Grand Prix Final
Grand Prix Final
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Report from Sally, Canada: December 14, 2001 - First free skate:
The Gladiator fought valiantly - he attempted a 4T/3/T/2Lp but fell on the 2loop.
He then put his hand down on his second quad toe.
This time, after the skating was done, they interviewed Yags.
He was asked how he felt about the "great rivalry" between him and Plushenko.
He said, "Well, it's great for you guys and the fans; but, unfortunately,
we have to go out there and skate the programs. It's really hard for everybody.
This is the second time I skated against him this year and it's always very
difficult." Often, I get the feeling that both skaters
would like to downplay the "rivalry", but the media will have none of that ...
not in an Olympic year.
Next report of GPF from December 15, 2001 - Second Free Skate "Super Final" Photo © by Manaaw
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Evgeni skated to "Once upon in a time in America", first he did 4 toe-3 toe-2 loop
then a second 4 toe!!, 3 axel- 3toe, 3 salchow, 3 lutz, 3 loop, 3 flip!! He WAS
flawless. I cannot believe what this boy is doing on a frozen ankle. He had another
injection before the first FP tonight. He did not hold back on anything -
his determination and confidence are simply unmatched by anyone else in the world.
At the end of his performance, he clenched both fists (golden-gloved, of course)
and said something to himself that I expect was the Russian equivalent of
"YESSSS!!! W-O-W! He blew Tracy and Rod away. (TV commentators) I must point
out that Tracy does NOT like the music cuts for the MJ SP OR the LP he did tonight.
But then, after making this clear, she had to add, "But, when he skates like this,
who cares?!" And Rod agreed. Tracy was actually shocked at the technical marks he got -
she said she couldn't believe 5.8s and a 5.7 after what she'd just seen him do. I was a
little surprised myself - guess they were REALLY holding back for Alexei.