Joelle N. Bird

Wow, I totally disagree. I've been to Worlds several times, and I always loved that the true fans in the audience cheered encouragingly for all competitors, regardless of nationality, at practices as well as in competition. I hope the Olympic fans continue to do that and not sink to the regrettable favoritism demonstrated by the audience in Sochi. Let's not encourage poor sportsmanship; it's not the skaters' fault that the fans acted badly four years ago.

I saw an article by Christine Brennan in USA Today, titled "Ashley Wagner Has Already Proven She Belongs on Team," in which she said this: And during the coverage of previous Olympics on the Olympic Channel, I heard Sandra Bezic say confidently that newcomers don't win gold medals at the Olympics, that it takes experience and several tries to win there. So I checked the female Olympic gold medalists' Olympic experience. 1992: Yamaguchi. First and only Olympics. 1994: Baiul. First and only Olympics. 1998: Lipinski. First and only Olympics. 2002: Hughes. First and only Olympics. 2006: Arakawa. First and only Olympics. [My mistake -- she was at 1998 Olys. Thanks, Jeddah.] 2010: Kim. First Olympics; silver four years later, in 2014. 2014: Sotnikova. First and only Olympics. Why do commentators keep maintaining that previous experience should be the no. 1 criterion for selection to the Olympic team, when fresh young skaters can and do come out on top? And so what if Ashley Wagner helps the U.S. win a bronze medal in the team event? Who cares about the team event???? It's just a ridiculous vehicle invented so also-rans from the four major skating countries (U.S., Russia, Canada, Japan) can grab medals in the hope of burnishing their lackluster careers. I say, let the fresh faces go to the Olympics if they do well at Nationals, not those whose qualifications are in the past. Many of the youngsters will never have another shot at it. The Olympics should be about the wonderful young skaters who have worked so hard and sacrificed so much, NOT about the number of medals raked in by the U.S.

Does it seem to anyone else that many pairs lifts these days are remarkably ungraceful? You know the ones I mean -- where the girl's legs are spread as far apart as possible and bent at the knees? I almost expect someone to whip out a speculum.

YES! I love displays of good sportsmanship. Which is why I thought Chan's pissy whining was so disgraceful. In contrast, seeing Max Aaron's enthusiastic reaction to Rippon's great performance was just a beautiful moment. I also agree with the person who said "I would rather watch Shoma Uno with a fall than Boyang Jin landing four quads."

I'm enjoying the extensive coverage on NBCSN, but I find it irritating that Tracy Wilson mispronounces so many competitors' names. I wish she would be more professional and take the time to familiarize herself with all the names, but no, she just keeps blundering on, butchering the pronunciation.

I agree! I thought Hawayek and Baker were simply charming, much more elegant and also more precise than Hubbell/Donohue.

Count me among the Wagner non-fans. I recently read a Christine Brennan article in which Ashley complained that the Russian skaters play the technical game and just go for the points, while American women are more well-rounded and artistic. HUH? Has she seen their spins, their grace, their musicality? Take away Wagner's jumps and what's left?! OK, it may be that I dislike her skating so much (would it kill her to take a ballet lesson?) in part because I dislike her personality so much. I know that a giant ego is necessary in this demanding sport, but she seems incapable of making a single gracious comment about anyone else. Viva Mirai! I still think she was robbed.