Emanuel Update?

[KittyKins]

:?: Does anyone know what's happening with Emanuel Sandhu? I hope he is on the mend, and I am looking forward to seeing him this season.

[blades]

8)

word on the street is that he returned to burnaby eight rinks on monday...looking a bit thin and quite rusty on the ice...soooo....kinda looks like he's back in the saddle...time will tell...

[KittyKins]

Thanks for that info. Blades. It makes me nervous to think of him looking thin, etc. I guess it will take him a while to get back into the swing of things after recovering from surgery. It is so unfortunate that he has had so many hard knocks in both his life and career. He has so much talent, but has had trouble delivering at the right time. I know a lot of people have criticized his style, but personally I like it. I think it is unfair for some fans to expect him to be another Elvis or something :roll: . He has his own unique style that should be appreciated IMHO :!: As the sign I brought to 2001 Worlds says (and had a brief showing on TV, but you couldn't read it as it was so far away, lol) "SANDHU CAN DO!" :-) If you want to see it, check out the following link http://home.westman.wave.ca/~wenhamk/images/TammySandhuSign.jpg

[Scott]

I didn't know that he had surgery! I wish him a quick recovery and hope to see him back in competition soon. I always enjoyed his skating and only wished he could cast away the nerves.

[Artemis]

[quote:e4d64cec32="KittyKins"]... I know a lot of people have criticized his style[/quote:e4d64cec32]

They have?? I know a lot of people have criticized his [i:e4d64cec32]consistency[/i:e4d64cec32] and his "artistic temperment," and therefore by association his mental fortitude as a competitor, but I don't recall many criticisms of his style.

IMO, Emanuel Sandhu is the most talented male skater out there, period. But sheer talent alone will only get you so far.

I wish him well in the upcoming season, and hope he's on the mend from his injury. But as for his chances, I'll adopt a wait-and-see attitude. Again.

[princessthumby]

He had surgery on his knee...we have the same knee doctor. He's been fine since March.

There must have been another Surgery to keep him off this long.
I had the same surgery as him, a month ago, and I'm back on the ice tonight.


Kortney

[KittyKins]

They have?? I know a lot of people have criticized his [i:622276020c]consistency[/i:622276020c] and his "artistic temperment," and therefore by association his mental fortitude as a competitor, but I don't recall many criticisms of his style.

Oh yes they have. Maybe you haven't been discussing in the same circles as me. I won't name names here. There have been many rude comments about his signature spin and also his supposed unmasculine style. I think it's all bunk myself, but oh yes, there have been comments. Another time I was on a webpage and the gal whose page it was said some very uncomplimentary things about him, when she was reviewing some competition she attended. Unfortunately those comments do exist. BTW I wouldn't have posted that unless I had actually heard (or read) those kind of comments. Oh and I sent that gal a nasty e-mail! :x

[professordeb]

KittyKins
[quote:f94315cdff]Oh and I sent that gal a nasty e-mail! [/quote:f94315cdff]

So glad to hear :D . I've been a fan of Elvis' for years and when I saw Emanual, I thought "wow, he has what the judges like in addition to what fans like". My only problem in the past has been his inconsistency. However, this past year, he showed some mental toughness, especially at Canadians (which I attended). He has the goods, now if he can mature emotionally and psychologically, he will be one tough cookie to beat. I love this young man, and I was impressed with how well he handled the crowd at Canadians (under direction). He was very patient with all the young (and older) fans, just as kind and gracious as Elvis has been.

As for those who don't like giving him the title of "the next one", we seem to have been doing that to our skaters for quite some time. Some have been able to step up and take over (Browning, Elvis) and others haven't. I think the term simply means not the next Elvis (or whomever), simply the next man to dominate in men's skating in Canada. Whoever that will be remains to be seen. Regardless of who it might be, I'll support ALL our skaters.

til later,
Deb

[KittyKins]

That was well put Deb. Yes, I think the media puts intense pressure on our skaters to be "the next one". I suppose its natural to compare skaters, but each one should be treated as an individual. It's sort of like the comments, "you have your mother's nose", lol, "um, no I have my own nose" :lol: Speaking of comparisons, it is interesting that Elvis & Emanuel have the same initials and come from the same home town. What an interesting coincidence.

I wish Emanuel all the best this season. I think Jeff Buttle will give him a run for his money though. How impressive is he?!!!! He is top 8 in the World without a quad or consistent 3-axel!!!!

[Emanfan]

[quote:faab671d6c="KittyKins"]I think Jeff Buttle will give him a run for his money though. How impressive is he?!!!! He is top 8 in the World without a quad or consistent 3-axel!!!![/quote:faab671d6c]

Let's remember that Jeff is 8th in the world due to the absence of the likes of Plushenko, Eldredge, Stojko, Sandhu. That said, he has plenty of promise and you're right, he'll give Eman a run for his money. My heart belongs to Emanuel though - he got under my skin when I saw him in juniors and I haven't shaken him lose yet!

Eman & Plush - the best on the planet!!!

[Lise]

I've been saying this for the past few months...Emanuel will be great this season. I have a hunch that this is the season he will put it all together and make the GPF.

[Dragonlady]

I have been a fan since the first time I saw Dr. Sandhu, but Emanuel Hyde drives me to drink! I despair of him ever getting a handle on his nerves as much as I'd love to see it.

I keep trying to enjoy his great performances and leave the room when he melts down. As for making the GPF, I won't hold my breath. I'd be happy just to see him turn in two good skates at the same competition.

[gandalf]

Agreed Dragonlady. There is no one else I would rather see get himself together in a competition and I would be satisfied with steady rather than spectacular.

Sandhu's talent is undeniable but unless he learns to do it when it counts, a skill both Kurt and Elvis had in spades, his talent won't mean much.

[kara]

I love Sandhu's skating and hope that this is his year. Jeffery Buttle is an interesting skater, too. (There are so many great male skaters to enjoy, aren't there!?) I think Buttle could *definitely* win Canadians if Sandhu doesn't keep it together...but I hope Sandhu is awesome :D .

[shopper]

consistancy is the name of the game...
so far emanuel has yet to show this.
maybe this will be his season... remains to be seen.

[KittyKins]

Hi Shopper! :)

I think this will be Emanuel's comeback season too, at least I hope so. With injuries out of the way, there is no limit to what he can do. I think a few people will be surprised. As for the consistency problem, I hope he is able to get a handle on that. How difficult. Well, some of the more nervous skaters, such as Brian Orser, did accomplish a lot. I think Brian was a more consistent skater though. Oops, here I am comparing Emanuel to another skater again :oops: .

[WildRose]

Emmanuel has show us that he can skate. Unfortunately, he's yet to show that he can *compete*. Until he shows that killer competitive spirit that all great athletes have to have - I fear his fans are going to remain frustrated.

[KittyKins]

:cry: Sadly I think that his personal struggles and also injuries have interfered with that competive spirit. It must be hard not to be down when when he's had so many setbacks. However, I have hope for great things in the future for him.

[WildRose]

Granted, he may have personal issues that have affected his skating, but all athletes at that level have had to deal with injuries and I don't think Emmanuel is unique in that respect. He strikes me however, as being more of an artist than a competitor and I think that may be what the problem is. Top skaters thrive on competition, it's what fires them up. They understand the need to grasp the opportunities they are given and to go out and do it when it counts. Emmanuel has had plenty of opportunities - he just doesn't seem to be able to do anything with them. This is not a slam against Emmanuel, I just don't think he's show the mindset that is necessary in as competitive a sport as figure skating.

[KittyKins]

I suppose many people have said the same thing about Toller Cranston.

Well, I think it has been the timing of Emanuel's injuries that has been so rotten. He has had a lot of trouble with knee injuries which reminds me of Robin Cousins.

I don't know that I agree that E. doesn't have a competitive spirit. I think he does. It's his focus that has been in the wrong place and also nerves. He certainly showed competitive drive when he won Canadians and also during his Free program at 2001 Worlds. Whether he has the mental strength to withstand the pressure...well, I guess time will tell. You really need nerves of steel to compete at that level.

I'm hoping that he turns a few heads this season. Oooh, I can't wait for it to begin! :-)

[lBrokenAnkle]

As an American, I kind of got into rooting for Canadian skaters in general by following Elvis so closely, and I would be happy to see Emmanual do well this year. It is funny because in one important way, I think Elvis and Emmanual are very much alike. They both put themselves out there on the ice, there is no sense from either that they are just doing what the choreographer told them to do, which I get from almost all of the other elite male skaters. So you can see comparisons are not necessarily bad. :)

This year Emmanual has Jeff Buttle nipping at his heels. Internationally, he has Abt and Honda coming into their own, and Tim Goebal (especially if continues to improve his presentation), plus Pluschy and (maybe) Yags all to contend with. He is coming back from injury. Also, a disappointing Canadians was his last competition, so at Skate Canada in November will be his first competition in almost 10 months.

Now is the chance, maybe the last chance, for Emmanual to find the iron within him. He's got to stop making excuses and really work on his mental game. Although I can't think of a better person to emulate in this area than Elvis, whose career was also filled with adversity, disapprobation and injury, Emmanul has got to figure it out his own way, but it's got to be soon.

I must admit I am not optimistic. OTOH, I don't know what Emmanual has been doing during the off season. If he has realized what he needs to do and really focused on it, than, maybe this will indeed be his year. And that would be really, really exciting. Can you imagine Emmanual putting together 2 or three good programs in a row? Whoa!

laura

[kimkom]

When Emanuel is "on", I think he is one of the most breathtaking skaters in the history of the sport...I can't take my eyes off of him. When he's not "on", I'm afraid to watch the meltdown - it just breaks my heart. The comparison to Toller is obvious, but I also think of Sebastien Britten..another beautiful and classic skater who couldn't keep it together.

I'm praying that he'll kick butt this year. And this is coming from a huge Jeffrey Buttle fan (he's from Sudbury, Ontario - where I live). Jeff has a few years ahead of him, so my heart is with Emanuel at this point.

There's nothing worse than being completely terrified to watch your favourite skater compete, just waiting for disaster to strike.. **cough**kurt**cough**.

kimkom

[Suzanne]

People said the same thing about Toller Cranston? Did he have meltdowns too? I don't remember that. (Mind you, I was only 11 when he took the bronze at World's in 1973!)

[LTM]

I don't remember Cranston having the kind of "meltdowns" Sandhu
has had. He'd make mistakes but usually not all in the same routine.
ON the other hand, it was a while ago and maybe I'm just forgetting.

[KittyKins]

Sorry for the confusion. I meant that many people viewed Toller an artist but didn't fully appreciate his athletic ability. There are some similarities to Emanuel. Toller's style was not accepted by the judges of his time which was really unfortunate as he was the best free skater of his day. He paved the way for Polkar, Orser, Browning, Stojko, Sandhu, Buttle, etc. IMHO. That's one reason why it bugs me that he is often left out of the "great Canadian men from the past" discussions.

[KittyKins]

Oh, and I think Toller Cranston was a fairly consistent skater if I remember right. I only remember him having difficulty at skating at a higher altitude (if my memory serves me right). Otherwise, I don't remember any meltdowns so to speak. He certainly sacrificed a lot for skating and in some ways seemed to become bitter about it. It is unfortunate that he was not appreciated fully.

[MegT]

I think Jeff being talked about more next season will be good for Emmanuel. He's been skating in Elvis' shadow for a long time with the term "the next one" resting on his shoulders. Canada's had a long string of great men's skaters and it must be tough to have the media fittin you for the crown. Now they can share the burden which I think will be in Emmanuel's benefit. I love Jeff but we'll have to see how he handles being a national contender. IMO if Emmnuel skates like he can there's no question but if he can't pull it together Jeff can step up.

[bleu]

I know I should not ask this but "why did he leave Ballet for skating"

The first thing that my sister said when she saw him skate is - was he a ballet dancer? this is coming from someone who never watch skating..and that is a capital NEVER.

[gandalf]

Maybe he loves skating more, or saw that if he can do well, there is WAY more $$ in skating than ballet.

As for the Sebestien Britten reference, Britten's biggest problem was his lack of 3axel - he never landed it. To me, that's a bit different from having all of the bells and whistles and just not being able to put it all together when it counts.

ETA - it was nice thinking about Britten again, thanks for making me think about him!

[kimkom]

Yes, Sebastien, never mastered the triple axel - what a shame. He had incredible musicality. At a time when my favourite skater was Elvis Stojko, Sebastien mezmerized me with his classical programs.

As for Toller, the meltdown thing was never a problem for him, but he was a temperamental skater, ala Sandhu - I always want to refer to it as the "arteest syndrome". If it weren't for Toller, classical skating wouldn't be what it is today. We always talk about the "Russian" style of skating, but in my opinion, it should be the "Cranston" style of skating....

[Emanfan]

[quote:d407828626="bleu"]I know I should not ask this but "why did he leave Ballet for skating"[/quote:d407828626]

In an interview I saw with him, he said early on (around the age of 12), he would have to leave ballet class (sometimes early) to go directly to the rink...said that it just became too much (both for him and his mom). He had to make a choice. He chose the ice and men's skating in Canada was very lucky indeed!

His is an awesome talent which could easily rival both Yags & Plushy. Thing is, he just has to fight those demons. But even if he doesn't, I'll be happy to watch him anyway. There's very few (if any) like him.

[KittyKins]

I really didn't get the impression that Emanuel chose skating because of the money. That is really reading too much into it IMHO. From interviews I have heard, it sounds like he enjoyed skating more than ballet. He liked both, but realized that he had to chose one over the other. I think his dancing experience only enhances his skating. JMHO

[Emanfan]

Why would anyone choose skating because of the money? All it does is cost. And there certainly is no guarantee that you will be a successful skater.

Emanuel was with the National Ballet, an extremely talented dancer (as is always evident on the ice). I believe he chose to skate simply because he found it more "fun". He loved to show off (his words, not mine) and the ice rink was an easier location for him to do that. (I wonder if he still feels the same.)

In any event, should he ever return to dance, I'll be the first in line to buy season's tickets.

[Dragonlady]

Emanuel cannot return to dance. He continued to do both for as long as he could but a choice had to be made. He had reached the level both with his dance and his skating, that he could not continue higher without a significant increase in his level of commitment and time. In other words, he had to choose and his choice is now irrevocable. It was pretty much set in stone from the moment he made it, although there was a window of a year or two when he could have gone back. That window is now closed.

I have connections in the ballet world and we have had long discussions on this topic. This is what was explained to me - his ballet training had to have been completed by age 21, before his body was fully matured. It is not.

[Emanfan]

Dragonlady: What if he didn't return to ballet, but to some other form? Perhaps to choreography etc. - could he not do that? It seems wasteful for someone like him to be excluded from the dance world for the reasons you mentioned, although I understand why he could no longer dance (ballet) professionally any longer.

But, God willing, all this is moot, since he will be absolutely brilliant this year and set his FS career in stone!!!