{"id":6890,"date":"2025-03-05T09:47:47","date_gmt":"2025-03-05T08:47:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/?p=6890"},"modified":"2025-03-05T09:47:47","modified_gmt":"2025-03-05T08:47:47","slug":"figure-skating-im-more-suited-for-the-olympics-chapter-169-the-highest-and-lowest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/2025\/03\/05\/figure-skating-im-more-suited-for-the-olympics-chapter-169-the-highest-and-lowest\/","title":{"rendered":"Figure Skating: I’m More Suited for the Olympics – Chapter 169 – The Highest and Lowest"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

The Russian pianist Lochter’s version of Rachmaninoff\u2019s Piano Concerto No. 2 was considered the most powerful version of the piece throughout history. It was said that music from the \u201cwarrior nation\u201d was best interpreted by one of their own, and if the performer was also from this warrior nation, it was like adding three layers of buffs.<\/p>\r\n

Zhang Jue stared at Ilya on the ice in shock: “He can match so well with classical music?”<\/p>\r\n

Although it was always said that people from the Mao family had incredibly strong artistic genes, this was simply astonishing.<\/p>\r\n

Ilya, who had been highly anticipated since his days in the junior group, repeatedly failed to meet expectations after moving up, due to immature expressive skills, struggling to find his performance style, and technical mistakes. Not only was he overshadowed by Zhang Jue, who was two years younger, but he also couldn\u2019t defeat Hayato Teraoka, who didn\u2019t have the same nationality advantage.<\/p>\r\n

Despite the early hype that he would be a strong contender for Olympic gold, with many skating fans even playfully calling him the “Russian Crown Prince,” the reality was that the day of his coronation seemed far away. He remained under the shadow of an \u201cuncrowned king,\u201d while the Japanese \u201cprince\u201d eyed his position hungrily<\/p>\r\n

It seemed quite tragic when you thought about it. Some people even said that of the \u201cThree Musketeers,\u201d the Russian prince was the most disappointing. The Russian Skating Federation judges practically fed him points, but he always fell just short. In contrast, the “little crocodile,” who had no such support from the judges, stood out as an inspiring underdog who had built half an empire with his own efforts.<\/p>\r\n

The one speaking was Huang Ying, and Zhang Jue, who was listening, thought to himself that Ilya’s journey really was inspiring. Wasn\u2019t his own current success built entirely by himself as well?<\/p>\r\n

\u201cYou pair skaters at least have veterans like Jin Meng and Yao Lan as your predecessors, with Sun Qian as the head coach of the national team and your coach being a former world champion. But for me, a men’s singles skater from China, who had to channel decades of spiritual energy just to draw a legendary card, it\u2019s really all on me, isn’t it?”<\/p>\r\n

Huang Ying stared at him with a jealous look: “But you have such an amazing coaching team.”<\/p>\r\n

Coach Lu, who specialized in basics like skating and spinning, and was good at fixing technical flaws, Coach Shen for jumps, and Coach Zhang for strength and performance\u2014these three formed the Iron Triangle of men\u2019s singles skating in the country. The training plans they created for Zhang Jue, along with their shared insights, were used as models for other coaches.<\/p>\r\n

Especially Coach Zhang, whose precision in making training plans was the best Huang Ying had ever seen. This entire group revolved around Zhang Jue as the core. Who else received this kind of treatment?<\/p>\r\n

“Oh, and you also have a nutritionist with a PhD who\u2019s willing to follow you to the national team,” Huang Ying added.<\/p>\r\n

Zhang Jue coughed, propping his chin on his hands. \u201cNow that you mention it, Director Sun did say that when the off-season comes, they\u2019re going to invite a physical training expert from Springfield College to come and teach our team.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

Apparently, it cost a lot of money, so hopefully it would be worth it.<\/p>\r\n

The main issue was that Zhang Juebao had been talking about going abroad for further studies, but since the Japanese Skating Federation would be coming over to exchange ideas with them this year, he couldn\u2019t go. Coach Shen had already studied in Japan, and Coach Lu, at seventy-three years old, could hardly travel. So, they had to invite someone over instead.<\/p>\r\n

After finishing his final stretch, Zhang Jue got up and landed a 3A jump on dry land. With his current strength, both his takeoff and landing were packed with the explosive power of a little cannonball. Guan Lin whistled at the sight of his leg muscles.<\/p>\r\n

\u201cWow, that\u2019s some serious height!\u201d<\/p>\r\n

Huang Ying rested her chin in her hands and remarked: “He\u2019s got the strength, and having ample power allows him to make his jumps look even lighter and easier.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

Watching Zhang Jue complete his quadruple jump with ease, many would mistakenly think that quads were simple. But in reality, without years of fundamental training, even after a full day of practice, most people could only manage triple jumps.<\/p>\r\n

There were only 12 male skaters worldwide who could consistently land quads, and they were all podium contenders in the Grand Prix events. Aside from the \u201cThree Musketeers,\u201d whether others could even make it to the final depended on their current form and nationality advantages.<\/p>\r\n

When the second-to-last group finished, Ilya was in first place overall. Before the final group took the ice, the arena staff would resurface the ice. Since Zhang Jue was the last skater to perform in the final group, he had plenty of time to change into his costume.<\/p>\r\n

Earlier, for his Moulin Rouge performance, he had used temporary hair dye and even curled his hair. While the color had now returned to normal, his curls hadn\u2019t straightened yet, giving him a more exotic appearance when paired with his costume.<\/p>\r\n

Zhang Jue smoothed down his curly bangs and said: “Well, the most handsome man in the arena is about to take the stage.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

It\u2019s often said that when men realize they\u2019re handsome and start showing off, they run the risk of becoming overbearing. But since everyone had seen Zhang Jue puff out his belly so many times when he was younger, when he flashed this little proud expression, it was as if a cute cartoon image of a crocodile puffing out its belly appeared behind him, with the background music of “Sappy Sappy” playing in the background.<\/p>\r\n

It was kind of magical.<\/p>\r\n

Shen Liu couldn\u2019t help but sigh. \u201cYou know, kid, you\u2019re more like Narcissus than the Prince of the Ocean.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

Zhang Jue replied: “But I\u2019m not narcissistic.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

He was just stating facts.<\/p>\r\n

Shen Liu was speechless. \u201c\u2026Okay, okay, you\u2019re just overly confident.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

The short program rankings were as follows:<\/p>\r\n

Zhang Jue: 115.3<\/p>\r\n

Hayato Teraoka: 107.65<\/p>\r\n

Sergey: 104.55<\/p>\r\n

David: 102.8<\/p>\r\n

Kelsen: 100.8<\/p>\r\n

Jin Zixuan: 99.6<\/p>\r\n

Out of the six skaters, five scored over 100, and there was even a new world record. This year\u2019s World Championships truly lived up to its reputation as a battleground.<\/p>\r\n

Oh, and yes, people weren\u2019t mistaken\u2014Brother Jin had a breakout performance in the short program!<\/p>\r\n

He landed a 4S, a 4T+3T, and a 3A, barely scraping into the final group for the free skate. As a result, he became the third China men\u2019s singles skater to make it into the final group of the free skate at the World Championships, following Shen Liu and Zhang Jue.<\/p>\r\n

When people saw this result, they were stunned. Was this really Brother Jin? Was he actually on his game today?!<\/p>\r\n

After years of performing like an \u201cice broadcast calisthenics\u201d skater, Jin Zixuan, reflecting on his struggles, took Zhang Juebao\u2019s advice and enrolled in a Latin dance class at a dance studio. The instructor was reportedly an old university friend of the head coach, a campus heartthrob from the dance department at some arts academy who had won a gold medal in Blackpool. Other than the high tuition fees, there was no downside.<\/p>\r\n

Jin worked hard. He could only afford four hours of classes a week, but he spent over eight hours each week practicing in the studio. Now, his posture during skating had visibly improved, and his performance scores were rising accordingly.<\/p>\r\n

The prerequisite for better-looking movements was hard work. Having gone through this struggle, Jin Zixuan now looked at Zhang Jue\u2019s graceful skating with admiration, often exclaiming: “How much hardship did he go through to achieve this level?\u201d<\/p>\r\n

Jin was the first to perform in the free skate, to the Latin classic Sway. Some of his longtime fans whispered among themselves.<\/p>\r\n

\u201cIf he went all out in the short program, he might collapse in the free skate.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

\u201cYeah, he always crashes in either the short program or the free skate.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a shame, though. He\u2019s improved so much this year. His jumps are much more stable. Ever since Coach Zhang joined the national team, both the senior and junior men\u2019s singles divisions have been making progress. He was stuck in the provincial team for so long\u2014it was such a waste.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

\u201cAbsolutely.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

As the music for Sway began, the first half was mostly set to a normal tempo, allowing Jin to complete most of his jumps. When the music sped up in the second half, he shifted to footwork and spins, finishing the program with a 3A.<\/p>\r\n

He performed three quadruple jumps in his program: two 4Ts and one 4S that landed slightly off. Although the landing wasn\u2019t perfect, the young man held on and didn\u2019t fall!<\/p>\r\n

Jin Zixuan, 20 years old, the second brother of China men\u2019s singles, famous for his \u201cwindmill\u201d moves, successfully cleaned up his short program and didn\u2019t falter in his free skate either! When everyone thought he wouldn\u2019t make it this year, he proved them wrong twice at the most important World Championships!<\/p>\r\n

When the young man came off the ice, he was crying while putting on his jacket, then wiped his face, posed with a heart for the camera, and flashed a big grin, showing off all twelve of his teeth.<\/p>\r\n

Zhang Jue watched his reaction and couldn\u2019t help but say: “This is too exaggerated.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

Shen Liu and Zhang Juebao shook their heads in unison. \u201cNot exaggerated.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

Despite having solid skills, Jin Zixuan had been held back for years due to unstable performances and expression, but this time, he finally broke through. Of course, it was worth celebrating. However, Zhang Jue, who had been shining since his youth years, couldn\u2019t fully understand Jin Zixuan\u2019s excitement.<\/p>\r\n

Zhang Juebao thought to himself: “What a pity. Little Jin doesn\u2019t have a high-level quadruple jump. With the three swordmen all working on higher-level quads, even though Little Jin has improved his expression, he\u2019ll still struggle to compete with them. But it\u2019s still a good thing that China now has another contender for medals at Four Continents.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

Sun Qian thought more about the future. If Zhang Jue were to have more injuries, they could limit his appearances in less important events and save him for key competitions. In necessary times, like in the Olympic team event, Jin Zixuan and Cha Hanbuhua could step in to relieve him, allowing Zhang Jue to focus on singles.<\/p>\r\n

Having more options for lineup changes offered a good benefit. Even if the ace\u2019s performance might shorten with age or wear and tear from training, Sun Qian could still adjust and plan accordingly.<\/p>\r\n

If there was any regret about Jin Zixuan\u2019s performance, it was his costume and his outfit, which were almost identical to the fall clothes. According to Huang Ying, Jin Zixuan would look ten times better if he lowered the collar, changed it to a more figure-flattering style, added some shiny rhinestones and beads, and maybe used some hair gel or concealer for any blemishes.<\/p>\r\n

Yes, too bad Jin Zixuan didn\u2019t wear earrings, or else Huang Ying would have suggested that too.<\/p>\r\n

Guan Lin commented: “Not everyone is like Zhang Jue with crow-like aesthetics, wanting to make themselves all sparkly.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

Zhang Jue, who was being criticized, sneezed.<\/p>\r\n

Kelsen, who performed after Jin Zixuan, also only did two low-level quadruple jumps, but his skating was very strong. If he swapped to ice dance shoes, he could compete with top-level ice dancers. As of now, he was one of the few male skaters whose footwork would always score a level 4 in every competition.<\/p>\r\n

However, after Ilya exploded with a 305.9 total score, neither Jin Zixuan nor Kelsen managed to surpass him. Among them, Kelsen\u2019s score was still behind Alexis. After David\u2019s performance, Kelsen\u2019s free skate score was slightly lower than Alexis\u2019s, but his advantage in the short program allowed him to surpass Alexis in total score.<\/p>\r\n

After Sergey performed, the top score once again belonged to Sergey.<\/p>\r\n

This veteran, who was the oldest in the final group, was nearing the end of his career. He had often struggled in key competitions due to various reasons, but in this one, with two low-level quads\u20144T and 4S, which he had only recently perfected\u2014he managed to score higher than Ilya, even with four quadruple jumps.<\/p>\r\n

Sergey\u2019s free skate was to the Latin song \u201cOyeme,\u201d a love-themed Rumba. In terms of GOE and performance points, this veteran successfully outshone his juniors.<\/p>\r\n

Vasily, standing by the side, smiled gently. \u201cAs an athlete, you should have had this kind of desperate attitude long ago, but it\u2019s never too late. Well done, Sergey.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

When Sergey finished his program, Vasily personally draped his coat over him. Sergey, feeling honored, instinctively said: “Uh, after the World Championships, I\u2019m planning to buy some of Julie Wang\u2019s spices to take home and clean my house. Do you want some?\u201d<\/p>\r\n

Julie Wang was the champion of Russia\u2019s variety show \u201cSpirit War,\u201d and her spices were rumored to have a purifying effect. As soon as Sergey mentioned this, Vasily\u2019s expression immediately darkened.<\/p>\r\n

Did he look like someone who needed to be purified?<\/p>\r\n

Ilya, sitting to the side, thought to himself: “This is probably the reason why Vasily never shows a good face to Sergey. Sometimes, Sergey really doesn\u2019t know how to speak.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

When Teraoka Hayato took the ice, the atmosphere became tense because he was widely considered a strong contender for the gold medal. He was the first athlete in the world to land a 4F and had excellent skating and spins, a unique and classical performance style, and a stable mindset.<\/p>\r\n

Coach Lu said in a low voice: “Both he and Zhang Jue can make it to the podium, but the one in better form will take the gold.\u201d<\/p>\r\n

Not to hype it up or belittle anyone, but their strengths were quite close. Zhang Jue had developed the most types of quadruple jumps, and his performance score was very high, but his limit was four quadruple jumps in the free skate. Anything more, and he\u2019d lose his stability, or it would be difficult for him to balance performance and jumps.<\/p>\r\n

Besides, Zhang Jue had hurt his abdominal muscles during practice, so his form probably wasn\u2019t as perfect as his opponent\u2019s.<\/p>\r\n

It wasn\u2019t just Coach Lu\u2019s opinion. Sports commentators worldwide thought the competition between these two was very close, with the chances at about 60\/40, depending on how each performed.<\/p>\r\n

But on his opening jump, Teraoka Hayato\u2019s 4F had a serious mistake.<\/p>\r\n

He fell.<\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Support translation:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\"This<\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n

<\/p>\r\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Russian pianist Lochter’s version of Rachmaninoff\u2019s Piano Concerto No. 2 was considered the most powerful version of the piece throughout history. It was said that music from the \u201cwarrior nation\u201d was best interpreted by one of their own, and if the performer was also from this warrior nation, it was like adding three layers […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6017,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[106],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6890","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-figure-skating-im-more-suited-for-the-olympics","entry","has-media"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ontimestory.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/fg.png?fit=200%2C281&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6890","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6890"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6890\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6891,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6890\/revisions\/6891"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6017"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6890"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6890"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6890"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}