There were quite a few sturdy skaters back in Katarina Witt's day, though. I mean, her chief rival was no fragile flower (and also to be admired for being the first woman to compete in trousers--I hate the way the women all feel compelled to flash their crotches). Nowadays, many of them seem to be prepubescent. Hell, the men are boys, too. Can you imagine a 26-year-old skater getting anywhere nowadays?
Nancy Kerrigan was terrible, and if Tonya Harding could have been consistent and weren't a thug, she would easily have beaten her. I remember seeing Harding compete in the Nationals before she was really considered a contender; not much grace, but boy that girl could jump. Kerrigan excelled at nothing.
I miss prequad skating. I miss the days when jumping wasn't everything. I even miss the old judging system, though it used to make me shout at the television in frustration. I trust the new system no more, but now I can't direct my hatred at individual judges.
Have you noticed how poor Dick Button is losing his marbles? I'll be sad when he retires--he's one of the only commentators who speaks intelligently about both technique and artistry--but I hope he leaves before he's completely batty.
