Duhamel/Radford update coaching team - no longer with Gauthier

[aftershocks]

This will be good for John as Meghan and Eric are immensely hard workers. Not that he doesn't know anything about hard work given his background and working with Moskvina but they bring a different energy to the mix. I think that this will help the French team. I just don't see the coaches in Florida bringing them in if things wouldn't work. Also, I don't really think that this season the French will challenge Meghan and Eric. Not yet but who knows. It could be that Bruno adds a dimension to what's going on in Florida that helps everyone and vise versa.

Once again, only if D/R and Bruno are willing to add something to the mix for U.S. pairs teams!!! We do know now what John Z's original intentions were for bringing Ingo Steuer in a few seasons ago to help with D/F. Unfortunately, D/F and apparently the parent involved didn't understand John Z's vision.

What the heck are Marissa/Mervin thinking? I already felt that they weren't at the top of the pecking order in Canada under Gauthier/Marcotte. They obviously are talented and simply need better attention and guidance, which I feel they would be in a better position to get under John Z and crew. We need to find out whether C/T are continuing with only Gauthier, or whether Gauthier/Marcotte are going to continue working together with their other teams. The linked article doesn't tell us enough.

Dave Lease made a lot of noise in early May about the top U.S. pairs teams needing to switch to John Z, and we know that Meagan often talks to Dave. Now this switch.

Apparently, many who have posted so far are feeling fairly comfy about this bit of earth-shattering bizness.

 

[aftershocks]

Honestly, if Meagan Duhamel's competitiveness rubs off on them, it'll only do them a world of good. They need to become stronger competitors, Meagan is basically forcing them to become them now. This season is going to be remembered.

James/Cipres have their own coaches and do not need Meagan Duhamel to show them how to be better competitors. But ballyhoo if that's what ends up happening. Especially if D/R can add to J/C solidifying their quad throw. OTOH, I would think that Meagan will have enough on her hands focusing on getting her and Eric back on track in their final season, eh! It was their choreo and music selections which were the major source of D/R's headaches last season, along with some injury issues and strategic problems with their quad throws. It's not just JohnZ, it's JohnK's choreo with Silvia Fontana that has been making waves in Florida. Jeremy Barrett has also been a creative part of the mix for J/C.

I really want to know more about how this was all arranged. JohnZ surely wouldn't agree to it unless he felt it had some benefits in store for him longer term. I certainly can't see John Z and crew doing this unless Meagan and Eric are planning to give something back to the pairs training center John is trying to fully establish. In that case, if Meagan promises to offer some training tips to young U.S. pairs, and Eric is going to compose music for some teams in the future, then that makes better sense, especially with D/R stating this will be their final competitive season. Or, could it be that JohnZ is satisfied with the cache of working with a two-time World championship pairs team? I wonder how Meagan's pitch to JohnZ went...

Let's keep in mind that overall Meagan is making the switch because she now sees something that Vanessa James already saw in John Zimmerman through remembering John's career, and his unique blend of artistry and athleticism. That's why at the end of their rope in attempting to ratchet up their career trajectory, Vanessa placed the call to John last year to ask if she and Morgan could train with John and crew in Florida. And there was a dynamic connection, and the magic began to happen almost immediately. Meanwhile, John Kerr was beginning to make noise and gain notice with his choreo for Sav/Mas during last summer. The rest is history!

This current scenario is somewhat similar to ice dance teams suddenly wanting to beat a path to M-F Dubreuil and crew's door after their exciting success with a different French team! Weaver/Poje have already been working in Florida with John Kerr for new choreo: https://www.instagram.com/p/BTggYJClhr6/?taken-by=vanessa_james_sk8&hl=en

Interestingly, Vanessa's mother is Canadian, and Vanessa trained for a significant part of her early singles career, in the U.S.

The thread title should probably indicate who D/R are switching to because that's the kicker! Few fans are on the board these days.

 

[algonquin]

I think that working with an ice dancer is a very smart move.

 

[aftershocks]

I think that working with an ice dancer is a very smart move.

^^ That's not all D/R will be doing however. If that was all there was to it, no big deal. They would be simply following behind Weav/Po to Florida to get some choreo from John Kerr. Instead what's happening is a complete split from Richard Gauthier and some kind of half-n-half coaching/choreo arrangement with BMarcotte/JohnZ and JMarcotte/JohnK.

Stay tuned.

 

[MAXSwagg]

Very interesting. They should've ditched both Gauthier and Marcotte. Not that any change is going to help their aesthetic and quality...

 

[aftershocks]

I'm in Miami. I really should consider a mini road trip this summer.

Tony, Miami is definitely not far from JohnZ's new rink in Wesley Chapel, Florida (Florida Hospital Center Ice Rink).
http://www.floridahospitalcenterice.com/

You should definitely try to get up there for the fundraiser being put on for Jeremy Barrett's wife, Lucy (to help battle her leukemia). Here's more info from @Sylvia from the Jeremy/Lucy thread:

THIS Saturday: https://www.facebook.com/ChampionsE...069918338305/1918517055026924/?type=3&theater
"The Lucy Fights Leukemia benefit show will start at 4:00 on June 3rd at Florida Hospital Center Ice. Come see some fantastic skating, including a performance by former U.S. Champion Ryan Bradley and appearances by other international competitors! Our all-member social will immediately follow. Join us!"
Rink address: 3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd.
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

Oh wait, no it already happened last Saturday. But well, still go up. They are probably still selling t-shirts and other merchandise as part of the ongoing fundraising effort.

I see, this coming Saturday, June 11, the Lucy benefit show is being held in Fort Collins, CO. Check out @YukiNieve's post in Jeremy/Lucy thread for more details.
https://www.teamjlforever.com
https://vimeo.com/190145903

 

[Karpenko]

James/Cipres have their own coaches and do not need Meagan Duhamel to show them how to be better competitors. But ballyhoo if that's what ends up happening. Especially if D/R can add to J/C solidifying their quad throw. OTOH, I would think that Meagan will have enough on her hands focusing on getting her and Eric back on track in their final season, eh! It was their choreo and music selections which were the major source of D/R's headaches last season, along with some injury issues and strategic problems with their quad throws. It's not just JohnZ, it's JohnK's choreo with Silvia Fontana that has been making waves in Florida. Jeremy Barrett has also been a creative part of the mix for J/C.

I really want to know more about how this was all arranged. JohnZ surely wouldn't agree to it unless he felt it had some benefits in store for him longer term. I certainly can't see John Z and crew doing this unless Meagan and Eric are planning to give something back to the pairs training center John is trying to fully establish. In that case, if Meagan promises to offer some training tips to young U.S. pairs, and Eric is going to compose music for some teams in the future, then that makes better sense, especially with D/R stating this will be their final competitive season. Or, could it be that JohnZ is satisfied with the cache of working with a two-time World championship pairs team? I wonder how Meagan's pitch to JohnZ went...

Let's keep in mind that overall Meagan is making the switch because she now sees something that Vanessa James already saw in John Zimmerman through remembering John's career, and his unique blend of artistry and athleticism. That's why at the end of their rope in attempting to ratchet up their career trajectory, Vanessa placed the call to John last year to ask if she and Morgan could train with John and crew in Florida. And there was a dynamic connection, and the magic began to happen almost immediately. Meanwhile, John Kerr was beginning to make noise and gain notice with his choreo for Sav/Mas during last summer. The rest is history!

This current scenario is somewhat similar to ice dance teams suddenly wanting to beat a path to M-F Dubreuil and crew's door after their exciting success with a different French team! Weaver/Poje have already been working in Florida with John Kerr for new choreo: https://www.instagram.com/p/BTggYJClhr6/?taken-by=vanessa_james_sk8&hl=en

Interestingly, Vanessa's mother is Canadian, and Vanessa trained for a significant part of her early singles career, in the U.S.

The thread title should probably indicate who D/R are switching to because that's the kicker! Few fans are on the board these days.

You took that too personally. I love Vanessa and Morgan, I'll be rooting for them a lot this upcoming season. They had a great year but were somewhat inconsistent. Meagan would be a great influence as a competitor on anybody, whether they need it or not.

 

[hanca]

I am not sure Meagan would be a great influence; Vanessa and Morgan has been great but inconsistent and no matter who they train with as their sparring partners, Vanessa and Morgan are the only ones that can fix their own inconsistency. Nothing Meagan can about it to help them. Saying that, I can't see why anyone would be so upset about another team wanting to share their coach. It is pretty normal in skating - Zueva, Spilband, Orser all have many skaters or teams that compete against each other internationally, so why would it be so shocking or upsetting that someone wants to try Vanessa and Morgan's coaches?

 

[aftershocks]

^^ It's not shocking @hanca that skaters want to check out what JohnZ and JohnK have to offer, nor is it surprising. I expected to see some pairs switching to JohnZ, from the U.S. moreso though. The shocking thing is seeing Meagan and Eric splitting from Richard Gauthier after such a successful run, and in their final season! I am not the only fan here who has expressed surprise at this move, particularly since it involves Meagan taking her husband and sister-in-law with her. And we still haven't heard whether or not Bruno and Richard will continue to work together in coaching their other teams in Montreal.

You took that too personally. I love Vanessa and Morgan, I'll be rooting for them a lot this upcoming season. They had a great year but were somewhat inconsistent. Meagan would be a great influence as a competitor on anybody, whether they need it or not.

I took it passionately, thoughtfully and observantly, not personally. It's not about me. I do like J/C and especially my U.S. pairs teams, but I've been a fan of D/R for a long time. It takes time for this news to settle. And it could turn out okay for all involved. Probably Vanessa & Morgan aren't overly concerned. They've already been working on their new programs. And they obviously had fun watching Kaitlyn and Andrew working with John Kerr, as this beautiful photo attests:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTggYJClhr6/?taken-by=vanessa_james_sk8&hl=en

My response to your comment has little to do with whether or not you like Vanessa & Morgan. Don't take it personally yourself, eh!

Still, this news is unsettling simply because U.S. pairs are the ones who need to be shaking things up and making beneficial moves. I'm tired of seeing U.S. skaters not making sufficient progress and getting the short end of the stick all the time, with a fed that often seems clueless.

Meagan is a tough competitor who likes to win. From all accounts, she and Eric set a great tone in Montreal with the teams there. But this situation in Florida is different. It's not like Meagan needs to come in as the big poobah showing everyone else how things are done, and I'm sure that's not going to be her approach. A sharing and generous attitude will likely be demonstrated by all. But ya know, Meagan is making this move with Eric and Bruno because she wants to be back on top, not because she wants to show J/C how to be more competitive!

 

[Karpenko]

Ok you win. but Meagan has a way of bringing out competitive fire in other people, and it's a fabulous quality to have around in training/competition/life. If I were a pairs skater training as her sparring partner - I'd kick it into high gear! Not that they need it, but they'll be more on their toes. Who wouldn't be really?

 

[aftershocks]

Ok you win. but Meagan has a way of bringing out competitive fire in other people, and it's a fabulous quality to have around in training/competition/life. If I were a pairs skater training as her sparring partner - I'd kick it into high gear! Not that they need it, but they'll be more on their toes. Who wouldn't be really?

Ah now, that's always the mistake, thinking that I'm trying to win something when I'm only sharing my strong reactions and opinions out loud, and people get tetchy and quite often misconstrue because we aren't speaking face-to-face. If you will notice I have never disagreed with Meagan being a positive influence. She is definitely a fighter and an inspiring person. It's that inspirational and determined quality about D/R's skating that first grabbed my heart and got me hooked as a fan. You and I are certainly not in complete opposition in our thinking about Meagan's positive qualities.

What I am emphasizing here is my immediate reaction to this news, and my reluctance to act as if this is about Meagan helping J/C when the move is obviously and understandably chiefly to benefit D/R's own skating and their competitive chances in their final season. Sure and it should be exciting. J/C do not need Meagan, but there's nothing wrong with everyone pushing each other. There does seem to be a certain tendency to have low expectations of J/C though. I don't see anything wrong with J/C's competitiveness. There have been other issues they were having together that were a stumbling block that clearly have been worked out in collaboration with JohnZ and Silvia quite beautifully, with additional input from Jeremy and JohnK.

I am loving this Florida camp, but I was loving John Z with D/F a long time ago, and then that didn't work out for the wrong reasons. JohnZ held fast to his vision and recruited some additional talent (John Kerr) while maintaining his working relationship with his wife Silvia, and with Jeremy Barrett, and voila Vanessa James makes the call last year and everything begins to fall into place for everyone involved, including the important aspect of Kerr's boffo choreo for Sav/Mas and J/C.

Oh, and btw, did you notice this take from another poster: I don't agree, but ...

My guess is that bringing in Zimmermann and Kerr is a defence against the French impinging on their niche in pairs. James and Cipres are very close to clean landings for the throw 3-axel [poster must mean J/C's throw quad], have had better choreo, etc. while having a modern take.

 

[Quadjump]

Interesting. Bummer when one of the coaches is married to the skater - the other is the expendable one no matter what the situation is.

My guess is that bringing in Zimmermann and Kerr is a defence against the French impinging on their niche in pairs. James and Cipres are very close to clean landings for the throw 3-axel, have had better choreo, etc. while having a modern take.

What do you know about the 3ATh?

This element could bring them up to medals.

John Kerr is really making a carreer as a choreographer. This change from D/R is the best praise J/C and S/M could have gotten for their performances. Aljona did brilliant by choosing Kerr as their choreographer last year.

 

[hanca]

^^ It's not shocking @hanca that skaters want to check out what JohnZ and JohnK have to offer, nor is it surprising. I expected to see some pairs switching to JohnZ, from the U.S. moreso though. The shocking thing is seeing Meagan and Eric splitting from Richard Gauthier after such a successful run, and in their final season! I am not the only fan here who has expressed surprise at this move....

I took it passionately, thoughtfully and observantly, not personally.

...

Still, this news is unsettling simply because U.S. pairs are the ones who need to be shaking things up and making beneficial moves.

No, you are right, you may not be the one who expressed surprise, but you are the only one who managed to produce so many long post about this topic that the lenght of your contribution may exceed the contribution of all other posters in this thread.

Yes, I can see that you took it really passionately. (I can't comment on the 'thoughtfully and observantly', I think I would use different words to describe how you took it, but it is a matter of opinion I suppose.)

Despite you producing a number of looooong posts, I am still not getting why is it such an event and so unsettling for you that it raises such a passionate reaction.

 

[arakwafan2006]

Very interesting. They should've ditched both Gauthier and Marcotte. Not that any change is going to help their aesthetic and quality...

How'd it get ignored all
This time anyway? Meghan specifically

 

[algonquin]

^^ That's not all D/R will be doing however. If that was all there was to it, no big deal. They would be simply following behind Weav/Po to Florida to get some choreo from John Kerr. Instead what's happening is a complete split from Richard Gauthier and some kind of half-n-half coaching/choreo arrangement with BMarcotte/JohnZ and JMarcotte/Jo

I read the article Aftershocks, so I know what happened.

 

[allezfred]

Because the U.S. is not North Korea (yet ) the USFSA cannot force any skater to work with a particular coach even if that is what they wanted to do.

 

[DimaToe]

Given how much Team Zimmerman has helped James/Ciprés on polishing their skating I can see why Duhamel wanted to try that out and rightfully so. I usually don't mind actual Marcotte choreography as much as it is her music choices that make my stomach hurt. This is actually the best choice they could've made without rocking the boat TOO much for the Olympic season.


What I find funny is that international pair teams are starting to see the value of John Zimmerman's coaching. So maybe it isn't the U.S pairs coaching that's inadequate?

 

[Karpenko]

How'd it get ignored all
This time anyway? Meghan specifically

It's Meagan. Meagan Duhamel, with an ea after the M. And don't you forget it, her name has appeared on the screen for many years now. She'd probably drop kick you after spelling it the way you do enough times.

I can speak with experience, as I have a sister named Megan who absolutely hates her name being misspelled. She's nowhere near as competitive as Meagan Duhamel, so I can only imagine.

 

[suki]

John Kerr is no longer listed as a coach at the Panthers Rink in FL. Has he moved to the same rink as John Z?

 

[peibeck]

Dave Lease made a lot of noise in early May about the top U.S. pairs teams needing to switch to John Z, and we know that Meagan often talks to Dave. Now this switch.

Please, please, please.... don't stoke the ego of Dave Lease. D/R have been in the skating world long enough that I am sure they can make dramatic decisions like a coaching change without the influence of a minor YouTube channel host.

 

[kwanfan1818]

A stopped clock...

 

[tony]

Eric is also now engaged!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVKq3rEA3mj/?taken-by=ericradford85

 

[aftershocks]

Please, please, please.... don't stoke the ego of Dave Lease. D/R have been in the skating world long enough that I am sure they can make dramatic decisions like a coaching change without the influence of a minor YouTube channel host.

Woohoo, forgive me if I conjured up for you an image of me stroking Dave Lease's excessively large ego! Where's the vomit icon!

LOL

Megsy, I love you darlin' and I dearly adore Eric! Butt, I don't want no upsetting the applecart in any way for hotties Vanessa et Morgan. So, fingers-crossed that this move works out beautifully for all involved. And I want JohnZ, JohnK and crew to steadily build a successful pairs facility that will breed U.S. pairs champions who will be on the podium at Worlds and Olympics, not only just working to help out veteran international pairs champions who already have the chance to go to Worlds every year.

That's the kicker! If you can't get to Worlds consistently, or compete at some major events, there's no chance to improve and gain any momentum. Just look at Shen/Zhao's history and it becomes quite clear how important annual trips to Worlds are. That is partially what the problema has been for Marissa and Mervin. Kirsten and Michael up north have been lucking out with the chance to at least get to 4CCs often and Worlds last year where they took advantage of the opportunity! IMHO, Kirsten/Michael have got nothing on Marissa/Mervin in terms of skills. It's just that Kirsten/Michael have the cache of being a 'more respected' Canadian pair with Kirsten having had great results with a prior partner, and now with being groomed and supported by good coaches and an attentive federation. Of course Mervin had great results at Worlds with a prior partner, but it was under different circumstances and it ended abruptly. Marissa is a former Olympian and U.S. champion, and a great pairs lady and she & Mervin look great together, but no way are they receiving the training priority they deserve.

ETA: I tink we do know that fantastic Meagan at least talks to Dave, altho' likely not to the degree he implies. I'm sure Meagan knows how to make her own decisions, btw, but she's also very open, talkative, questioning and eager to receive information and advice. She's a great lady and a champion role model!

 

[aftershocks]

It's Meagan. Meagan Duhamel, with an ea after the M. And don't you forget it, her name has appeared on the screen for many years now. She'd probably drop kick you after spelling it the way you do enough times.

I can speak with experience, as I have a sister named Megan who absolutely hates her name being misspelled. She's nowhere near as competitive as Meagan Duhamel, so I can only imagine.

Tee hee, it must be the influence of that humongously Googled lady actor who's dating a prince, or something... We all know our Meagan is much more important, if not more famous!

No, you are right, you may not be the one who expressed surprise, but you are the only one who managed to produce so many long post about this topic that the lenght of your contribution may exceed the contribution of all other posters in this thread.

Yes, I can see that you took it really passionately. (I can't comment on the 'thoughtfully and observantly', I think I would use different words to describe how you took it, but it is a matter of opinion I suppose.)

Despite you producing a number of looooong posts, I am still not getting why is it such an event and so unsettling for you that it raises such a passionate reaction.

Oh my @hanca, get in your fisticuffs why don't ya there gal. And with the usual suspects unsurprisingly piling on their 'likes' and their two-cents. I will continue to have my say, when I choose, as I please. No explanations needed either. Just like the roarin' rest of youse clickin' your keypads and sitting in judgment. Ah, but group think ain't my thang.

Tick tock!

 

[AngieNikodinovLove (ANL)]

Eric is also now engaged!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVKq3rEA3mj/?taken-by=ericradford85

YAYYYY!

And they already live together and raise his (their) daughter, correct

Added later: Oh wait a second... in the instagram photo Im like thats not his boyfriend.... When he came out 2 years ago it said he lived with his partner of 4 years and they were raising his daughter and boyfriend name was Norman...

Who is Luis.. and when did they meet and get together?? Man, just when you think you are a know-it-all.........

 

[aftershocks]

^^ It was mentioned sometime ago in an earlier thread (perhaps in Trash Can) that Eric had broken up with his former boyfriend, Normand Piche, and that he later met Luis Fenero, a Spanish ice dancer. I believe Eric's former boyfriend, Piche, is deeply involved with marathon swimming. It was Piche's daughter whom they were formerly raising.

An article on Piche: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/spo...to-swim-five-bodies-of-water/article30025704/
From this article, it's clear that Piche became inspired by Eric and other Canadian athletes during the Sochi, Olympics to craft his own athletic adventure as a marathon swimmer. He had never been a professional athlete before, only a recreational swimmer! What amazing drive. Perhaps Piche's burgeoning obsession is what ultimately led to his break-up with Eric. But it's important to cherish every relationship and experience in life, good and bad. They seem to have had good times together, and both moved on to conquer new uncharted waters...

This must be Piche with his daughter: http://images.lpcdn.ca/641x427/201611/18/1302349-normand-piche-retour-grand-plaisir.jpg

When Eric and Piche were together:
http://www.ontopmag.com/article/20001/Olympian_Eric_Radford_Comes_Out_Gay_Talks_About_His_Family

More info on Luis:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luis_Fenero
https://www.instagram.com/luis_febi/

https://www.instagram.com/ericradford85/

 

[chachacha]

John Kerr is no longer listed as a coach at the Panthers Rink in FL. Has he moved to the same rink as John Z?

He coaches out of the Pines Ice Arena and is not moving to the Same rink as JZ/Jeremy and Silvia but will be working on occasion at the new rink Zimmerman will be coaching. It's about 5-6 hours from Wesley Chapel rink to Pines rink.

 

[victorskid]

Eric is also now engaged!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVKq3rEA3mj/?taken-by=ericradford85

The engagement was in Spain, the country Luis represents in ice dance. He trains in Montreal.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luis_Fenero

 

[firstflight]

YAYYYY!

And they already live together and raise his (their) daughter, correct

Who is Luis.. and when did they meet and get together?? Man, just when you think you are a know-it-all.........

Luis Fenero and Celia Robledo train with the Montreal crew. If S/D and then H/K can't get the clearance to compete in the Olympics, then the spot goes to Luis and Celia.

Here's a couple of photos from a shoot he and Eric did for Fugues magazine:
https://men-of-fs.tumblr.com/post/157076318032/luis-fenero-and-eric-radford
They have a lot of pics together on social media since they've started dating.

 

[skatfan]

Oh, and btw, did you notice this take from another poster: I don't agree, but ...

That was me. Oops, they had the 4-sal throw, right, not the 3-axel. Ah, last season is already lost to the mists of time?