Olympic Pairs Long Program

Yikes, what a wedgie that Polish chick had during her long program.  The lifts were great, but is there anyone in the audience who didn't feel mooned by the whole red thong thing she had going on?  I noticed that at the end of the program -- which usually features a close-up shot of the woman -- the camera fixed solely on her partner's face, presumably to mask the moment when she sheepishly dug her leotard out of her crotch.  Still, a fine skate.

Despite the outstanding and memorable performance of Totmianina & Marinin (which Dick Button and Sandra Bezic overcriticized so relentlessly),  the night belonged to the Chinese pairs, who demonstrated a courage that was inspiring and downright Olympic.  Shen and Zhao gave a passionate performance, muscling through the difficult elements.  His comeback from that Achilles injury makes for one of those great stories in sports.  To give a performance like that after such a brief recovery period is phenomenal.  Good for them! 

But their gutsiness pales in comparison with their countrywoman Zhang.  After that hard, painful fall I assumed that she wouldn't be able to complete the competition.  Wow!  Although there were some rough patches in the rest of the free skate (and I suspect they were a little overscored), I was impressed by their courage and determination. This is why I get so hooked on the Olympics.  (Loved the Kerri Strug pose after the marks came in, where he hoists her up for a victory shot, bum leg and all!) 

Comments

[Debra Rienstra]

Ohmygosh, I noticed the wedgie, too! Poor girl. I couldn't stay up late enough to watch all the pairs skate (missed the Russians-oh well), but I did see Shen and Zhao. I especially enjoyed the shot of his gruesome, stitched-up ankle, which the producers edited in at every opportunity. Thanks, guys! But their program was wonderful.

We've been trippin on the snowboarding at our house. C'mon, Jana: skating is sooooo old school! Start reviewing the board dudes!

[www.riderstv.com]

I every time spent my half an hour to read this website’s content every day along with a cup of coffee.