Takahashi can topple Chan, says Japan skating chief

Umm... obviously he can't, and hasn't. Keep talking though and praying, and keep referring to all athletes on the ice by overrated and underperforming people like Mao ("little Mao", "Mini Mao", etc.). Not to fear, though... when you have to call the next wave of attempts, 'Mini-Chan' at least it's not that far from the Japanese language.

BTW, what medal did Takahashi win in Vancouver? Did it have a gold colour?

Takahashi is definitely the most interesting male skater competing this year and his long program is absolutely electric. If he has his quad jump down and can land it, he can win the gold medal.

As for Chan being untouchable, I seem to remember the same being said of Yu Na Kim and she has been beaten two years in a row, first by Mao and then by Miki Ando.

Bebert61: I don't think Chan is untouchable, I just don't buy into the hype for Takahashi, who like Mao and Ando perform erratically.

"As for Chan being untouchable, I seem to remember the same being said of Yu Na Kim and she has been beaten two years in a row, first by Mao and then by Miki Ando."

At the Olympics? How many gold medals for all these people you mention, aside from Kim?

I like Takahashi, but he needs to get his stuff down if he wants to win.

Takahashi can topple Chan, says Japan skating chief

Of course he said that, what else would he say? " Forget it, our boy is toast, let's give up now"

Smith: OK, I'll concede that Mao and Takahashi have had some inconsistent skates (this does not apply to the New Miki, who was the picture of consistency in her last season when she won her 2nd gold). Chan has also had his problems with consistency, including running into the boards once and falling several times during one of his free skates this year. He just has such a stellar program that it can survive a few falls if his competition isn't at the top of their games.

Smith, how many times have you seen Ando skate this year?

Bebert: "He just has such a stellar program that it can survive a few falls if his competition isn't at the top of their games."

Agreed. But then, as you say, it requires others to not be at the top of their game. :) Anyway, again, I like Takahashi, just not the way this guy's saying it's all but won already based on what is a record of erratic performances.

bicultural: Zero times that I recall, although I'm sure if she won something big we'd have never heard the end of it.

That's exactly right Mr. Smith. She hasn't been competing at all this year and many think she'll turn pro. She's been performing at a really high level for the past few years and it would be a good timing for her to turn pro, after winning last year. In fact, I don't think she's failed at landing a jump for the past few seasons. I just took issue with you claiming that she is erratic when she hasn't even skated this year.