Top 10 Figure Skating Controversies & Scandals
video description
Date: 2023-11-21
Related videos
Comments and reviews: 30
Zsuzsanna
Plushenko should have been happy with the silver in my opinion. There were only a few moments when his choreography had some connection to the music. He had been an amazing jumper before, but in 2010 even his jumps were a bit shaky, so the magic of his skating was gone. The last time I enjoyed a program from him in competition was at the 2006 European Championships. Even though he was ill there, he put 110% into his performance, and his energy just carried the program. To me at the Olympics in the same year it seemed like he knew he would win the gold unless he fell ten times, so the passion wasn't there like a month earlier. In 2010 out of the three medalists the only one who belonged on the podium was Daisuke Takahashi, and even with the fall in the quad, I would have given him the gold. He had the full package: difficult jumps, spins, amazing step sequences, a real relationship with the music from start to finish, a breathtaking performance. Lysacek was technically wonderful, and I don't think a lack of quads should make someone unworthy of the gold medal, but he was so unbelievably boring. An Olympic champion performance should be memorable in an artistic sport like figure skating. Takahashi's Eye and La Strada are unforgettable for both the technical content and even more his artistry.
reply
Plushenko should have been happy with the silver in my opinion. There were only a few moments when his choreography had some connection to the music. He had been an amazing jumper before, but in 2010 even his jumps were a bit shaky, so the magic of his skating was gone. The last time I enjoyed a program from him in competition was at the 2006 European Championships. Even though he was ill there, he put 110% into his performance, and his energy just carried the program. To me at the Olympics in the same year it seemed like he knew he would win the gold unless he fell ten times, so the passion wasn't there like a month earlier. In 2010 out of the three medalists the only one who belonged on the podium was Daisuke Takahashi, and even with the fall in the quad, I would have given him the gold. He had the full package: difficult jumps, spins, amazing step sequences, a real relationship with the music from start to finish, a breathtaking performance. Lysacek was technically wonderful, and I don't think a lack of quads should make someone unworthy of the gold medal, but he was so unbelievably boring. An Olympic champion performance should be memorable in an artistic sport like figure skating. Takahashi's Eye and La Strada are unforgettable for both the technical content and even more his artistry.
reply
ElvisRose
I am so disappointed with how you narrated number one. So your characterization of Nancy Kerrigan as catty juxtaposed against your characterization of Tonya Harding as if shes the real victim and innocent beneficiary of a brutal assault on her toughest competition because Tonya Harding is not the victim.
The victim is Nancy Kerrigan and youre right, this is not an ideal world if you guys at MsMojo actually think that the world not remembering Tonya Harding as the first female to land a triple axel is worse than what was done to Nancy Kerrigan on behalf and I believe, the order of Tonya Harding so she could knock her out of the Olympics.
Nancy Kerrigan is the victim and the hero of the story and although, I find your characterization of her as catty to be disgustingly offensive, at least Nancy cant be accused of kneecapping the first place winner even though Kerrigans remarks about her are understandable since Nancy should have gotten the gold; her performance was legendary.
reply
I am so disappointed with how you narrated number one. So your characterization of Nancy Kerrigan as catty juxtaposed against your characterization of Tonya Harding as if shes the real victim and innocent beneficiary of a brutal assault on her toughest competition because Tonya Harding is not the victim.
The victim is Nancy Kerrigan and youre right, this is not an ideal world if you guys at MsMojo actually think that the world not remembering Tonya Harding as the first female to land a triple axel is worse than what was done to Nancy Kerrigan on behalf and I believe, the order of Tonya Harding so she could knock her out of the Olympics.
Nancy Kerrigan is the victim and the hero of the story and although, I find your characterization of her as catty to be disgustingly offensive, at least Nancy cant be accused of kneecapping the first place winner even though Kerrigans remarks about her are understandable since Nancy should have gotten the gold; her performance was legendary.
reply
Nelli
I'm surprised that the list didn't include it when Surya Bonaly refused to get on the podium after she got only a silver medal in one competition. First it took ages before the judges managed to get her to stand on the podium, then she took her silver medal off right after it was put on her neck and refused to wear it. Very poor sportsmanship there.
The only time I've seen an athlete behave worse than that was when a 100 sprinter refused to accept that he had been disqualified because of a false start. I don't remember his name anymore but he lied down on the track, apparently with the idea that he wouldn't move until he is accepted back into the competition. I think in the end he walked away himself though and didn't have to be carried like a baby who's having a tantrum.
reply
I'm surprised that the list didn't include it when Surya Bonaly refused to get on the podium after she got only a silver medal in one competition. First it took ages before the judges managed to get her to stand on the podium, then she took her silver medal off right after it was put on her neck and refused to wear it. Very poor sportsmanship there.
The only time I've seen an athlete behave worse than that was when a 100 sprinter refused to accept that he had been disqualified because of a false start. I don't remember his name anymore but he lied down on the track, apparently with the idea that he wouldn't move until he is accepted back into the competition. I think in the end he walked away himself though and didn't have to be carried like a baby who's having a tantrum.
reply
T. N.
My mom knew was a competitive figure skater, and Tonya Harding casually; they practiced at the same rink as kids, though a slight age difference meant that they were never in the same classes. Apparently even back then, everybody knew about Tonyas horrific home life, but nobody bothered to do anything, and the cracks in her young psyche were already starting to show. I (obviously) dont condone what she did, but hearing the story from a different perspective makes it more heartbreaking than outraging. I always wonder what Tonya could have accomplished if she had had the love and care she needed; shes still the first woman to land that triple axel, after all! So, so sad.
reply
My mom knew was a competitive figure skater, and Tonya Harding casually; they practiced at the same rink as kids, though a slight age difference meant that they were never in the same classes. Apparently even back then, everybody knew about Tonyas horrific home life, but nobody bothered to do anything, and the cracks in her young psyche were already starting to show. I (obviously) dont condone what she did, but hearing the story from a different perspective makes it more heartbreaking than outraging. I always wonder what Tonya could have accomplished if she had had the love and care she needed; shes still the first woman to land that triple axel, after all! So, so sad.
reply
SonOfAGun1814
she did a backflip on one foot to avoid having points deducted? lol! no sis she did a backflip because she was flopping and had a terrible performance and knew she had no shot at a medal and nothing to lose and it was the only way to get the crowd excited since there was no way to get them excited about her actual 'skating'. she knew it was illegal on 2 feet or 1, it's so sad it's her only claim to fame and the public doesn't understand that her skating was never up to par with the rest.
reply
she did a backflip on one foot to avoid having points deducted? lol! no sis she did a backflip because she was flopping and had a terrible performance and knew she had no shot at a medal and nothing to lose and it was the only way to get the crowd excited since there was no way to get them excited about her actual 'skating'. she knew it was illegal on 2 feet or 1, it's so sad it's her only claim to fame and the public doesn't understand that her skating was never up to par with the rest.
reply
Hope
Lovely little tid bit they love to leave out about the Tonya Harding scandal is Tonya was trying to leave her husband (the one who orchestrated the attack) who was in all ways abusive & the ISU said if she did that she would not go to the Olympics because that wouldn't fit the picture perfect image of a skater. Whilst I don't doubt Tonya had faults, I hate how people act like Nancy was such an angel. Her bad sportsmanship towards oskanna (the gold medalist) shows that!
reply
Lovely little tid bit they love to leave out about the Tonya Harding scandal is Tonya was trying to leave her husband (the one who orchestrated the attack) who was in all ways abusive & the ISU said if she did that she would not go to the Olympics because that wouldn't fit the picture perfect image of a skater. Whilst I don't doubt Tonya had faults, I hate how people act like Nancy was such an angel. Her bad sportsmanship towards oskanna (the gold medalist) shows that!
reply
Scotti
Some of the lesser known rules:
Zayak rule - a skater can do a certain jump a certain of times; for example, the tripe toe jump can only be performed 3 times.
Zagitova rule - in figure skating, if jumps are performed in the second half of the program they get a bonus. Since at the 2018 Olympics, Alina Zagitova backloaded her program to where all of her jumps are in the second half of the program, this rule was implemented so the jumps are more spread out.
reply
Some of the lesser known rules:
Zayak rule - a skater can do a certain jump a certain of times; for example, the tripe toe jump can only be performed 3 times.
Zagitova rule - in figure skating, if jumps are performed in the second half of the program they get a bonus. Since at the 2018 Olympics, Alina Zagitova backloaded her program to where all of her jumps are in the second half of the program, this rule was implemented so the jumps are more spread out.
reply
Bryn
Kristi Yamaguchi winning World and Olympic, and being staggeringly uncelebrated, reportedly because of her Japanese extraction.
The Duschesnays doing a brilliant (cultural appropriation) long routine and short programme and being marked down because ending up lying on the ice was counted as falling down even though it obviously wasn't. Next year, almost every ice dance team were lying on the ice without penalty.
reply
Kristi Yamaguchi winning World and Olympic, and being staggeringly uncelebrated, reportedly because of her Japanese extraction.
The Duschesnays doing a brilliant (cultural appropriation) long routine and short programme and being marked down because ending up lying on the ice was counted as falling down even though it obviously wasn't. Next year, almost every ice dance team were lying on the ice without penalty.
reply
Kristina
USFSA has it in their rules that they have to look at competition history in order to name the Olympic team. They're not going to name someone based on one good competition. They left Ross Miner off the team in 2018 and Ilia Malinin in 2022 despite both winning 2nd. Mirai was having some growing pains and her competition history was erratic before 2014 and came to nationals without a coach which didn't help.
reply
USFSA has it in their rules that they have to look at competition history in order to name the Olympic team. They're not going to name someone based on one good competition. They left Ross Miner off the team in 2018 and Ilia Malinin in 2022 despite both winning 2nd. Mirai was having some growing pains and her competition history was erratic before 2014 and came to nationals without a coach which didn't help.
reply
Chuuu
I feel like Tutberidze-gate deserved at least 2. It brought to light a lot of abusive coaching practices.
Her former student Evgenia Medvedeva has permanent spine injuries that present her from turning a certain way. Yulia Lipnitskaya was praised for disordered eating and had to check in a hospital following retirement. Not to mention all these girls burn out under the age of 20.
reply
I feel like Tutberidze-gate deserved at least 2. It brought to light a lot of abusive coaching practices.
Her former student Evgenia Medvedeva has permanent spine injuries that present her from turning a certain way. Yulia Lipnitskaya was praised for disordered eating and had to check in a hospital following retirement. Not to mention all these girls burn out under the age of 20.
reply
Unfiltered
I think the Valieva doping scandal, combined with team Tutberidze's collective meltdown after the FS, was way worse than the judging scandal of 2002. Not only are we talking about the abuse of teenage girls, but also that scandal resulted in the skaters STILL not having received their medals for the team event. I just feel like ethically this year's scandal was way worse.
reply
I think the Valieva doping scandal, combined with team Tutberidze's collective meltdown after the FS, was way worse than the judging scandal of 2002. Not only are we talking about the abuse of teenage girls, but also that scandal resulted in the skaters STILL not having received their medals for the team event. I just feel like ethically this year's scandal was way worse.
reply
hydrolito
Surya Bonaly won medals people should quit posting falsehood she didn't. She won with teammates World championship in women's tumbling a gold medal in 1988 as gymnast. Women's figure skating singles: Jr. Championship 1989 Bronze, 1990 Silver, 1991 Gold. Worlds Championship Silver 1993, 1994, 1995 European championship Gold 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995. and 1996 silver.
reply
Surya Bonaly won medals people should quit posting falsehood she didn't. She won with teammates World championship in women's tumbling a gold medal in 1988 as gymnast. Women's figure skating singles: Jr. Championship 1989 Bronze, 1990 Silver, 1991 Gold. Worlds Championship Silver 1993, 1994, 1995 European championship Gold 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995. and 1996 silver.
reply
Sabine
Harding and Kerrigan TIRED of that. Kerrigan is NOT the nice girl and victim she portrayed herself to be. (degrading and derogatory remarks for Oksana Baiul because SHE, Kerrigan, did not win the title, bad sportsmanship, etc. .just to name a couple of her lovely character traits) Harding is worse. No love lost for either of them.
reply
Harding and Kerrigan TIRED of that. Kerrigan is NOT the nice girl and victim she portrayed herself to be. (degrading and derogatory remarks for Oksana Baiul because SHE, Kerrigan, did not win the title, bad sportsmanship, etc. .just to name a couple of her lovely character traits) Harding is worse. No love lost for either of them.
reply
Tracy
Team USAs baffling decision there are many other decisions that should be named here. 2018 taking Adam Rippon instead of Ross Minor for starters. Youre pronouncing Nagasu incorrectly. The last laugh that you say Mirai got over Ashley, being the first American woman to land a triple axel, the clip you showed was a double axel.
reply
Team USAs baffling decision there are many other decisions that should be named here. 2018 taking Adam Rippon instead of Ross Minor for starters. Youre pronouncing Nagasu incorrectly. The last laugh that you say Mirai got over Ashley, being the first American woman to land a triple axel, the clip you showed was a double axel.
reply
Hope
Not gonna lie, bit disappointed about how you phrased the 2014 Sochi result! Many ex Olympians & other skaters looked at Sotnikovas score & her performance (which was FULL OF ERRORS) & the execution marks which just didn't match up. You made it sound as though it was just disappointed fans
reply
Not gonna lie, bit disappointed about how you phrased the 2014 Sochi result! Many ex Olympians & other skaters looked at Sotnikovas score & her performance (which was FULL OF ERRORS) & the execution marks which just didn't match up. You made it sound as though it was just disappointed fans
reply
etherealtb
I'm a Mirai fan and it was NOT obvious she should go in 2014. It was Mirai's ONLY good performance the entire year, whereas Ashley had performed well all year. However, Mirai was the right choice over Ashley in 2018, as she had the performances. Right choices made both times!
reply
I'm a Mirai fan and it was NOT obvious she should go in 2014. It was Mirai's ONLY good performance the entire year, whereas Ashley had performed well all year. However, Mirai was the right choice over Ashley in 2018, as she had the performances. Right choices made both times!
reply
Pope
This happened around 2007. Michelle Kwan, Kristi Yamaguchi and Sasha Cohen, due to endorsement deals, were taken to a jewelry store and told that they could have anything that they wanted. The three women, proving what class acts that they are, chose identical watches. Respect.
reply
This happened around 2007. Michelle Kwan, Kristi Yamaguchi and Sasha Cohen, due to endorsement deals, were taken to a jewelry store and told that they could have anything that they wanted. The three women, proving what class acts that they are, chose identical watches. Respect.
reply
Lou
This sport is absolutely disgraceful, and I'm sure many other figure skaters, of any background and position in this 'communuty' can agree that the positions of judges and elitists bleed their malarkey and excuses when rewarding athletes in bias or discrimination.
reply
This sport is absolutely disgraceful, and I'm sure many other figure skaters, of any background and position in this 'communuty' can agree that the positions of judges and elitists bleed their malarkey and excuses when rewarding athletes in bias or discrimination.
reply
Claire
Little bit of a failure with covering the Sochi judging scandal. It wasn't surprising because judging is subjective, it was controversial because Sotnikova was filmed hugging members of the judging panel after the free skate.
reply
Little bit of a failure with covering the Sochi judging scandal. It wasn't surprising because judging is subjective, it was controversial because Sotnikova was filmed hugging members of the judging panel after the free skate.
reply
Kim
The Surya Bonaly situation was just plain racial b. s.: they didn't like that she was black, wasn't delicate and petite and could do things NO ONE ELSE COULD DO. She is one of THE BEST to ever do it, period!
reply
The Surya Bonaly situation was just plain racial b. s.: they didn't like that she was black, wasn't delicate and petite and could do things NO ONE ELSE COULD DO. She is one of THE BEST to ever do it, period!
reply
RedShoes29
Sotnikova winning Gold was weirdly the worst thing that ever happened for her career. She never replicated that same success again and no one really respects her as a gold medalist.
reply
Sotnikova winning Gold was weirdly the worst thing that ever happened for her career. She never replicated that same success again and no one really respects her as a gold medalist.
reply
Ellen
I love the female French skater. I saw her in Detroit before the Olympics. She did a back flip. Debbie Thomas was an African American skater who we hear nothing about. I wonder why.
reply
I love the female French skater. I saw her in Detroit before the Olympics. She did a back flip. Debbie Thomas was an African American skater who we hear nothing about. I wonder why.
reply
keikannachan
pcs scores
zhou's under-rotations
davis/smolkin getting silver over khudaiberdieva/bazin in 2022 rusnats
anything team tutberidze or eteri in general
reply
pcs scores
zhou's under-rotations
davis/smolkin getting silver over khudaiberdieva/bazin in 2022 rusnats
anything team tutberidze or eteri in general
reply
Chelsea
I know that they practiced constantly on ice, but those skaters glide so beautifully and easy. Again, I know that it takes years and years of practice.
reply
I know that they practiced constantly on ice, but those skaters glide so beautifully and easy. Again, I know that it takes years and years of practice.
reply
hydrolito
Midori Ito of Japan was first woman in the world to do a triple axel in competition. Tonya Harding first American woman but 2nd in the world to.
reply
Midori Ito of Japan was first woman in the world to do a triple axel in competition. Tonya Harding first American woman but 2nd in the world to.
reply
fanjoy
Most disgusting thing is that people made a movie about Tonya Harding as she was some kind of a innocent victim. I feel sorry for Nancy.
reply
Most disgusting thing is that people made a movie about Tonya Harding as she was some kind of a innocent victim. I feel sorry for Nancy.
reply
Julie
Surya knew that they would never award her a medal no matter how well she skated. She did her own thing and she has my full respect.
reply
Surya knew that they would never award her a medal no matter how well she skated. She did her own thing and she has my full respect.
reply
luisaloveshoney
I agree with most of the events picked for the list, but the Adelina sotnikova scandal shouldve placed #2!
reply
I agree with most of the events picked for the list, but the Adelina sotnikova scandal shouldve placed #2!
reply
Scarlet
Talks about Mirai landing the 3A (triple axel) at the Olympics, and uses footage of her 2A combination jump. 6: 41
reply
Talks about Mirai landing the 3A (triple axel) at the Olympics, and uses footage of her 2A combination jump. 6: 41
reply
hydrolito
Gender identity never prevented anyone from skating just had to skate as actual gender not made-up nonsense.
reply
Gender identity never prevented anyone from skating just had to skate as actual gender not made-up nonsense.
reply
Add a review, comment
Other channel videos
