earsucker

It wasn't so much that Lysachek won. It's that Plushenko lost. We know now that both men received the same score for artistry, but Plushenko was off in the technical aspects of his program. He was wobbly where Lysachek was steady. Also, Plushenko attempted only one quad and in the beginning of the program. Had he completed a second one in the latter half of the program, when there is an additional bonus for completed elements, he would be wearing the gold medal right now. This proves his point. The quad is the next step in the evolution of figure skating. Lysacheck did not risk enough, where Plushenko did.

To label Takahashi's performance the "I skated and fell show" is just insulting. I've seen Weir fans tear down Takahashi's performance in the past few days, and it's terribly ironic considering their own star, Johnny Weir has been a frequent guest of the "I skated and fell show."

While I understand their ire and disappointment (Johnny did skate really well, and clearly made an emotional connection with the audience), the judging marks are there for everyone to scrutinize. Yes, Johnny had higher technical marks, because he skated cleanly, but when it came to the performance components, Daisuke executed much harder step sequences and had way more flair to his skating. Thus, he was justly awarded the bronze medal. I'm sorry Johnny didnt get a medal despite a captivating performance, and his fans will probably always argue that it was unfair. But the judges were right on this one. An emotionally captivating, even a clean performance doesn't guarantee a medal, you always have to look at how hard the program's content is. Daisuke was tearing that ice apart with his versatile footwork, while Johnny floated beautifully along. Perhaps the audience will identify more with the latter performance, but the judges will award the former the higher marks. Just look at Michelle Kwan and how even though she delivered beautiful, emotionally captivating programs, she lost the gold both times to skaters who skated cleanly to harder content. Anyway, I am very happy Daisuke won the bronze. Those of you who aren't familiar with his former programs probably don't realize just how talented a skater he is. In many ways, he one-ups Johnny Weir in his flamboyance on ice. Johnny, for all his attitude (which I love) off ice, has a very conservative, even introspective artistry when he skates. Daisuke is calm off ice, but really exerts great personality and attitude on the ice. Again, well done Takahashi! If he had done 8 clean triples, I'm sure he would have gotten gold.