Duhamel/Radford retire from competitive skating

[Catherine M]

Before the Olympics, we had an intense discussion of all the strategies for the team event, she could definetely give a run for their money to the most informed posters on FSU She is really the #1 skating fan, and this is what impressed me above all they have done on the ice.

I had a brief twitter exchange with Meagan once about sbs triple loops in pairs skating and she was impressed that I knew that Lyons & Wells did them back in the late 90s as she thought only a skating trivia person like herself knew that. So she really is a historian of the sport and I look forward to her continued involvement. And with her singles experience, she can be a tech specialist in both singles and pairs, giving her even more opportunities.

 

[quartz]

I love and will miss these two terribly, and even though I didn't always care for some of their music choices, I always enjoyed THEM. They never tried to be something they weren't despite much wailing from some that they weren't enough like the Russians and may as well just quit already.
So happy they hung in there, on their terms, and followed their own path, and I loved following them on it.
Meagan is probably the greatest ambassador of her sport and I can't wait to see what she does next.

 

[emilieh]

I remember being surprised to see Meagan at the JGP event in Lake Placid in 2012. The audience was quite small, and I was so surprised when I realized she was sitting behind me. I asked her what she was doing there, and she said it was a short drive and she just wanted to come down and see some of the exciting junior skaters in person, instead of just watching them on Youtube. We gushed about Satoko Miyahara, who won the event.

 

[Twilight1]

I think she would be a great tech coach, a great tech specialist or a judge.

Really she is so smart about the sport and her passion for it just oozes in any interview.

Truly inspiring IMHO.

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

So Im always bewildered at the comments of people who say they were never a fan of their style...

When I think of top Canadian pairs.... Brasseur & Eisler, Sale & Pelletier, Underhill & Martini, Dube & Davison and Duhamel & Radford... to me.. they mostly all have the same style (maybe not Underhill & Martini) ...powerhouses that excel in skating. Not the Russian balletic lines.

To the people who dont care for D&R do they also not care for most other top Canadian pairs?

I love Canadian teams... I like the Russian ballet style too but D&R (and B&E) are top notch teams!!!!!

 

[MAXSwagg]

Just because someone is a certified commentator doesn’t mean their opinion is more legit than others, Trankov had MANY examples to call out yet he picked D/R because he was owned by D/R at 2016 worlds, he could have easily been called out for his partnerships’ lazy as f#ck program layout through his partnership with Tatiana yet few did that, if D/R weren’t direct competitors would he have done that? it’s the same argument with Caseyeswards, the argument isn’t that both parties threw out jabs, it’s that others threw them out first yet people quickly forget that Trankov was the instigator yet they are quick to remember every detail of what Duhamel said or did not say.

Duhamel seeks out critics and then plays the victims because she likes to feel oppressed.

Calling lifts juniorish is not "commenting" It is belittling and off putting. It shows complete and utter classless behaviour for an Olympic champion and WRONG. It is ignorant because their lifts were called level 3 and 4's.

So his OPINION just made him look like a joke and the following year... D&R won again and he landed in 7th.

Sweet justice IMHO.

That is not belittling. Their lift positions were quite poor. That is a fact and no matter how many times she or her fans whine, that won’t change.

And what does that have to do with anything? He and Volosozhar still have two Olympic gold medals. You need to show some respect, and I can’t believe admins here let people get away with borderline defamation.

I also did not appreciate how Duhamel tried to make it seem like she was robbed of scores in 2012-2014 seasons. I actually think she is more unbearable than Jamie Sale, and that is saying something.

She and Eric where very technical albeit in lieu of quality, and definitely worked to improve and did near the end, and that is very commendable, but I for one am glad they are finally done, and I will not apologize for that opinion.

 

[Twilight1]

Actually when his opinion was actually against what the technical specialist called it is hardly a fact.. it is belittling. He didn't like their lifts so he whined about them. She dealt with his crap for 3 YEARS before she finally spoke up and talked smack back. Good for her. I would have went Ashley Wagner on his butt if it had been me.

The fact she held her tongue for 3 years shows a lot of restraint and class compared to him and his coach.

And defamation? HE SAID IT. How is that defamation? It is his own words. He is being held accountable for what he said and frankly, the fact you don't see it is on you.

And who cares if you don't like them.. like she or Sale are losing sleep over you.

 

[millyskate]

Good luck to Megan and Eric. I was really impressed by the LP in Boston, which I was lucky to see live, and remember it as part of the magic set-of-four outstanding clean performances that won the 4 gold medals that year

 

[Alilou]

Duhamel seeks out critics and then plays the victims because she likes to feel oppressed.

Clearly you know nothing about her. She is the polar opposite of a victim. Or oppressed.

 

[MAXSwagg]

Actually when his opinion was actually against what the technical specialist called it is hardly a fact.. it is belittling. He didn't like their lifts so he whined about them. She dealt with his crap for 3 YEARS before she finally spoke up and talked smack back. Good for her. I would have went Ashley Wagner on his butt if it had been me.

The fact she held her tongue for 3 years shows a lot of restraint and class compared to him and his coach.

And defamation? HE SAID IT. How is that defamation? It is his own words. He is being held accountable for what he said and frankly, the fact you don't see it is on you.

And who cares if you don't like them.. like she or Sale are losing sleep over you.

She was crying about it right after he said it, not three years later. And he was critical of her skating, which is what your job is a s a commentator. She turned around and said he was making personal attacks. THAT is a lie. And I don’t care if she’s sleeping or not.

Clearly you know nothing about her. She is the polar opposite of a victim. Or oppressed.

You are correct. She is not a victim nor is she oppressed. She just likes to feel that way and bamboozle people into thinking that.

Just as her fans can express their adoration, I will express my criticism of their skating just the same. And then she also has the nerve to say that goofy comment about Tatiana Tarasova. The gall!

 

[DaveRocks]

When I clicked on this thread, I knew that a certain special poster would be in here spewing their word vomit all over the place. And I fully expect you'll keep trying "bamboozle" people into thinking what you're saying is true. Because you're just that kind of guy. Oh, and btw, you're 100% wrong.

Anyhow, back to what this thread is intended for: congratulations Duhamel and Radford on a stellar career and for always holding your heads high, working your butts off, and for providing so much joy to so many.

 

[IloveFS]

Duhamel seeks out critics and then plays the victims because she likes to feel oppressed.



That is not belittling. Their lift positions were quite poor. That is a fact and no matter how many times she or her fans whine, that won’t change.

And what does that have to do with anything? He and Volosozhar still have two Olympic gold medals. You need to show some respect, and I can’t believe admins here let people get away with borderline defamation.

I also did not appreciate how Duhamel tried to make it seem like she was robbed of scores in 2012-2014 seasons. I actually think she is more unbearable than Jamie Sale, and that is saying something.

She and Eric where very technical albeit in lieu of quality, and definitely worked to improve and did near the end, and that is very commendable, but I for one am glad they are finally done, and I will not apologize for that opinion.

At MAX....Your comments are very offensive to those of us who adore DR. While I don't disagree with your right to express your opinions, why don't you start a different thread so you can spout whatever nonsense you want. DR won two Olympic medals at the 2018 Olympics because of their undeniable skating quality and technical abilities.

 

[Vash01]

I

So Im always bewildered at the comments of people who say they were never a fan of their style...

When I think of top Canadian pairs.... Brasseur & Eisler, Sale & Pelletier, Underhill & Martini, Dube & Davison and Duhamel & Radford... to me.. they mostly all have the same style (maybe not Underhill & Martini) ...powerhouses that excel in skating. Not the Russian balletic lines.

To the people who dont care for D&R do they also not care for most other top Canadian pairs?

I love Canadian teams... I like the Russian ballet style too but D&R (and B&E) are top notch teams!!!!!

I have never been a fan of Any Canadian pair. I could have become one if MT & M had not split after the 2014 Olympics. They had the potential to win me over.

That said, I appreciated Meagan's commitment to good health, and sharing that with others.

Their retirement is not a surprise. IIRC they had announced that the 2018 season would be their last. I was not their fan but what I respected about them was that they usually delivered when they had to, while many other pairs did not. Their quad throws pushed the boundaries of the sport.

Good luck to them in whatever the future brings.

 

[Twilight1]

P.S. Just did a little bit of back research on their lifts...

World's 2012-
D&R- Level 4 is SP, Level 4x2 in LP one Level 3

World's 2013-
D&R- Level 4 in SP, Level 3 x3 in LP

World's 2014-
D&R- Level 4's in both SP & LP for all lifts

World's 2015-
D&R- Level 4 in SP and Level 4x2 in LP plus Level 3

World's 2016-
D&R- Level 4 SP and Level 4x2 in LP plus 1 level 3

His commentating is factually inaccurate. And criticism/ critical of a skater is explaining why a team is "juniorish" in lifts. The problem is he can't and couldn't explain why he felt that way because his "criticism" is unsubstantiated and based on his inaccurate opinion.

The Tech caller called bullshit and so do the stats. Thanks to you I looked it up... the above data disproves his "opinion" and his "criticism" just looks like sour grapes.

But you keep fighting the good fight while we celebrate Radford and Duhamel.

 

[Simone411]

Just saw this thread. I am definitely going to miss Meagan and Eric. To me, they helped make the sport of figure skating worth watching. They showed true sportsmanship and supported their fellow Canadian team members. I wish them both the best and much success wherever their future takes them. They have my deepest respect, and it's been a pleasure seeing them skate through the years.

 

[puglover]

Well, I was and still am a fan and wish them all the best going forward. There is much I admire about what they brought to pair's skating - including -
1. make your own mark - they upped the importance of technical difficulty
2. work on the things you can control - I felt they had close to perfect side by side spins
3. they are both strong jumpers - which is easier on my stomach lining
4. they appeared to both be hard workers - analyzing their programs before they even got off the ice
5. Meagan is super fit and has always been very encouraging for all female skaters to have healthy eating practices
6. Meagan appeared to support the move of MT/M to Montreal when she could, I assume, have put a stop it as it did involve her husband coaching them
and more - they are fun show skaters and I look forward to seeing them live in May.

 

[allezfred]

To the people who dont care for D&R do they also not care for most other top Canadian pairs?

 

[DimaToe]

I say f#ck the haters,just celebrate the career of Duhamel/Radford, by replying to the usual suspects we are just continuing to feed their need for attention.

 

[Twilight1]

 

[Japanfan]

In the interview with Max posted earlier, he claims that both D/R and S/H do a lot of parallel skating, or too much of it.

Did V/T actually do less parallel or side-by-side skating than other pairs? I can't imagine that they would have done, given the requirements of programs and the need to set up jumps and throws. And many pairs do take advantage of opportunities to do pair moves like spread-eagles as choreographic highlights.

 

[DimaToe]

In the interview with Max posted earlier, he claims that both D/R and S/H do a lot of parallel skating, or too much of it.

Did V/T actually do less parallel or side-by-side skating than other pairs? I can't imagine that they would have done, given the requirements of programs and the need to set up jumps and throws. And many pairs do take advantage of opportunities to do pair moves like spread-eagles as choreographic highlights.

IMO V/T’s programs were simplistic when compared to D/R and S/H. V/T had what pairs skating was supposed to be about so by default they got it all when skating anywhere near clean. Yes V/T were the most naturally talented pair when compared to their contemporaries, but they also took the easiest route to success, maybe if they had another coaching team that would not have happened, but the point is that it is pretty much the pot calling the kettle black.

 

[puglover]

It would be nice if this thread could just celebrate the skill, tenacity and positive aspects of two skaters who just announced their retirement.

 

[DimaToe]

You’re right @puglover . D/R were innovators, endlessly determined and contributed a lot to their sport. Cheers to the 2x world champions, 3x Olympic medalists and 7x Canadian champions ?

 

[made_in_canada]

I love and will miss these two terribly, and even though I didn't always care for some of their music choices, I always enjoyed THEM. They never tried to be something they weren't despite much wailing from some that they weren't enough like the Russians and may as well just quit already.
So happy they hung in there, on their terms, and followed their own path, and I loved following them on it.
Meagan is probably the greatest ambassador of her sport and I can't wait to see what she does next.

Well put. I couldn't agree more.

 

[MAXSwagg]

P.S. Just did a little bit of back research on their lifts...

World's 2012-
D&R- Level 4 is SP, Level 4x2 in LP one Level 3

World's 2013-
D&R- Level 4 in SP, Level 3 x3 in LP

World's 2014-
D&R- Level 4's in both SP & LP for all lifts

World's 2015-
D&R- Level 4 in SP and Level 4x2 in LP plus Level 3

World's 2016-
D&R- Level 4 SP and Level 4x2 in LP plus 1 level 3

His commentating is factually inaccurate. And criticism/ critical of a skater is explaining why a team is "juniorish" in lifts. The problem is he can't and couldn't explain why he felt that way because his "criticism" is unsubstantiated and based on his inaccurate opinion.

The Tech caller called bullshit and so do the stats. Thanks to you I looked it up... the above data disproves his "opinion" and his "criticism" just looks like sour grapes.

But you keep fighting the good fight while we celebrate Radford and Duhamel.

Your assessment is incorrect. And aside from the skating, I also don’t like that she’s lied on skaters and suggested others are on drugs. One could easily be suspicious of her “vegan” concoctions she’s taking. Because of these things, why should she get so much adulation? I don’t celebrate that and you’re approval of them is very disrespectful.

 

[misskarne]

Your assessment is incorrect. And aside from the skating, I also don’t like that she’s lied on skaters and suggested others are on drugs. One could easily be suspicious of her “vegan” concoctions she’s taking. Because of these things, why should she get so much adulation? I don’t celebrate that and you’re approval of them is very disrespectful.

Or you could maybe not be an asshole in their retirement thread. I can only imagine how batshit crazy you'd go if someone came into a Hanyu retirement thread and started throwing nasty remarks around.

 

[Twilight1]

Or you could maybe not be an asshole in their retirement thread. I can only imagine how batshit crazy you'd go if someone came into a Hanyu retirement thread and started throwing nasty remarks around.

I already checkmarked it for later because I am a jerk that way.

@MAXSwagg you are in the wrong thread.

Jerksrus is elsewhere --------------------》

 

[kittyjake5]

Wishing Meagan and Eric the best in the future. Excellent skaters and nice people. They will be missed.

 

[dinakt]

It is entirely possible to be a fan of both Trankov and Duhamel. I am. They are both fabulous, and both intense. So, their competitiveness spilled over the strictly ice situations. Boo-hoo.
I will miss Meagan and Eric. His beauty and lines and musicality, her absolute fierceness. She is such a warrior. A warrior and a communicator))
I did not always root for them exclusively, but their highs were spectacular, and they took me for an emotional ride with their best performances.
It was gratifying and heartwarming to see these two be on top of the world, then miss, lose, and then have a spectacular finish to their careers. I thought they were doomed last year, and they proved me wrong with most memorable performances.
Best wishes for the future, Meagan and Eric!

 

[MAXSwagg]

Or you could maybe not be an asshole in their retirement thread. I can only imagine how batshit crazy you'd go if someone came into a Hanyu retirement thread and started throwing nasty remarks around.

Oh, you are really one to talk (especially about going “batshit crazy”). LOL And I would not pay any attention, so feel free to. With all of his accolades, any criticism falls on deaf ears. Many hundreds of thousands of deaf ears. So you and what’s-her-face twilight can criticize away! Lol