. The majority, though, seemed to strive for continuity and comfort, while some of today's skaters seem most comfortable being uncomfortable, seeking quick fixes through new voices and new environments.
Article tries to provide explanations for the changes:
-With youngsters winning the gold medals at the last three Winter Games, skaters who fail to advance with similar speed grow impatient and frustrated, especially on the women's side.
-The large paychecks available to Olympic-eligible skaters have extended careers. The big money and fame also have expanded egos and decreased tolerance for dominant, powerful coaches, some say.
-Increased interaction among skaters and coaches through shows or summer exchanges heightens the chances skaters will bolt from one high-profile coach to another.
-The rise in the 1980s of choreographers, now an essential part of each skater's repertoire, makes coaches who used to be responsible for every aspect of a skater's program less involved and, perhaps, more expendable.