2022 Olympics

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You could tell Johnny and Tara were seething with rage during their commentary - they barely tried to conceal it - whereas Terry kept saying, remember, she’s only 15!

I didn't bother watching the skating but saw an interview of the 2 decrying the decision to let Kamila skate. They were pretty clear on where they stood. And really, being 15 shouldn't give her a free pass to doping or reaping the advantage from doping

Which is slightly amusing given that Johnny has been such a Russian cheerleader up until now.

NP. What's the problem with Johnny admiring and saying positive things about Russian skaters and performances? His job is to be a skating commentator, yes, not a Team USA cheerleader? Do you think other countries' commentators should not say anything positive about Nathan Chen or Chock and Bates or other U.S. skaters just because they aren't from their respective countries? Do you think Dick Button was a “Ukrainian cheerleader” when he used to compliment Oksana Baiul?

I'm rooting for Team USA, but I recognize that the Russian and Japanese ladies are far better than our female skaters. I can admire Wakaba Higuchi's talent; that doesn't make me a "Japanese cheerleader."

Drugs aside, something has been horribly amiss about Eteri's skaters for years. Kind of reminds me of everyone who gushed about the Karyolis in gymnastics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

This is obviously what happened. She wasn't willing to give up her US citizenship (and the protections it provides), and China agreed to bend (put kindly) their own laws so that she would be able to compete for them. She's obviously not willing to admit that, of course.

At the moment she has more than 16% of China's total medals in these Olympics.

I've been watching the daily IOC press briefings, due to the Valieva case, and they're regularly asked questions about Eileen Gu's citizenship too (and the Chinese hockey team) and they don't want to admit her status either.

Re-upping this post to the Gu citizenship question/issue:

I don't think she has. She has evaded the question (see article below). And it's hard to formally renounce your US Citizenship. You have to do it in person, at a Consulate, and it takes months. I don't think an actual renunciation would have escaped the notice of the foreign press. And I keep hearing that she's attending Stanford - is she on a J-1 visa then? It could happen but I think it would be a pretty big lift for Stanford to argue that someone that JUST renounced their US Citizenship in favor of Chinese cistizenship needs a J-1 visa. And once that news got out, hoo boy. That does not, as we say, pass the Washington Post test.

This article is pretty brutal - and completely spot on. She's being used. I don't think she's totally innocent here, but she is very young.

The citizenship question is in the middle:

https://www.si.com/olympics/2022/02/08/eileen-gu-b...medal-china-citizenship-status

I feel 100% certain she has not renounced her US citizenship.

Same here. I believe she holds American citizenship and that’s why she is allowed to use social media as she wishes and have freedoms real Chinese do not. And I doubt she would risk her Stanford admission over risk of not getting a J-1 visa. She is way to success minded and self centered for that.

'

Which makes this her last olympics unless she chooses to compete for the US in 4 years.

how so? While China has a no dual citizen ship policy they can make exceptions and appear to have already done so in her case and in the case of much of their hockey team. While the US doesn't recognize dual citizenship that doesn't mean it's citizens can't hold dual citizenship. If another country gives them a passport they can compete in the Olympics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

This is obviously what happened. She wasn't willing to give up her US citizenship (and the protections it provides), and China agreed to bend (put kindly) their own laws so that she would be able to compete for them. She's obviously not willing to admit that, of course.

At the moment she has more than 16% of China's total medals in these Olympics.

I've been watching the daily IOC press briefings, due to the Valieva case, and they're regularly asked questions about Eileen Gu's citizenship too (and the Chinese hockey team) and they don't want to admit her status either.

Re-upping this post to the Gu citizenship question/issue:

I don't think she has. She has evaded the question (see article below). And it's hard to formally renounce your US Citizenship. You have to do it in person, at a Consulate, and it takes months. I don't think an actual renunciation would have escaped the notice of the foreign press. And I keep hearing that she's attending Stanford - is she on a J-1 visa then? It could happen but I think it would be a pretty big lift for Stanford to argue that someone that JUST renounced their US Citizenship in favor of Chinese cistizenship needs a J-1 visa. And once that news got out, hoo boy. That does not, as we say, pass the Washington Post test.

This article is pretty brutal - and completely spot on. She's being used. I don't think she's totally innocent here, but she is very young.

The citizenship question is in the middle:

https://www.si.com/olympics/2022/02/08/eileen-gu-b...medal-china-citizenship-status

I feel 100% certain she has not renounced her US citizenship.

Same here. I believe she holds American citizenship and that’s why she is allowed to use social media as she wishes and have freedoms real Chinese do not. And I doubt she would risk her Stanford admission over risk of not getting a J-1 visa. She is way to success minded and self centered for that.

'

Which makes this her last olympics unless she chooses to compete for the US in 4 years.

how so? While China has a no dual citizen ship policy they can make exceptions and appear to have already done so in her case and in the case of much of their hockey team. While the US doesn't recognize dual citizenship that doesn't mean it's citizens can't hold dual citizenship. If another country gives them a passport they can compete in the Olympics.

She can pretend to be going through the process of renouncing her US citizenship this year. Selling the Chinese public on it being a 4 year process is laughable.

[Anonymous]

Can we stop trying to make Mekaela Shifferen happen? I was more impressed with River who got 4th (after a 9th place trial place) in Mens Giant Slalom and had the cute zebra hair.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You could tell Johnny and Tara were seething with rage during their commentary - they barely tried to conceal it - whereas Terry kept saying, remember, she’s only 15!

I didn't bother watching the skating but saw an interview of the 2 decrying the decision to let Kamila skate. They were pretty clear on where they stood. And really, being 15 shouldn't give her a free pass to doping or reaping the advantage from doping

Which is slightly amusing given that Johnny has been such a Russian cheerleader up until now.

NP. What's the problem with Johnny admiring and saying positive things about Russian skaters and performances? His job is to be a skating commentator, yes, not a Team USA cheerleader? Do you think other countries' commentators should not say anything positive about Nathan Chen or Chock and Bates or other U.S. skaters just because they aren't from their respective countries? Do you think Dick Button was a “Ukrainian cheerleader” when he used to compliment Oksana Baiul?

I'm rooting for Team USA, but I recognize that the Russian and Japanese ladies are far better than our female skaters. I can admire Wakaba Higuchi's talent; that doesn't make me a "Japanese cheerleader."

he has declared himself a Russophile in the past

you might find this article interesting: https://southfloridagaynews.com/World/russian-society-requests-figure-skater-johnny-weir-be-less-fabulous.html

And? So? I’ll walk you through this slowly:
Johnny Weir was a talented skater who emphasized creativity/artistry in his programs
To do so, he closely studied ballet
Ballet is an art form that has long been practiced and perfected in Russia
Russian skaters have been known as artists on ice since the dawn of competitive ice skating

Like, what is surprising to you about this?

Who cares? As long as Johnny Weir doesn’t lie during his commentary, who cares? Look at who is at the top of the podium in most disciplines, and has been for decades: Russian skaters. I agree that there has been lots of controversy surrounding Russian judging and doping…but that doesn’t take negate the legacies of Gordeeva and Grinkov, Evgeni Plushenko, Evgenia Medvedeva, Elena Berezhnaya/Anton Sikharulidze, and Victoria Sinitsina/Nikita Katsalapov, FFS.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You could tell Johnny and Tara were seething with rage during their commentary - they barely tried to conceal it - whereas Terry kept saying, remember, she’s only 15!

I didn't bother watching the skating but saw an interview of the 2 decrying the decision to let Kamila skate. They were pretty clear on where they stood. And really, being 15 shouldn't give her a free pass to doping or reaping the advantage from doping

Which is slightly amusing given that Johnny has been such a Russian cheerleader up until now.

NP. What's the problem with Johnny admiring and saying positive things about Russian skaters and performances? His job is to be a skating commentator, yes, not a Team USA cheerleader? Do you think other countries' commentators should not say anything positive about Nathan Chen or Chock and Bates or other U.S. skaters just because they aren't from their respective countries? Do you think Dick Button was a “Ukrainian cheerleader” when he used to compliment Oksana Baiul?

I'm rooting for Team USA, but I recognize that the Russian and Japanese ladies are far better than our female skaters. I can admire Wakaba Higuchi's talent; that doesn't make me a "Japanese cheerleader."

he has declared himself a Russophile in the past

you might find this article interesting: https://southfloridagaynews.com/World/russian-society-requests-figure-skater-johnny-weir-be-less-fabulous.html

And? So? I’ll walk you through this slowly:
Johnny Weir was a talented skater who emphasized creativity/artistry in his programs
To do so, he closely studied ballet
Ballet is an art form that has long been practiced and perfected in Russia
Russian skaters have been known as artists on ice since the dawn of competitive ice skating

Like, what is surprising to you about this?

Who cares? As long as Johnny Weir doesn’t lie during his commentary, who cares? Look at who is at the top of the podium in most disciplines, and has been for decades: Russian skaters. I agree that there has been lots of controversy surrounding Russian judging and doping…but that doesn’t take negate the legacies of Gordeeva and Grinkov, Evgeni Plushenko, Evgenia Medvedeva, Elena Berezhnaya/Anton Sikharulidze, and Victoria Sinitsina/Nikita Katsalapov, FFS.

I think it actually gives him MORE credibility. Like, if HE can watch this unfold, being as big of a fan as has been of their style and abilities, and come away with "I think the only thing I can say is there is her short program in the Olympics" as commentary, good on him. It shows he has the ability to see it for what it is instead of sugar coating anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

This is obviously what happened. She wasn't willing to give up her US citizenship (and the protections it provides), and China agreed to bend (put kindly) their own laws so that she would be able to compete for them. She's obviously not willing to admit that, of course.

At the moment she has more than 16% of China's total medals in these Olympics.

I've been watching the daily IOC press briefings, due to the Valieva case, and they're regularly asked questions about Eileen Gu's citizenship too (and the Chinese hockey team) and they don't want to admit her status either.

Re-upping this post to the Gu citizenship question/issue:

I don't think she has. She has evaded the question (see article below). And it's hard to formally renounce your US Citizenship. You have to do it in person, at a Consulate, and it takes months. I don't think an actual renunciation would have escaped the notice of the foreign press. And I keep hearing that she's attending Stanford - is she on a J-1 visa then? It could happen but I think it would be a pretty big lift for Stanford to argue that someone that JUST renounced their US Citizenship in favor of Chinese cistizenship needs a J-1 visa. And once that news got out, hoo boy. That does not, as we say, pass the Washington Post test.

This article is pretty brutal - and completely spot on. She's being used. I don't think she's totally innocent here, but she is very young.

The citizenship question is in the middle:

https://www.si.com/olympics/2022/02/08/eileen-gu-b...medal-china-citizenship-status

I feel 100% certain she has not renounced her US citizenship.

Same here. I believe she holds American citizenship and that’s why she is allowed to use social media as she wishes and have freedoms real Chinese do not. And I doubt she would risk her Stanford admission over risk of not getting a J-1 visa. She is way to success minded and self centered for that.

'

Which makes this her last olympics unless she chooses to compete for the US in 4 years.

how so? While China has a no dual citizen ship policy they can make exceptions and appear to have already done so in her case and in the case of much of their hockey team. While the US doesn't recognize dual citizenship that doesn't mean it's citizens can't hold dual citizenship. If another country gives them a passport they can compete in the Olympics.

She can pretend to be going through the process of renouncing her US citizenship this year. Selling the Chinese public on it being a 4 year process is laughable.

I don't think she is selling them on anything. I think they are well aware that she did not renounce her US citizenship and they simply don't care. They are glad she is competing for China and think it looks for them to have her competing for them. They parade her around like a trophy and even had Peng Shuai attend her big air event. They will use Gu for any political gain they can get even if she remains a US citizen. They probably even enjoy that more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I see Ms. Gu is back tonight.

She is insufferable. (I don't even care that much about competing for a different country, but every interview I see makes me like her less.)

I have to say, she's pretty transparent, and I am more kindly disposed to her than most. As soon as she finishes a run, she tucks away her mouthguard, lifts up her goggles, and smiles and waves to the camera. It's freakin' subzero temps, all the other athletes are keeping covered up, but she obviously has been told (whether by the Chinese government or her mother, for marketing purposes, to show her face and interact with the cameras a much as possible.

That said, I have developed a strong dislike for the French skier Tess [insert last name]. Her disappointment last night was fine, and understandable, but she couldn't even hold it together to accept condolences from the other skiers on her fall. But during big air, she performed very well and got a silver, but pitched a fit when she was surpassed for the gold. That's just bad sportsmanship. I'm glad she isn't in the half pipe.

Yeah that is not cool but I thought A Swiss woman won the ski freestyle? - nearly all the women waiting for their scores were taking off their masks to smile for the cameras in the - I remember as I wanted all of them to cover up - you could see their noses turning red in that short time

Yes, a swiss woman won the freestyle (apparently, the last qualifier). Tess, the french skier, fell on her final run and finished 6th.

Last night far fewer women took off their masks because it was so cold. And the others don't mug for the camera nearly as much as Eileen does.

I'm not criticizing her - just pointing out that it's pretty obvious that she has a strategy for monetizing her Olympics appearance, and has already begun to implement it.

[Anonymous]

If the US could look the other way while Tanith Belbin's citizenship application was fast-walked through the process so that she could represent the US at the Olympics, China can look the other way with Gu as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You could tell Johnny and Tara were seething with rage during their commentary - they barely tried to conceal it - whereas Terry kept saying, remember, she’s only 15!

I didn't bother watching the skating but saw an interview of the 2 decrying the decision to let Kamila skate. They were pretty clear on where they stood. And really, being 15 shouldn't give her a free pass to doping or reaping the advantage from doping

Which is slightly amusing given that Johnny has been such a Russian cheerleader up until now.

NP. What's the problem with Johnny admiring and saying positive things about Russian skaters and performances? His job is to be a skating commentator, yes, not a Team USA cheerleader? Do you think other countries' commentators should not say anything positive about Nathan Chen or Chock and Bates or other U.S. skaters just because they aren't from their respective countries? Do you think Dick Button was a “Ukrainian cheerleader” when he used to compliment Oksana Baiul?

I'm rooting for Team USA, but I recognize that the Russian and Japanese ladies are far better than our female skaters. I can admire Wakaba Higuchi's talent; that doesn't make me a "Japanese cheerleader."

he has declared himself a Russophile in the past

you might find this article interesting: https://southfloridagaynews.com/World/russian-society-requests-figure-skater-johnny-weir-be-less-fabulous.html

And? So? I’ll walk you through this slowly:
Johnny Weir was a talented skater who emphasized creativity/artistry in his programs
To do so, he closely studied ballet
Ballet is an art form that has long been practiced and perfected in Russia
Russian skaters have been known as artists on ice since the dawn of competitive ice skating

Like, what is surprising to you about this?

Who cares? As long as Johnny Weir doesn’t lie during his commentary, who cares? Look at who is at the top of the podium in most disciplines, and has been for decades: Russian skaters. I agree that there has been lots of controversy surrounding Russian judging and doping…but that doesn’t take negate the legacies of Gordeeva and Grinkov, Evgeni Plushenko, Evgenia Medvedeva, Elena Berezhnaya/Anton Sikharulidze, and Victoria Sinitsina/Nikita Katsalapov, FFS.

I think it actually gives him MORE credibility. Like, if HE can watch this unfold, being as big of a fan as has been of their style and abilities, and come away with "I think the only thing I can say is there is her short program in the Olympics" as commentary, good on him. It shows he has the ability to see it for what it is instead of sugar coating anything.

Look, I like Johnny as much as anyone, but if you think he doesn't get his talking points before the broadcast, you're terribly naive about how television is made. No one is letting him freestyle there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You could tell Johnny and Tara were seething with rage during their commentary - they barely tried to conceal it - whereas Terry kept saying, remember, she’s only 15!

I didn't bother watching the skating but saw an interview of the 2 decrying the decision to let Kamila skate. They were pretty clear on where they stood. And really, being 15 shouldn't give her a free pass to doping or reaping the advantage from doping

Which is slightly amusing given that Johnny has been such a Russian cheerleader up until now.

NP. What's the problem with Johnny admiring and saying positive things about Russian skaters and performances? His job is to be a skating commentator, yes, not a Team USA cheerleader? Do you think other countries' commentators should not say anything positive about Nathan Chen or Chock and Bates or other U.S. skaters just because they aren't from their respective countries? Do you think Dick Button was a “Ukrainian cheerleader” when he used to compliment Oksana Baiul?

I'm rooting for Team USA, but I recognize that the Russian and Japanese ladies are far better than our female skaters. I can admire Wakaba Higuchi's talent; that doesn't make me a "Japanese cheerleader."

he has declared himself a Russophile in the past

you might find this article interesting: https://southfloridagaynews.com/World/russian-society-requests-figure-skater-johnny-weir-be-less-fabulous.html

And? So? I’ll walk you through this slowly:
Johnny Weir was a talented skater who emphasized creativity/artistry in his programs
To do so, he closely studied ballet
Ballet is an art form that has long been practiced and perfected in Russia
Russian skaters have been known as artists on ice since the dawn of competitive ice skating

Like, what is surprising to you about this?

Who cares? As long as Johnny Weir doesn’t lie during his commentary, who cares? Look at who is at the top of the podium in most disciplines, and has been for decades: Russian skaters. I agree that there has been lots of controversy surrounding Russian judging and doping…but that doesn’t take negate the legacies of Gordeeva and Grinkov, Evgeni Plushenko, Evgenia Medvedeva, Elena Berezhnaya/Anton Sikharulidze, and Victoria Sinitsina/Nikita Katsalapov, FFS.

+1 Russia has an extraordinary cultural history not just in ballet, but in music, literature, poetry. Tragedy and beauty are the two sides of the Russian coin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If the US could look the other way while Tanith Belbin's citizenship application was fast-walked through the process so that she could represent the US at the Olympics, China can look the other way with Gu as well.

DP. I'm not criticizing China for using Gu. Why wouldn't they use that opportunity? I criticize China for genocide and other human rights abuses, and I criticize Gu for being a tool in China's PR effort to whitewash that fact.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You could tell Johnny and Tara were seething with rage during their commentary - they barely tried to conceal it - whereas Terry kept saying, remember, she’s only 15!

I didn't bother watching the skating but saw an interview of the 2 decrying the decision to let Kamila skate. They were pretty clear on where they stood. And really, being 15 shouldn't give her a free pass to doping or reaping the advantage from doping

Which is slightly amusing given that Johnny has been such a Russian cheerleader up until now.

NP. What's the problem with Johnny admiring and saying positive things about Russian skaters and performances? His job is to be a skating commentator, yes, not a Team USA cheerleader? Do you think other countries' commentators should not say anything positive about Nathan Chen or Chock and Bates or other U.S. skaters just because they aren't from their respective countries? Do you think Dick Button was a “Ukrainian cheerleader” when he used to compliment Oksana Baiul?

I'm rooting for Team USA, but I recognize that the Russian and Japanese ladies are far better than our female skaters. I can admire Wakaba Higuchi's talent; that doesn't make me a "Japanese cheerleader."

he has declared himself a Russophile in the past

you might find this article interesting: https://southfloridagaynews.com/World/russian-society-requests-figure-skater-johnny-weir-be-less-fabulous.html

And? So? I’ll walk you through this slowly:
Johnny Weir was a talented skater who emphasized creativity/artistry in his programs
To do so, he closely studied ballet
Ballet is an art form that has long been practiced and perfected in Russia
Russian skaters have been known as artists on ice since the dawn of competitive ice skating

Like, what is surprising to you about this?

Who cares? As long as Johnny Weir doesn’t lie during his commentary, who cares? Look at who is at the top of the podium in most disciplines, and has been for decades: Russian skaters. I agree that there has been lots of controversy surrounding Russian judging and doping…but that doesn’t take negate the legacies of Gordeeva and Grinkov, Evgeni Plushenko, Evgenia Medvedeva, Elena Berezhnaya/Anton Sikharulidze, and Victoria Sinitsina/Nikita Katsalapov, FFS.

+1 Russia has an extraordinary cultural history not just in ballet, but in music, literature, poetry. Tragedy and beauty are the two sides of the Russian coin.

Sure a country who has managed to act evilly on the international stage for a solid 400 years now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You could tell Johnny and Tara were seething with rage during their commentary - they barely tried to conceal it - whereas Terry kept saying, remember, she’s only 15!

I didn't bother watching the skating but saw an interview of the 2 decrying the decision to let Kamila skate. They were pretty clear on where they stood. And really, being 15 shouldn't give her a free pass to doping or reaping the advantage from doping

Which is slightly amusing given that Johnny has been such a Russian cheerleader up until now.

NP. What's the problem with Johnny admiring and saying positive things about Russian skaters and performances? His job is to be a skating commentator, yes, not a Team USA cheerleader? Do you think other countries' commentators should not say anything positive about Nathan Chen or Chock and Bates or other U.S. skaters just because they aren't from their respective countries? Do you think Dick Button was a “Ukrainian cheerleader” when he used to compliment Oksana Baiul?

I'm rooting for Team USA, but I recognize that the Russian and Japanese ladies are far better than our female skaters. I can admire Wakaba Higuchi's talent; that doesn't make me a "Japanese cheerleader."

he has declared himself a Russophile in the past

you might find this article interesting: https://southfloridagaynews.com/World/russian-society-requests-figure-skater-johnny-weir-be-less-fabulous.html

And? So? I’ll walk you through this slowly:
Johnny Weir was a talented skater who emphasized creativity/artistry in his programs
To do so, he closely studied ballet
Ballet is an art form that has long been practiced and perfected in Russia
Russian skaters have been known as artists on ice since the dawn of competitive ice skating

Like, what is surprising to you about this?

Who cares? As long as Johnny Weir doesn’t lie during his commentary, who cares? Look at who is at the top of the podium in most disciplines, and has been for decades: Russian skaters. I agree that there has been lots of controversy surrounding Russian judging and doping…but that doesn’t take negate the legacies of Gordeeva and Grinkov, Evgeni Plushenko, Evgenia Medvedeva, Elena Berezhnaya/Anton Sikharulidze, and Victoria Sinitsina/Nikita Katsalapov, FFS.

I think it actually gives him MORE credibility. Like, if HE can watch this unfold, being as big of a fan as has been of their style and abilities, and come away with "I think the only thing I can say is there is her short program in the Olympics" as commentary, good on him. It shows he has the ability to see it for what it is instead of sugar coating anything.

Look, I like Johnny as much as anyone, but if you think he doesn't get his talking points before the broadcast, you're terribly naive about how television is made. No one is letting him freestyle there.

I don't think NBC is telling him what to say. I do think there are probably things NBC would consider too controversial to say, and it'd probably be up to Johnny to decide how much he'd push back. In any case, nothing he's said-- either praising the skill and artistry of Russian skaters, in general, or coming down hard on Valieva being allowed to skate now-- is at all controversial.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You could tell Johnny and Tara were seething with rage during their commentary - they barely tried to conceal it - whereas Terry kept saying, remember, she’s only 15!

I didn't bother watching the skating but saw an interview of the 2 decrying the decision to let Kamila skate. They were pretty clear on where they stood. And really, being 15 shouldn't give her a free pass to doping or reaping the advantage from doping

Which is slightly amusing given that Johnny has been such a Russian cheerleader up until now.

NP. What's the problem with Johnny admiring and saying positive things about Russian skaters and performances? His job is to be a skating commentator, yes, not a Team USA cheerleader? Do you think other countries' commentators should not say anything positive about Nathan Chen or Chock and Bates or other U.S. skaters just because they aren't from their respective countries? Do you think Dick Button was a “Ukrainian cheerleader” when he used to compliment Oksana Baiul?

I'm rooting for Team USA, but I recognize that the Russian and Japanese ladies are far better than our female skaters. I can admire Wakaba Higuchi's talent; that doesn't make me a "Japanese cheerleader."

he has declared himself a Russophile in the past

you might find this article interesting: https://southfloridagaynews.com/World/russian-society-requests-figure-skater-johnny-weir-be-less-fabulous.html

And? So? I’ll walk you through this slowly:
Johnny Weir was a talented skater who emphasized creativity/artistry in his programs
To do so, he closely studied ballet
Ballet is an art form that has long been practiced and perfected in Russia
Russian skaters have been known as artists on ice since the dawn of competitive ice skating

Like, what is surprising to you about this?

Who cares? As long as Johnny Weir doesn’t lie during his commentary, who cares? Look at who is at the top of the podium in most disciplines, and has been for decades: Russian skaters. I agree that there has been lots of controversy surrounding Russian judging and doping…but that doesn’t take negate the legacies of Gordeeva and Grinkov, Evgeni Plushenko, Evgenia Medvedeva, Elena Berezhnaya/Anton Sikharulidze, and Victoria Sinitsina/Nikita Katsalapov, FFS.

+1 Russia has an extraordinary cultural history not just in ballet, but in music, literature, poetry. Tragedy and beauty are the two sides of the Russian coin.

Sure a country who has managed to act evilly on the international stage for a solid 400 years now.

You think Ekaterina Gordeeva was “evil” when she skated to gold at the Olympics for the first time at the age of 16? Do tell why.

You can dislike Russia’s politics and even their figure skating *organization.* But you cannot deny that Russian skaters have been dominant because they are so damn good. And I say this as someone who had to fight my juvenile instincts to root for the Russian team to fall during the free dance, because I freakin’ love Chock and Bates. But I managed not to be so petty, because the Russians had every right to be on the podium in that event.