Retrospective: The 1988 Olympics

[bardtoob]

I too love Midori but... hmmmmmm...

Let us not forget the second marks were "presentation" marks, not just art marks.

[Vash01]

Let us not forget the second marks were "presentation" marks, not just art marks.

I believe in 1988 they were called Artistic marks (not presentation marks).

[judgejudy27]

I too love Midori but... hmmmmmm...

ok make it 6.0 tech, 5.8 artistic. Even if I had given 6.0 tech, 5.7 artistic, she would still have won the LP over my 2nd place (Manley 5.9 tech, 5.8 artistic).

[Judge Dred]

These would have been my SP and LP placings in Calgary for the ladies event:

SP: 1. Ito 5.9 tech, 5.8 art
2. Thomas 5.8 tech, 5.8 art
3. Kadavy 5.7 tech, 5.9 art
4. Witt 5.6 tech, 5.9 art
5. Manley 5.6 tech, 5.7 art
6. Trenary 5.5 tech, 5.7 art

LP: 1. Ito 6.0 tech, 5.9 art
2. Manley 5.9 tech, 5.8 art
3. Witt 5.7 tech, 5.9 art
4. Trenary 5.6, 5.8 art
5. Thomas 5.6 tech, 5.7 art

If the figures placings remained exactly the same the final results would have been:

Gold- Manley 6.4 factored points
Silver- Witt 6.4 factored points (but Manley wins tiebreaker between them which is higher LP placing)
Bronze- Thomas 7.0 factored points
4th- Ito 7.4 factored points
5th- Trenary 9.4 factored points

Wow I just realized how close the results would have been inspite of the figures and Thomas's bombing the long in this game. Had I placed Thomas over Trenary in the long she would have won the gold in this case. Meanwhile had I placed Thomas below Kadavy in the short, Ito would have won the bronze in this case. I wonder too if Thomas would have done a better LP had she beaten Witt in the SP as she should have, perhaps even by multiple spots as she arguably should have. Had she a somewhat comfortable lead it might have relaxed her more and she would have skated a performance like U.S Nationals and in that case easily won? Maybe just wishful thinking.

As for Manley her whole attitude in her book was a major turn off. I was a fan of her until then, but insantly became a non fan after getting about halfway through her book. She also whines endlessly about her relationship with Scott Gross and what a terrible person and boyfriend he was to her, blah blah, yet she stayed with him for many years. I am sure he was probably no saint, but I feel sorry for him, whoever he is, as I suspect he is being painted with an unfair brush, as she probably gave those stories a slant on reality like she seems to have given everything a slant on reality based on her book.

Kat won this comfortably and the Judges got it right (1st in the SP, 2nd in the LP behind Liz M). The AI marks your giving Midori way too high. 5.9 (same as Kat) - no way.

All I would change is that Jill T should have got the bronze instead of Debi T

[judgejudy27]

Kat won this comfortably and the Judges got it right (1st in the SP, 2nd in the LP behind Liz M). The AI marks your giving Midori way too high. 5.9 (same as Kat) - no way.

All I would change is that Jill T should have got the bronze instead of Debi T

If you feel Witt deserved her gold that is fine, there is definitely a case she did as both she and Manley were overmarked so they balance out, and it is virtually impossible for even those who feel Ito had the best free skating to say she should have won with her low figures placing. However she did not win it comfortably. Had 1 more judge place Manley above Thomas in the SP, or 2 more judges placed Witt below Ito in the LP, she would have lost. Probably had she not had the bobble on the opening jump combination or her camel spin, she would have placed 2nd in the SP and thus beaten Witt overall. Had Thomas done any of her previous seasons LPs, she would have won for sure. Winning gold by placing 3rd in figures, and a distant 2nd and nearly 3rd in the LP is not winning it comfortably.

You may think my artistic marks for Ito are too high, but I dont know how anyone can conclude Witt's SP deserved 1st place over any Ito, Thomas, and Kadavy's programs which appeared visibly superior in almost every conceivable way, especialy the jump combination where she did the easiest of all and still landed it the shakiest, and her overall elements which is the most important thing about the short program were definitely not the best. To each their own.

[Marco]

Kat won this comfortably and the Judges got it right (1st in the SP, 2nd in the LP behind Liz M). The AI marks your giving Midori way too high. 5.9 (same as Kat) - no way.

All I would change is that Jill T should have got the bronze instead of Debi T

Well Witt had amazing musicality, interpretation and polish / maturity in everything but that's not all in the A.I. score. She wasn't particularly fast, her ice coverage was mediocre, her program was choreographically simplistic, and her positions were unattractive. I wouldn't have given her anything above a 5.8 on A.I. no matter how Carmen she was.

And really, Trenary had no business being anywhere near the podium given how she skated.

[Alex Forrest]

Well Witt had amazing musicality, interpretation and polish / maturity in everything but that's not all in the A.I. score. She wasn't particularly fast, her ice coverage was mediocre, her program was choreographically simplistic, and her positions were unattractive. I wouldn't have given her anything above a 5.8 on A.I. no matter how Carmen she was.

And really, Trenary had no business being anywhere near the podium given how she skated.

Witt was incredibly musical, and really, her Carmen is iconic. I just wish her technical merit would have been lowered to account for the Manleys and Itos who were way above and with Ito light years above her. But the 80s were a different era, once you established a pecking order it was there to stay. Witt the favorite with outside chance of Thomas to beat her. So Witt got the favorite marks, which were clearly evident after figures. Her LP I'd give 5.6/5.9 tops. Ito 6.0/5.7, and maybe Manley 5.9/5.8, so Ito would have won based on the technical mark which was the tie-breaker at the time.

I've always wondered if Ito's figures were really THAT bad in Calgary or if she just did not have any backing. I know she bombed a figure in 1990 to put her behind Treachary. Didn't the ordinals go down that if she was ninth instead of tenth in figures she would have beaten Jill at 1990 Worlds? Jill was damn lucky to get that 90 championship after that abysmal SP.

[aliceanne]

I actually incorporated it whilst proof reading everything checking for errors (hence, its in there now). As the proof reading and amendments took me around half an hour, you got your post in first whilst I was making the amendments. Apologies, for the original omission. I had originally intended to include it, but during the original write up, it completely slipped my mind on account of the amount of time it took me to put the piece together. It's not always possible with a task this size, to get it perfect first time.

I thought I read in an FSU thread that Heiko Fisher (9thin the men's competition) also died at a young age?

[aliceanne]

Battle of the Brians - so close. No wonder Orser is still bitter.

If I were Orser I would be more upset about coming in second at the 1984 Olympics. He won both of the freeskating programs and even Scott admits he didn't skate well in the long.

[Alex Forrest]

If I were Orser I would be more upset about coming in second at the 1984 Olympics. He won both of the freeskating programs and even Scott admits he didn't skate well in the long.

Agree 100% Aliceanne (pretty name btw). Orser should have probably won 1984, but at that time no one was usurping Hamilton. Out of the question.

I just don't know how Orser could be bitter about 88. He didn't skate up to the level needed. It's not like he matched Boitano jump for jump and came out the loser. He did much much less than Boitano. He absolutely needed that second 3axel to make ANY case for first in the LP. He didn't. I can't imagine him being bitter about the result. It was fair. I can imagine him being mad at himself for not going for that second axel, but that is sport, and he was seasoned enough to know better. I wasn't a Boitano lover or even liker at that time, I much preferred Orser and Fadeev. But you really can't argue what Boitano did. It's sport. He won, and deservedly so based on the programs.

[Marco]

I just don't know how Orser could be bitter about 88. He didn't skate up to the level needed. It's not like he matched Boitano jump for jump and came out the loser. He did much much less than Boitano. He absolutely needed that second 3axel to make ANY case for first in the LP. He didn't. I can't imagine him being bitter about the result. It was fair. I can imagine him being mad at himself for not going for that second axel, but that is sport, and he was seasoned enough to know better. I wasn't a Boitano lover or even liker at that time, I much preferred Orser and Fadeev. But you really can't argue what Boitano did. It's sport. He won, and deservedly so based on the programs.

The weird music and arms didn't help. I guess it's true that you need grand or at least serious music to win the Olympics.

[judgejudy27]

In his book Orser said when he didnt win in 88 and it was so close, what he became most bitter about in that moment was not winning in 84 which he feels he should have.

[Maofan7]

I thought I read in an FSU thread that Heiko Fisher (9thin the men's competition) also died at a young age?

Your absolutely correct. He died just 18 months after the 1988 Olympics on the 21st November 1989. He collapsed whilst playing Squash and passed away later in hospital. The official cause of death was Myocarditis which is an inflammation of the heart muscle, something which is usually caused by a virus.

The Heiko Fischer Trophy was set up in his memory and is contested every February

[judgejudy27]

Witt was incredibly musical, and really, her Carmen is iconic. I just wish her technical merit would have been lowered to account for the Manleys and Itos who were way above and with Ito light years above her. But the 80s were a different era, once you established a pecking order it was there to stay. Witt the favorite with outside chance of Thomas to beat her. So Witt got the favorite marks, which were clearly evident after figures. Her LP I'd give 5.6/5.9 tops. Ito 6.0/5.7, and maybe Manley 5.9/5.8, so Ito would have won based on the technical mark which was the tie-breaker at the time.

I've always wondered if Ito's figures were really THAT bad in Calgary or if she just did not have any backing. I know she bombed a figure in 1990 to put her behind Treachary. Didn't the ordinals go down that if she was ninth instead of tenth in figures she would have beaten Jill at 1990 Worlds? Jill was damn lucky to get that 90 championship after that abysmal SP.

The figures field in Calgary was very strong. People like Trenary and Leistner were only 5th and 6th in figures and Ito even with her best figures would be nowhere near as good as them. So her 10th was probably legitimate. Apparently she improved her figures alot for the 89 Worlds, it was a weaker field, and she still only came 6th in them.

I guess another way to put it is she did not come from a strong enough federation or yet have enough name or backing behind her to get the huge gift and inflation Witt probably got in figures to be 3rd. People like Trenary and Kadavy also didnt get that help as all the U.S support was for Debi at that event.

[bardtoob]

^ Both Kadavy and Trenary were Fassi skaters, so they had all the support they needed. I have actually heard that Kadavy pulled out because she was going to be used a la Biellmann in 1980 to flip the ordinals to favor Witt over Thomas if they both skated clean. Mueller miscalculated in that Fassi got no benefit from letting Witt win but did win favor with the USFSA by clearing the way for Thomas, but it ultimately did not matter because Thomas did not skate clean.

[judgejudy27]

if Kadavy had so much support why did she place only 5th in the short when she clearly should have been top 3, and behind such an inferior performance as Elizabeth Manley's short program. Trenary tried and landed (albeit a bit shaky) a triple flip combo in the short and was placed only 6th, and even though she was known for her strong figures was placed below Witt and Manley. If they were being supported, whoever was doing it did a crummy job.

[Alex Forrest]

^ Both Kadavy and Trenary were Fassi skaters, so they had all the support they needed. I have actually heard that Kadavy pulled out because she was going to be used a la Biellmann in 1980 to flip the ordinals to favor Witt over Thomas if they both skated clean. Mueller miscalculated in that Fassi got no benefit from letting Witt win but did win favor with the USFSA by clearing the way for Thomas, but it ultimately did not matter because Thomas did not skate clean.

Now that's a theory I had never heard before. Kadavy, though exquisite, was just not a good competitor. You could always count on a fall or a couple pops with her. Her bronze in 87 was a great moment for her, but really not expected. I also remember an interview with Diane Rawlinson who stated that even before the Olys, there was talk of Kadavy being ill, and that Tonya as alternate should get ready just in case. (Which is odd, because Jeri Campbell was 4th at Nationals that year, so maybe Diane was just blowing hot air, who knows). Still I don't believe for a minute Kadavy retired from the competition to help Debi Thomas in some convoluted conspiracy theory. She was sick. I'm still amazed she didn't just go out there and skate singles. If I finally made it to the Olympics and had mono/flu, I'd still go out and do the most craptastic version of my program, just to know I competed and placed when I looked back on it. Withdrawing just seems so wimpy, so princessy, so.... Kadavy.

And I have to completely agree with Judge Judy. If Fassi's skaters were well supported, then his supporters were doing a pretty crappy job at it. In fact, it almost seemed like Fassi was being punished that year for unknown reasons. I find it hard to believe Witt or Manley (and even Debi) were better in figures than Kadavy and Trenary. Fassi made his reputation on his ability to teach figures. And then K and T put down clean short programs that contained high difficulty and the judges didn't even seem to notice or care. In retrospect it looked like Fassi was taking a beat-down by the judging panel. I didn't see or feel the Fassi love in 88 quite honestly. Much the opposite.

[bardtoob]

^ You better believe that Debbie was better in figures, because the only one in the World better than her was Ivanova.

As far as the convoluted theory goes, it is just that. I heard it, and it sort of explained why Kadavy didn't at least try in the LP. Like you said, why do so much to get to the Olympics, then only complete 2/3 of the competition.

[Alex Forrest]

^ You better believe that Debbie was better in figures, because the only one in the World better than her was Ivanova.

But was she really? By your logic you are stating that Witt was the third best in the world at figures, and really..... Witt wasn't. I still hold that Kadavy and Trenary were ahead of Witt (and Thomas) at figures, and for some unknown reason (read, POLITIK) were placed well below them. Trenary and Kadavy were known for their good figures, I really don't remember Thomas as being especially 'good' at them until she won 86 Nationals. Anyway, Carlo certainly didn't work his magic that year that he supposedly was able to do in 1980.

As for w/d'ing at the Olympics, I really think it's a crappy thing to do. Bobek was apparently landing NOTHING in training and CHJ got a call in Cleveland to make sure that Tonia was ready to fill in. Yet Bobek still competed and landed only one triple in both the short and long. In some way I respect Bobek for just going out and doing what she could do. She was the third US lady and no one expected anything of her. Bobek lived her entire life to go to the Olympics and when she did she was injured and way off, yet she competed. I would forever dislike the young woman if she had w/d at the last minute. But she didn't and I don't. I completely understand Bobek falling all over the place in her Olympics. She earned it and it was her self-respect on the line and she chose to go out and embarass herself. It really seems odd that an OLYMPIAN like Kadavy would just w/d. You're there, go out and do what you can. I've competed with flu or bad cold and I know how much it alters your physicality and worse, your emotional sharpness. I hardly ever get sick, but when I do I hate myself, my support system, and want to yell at everyone. But if the Olympics were on the line, I'd put on my big girl britches and SKATE. Your anger should at least be enough for a 3toe in the first 30 seconds. Kadavy is obviously not one I admire as a competitor.

Poor Nicole was Honey Boo Boo Child before the term was coined. On a personal note, my mom was raised in extremely poor circumstances, yet she and her brother ended up earning doctorates. Her two sisters are another story. In fact I love those cousins more, because I find them so interesting and without any airs. I get Nicole, and was sorry she got into meth and all that, but I respect her as a survivor. I would not imagine or expect her to w/d while at the Olympics. I just don't get Kadavy. Even Kwan had enough respect to pull out so that Emily Hughes would be able to compete. Kwan was totally gifted that spot and it was odd that Papa Hughes wasn't raring his head to get Emily on the team. Even Kwan's 'tryout' done behind closed doors and not on camera was a farce. One reporter said she fell on a 2axel and missed a couple of other triples, yet was 'solid'. Umm, yeah. It was obvious that Kwan had sponsorships that required her to be at the 2006 Olys and I would think NO ONE was surprised when she took a fall in practice and then blamed that fall for her w/d. At least someone else was able to be on hand (how convenient) to compete instead of her. I just don't understand someone w/d'ing from Olys after it has started.

ETA: Here is a clip of "Honey Boo Boo Child". I must have been out of the loop, because I had no idea about this little firecracker. I was completely missing the reference to HBB and had to look her up. Tell me this is not a young Nicole being pushed by Jana and Aunt Joyce. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9nbhzKaqvA

[dawnie]

I may be imagining this, but I could have sworn that I've seen a video showing Kadavy in bed sick during the LP. Why she agreed to have cameras in her room in her worst moments is beyond me. I also remember reading some tidbits that were way TMI- constant diarrhea, cramps, etc.