Interesting Jirena Ribbens comment about K.Witt

[essence_of_soy]

I watched a documentary recently about champion US ladies skaters. Jirena Ribbens (whom I think is connected with Transworld Media / IMG) said that Witt won a lot of the time, not because she was the best skater, but because she was the best competitor.

Are we inclined to agree with her?
Katarina has very good PR, however.

Nick

ps. I always thought Witt psyched out her fellow rivals, particularly Chin at worlds in 85, and Thomas at the Olympic Games.

[manleywoman]

I wholeheartedly agree. She never was the best technically, but she could sell to a crowd and compete like nobody's business.

[Alexeiskate]

I would say it depends on the competition. When Witt regained the world title in 1987, she was the best technically and mentally that year.

[slimpme]

I recall that Katarina Witt also had fairly good figures at a time when that was vitally important. It seems to me that she was usually well positioned after the school figures so that she didn't have to come from behind in the SP and LP.

[Aussie Willy]

Witt had to come from 4th after the SP to medal at 86 Worlds (she ended up 2nd overall after Thomas).

Witt was reknowned for psyching out her competition - particularly at 88 Worlds when she skated to Thomas's music (Carmen) during the LP practice. She apparently went a bit over the top with that one.

In answer to your question though - I think she had the competitive edge. She could really sell the program and I did what she had to do to win. She also looked like she had fun which many of the other ladies at the time looked liked they were scared to death.