(Untitled)

[itsabouttimedc]

US Pairs figure skaters Rena Inoue and John Baldwin landed the first ever throw triple axel in Olympic competition today.  It's Olympic history, but judging from the crowd reaction, it doesn't seem like most of them realize what they've just seen.  OK - yes I'm a figure skating geek.  Just one of my OGTs (Obviously Gay Traits). 

Comments

[gaycrow]

Have you heard of John Barrowman? He plays Captain Jack in the new series of Dr. Who (I'm not sure if I've mentioned him to you before). He's a singer as well, and was in Delovely. He's one of the few openly gay performers, and is very popular with the ladies. ;)

Anyway, over in the UK there's a programme called Skating with the Stars, and John was one of the stars. He was doing really well, too, and I was pleased that people were posting links to video clips, because I don't think we'll ever see it here in Oz, and I love ice skating/dancing.

Big controversy last week, because John and his skating partner were eliminated, even though they've been the best couple by far up until now.

If you're interested, pop over to barrowmanfans and have a look at some of the clips.

Our Olympic coverage doesn't start until tonight, and I'm looking forward to seeing the skating.

[gaycrow]

I'm watching it now, and our Aussie commentator was very impressed with that triple axel throw. The audience cheered, but since it's an international audience, maybe they were being a bit parochial in not going over the top.

I'm really enjoying it - the costumes are gorgeous and the skaters are fantastic. So far I think the third Chinese couple (the Zhangs? the girl with the dyed hair) are best, and currently ther're in top position.

[itsabouttimedc]

The commentators here were very excited as well. I guess I knew they were going to attempt it (they landed it at the US Nationals), but I guess they don't have enough of an international reputation for them to be on the average person's radar.

[itsabouttimedc]

I'm not familar with Barrowman. He's an actor? I'll have to check him out.

Over here in the States, we also have a version of Skating with the Stars but with different celebrities and skaters than the UK version.

[marvelboy74]

Grace, don't leave me here with these ice freaks! ;-)

[itsabouttimedc]

Oh you know you love it!

[pebbles_patio]

MeDC, you are such a fag. It's one of your most endearing qualities though. =) Remember to save a night for me week after next...we's going out. ;)

xxoxo,
pebs

[itsabouttimedc]

I definitely will! Of course you realize that now we have to arrange my schedule around Olympic coverage.

[itsabouttimedc]

I didn't think she had a realistic shot at the gold this time around. The new scoring system rewards points for the more difficult jumps that the younger skaters have no problem doing (such as triple-triple combinations) but have always been challenges for Kwan, and seems to downplay reputation moreso than in the past. Both Lipinski and Hughes, the last two women's gold medalists each executed a triple-triple jump in their long programs en route to winning while Kwan has only managed to land triple-doubles in Olympic competition. At these Olympics, we should expect to see even more outrageous combos - triple-triple-doubles, perhaps a triple axel (technically a 3 1/2 turn jump with a forward takeoff which only a handful of women have ever landed this in competition) by Kimmie Meisner, and maybe even the first quad by a woman.

At this point though it doesn't really matter anymore. She has officially withdrawn from the Olympics due to another injury she has sustained during a practice skate yesterday. Poor girl.