Michelle Kwan's new coach

[Debbie S]

As a Kwan fan, I'm a little worried about this one. And I'm sure the non-Kwan fans will probably eat this one up. It sounds like it's just a tryout, though.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-kwan27sep27,0,2451090.story?coll=la%2Dheadlines%2D sports

After all the possibilities that were debated, I have to say I never thought of this.

[Louis]

For those who don't feel like registering for the LA Times, here are some excerpts.

"Michelle Kwan will resume competition in the Campbell's International Figure Skating Classic on Oct. 5 at Daytona Beach, Fla., under the guidance of a new coach, former professional skater Scott Williams.

"She said Thursday she had worked with Williams the last two weeks but that she had not made a lasting commitment."

[Rogue]

Maybe she'll add some barrel rolls to her repertoire.

[Jack]

She's working with Scott Williams? Well, that's someone I never would have picked. hmmm, well, I don't think he'll do much for her technique, but he is a great guy and could probably do wonders for her sense of humor!! I bet they'll have fun working together.

[Blue Ridge]

um, for the ignorant and clueless, could someone tell a little more about this person?

[Mazurka Girl]

Scott Williams is 1982 Jr World Champion. He was married to skater Charlene Wong. In the past decade, he has been known more for professional competitions & their development; & for his skating & choreography in some of Brian Boitano's productions. And he skated in a Torvill & Dean show. He has long dark hair- or at least he used to not long ago -you would probably recognize him if you saw his photo.

I believe the pro competition he is mainly known for is called the American Open, which was actually an open- not invitational -for all pro skaters. I remember several years ago, Chrissa Gossard, whose beautiful skating I really like, & Sebastian Britton won this event.

LOL, come on over to the east coast for awhile Michelle! :D

[pink roses]

Definitely NOT what I would have expected for her, and it does fuel the opinion that no elite coach would take her on. I'm not so sure that this will help her in the judges eyes.

[JDC1]

Why does she need help in the judges eyes? She won Nationals without a coach, 3rd at the Olympics and a close second at Worlds. It seems to me if the judges "wanted" to ding her or had it out for her they've had plenty of opportunities. Who knows maybe this guy will work out, maybe he won't but why not give it a chance? As for no elite coach taking her on, somehow I doubt that, my guess is any elite coach who didn't already have a top skater would be happy to work with her, well atleast an elite coach with a little chutzpah who could get over the comparison to Frank Carroll. She seems to be a well mannered young woman whose not adverse to hard work.

[adrianchew]

Out of curiosity - does anyone know which rink Scott coaches out of?

[pink roses]

Apparently there are all kinds of politics in skating, and this may look like she's taking a step backwards.
As to the opinion about elite coaches, I'm not sure if we can say rumors on this board but that rumor is supposedly backed up by numerous peope "who know" .

[Mariposa]

Here's a little info plus pic of Scott.

http://www.titaniumbeach.com/scottresume.htm

[Mazurka Girl]

The LA Times article says 'former professional skater'. Does he no longer skate professionally & only coach now? Wasn't he in Brian Boitano's special last holiday season? Maybe it's been longer than I thought...

[AxelAnnie22]

Originally posted by pink roses
Definitely NOT what I would have expected for her, and it does fuel the opinion that no elite coach would take her on. I'm not so sure that this will help her in the judges eyes. Good points! It is a good choice if you wanted to have a coach.....but not really. ODD.

[JDC1]

I don't see this as fueling any rumor that Michelle cannot get an elite coach to work with her. On the contrary, I see it as reinforcing what Michelle has said in interviews, she wants a coach who can choreograph as well be a sounding board. Therefore working with a coach who may not be quite as "set in his/her way" and who might be more flexible sounds exactly like what Michelle wants. I think this is a step in the right direction, if she wants to skate at the competitive level she needs some other experienced eyes besides her own to help her. Only time will tell how it works. Plenty of skaters with more experienced and top notch coaches did mighty worse than Michelle last year so I think, atleast where Michelle is concerned, the coach is a lot less important but I still think necessary.

[Kruss]

As a Kwan AND Williams fan, I'm pretty excited about this matchup.

It should be interesting. :)

[Alexeiskate]

It seems like an odd choice at this point if only because people have not yet equate the name Scott Williams with elite level coaching. It'll be interesting to see Michelle skate for the first time this season with Scott at standing at the board side.

I would love to see Michelle at Worlds, since this will be the first time that I will see the competition inperson, but I doubt she will be there. I just have this feeling that Michelle will not be competing in the grand prix style of competition again

[Meredith]

Scott Williams? COOL! Can't wait to see what the season holds! 8)

[Designdiva]

<<<It seems like an odd choice at this point if only because people have not yet equate the name Scott Williams with elite level coaching. >>>


Two words: Robin Wagner

[Yazmeen]

I look at it this way: First off, with her past career, Michelle has nothing to prove (except to those who think Olympic Gold is the be all and end all of all existence). Secondly, Scott Williams is an innovator--there's a quote from him on MKF about how many fans have come up to him and said they're tired of seeing "same old same old." He's excellent on the technical end and an innovator when it comes to the in-betweens between jumps and spins. I think her choice is provocative, interesting and potentially, very exciting.

This is a good time for Michelle to stretch her abilities and try to be innovative and have some fun, regardless of podium placements. If there's ever been a time for her to "stretch" like this--this is it. It may work, it may not, but its worth a shot.

Go Michelle and Scott!!! 8)

[speedy]

Hmmmmm and maybe this is a move to prep her for a pro skating career? Could be a nice transition move for her...with her long-term Disney contract and other sponsorships I would think she would need to stay in either eligible or pro skating to keep her in the public eye for those sponsorship deals. Maybe Scott will help keep her skating ahead of the curve for that future move...and I really hope this means she may compete in Dallas! ;)

[Garden Kitty]

Excellent points Yazmeen, ITA

[adrianchew]

USFSA article on Campbell's related to this...

http://www.usfsa.org/news/2002-03/campbells-update.htm

[Jimmy Hoffa]

Originally posted by pink roses
As to the opinion about elite coaches, I'm not sure if we can say rumors on this board but that rumor is supposedly backed up by numerous peope "who know" .
The rumors going around are:

No elite coach wants Kwan because:

They don't like that she left Carroll and won't take her on out of respect to him

OR

They all regard Danny Kwan as Satan and none of them want to deal with him

OR

They don't want to coach any has-beens

OR

Kwan is on the USFSA's you-know-what list for leaving Carroll and not getting a new coach in time for the Olympics and the coaches fear for their other students who may be more affected by politics (junior level or lower; Sectional, Regionals skaters).

OR

All of the above.

[NiceIce]

Scott Williams is the antithesis of a Frank Carroll.
wonderful choice, even if it is just on an interim basis

Scott is not a dull, oldschool, stodgy, play it safe kind of guy.
He is one of the few people who probably isnt overwhelmed with her fame and can force her to approach choreography in a nontraditional way to get her away from the rut she has been in artistically. In terms of technique, Scott had all the triple jump technique (much more of an actual skater than Frank !) and Kwan already has that aspect of it too.
fun choice and daring!

[ToddFan]

I think it's interesting. All I've known about Scott is that he developed pro competitions and did really nice barrel rolls ;), but if they got along and he could help Michelle try different things in her training and skating - could be a good match. As always, they and we will wait and see :)

[Louis]

Forget what anyone says-- any elite skating coach who isn't under exclusive contract to a student (e.g., Robin Wagner) would take on Kwan in a heartbeat.

[haribobo]

Wow NiceIce-- I take it you aren't a Frank Carroll fan? When I think I Frank, I don't think of dull and stodgy. He seems like a personable, expressive man who is great at what he does. I don't believe in chastising a person because they act their age, just because it isn't yours. And for his age (whatever it is), I think Frank seems like a pretty cool guy! But we're all entitled to our opinion....I just feel you are dismissing him as a boring has-been which isn't really fair to him.

[sssErinsss]

Thank you Louis...you said what I was SCREAMING at my monitor!!! My thoughts exactly. Who, in their right mind, wouldn't take on Kwan????

[cello]

I had the same thought as speedy. Maybe this is Michelle's segue into the professional ranks. I don't think MK is going to win the next Olympics with this choice, but I don't think she was going to do that no matter who her coach was. Whether eligible or pro, I think it will be neat to watch Michelle's development under Scott.

And I am thrilled she finally has a coach (even if it's possibly only temporary)!

[Hannahclear]

http://pub1.ezboard.com/fmichellekwanforummkfanchat.showMessage?topicID=15 813.topic

Actually, Scott has worked with quite a few very well known people in the skating world and made the IFS list of top 25 influential. He's not some amateur. I think this is a good move for Michelle.

[hydro]

i think its an intersting choice for someone to work with, certainly very daring of Michelle. and very non-conservative pick from her.

but also, i think people should realize what Michelle is saying with this article. she is basically saying that she is testing the waters with new people, and that parterning with Scott Williams could be a temporary thing or it could not be. just that she is seeing what works and what doesn't. very smart of her, to not commit to anything yet. so if it doesn't work out with Scott, she won't be blamed for "dumping" another coach, or she won't be called "indecisive"

this is the perfect time for Michelle to really stretch and try new things. she has nothing left to prove in the eligible world, she's the most decorated US skater in history, and she's a 4-time World Champion. noone is expecting her to go on and win the next Olympics, no one is even expecting her to make it to the next Olympics. so this time she has now could be well spent experimenting with new choreographers and coaches and try and get her excited about competing and skating again.

and also, those rumors about no elite coaches wanting to take her are completely bogus. any elite coach would be willing to coach her, even during the previous Olympics she got "a dozen" offers, but declined.

[Chico]

Hmmmm Okay, here are my thoughts.. I think Frank is an awesome coach. I also think Michelle is a very talented young lady who has reached a point in her life where she needs change and independence. Frank is very set in his coaching ideas, coaches get this way. (I have one and know!) I think Michelle wants some indepence in her skating and the "right" to make choices. Since she's grown up skating this seems pretty normal to me. I also think that skating isn't as much fun for her lately, and she's looking for some "newness" and fun. I don't know a thing about her "new" coach, but he sounds like he might just be the thing she needs. If Michelle finds the independce she needs and the fun she wants she'll be even better. If your loving skating, you'll be creative and willing to attempt new challanges. As for this coach not teaching elite skaters....everyone has to start somewhere. Frank started this way once. Besides, what she needs are EYES to guide her. Someone to discuss things with. She needs a partner for a coach. I say, good luck. This is Michelle's skating and life, her choices.

Chico

[Mazurka Girl]

Originally posted by hydro
and also, those rumors about no elite coaches wanting to take her are completely bogus.
I'm in agreement with Louis & hydro. Frank Carroll is a terrific coach & I'm a believer in loyalty too, but often these rumors are the work of rabid fans or parents of coach X, Y, or Z with skewed priorities. They're often the parents who buy into the philosophy that their coach's way is only one way to do anything in skating. Until that is, their own skater moves onto another coach & then suddenly the new coach's ideas become the only way to do anything in skating. :roll:

[Mariposa]

Adrian--I wasn't sure if anyone answered your question--Scott teaches at Torrance.

[Debbie S]

Originally posted by Mariposa
Adrian--I wasn't sure if anyone answered your question--Scott teaches at Torrance.

I believe this is the same place where Karen Kwan and Peter Oppegard are coaching. I really thought that Michelle would end up with Peter O. - it seemed the most logical choice - but I could see how that could get strange, considering he's her brother-in-law to be.

Well, only one more week until we get to see them in action at the Campbell's event.

[rack]

In the article, Michelle is quoted as saying, "We'll just see how it goes...It would be foolish for me to say it will be long term when I don't know how he is at competitions or how it will work out."

If I were an elite coach with a full load of students, I might well be reluctant to take on an extremely high caliber (and high visibility) skater on a trial basis. When you get to a certain professional level, you don't want to audition. And even if it's not on a trial basis, there are reasons not to want to coach a World Champion level skater. The risks could be regarded as too high (what if it doesn't work out for any number of reasons, what if it does work out but the skater fails to maintain her/his previous level of success) and the rewards too low (how much credit will "I" get even if the skater maintains her/his previous level of success?). I should think the dream new skater for an elite coach is someone like Tim Goebel or Sasha Cohen, already well trained but eager to jump one level up.

I don't think Michelle needs an elite level coach and I do think she has made a very interesting (albeit not fully committed) choice. I look forward to seeing if Scott Williams changes, in any way, the style of her skating.

[RoseAugust]

Scott Williams is an interesting (and hopefully creative) choice. As a Kwan fan, I'm hoping he'll bring something new and different to her skating. Of course, it can not be huge because people are who they are, but some FUN little changes or additions would be great. I'm just a casual skating fan and am not too familiar with Scott Williams as a coach, but it is this unknown quantity that really peaks my interest and creates an excitment for me. So, I'm thrilled with this choice and can't wait to see what this collaboration brings.

[Mayra]

Originally posted by Mariposa
Adrian--I wasn't sure if anyone answered your question--Scott teaches at Torrance.

Which IMO probably had a lot to do with her choice. Location. I'm not sure Michelle Kwan wants to leave the west coast and particularly Southern California. If she does want to continue going to UCLA, then finding someone within that area is a priority. People were throwing out names like Linda Leaver who coaches up north, but its not an easy commute even by plane, what with delays and all.

If anything, I'm looking forward to seeing the choreography Scott Williams is planning on for Michelle. I always thought half her problem was not doing something that challenged her and held her interest long enough. When you've been skating elite for as long as she has, keeping things interesting I imagine would be essential to not losing your motivation.

I don't for a second think this is a step backward for Michelle. Going by last season's choreography and lack of coach, I'd say this is step 1 in the right direction. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

[Sassafras]

Even before I got to Yazmeen's post, the first word that came into my mind to describe Scott was innovator. He definitely pushes the envelope. If it turns out they work well together, this could be the perfect choice to maybe silence the critics who keep harping that she always does the same thing.

[AxelAnnie22]

Originally posted by rack
In the article, Michelle is quoted as saying, "We'll just see how it goes...It would be foolish for me to say it will be long term when I don't know how he is at competitions or how it will work out."

If I were an elite coach with a full load of students, I might well be reluctant to take on an extremely high caliber (and high visibility) skater on a trial basis. When you get to a certain professional level, you don't want to audition. And even if it's not on a trial basis, there are reasons not to want to coach a World Champion level skater. The risks could be regarded as too high (what if it doesn't work out for any number of reasons, what if it does work out but the skater fails to maintain her/his previous level of success) and the rewards too low (how much credit will "I" get even if the skater maintains her/his previous level of success?). I should think the dream new skater for an elite coach is someone like Tim Goebel or Sasha Cohen, already well trained but eager to jump one level up.

I agree with you RACK.

I think there is limited success to achieve, (because Michelle is already at the top) and lots of risk of failure.

Also, Michelle seems to have definite ideas of how SHE wants to work. I wonder how much a coach fits his approach around what a skater wants? That is a general question. I would assume that with the top coaches, you go to them because you want what they have to offer. In other words, you fit to them. Michelle has certainly earned the right to do whatever she wants, but it sounds as though she wants a coach to fit to her, rather than the other way 'round.

[kara]

Well, at least people can't say that this is boring, typical Michelle. I don't think she sounds very enthusiastic, but I'm excited for her and I hope it works out. I'd love to see her enjoying herself and using more innovative choreography: something along the lines of DOD or Taj and nothing modern or "out there" unless she can really make it work. Like TMM and the Chris Dean sp: they were different but had potential...not like the Beatles sp which, IMO, lacked something and was there only b/c it was different, but not good-different. I wouldn't mind seeing another Peter O.-choreographed program from her while she's being coached by Scott, either. He was very musical and creative with TMM. I'm still convinced, though, that she should skip this competitive season and start at SA next year after she's well-rested (if she still wants to compete). Anyway, here's to something new and satisfying for Michelle.:D.

[Mayra]

Originally posted by AxelAnnie22



Also, Michelle seems to have definite ideas of how SHE wants to work. I wonder how much a coach fits his approach around what a skater wants? That is a general question. I would assume that with the top coaches, you go to them because you want what they have to offer. In other words, you fit to them. Michelle has certainly earned the right to do whatever she wants, but it sounds as though she wants a coach to fit to her, rather than the other way 'round.


Funny enough, I had the opposite thought. I've heard nothing coming from Michelle Kwan that suggests she has definite ideas on the direction of her skating or how much she wants to work. She seems to be aware of her options but not sure on which direction to take. She wants to go to school, but shel also wants to continue to skate. Her decision making process seems to have stopped right there. If anything there is an air of indecision coming from her side.

I can't imagine there being no give and take in a coach/athlete partnership though. A coach has to be able to adapt to their athlete about as much as the athlete has to adapt to the coach. Meaning they both have to adjust to "fit" each other. IMO

[Lee]

I also think her choice of a 'trial' coach is interesting, and chalk me up as another one who thought of 'innovator' when I heard "Scott Williams."

I hope it works out well for her...

[duane]

personally, i know nothing about this guy's skating skills or his coaching skills, so i have no opinion on the matter. :?

i am happy that michelle has a coach--whether permanent or temporary.

[Toepoint]

I am sure it will be a temporary arrangement. :oops:

[Cathsk8er]

Someone wrote that Scott Williams teaches at Torrance, which is true, but he has been teaching Michelle for the past two weeks at Paramount Iceland. That is where I skate and I've seen them.

Today Michelle had a lesson with Peter Oppegard in the afternoon, so maybe she is working with both of them? Or maybe today was just a one time thing. I can't say on that one.

It has been nice to be able to watch Michelle practice. I hope she stays at Paramount and I hope she competes at Nationals this year, but we'll see.

-Catherine

[Spinner]

Originally posted by Yazmeen
Secondly, Scott Williams is an innovator...

Talk about hitting the nail on the head... ;) I remember Brian Boitano once saying in an interview that when Scott's practicing, many of the other pros watch in awe (and perhaps a bit of envy) at the stuff he does on skates. His choreography is never like anyone else's and if anyone can stretch Michelle artistically, Scott could be the guy.

I'll also add that after conversing with Scott via e-mail and in person (at the 2000 American Open), everyone should know how completely nice, friendly and unpretentious he is. I'd e-mailed him a few times before the comp and when I finally saw him there, he remembered me and we talked for a bit. Hmmm, I'll have to dig out that pic I have of me with him and Rory Burghart. :D

Spinner

[nymkfan51]

Catherine ... thanks so much for the info. Do you happen to know what music or program Michelle was practicing?

Norma

[dbell]

Years ago there was a 'rock and roll' competition on TV. The mainstream skaters were out there with music that would never be considered 'Rock'. Scott came out and did 'Walking on the Sun' and brought the house down. The barrell rolls, the hair, the leather - nice!

I love this pairing. Temporary or not, it's a nice fit and it will be fun to watch. I just hope Scott's preparing his flame proof suit! :lol:

[Cathsk8er]

Originally posted by nymkfan51
Catherine ... thanks so much for the info. Do you happen to know what music or program Michelle was practicing?

I've seen her practicing two new programs, but I'm not sure if I should talk about them here.

By the way, for the Campbell's event next weekend in Florida, are the competitors each doing one program or two?

-Catherine

[adrianchew]

Campbell's is one program from what I read, with an international panel of judges.

[nymkfan51]

Catherine ... I understand completely about not giving details regarding the programs ... actually, the main interest I had was if they were new programs ... and I think you've answered that ... so thanks again.

Norma

[Hannahclear]

alex annie said:

"That is a general question. I would assume that with the top coaches, you go to them because you want what they have to offer. In other words, you fit to them. Michelle has certainly earned the right to do whatever she wants, but it sounds as though she wants a coach to fit to her, rather than the other way 'round."

Actually it really seems just the opposite, this guy is known for his creativity and unusual choreography....worked with the voidy Dean etc (FSU term). So it seems she's trying to branch out, as the endless criticism keeps telling her to do. If she wanted a coach that would "fit" her, she'd go to a standard, pretty program coach, not someone known for originality. It seems likes she's challenging herself.

[Badams]

Originally posted by cello
I don't think MK is going to win the next Olympics with this choice,



well...people said this EXACT thing about sarah and robin. look what they did!

[nits]

Good point Badams!
I think it's wonderful that Michelle is experimenting with a new coach. I hope she does well at Campbells.

[nutty-ducky]

i am really happy that michelle has a new coach even if he is temporary! :D i felt soooooo happy when i read that she had a new coach, i hope she goes to worlds next year, so i can see her skate again! :D yippee!

[cello]

Badams - I also said I don't think Michelle would win the next Olympics with any choice. It's not a reflection on Scott's ability, but Michelle's desire, IMO.

[jcspkbfan]

And now some comments from the new coach himself:

http://www.skatinginc.com/Home/

Should be an interesting partnership...

[LAVENDER]

Just let us know if they look promising or if you like them. Thanks for the reports.

Question...Is Scott with to Rory? For the life of me I can't remember.

[Spinner]

Originally posted by LAVENDER
Question...Is Scott with to Rory? For the life of me I can't remember.

Nope, Rory married Ralph Burghart (also a former skater) some years ago and they have a child together (maybe 2? I can't remember...). Scott used to be married to Charlene Wong (a skater from Canada I think).

[nits]

Cello,
Nobody has seen Michelle's competitive skating programs with her new coach, so to make such a statement that Michelle won't win the Olympics without Michelle even commenting on whether she'll stick around for 2006, or seeing her skate, is a bit premature.

[lynlei]

All I can say at this point is:
Sasha Cohen is with Tarasova and now Michelle is with Williams even though it may be a temporary arrangement.
This season is going to be very interesting ;)

[Aussie Willy]

Well I think it is an good choice for Michelle and Scott does have a sense of humour if you have seen his programs. He also picks good music and I think tries to do something different.

I first saw Scott skate when he toured with T&D in Australian in 94 and everyone kind of went WOW because he skated to Prince's Kiss and was really interesting.

I have him on video from 85 Australian Nationals where he was a guest skater and he had a lovely smooth style of skating.

I suppose no-one expected Michelle to go with Scott but maybe this will give her the direction in her skating she needs.

BTW - In Australia swimmer Ian Thorpe left his long time coach of 10 years. It has been big news here, but he basically got to the stage where he was thinking of quitting if he hadn't changed, even though he is currently one of the best in the world. Also one swimmer (Susie O'Neill) he was quoted as saying that generally the life of a coach/student relationship is pretty much 10 years. Any more than that is the exception, not the rule.

[essence_of_soy]

Aussie Willy,

Wasn't the Torvill & Dean tour just amazing. Great on tape, too, and Scott's Kiss program is also included! I thought he and Tom Dickson were standouts. Jill Trenary was in good form, too.

I hope MK sticks with Scott, because I really liked the direction she was heading in when she skated to Eric Clapton's Rush (by Chris Dean) as a sp back in 2000/2001 (before switching to East of Eden). It was mature, edgy and challenging. Similar to what Katarina Witt attempts. Not your usual pretty-pretty program at all.

[lrngsk8-gabi]

I just like to see Scott getting some work :D ...g

[Mariposa]

Have any one you seen that program that Scott skated while back where he portrayed a heroin addict and pounded on his veins while writhing in agony? That was something else.

[pilgrimsoul]

I think Scott Williams is a great match for Michelle! He has such an engaging personality combined with an infectious love for the sport, and my guess is he will be able to challenge Michelle without pressuring her. I really believe Michelle will respond to his enthusiasm, and he will help her focus on the skating itself, rather than the end result. If she is having fun out there, the great performances come all by themselves. Scott can help her rediscover that place inside herself. I can't wait to see the artistic path they will forge together! :D

[Scott]

If this is the coach that Michelle is comforatable with then so be it. It is her choice and who knows maybe it will be a good fit for her. I say congratulations and good luck. This could be rather fun for her! And us!! Lets see what this relationadhip produces.

[skelly]

Originally posted by Mariposa
Have any one you seen that program that Scott skated while back where he portrayed a heroin addict and pounded on his veins while writhing in agony? That was something else.

I just had this vision of MK skating to
RUSH, writhing in agony, pounding her veins, and ending with a series of barrel rolls...
8O 8O 8O

[yogurtslinger]

omg that's funny :lol:

I want to see it!

[bunghodog]

i am very excited that michelle is still skating, i dont care if she skates a 5.5 or a 5.9 i am glad she is skating.

[bunghodog]

everyone has to admit skating wont be the same without her, it just wont. the cameras follow her every move, you cant say that about anyone else, if she does bad or good they follow.