Jeremy Abbott announces retirement

[Jeschke]

Not too surprising, but to destroy the hopes of some in here

http://web.icenetwork.com/news/2017/06/21/237596986

First mentioned by @morqet in the #teamtrainwreck thread (if that does not speak for itself )

http://olympics.nbcsports.com/2017/06/22/jeremy-abbott-retire-figure-skating/

 

[TAHbKA]

 

[centerpt1]

My favorite skater ever. He was always one to try something different, and challenge himself each season. He still does that as a pro. (even though his SOI performances were a bit out there for some, it was challenging and new) If there was a pro circuit of competitions, I'm sure he'd be on it.

Retirement was obvious though-he has clinics and shows set through the competitive season. His social media reflects happiness doing the camps clinics, and shows. It looks like he plans to stay in skating.

As a fan, I'll always regret he never did his best at the Olympics, (blasted short programs!). But after being injured in his 2014 short, he went out and skated the Long in great pain, unable to do his planned jumps and at least finished.

 

[Carolla5501]

I think if anyone was holding out hope they were in Fantasyland with Mickey and Minnie.

And I don't think he would have made the 3rd spot. He's not going to get the "gifts" he's gotten in the past after being gone this long. If it's Abbott or Brown for spot 3, the spot goes to Brown. While neither have a reliable quad, Brown is just a better competitor IMHO.

 

[LilJen]

Not really a surprise.

MOST BEAUTIFUL SKATING SKILLS around. Seeing him up close and in person, you can really appreciate the power and efficiency he has on his blades.

 

[skatesindreams]

He will be missed.
Wishing Jeremy continued success and happiness in his post-competitive career; wherever it takes him.

 

[centerpt1]

http://web.icenetwork.com/fans/icetalk

Retirement interview. He talks about what he's doing now, the Retirement Decision, Skating Moms, Family, and what he wants for Skating in the future, and his plans.

(eta He also talks about how he learned the on ice backflip)

 

[Bellanca]

MOST BEAUTIFUL SKATING SKILLS around.

I agree. Jeremy could put on a clinic.

 

[Roux]

But after being injured in his 2014 short, he went out and skated the Long in great pain, unable to do his planned jumps and at least finished.

Second figure skating competition I watched, after Nationals. I really was impressed and gained a lot of respect for him watching that.

 

[LilJen]

I agree. Jeremy could put on a clinic.

And I'm so glad he does!!

 

[sammary]

Thank you, Jeremy for so many wonderful and breathtaking memories. I will watch your skating 20 years from now with a smile on my face and tears of joy.

 

[Barbara Manatee]

Congratulations to Jeremy on a successful career. I don't think it was all he hoped for, but he should be proud nonetheless. Watching him compete was never dull.

 

[julieann]

He'll be missed! It was like he wasn't even skating, more like floating on air

 

[sus2850]

I loved Jetemy's akating and will never forget the first time I saw him skate live, at 2010 worlds, where I was mesmerized (and felt he was undermarked, especially in PCS). I loved his skating skills and the heart he put in his programs. And he was always great to interview, very open, gentle and honest, as you can aöso hear in the podcast linked above. I wish him all the best and lots of job opportunities in the skating world. Plus a great backflip at this weekend's aerial challenge...

 

[arakwafan2006]

Wait... did he think anyone thought he'd even be able to come back?

 

[jenniferlyon]

Abbott said that one of his big goals for the future is helping to grow the sport. He mentioned the possibility of starting a professional competition, a skating tour or even a stage show.

"I have so many ideas -- I just don't have money," Abbott joked. "I'd love to see the directions figure skating can go outside the competitive world."

Now that Disson is no longer producing skating shows, maybe Jeremy could take that baton and run with it. He would need to find sponsors, but I imagine it's do-able.

 

[Spun Silver]

MOST BEAUTIFUL SKATING SKILLS around. Seeing him up close and in person, you can really appreciate the power and efficiency he has on his blades.

Seeing him live two years ago was a revelation. His time for competing has passed, but he is still mesmerizing. I finally understood what the illuminati here mean when they say they could watch him, or Yuka Sato, or Patrick, stroke all day. He did a lot more than that, but his relationship with the ice is profound and exquisite. And what wonderful Nationals performances he gave us!

 

[overedge]

Some of his performances that I was lucky enough to see were among the best skating I have ever seen, period. When he was "on" he had those moments where everything just floated effortlessly. I really appreciated how he would wait for the phrasing in the music and react to that, not to feel like he had to go 10,000 miles an hour and be doing something every nanosecond.

I understand his decision but I will miss those transcendent moments and his superb basic skating skills. Thank you, Jeremy.

 

[skatesindreams]

Some of his performances that I was lucky enough to see were among the best skating I have ever seen, period. When he was "on" he had those moments where everything just floated effortlessly. I really appreciated how he would wait for the phrasing in the music and react to that, not to feel like he had to go 10,000 miles an hour and be doing something every nanosecond.

I understand his decision but I will miss those transcendent moments and his superb basic skating skills. Thank you, Jeremy.

Your post speaks for me.

 

[casken]

I think if anyone was holding out hope they were in Fantasyland with Mickey and Minnie.

Wait... did he think anyone thought he'd even be able to come back?

If people can continue to encourage skaters like Ross Miner and Grant Hochstein to go on, then the idea of Abbott coming back shouldn't have been that absurd.

 

[arakwafan2006]

If people can continue to encourage skaters like Ross Miner and Grant Hochstein to go on, then the idea of Abbott coming back shouldn't have been that absurd.

I feel the same way about them so...

 

[aftershocks]

Well, Jeremy does have an Olympic (team) medal. So many great skaters don't have an Olympic medal of any kind.

Happy life to Jeremy! His best programs are winners! He has the heart of a champion and moves on the ice to-die-for.
Thanks for the memories, Jereamazin'!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oeya_bPe53Y 2012 U.S. Nats sp This program spawned lots of imitations, but none were better than Jeremy's original (likely inspired by his hero, Robin Cousins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7a7sSuPpmcc back in the days when there were options for veterans to compete professionally and the shows were more plentiful) -- Robin & Jeremy, two of the greatest artists on ice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHbADOamI3s 2012 U.S. Nats fp Iconic and inspirational
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ft0kyWtYmkg 2008 GPF fp highest scoring for a U.S. man under COP at that time
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJ4XAcIbRe4 2008 World championships (replacing injured Evan Lysacek)
Going to Worlds was invaluable; Jeremy won his first National championship the following year

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jljuph8ISAQ 2010 U.S. Nats sp
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPS7J9wyaFg 2010 U.S. Nats fp was star-making, but did he peak too soon b/f Vancouver Olympics? BTW, he landed the macho quad, plus 3-axel/3 and 3/3/2 combo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gawOg1JXgfQ 2009 U.S. Nats sp
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zOXG3c64fg 2009 U.S. Nats fp First U.S. championship
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhVENARh1vw 2013 U.S. Nats sp
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jil6EMQnNcA 2011 U.S. Nats sp (sadly U.S. fed was losing interest after his 2010 Olympics sp miscues, though Jeremy was still respected internationally and some of his best programs were yet to come )
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2rPKNcfp-s 4CCs Exhibition 2011 Rhythm of Love
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvIVKrsSpzY 2014 sp Pina (Lilies of the Valley) flawless 4/3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-KwGwqtxec Bring Him Home exhibition 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nfa5B0UzshE 2016 Japan Open
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiXkn2titOw SOI Seattle 2017 In This Shirt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gr0PMlUanRo 2017 JSOI Land of All When did he learn the backflip?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGx9chMeG9M 2017 JSOI Bridge Over Troubled Water
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LEQfMBrEQ4 2015 US exhibition Dear Lord (His final Nationals)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya4AX5BOBT0 2015 Sendai THE ICE How Will I Know?

http://www.wakigedanshi.net/images2014/110196.jpg Nice tatoos! Cool bod too

 

[Josh78]

So many programs that I will always remember, for the emotional journey they took me on and for the mastery of the blade and body control they exhibited -- His presence on the competitive side of the sport will be missed, but I really do hope that he's able to resurrect the professional side of the sport - he has the imagination, passion, and creativity to develop whatever he wants -- GET ON BOARD SPONSORS!

 

[Vash01]

Not surprising. I will miss him though.

 

[DimaToe]

I hope the polish of his skating continues in future generations. It was beyond just having good edges, the way he moved always using his entire body (silky and dynamic is the best way I can sum it up) made me greatly appreciate his skating. Looking back at his competitive results though for a late blooming bag of nerves he did have a good career. Top 5 at worlds twice, 2 4cc medals, 4 national titles, a GPF title and an Olympic team medal isn't exactly the definition of underachievement

Either way I still believe he has a lot a of creativity to contribute to skating so I hope current competitors work with him.

 

[paskatefan]

Not surprised by the announcement, but I am glad that he will stay involved with the sport. Thank you for your many beautiful programs through the years, Jeremy. I see a bright future in choreography for you!

 

[kittyjake5]

Love Jeremy's skating, thank goodness for youtube! He is one of the nicest guys in the business. Jeremy has many
talents in this sport and I hope that he can realize his dreams!

 

[pETEs (Sasha Fan)]

Finally. Good luck on his professional career and out-of-rink life.

 

[leigh466]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya4AX5BOBT0 2015 Sendai THE ICE How Will I Know?

Oh my Goodness! Just spine-tinglingly stunning! Thanks for posting!
Reminds me of when I first fell in love with Jeremy. I said, "When I look at him I think, "funny-looking Irish kid," but when he starts to 'dance' on the ice, I fall in love."

 

[aftershocks]

Jeremy on IceTalk podcast:
"... People don't have to miss my skating. I will still be around until I cannot stand."

Who is Jeremy's agent? Contact information?