Figure skating has always been the Winter Games’ most anticipated event. Vancouver 2010 is expected to be no different. This year’s competition is shaping up to be the most competitive one yet as both men’s and ladies’ fields are packed with talented skaters. The event is headlined by defending men’s Olympic champion Evgeni Plushenko and reigning ladies’ world champion Kim Yu Na. In this article, I will analyze the competition and offer predictions on which man and woman will be crowned champions of Vancouver 2010 figure skating.
1. Ladies’ figure skating at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics
Prediction: Kim Yu Na wins gold; Rachel Flatt and Mirai Nagasu in fifth and sixth place respectively.
In the last two years, Kim Yu Na has unquestionably been the dominant female skater. It used to be that Kim would wow the audience with her elegant skate, only to come short in the technical elements. This is no longer the case as Kim Yu Na has matured into a complete skater. Not only Kim can display her artistry to perfection, she can now execute difficult jumps with ease.
The improvement is clearly reflected in her results. Kim has had a dominant 2009-2010 season. She won every major figure skating events in 2009 including the World Championship and the Grand Prix final. Most impressively, she also posted the highest score ever for both the short and free skate en route to winning the events. Unless there is a serious injury or a complete breakdown, Kim Yu Na is likely the figure skating queen of Vancouver 2010.
Kim’s biggest threat at the Winter Olympics will be Japan’s Mao Asada. The rivalry between Kim and Mao has been ongoing since they were junior skaters. Asada had the best of Yu Na early in their rivalry, winning the 2005 world junior championship and the 2008 world figure skating title. Since then, the top Japanese female skater has struggled. Nonetheless, Mao Asada is the only skater who has the technical ability to overcome Kim’s artistry.
Asada is never an elegant skater, but she can surely deliver technically. In fact, she is the only female skater in history to have delivered two triple axel jumps in the same program. As triple axels are highly valued in ladies’ figure skating, Asada will have a big edge over Kim if she could deliver them. But the former world champion has not successfully landed her signature jump in competition over the past year. Mao Asada will have to deliver triple axels if she wants to challenge Kim Yu Na for the Vancouver 2010 title.
Other top skaters who could compete for an Olympic medal include Canada’s own Joannie Rochette, former world champion Miki Ando, and U.S. champion Rachel Flatt. As home crowd is very important in figure skating, Rochette appears poised to reap the benefit. The Canadian crowd will be solidly behind the 2009 world silver medalist. If she could deliver a good short program, an Olympic medal is well within reach.
Both Ando and Flatt are very good technically. They will not wow the audience with their presentation, but will surely contend for a medal. If any of the top ladies falters, the two solid skaters are talented enough to produce an upset or two in Vancouver.
2. Men’s figure skating at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics
Prediction: Plushenko wins his second Olympic gold; Lysacek, Oda win silver and bronze
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Evgeni Plushenko is one of the most successful male figure skaters ever, having won an Olympic gold medal and three world titles. After a three-year hiatus, Plushenko returns to the sport just in time for Vancouver 2010. The Russian legend appears to be in fine form. The powerful jumps that helped him win so many major competitions are still there. It is amazing how Plushenko can deliver the quad-the most difficult jump in figure skating-with such ease. Very few skaters in the past year have even attempted a quad; most attempts have been unsuccessful.
While most skaters will only have one quad in their Vancouver 2010 programs, Plushenko is planning at least three. In preparation for the Games, he recently participated in the Russian and European Championships. The reigning Olympic champion dominated both events, posting the highest score ever in the short skate. Look for Plushenko to easily defend his Olympic gold.
The remaining medals are really up for grab. 2009 World Champion Evan Lysacek has been solid all season. Lysacek is the second best technical skater behind Plushenko. If he could land a quad in his long program, Evan has a good shot at winning silver or even a gold medal (if the defending champion unexpectedly falters.) Former world champions Stephane Lambiel and Brian Joubert should also contend. Unfortunately, both champions have struggled with their quads. Without the quad, the two won’t medal in Vancouver 2010.
The Japanese duo of Nobunari Oda and Daisuke Takahashi will be serious medal threats as well. Both skaters are known for their artistry. As they are not very strong technically, Oda and Takahashi will need a high presentation score in order to be competitive. The two are unlikely to win the gold, but a bronze medal is not out of reach. The same applies to U.S. skaters Johnny Weir and Jeremy Abbott. Both are beautiful skaters, but are limited in their technical elements. Each will have to deliver his best performance ever for a shot at Olympic glory.
Vancouver 2010 figure skating promises to be the best Olympic competition yet. The men’s event will commence on February 16, 2010. The ladies’ event will begin a week later on February 23. Best of luck to participating skaters!
