Recuperation time is only a blessing in disguise if a person actually heals. Hanyu admitted to having been on painkillers since the doctor told him he wouldn't heal before Olys. No matter how I look at training with aid of painkillers on unhealed ankle, I can't see how it could not have done more damage than good. (After listening to interviews, some fans have been actually shyly asking themselves whether Hanyu's appearance of being well-rested and relaxed was just his cheer and relief at having made it to the Olys at all or if he was just half-high on meds.)
Right, and I don't disagree with any of the points you made in your post. I would just add that I was speaking more about Nathan's own reflections on his injury and surgery that was related to his bone growth issues. At that point in 2016, it was unclear whether he'd be able to come back strong. So the fact that he came back even stronger and his growth issues were also conquered is fairly amazing. In terms of Hanyu's injury, I haven't followed what's happening to him that closely. So, it's interesting to find out here that he's not necessarily fully healed and that he was approved to take painkillers. That might prove to be in the long run, not such a good thing for his health. But granted, Hanyu is very resilient and a true champion.
His fans may not view it as a 'blessing in disguise' that Hanyu was injured, but I still feel that his injury allowed him to slow down and to take stock, which enabled him to better focus on his ultimate goal for this season. Sure it was unknown about whether he would recover strongly and in time. But I didn't have many doubts. For Hanyu to not have to compete at NHK, GPF, and Japanese Nationals may have disappointed his fans, but it was clearly beneficial to him recovering as best he could, and to working on his mental preparation (as Orser told us), in addition to providing some breathing space. Hanyu is slightly older than Shoma, Nathan, and Boyang. I personally see Hanyu's time off recuperating from his injury as an advantage, no matter the price he had to pay, and that he may still have to pay as a result of his injury. Despite all the obstacles, Hanyu has achieved the goal he set for himself four years ago.
Just to add, Rippon had his fair share of coach swapping and not working things out well with coaches in the past. I think part of it is just growing up.
Yes, but it's different for everyone and it pays not to generalize. Adam was not a frenetic 'coach-swapper' as that term suggests. He ran into problems with Morosov and later with Orser, which simply meant they were not a good fit for him personality-wise. But I'm sure he gained a lot of knowledge from both of them which he surely appreciates.
The experience in Detroit with Yuka & Jason was simply another step on Adam's journey, but in retrospect a stopgap. Still, Yuka & Jason helped Adam in important ways. One of those ways was encouraging Adam to trust his own instincts. Eventually, through his connection with Ashley, Adam ultimately made the move to California (which he took to like a fish to water), and to Raf and a coaching environment in which he has thrived and matured. It would be nice if Adam had found Raf soooner, but life and figure skating is never that simple. It's too often convoluted. Again, this quote comes to mind:
"Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it."
Nathan has also been quoted as saying that if people want artistry, they should watch ice dancing and not men's figure skating.
What is the context please? In response to a prying press query, or something off the top of his head in a fluff piece? If you are not a fan of Nathan's please stop insinuating negativity. Nathan has always been an artist, and a well-rounded skater. He's focused on the jumps because that's how you win in the current environment. He brings a modern, edgy quality to the ice and if he stays healthy physically and mentally, he will continue to be a force to be reckoned with athletically and increasingly artistically.
