All Time Favorite Figure Skaters

[Mister Obvious]

Makes it seem like all Americans like to do is play with balls.

[Mister Obvious]

Meanwhile they're gonna have to pull 12 quads in every program and have injuries out the wazoo that eventually keep them from competing at all by the time they're like 24.

Feller on the crutches? That's Yuzuru Hanyu.

So I'm not trying to shame Ilia and Elli's parents, but this is what they're setting their kids up for.

Is it better than being a drug dealer or a hooker, I mean yeah probably.

But people need to take a page out of Nathan Chen's book and know when to fold 'em, take your earnings and go be a doctor or something.

[Mister Obvious]

2:45 POV: this guy is your doctor.

[Mister Obvious]

Nathan as a baby...

[Mister Obvious]

I wonder what it's like to be Yuzuru and to know that shit deep down, even though you'd never brag about it cuz that'd be classless.

Seriously... to wake up every day knowing you are the greatest figure skater who ever lived. That'd be wild.

On second thought, maybe it's not all that great...

I have married a civilian. We married with the determination to respect and cherish each other. In such a life, my partner supported me to protect me, even though she could not step out of the house for a long time.

Currently, various media outlets are slandering, stalking, and conducting unauthorised interviews and reports against my partner, who is a civilian, their relatives, and associates, as well as against my relatives and associates. Even in our living space, we are sometimes prowled by suspicious vehicles or persons, or suddenly accosted. Together, we have worked to somehow protect each other from these situations, despite our concerns.

However, due to my immatureness, it has been extremely difficult and unbearable to continue to protect my partner and myself in the current situation.

With the possibility of this situation continuing, and the possibility that even if the situation temporarily improves, it may become like this again, when I think about the future, I have made the decision to divorce because I want my partner to be happy and to be happy without restriction.

https://www.olympics.com/en/news/figure-...ce-partner

Apparently "the media" has gone on an internet trolling spree planting disinfo to claim that it's really the crazed fans who are fucking up Yuzuru's life.

I am surprised he was ever married at all, I would have figured he's gay. Maybe he just married for cover. I doubt Japan is all that accepting of openly gay people.

Regardless, it's pretty sad he couldn't even have a damn marriage without a bunch of meddling going on.

So it just goes to show... nothing is ever perfect. You can be declared the "6th greatest" athlete in the world, you can be #1 in your area of expertise, you can be rich and famous and loved by millions, but...

Life is still gonna suck.

[Mister Obvious]

Although skating was born in Europe, figure skating as we know it today traces its origins directly back to an American: Jackson Haines. He was born in New York in 1840 and died in Finland in 1875 after catching pneumonia while traveling by sled from St. Petersburg to Stockholm.

Just before the Civil War, a skating craze (accompanied by a dancing craze) swept over America. It was during this time that Haines leapt into the limelight with his mastery of skating and dance. In 1863 and '64, he won the Championships of America (now known as the U.S. Figure Skating Champion­ships), but he continued to receive cool receptions from his countrymen.

His lack of popularity in America finally prompted him to go to Europe, where he was an immediate success. He was especially popular in Vienna, where he created what some called the "international style of figure skating." It was not until the turn of the century that this influence finally began to secure its place in the American figure skating community.

https://www.usfigureskating.org/history-figure-skating

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c...aines2.jpg

Haines was a trained ballet dancer. When he was a young man, he performed in skating exhibitions and on the variety stages. At this time, figure skating was performed in the "English Style", which was rigid and formal, unlike what is performed today. Haines's style was in complete contrast; he used his ballet background to create graceful programs, and introduced accompanying music, an innovation.

He also screwed his figure skates directly onto his boots, which added stability and allowed him to do more athletic leaps and jumps. The common practice of the time was to strap the blades onto the boot, but direct attachments of skates based on the designs of the accomplished skater and author, "Captain" Robert Jones had been manufactured in London as early as 1772.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackson_Haines

[Mister Obvious]

He also screwed his figure skates directly onto his boots, which added stability and allowed him to do more athletic leaps and jumps.

See, this is exactly why it's not fair to compare these old school figure skaters to modern ones. They had only recently figured out that they gotta screw that shit onto the boots. Those were the caveman days of figure skating. Anybody who was great back then was just working with what they had available at the time.

And I guess the same can be said for the current era. But I don't think there's anywhere else to really go from here, just because of the limits of the human body. When you're reaching these limits, what else is there to do?? What does innovation even look like from here?? That's why I think they need to simplify things again.

[Mister Obvious]

She knew the fall put her out of the top spot, so she skated for herself and the fans. Bravo!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mreoWzjej8k&lc=UgzK_KKa5WMZimySyVB4AaABAg

Damn right she did. Her body is glorious. Probably my favorite figure aside from Tonya Harding. That girl had a fucking slamming body, it's just facts.

Well okay, it's my opinion. But it's facts.

3:55 the flip was a brilliant decision. She decided she was going to be remembered. That's true grit, true showmanship.

[Mister Obvious]

Looking ahead to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, Kagiyama declared "Pursuit" as his theme for the season.

There really aren't that many videos of him.

0:07 see, those damn ankle injuries man. I'm telling you. Figure skating careers are short these days because of all the fucking acrobatics.

0:30 he is so FIIIIEEEEEENNNNNUH. FINEEEEEEee.

I love him, God. He's SooOoooOoo... vivacious.

2 silver medals at the Olympics, 3 silver medals in the World Championships...

Why is he not getting the gold?? I think they're biased against him for some reason.

Maybe it's cuz he doesn't pull a dozen 4As and break his ankles in every program, eyeroll.

And he has more of a classical feel because of his outfits. Maybe they only want dudes in sequins from head to toe.

Is one of the requirements for gold that you gotta wear the gayest outfits possible? Well we know that's not true cuz of Nathan Chen, but I'm just saying.

Apparently Yuma is 5'3", I'm obsessed.

1:13 perfection.

So his dad was a skater too. Agh. Well, I think Yuma actually likes this shit. I am not getting "Mom and dad forced me into this" vibes from any aspect of this guy. Meanwhile, all Ilia skates to is songs that basically say, "You don't love me or accept me and nothing I do is ever good enough for you."

Just an observation.

1:21 God this outfit slays.

1:57 you know what, his body isn't the classical male figure skater body, long and elegant looking. He's got more of a powerful build. I think that has its advantages for jumps and spins and all that shit.

Have I ever pointed out that I know absolutely nothing about figure skating? Lol, I'm sure it's obvious but I just wanted to say that. Like absolutely nothing about it. I've been watching it since I was like 10 though, I just love the shit.

3:03 I kind of love these commentators, lol. Rare much? Like... see, it's all about the energy of the skater. They imbue the whole nine with so much magic. Or... they don't. Which is the case 80% of the time with me. I usually don't feel much, especially when I'm watching females.

3:17 Yuma is gorgeous, I love him.

[Mister Obvious]

1:02 man I knew that one was gonna be a fuckup cuz he got too close to the edge. He could have pulled it off but he was just in his head about it.

1:25 his legs are so stout dude oh my God.

I cannot believe humans do this shit. This is so weird. Like none of the other animals do this kind of stuff, besides birds and those weird fish who do a mating dance.

Lmao, could you imagine a dinosaur mating dance?? Fucking terrifying lmfao, I want to see that shit.

I'd forsake my life right now to go back to 600000BC and see that shit and then immediately get eaten by a triceraclops or whatever.

1:41 Yuma's ass is honestly to die for, like I'm not into dude ass but if I was.

2:34 oh my God dude. Wut. Just wuuuut. I cannot. I love. I CHERISH.

3:10 he sexy. He so sexy.

3:29 I really love his song choices too, none of them have sucked.

4:24 beautiful.

Man I would love to see figure skating in person someday.

[Mister Obvious]

2:58 his back bends are insane. I can't get enough of this feller, but there just aren't that many videos.

[Mister Obvious]

Donovan Carrillo...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donovan_Carrillo



Handsome, glorious outfit. And such a great song choice too.

This is the kind of music I'd skate to. Skating to the oldies hell yeah.

1:44 he's impressive. I do love the variety out there these days, there's something for everyone.

2:42 I really think he's having fun too. He's a wonderful performer.

2:50 I was gonna say this earlier but like...

Doesn't it sorta seem like you have to do a dozen ultra complicated fancy pants moves per program AND be a supermodel in order to make it to the big leagues these days??

The shit is ridiculous.

Love this guy though, he is fabulous. As far as being an excellent skater and being able to just do it professionally and not have to focus on competitions all the time, he has it made.

[Mister Obvious]

Doesn't it sorta seem like you have to do a dozen ultra complicated fancy pants moves per program AND be a supermodel in order to make it to the big leagues these days??

I'm gonna go purposely seek out some of the most recent, most highly viewed videos on YouTube to see what the sheeple normies are supporting in figure skating right now.

This is from 2022, but it has 10m views...



Isabeau Levito...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isabeau_Levito

She's American and she won gold at the World Junior Championships.

Let's see what she's up to currently and assess if she might do the Olympics, she's 18 now so totally eligible.

https://www.olympics.com/en/news/isabeau...-interview

Seems kind of up in the air, I dunno. She had a foot injury that messed things up for a while, shocking. Let's watch and see if she seems promising anyway.

0:09 awww, she's angelic, radiant! It's giving Audrey Hepburn only better. Man, I really wish an American skater chick would win the Olympics sometime soon. There are just so few opportunities for figure skating in the states, you have to be from a really wealthy family, live in just the right area, and be out of this world talented to make it at all.

1:21 oh my Lord, she is outrageously talented. Protect this chick at all costs, for real.

2:16 she's nailing me in the feels, stupendous.

2:50 she's a total gift to the ice, man, I guess the normies have good taste in this category.

Double Olympic gold, she can do this, let's go. 100%.

Let's compare her to Katarina Witt, the last woman to win gold back to back...



Look how old this damn footage is, that's how long it's been since we got a back to back gold win from a female. Friggen unacceptable.

These two have wildly dissimilar styles, comparison is pointless.

Let's see one more from Isabeau...



2024, more recent.

Y'all know I don't really like Lana Del Rey that much, at least her music. Of course her voice is amazing, it's not about that. I do think she's cool just as a person though.

Levito is wildly promising for some Olympic streak action, but she needs to stick to wordless music and high elegance. Her grace and poise should be the focus, the music should accompany that without diverting any attention.

[Mister Obvious]

Wow... figure skating videos are scant as hell in these results. It's almost seeming like the shit ain't even that popular or something. It's all because the US doesn't give a shit about funding these sports. You can bet it's popular AF in Russia and China. The United States needs to get their class back, never gonna happen. What a damn shame.

So this is Alexandra Trusova...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandra_Trusova

She's won gold 4 times, most notably at the Russian championships and the World Juniors. She won silver at the 2022 Olympics.

Alexandra Trusova will not participate in the selection for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. She has stated that she will not be able to demonstrate the necessary physical fitness due to ongoing doctor-recommended restrictions in her training. She is also reportedly expecting a child. While she has expressed a desire to compete if given the chance, she recognizes the challenges of training at her current age and potential health limitations.

If she's gonna be a mother that means her career is totally over. She's only 21. I'll have to watch the video and see if I think this is a tragedy or not.

0:58 the pressure to do all these totally ridiculous jumps is ruining these peoples' careers so early. It's honestly criminal. I don't care about those things. It's cool to see those moves every now and then, but there shouldn't be a requirement to have so many of them. I just don't like it.



Cool song choice. That was a good movie.

2:58 totally killed it. She can go ahead and be a mother, fuck it, she won silver at the Olympics, there's no reason to push it. Hopefully she won't force her kids into skating though, lmao.

[Mister Obvious]

Kaori Sakamoto...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaori_Sakamoto

She won bronze and silver at the Olympics in 2022.





Apparently she will be retiring after the Milano Cortina Olympics.

I don't really like her musical choices, but I could see her winning gold.

[Mister Obvious]

Jacob Sanchez is coming for that gold...



He's probably the best up and coming male that I've seen yet.

[Mister Obvious]

Looks like for men's it's gonna be between Ilia Malinin and Yuma Kagiyama at the 2026 Olympics.

Ilia is so flashy and over the top, he'll probably win if he doesn't have a disastrous fuckup. I like Yuma better though, just cuz of his personality and he's so cute.

For women, probably Amber Glenn and Alysa Liu, and they're both American so that is friggen awesome. I don't really care which one of them wins. Neither one of them is all that memorable to me.

People seem to doubt that Isabeau Levito is actually going, but if she does, I'm betting on her. It's looking promising for an American to win female singles this time.

As for pairs, Madison Chock and Evan Bates will probably win, I don't even see any real potential opposition for them.

[Mister Obvious]

3:02 you know, I think my favorite thing about Yuruzu (aside from what a total work of art he is in every regard) is that it ain't gonna be hard to find footage of him in 100 years, if the world hasn't been nuked out of existence by then.

There will be no shortage of proof that he was the greatest figure skater of all time. No sliced up 30 second clips in black and white, no leaving to the imagination what he looked like in action.

[Mister Obvious]

Unless all the other best skaters get busy starting their own YouTube channels and put up videos of their ice dancing shows, no one will come close to him in historical record, from this era at least.

[Mister Obvious]

0:26 check it out, he's like a ninja.

From 2023... this is him turned "professional" i.e. retired.

1:16 it looks like nothing has changed for him, even though he's not even competing anymore. He's still doing the same things.

Must be really hard to break the mentality that got him all those wins in the first place. Not saying he SHOULD break it, but... it just seems like he'll never turn away from it.

2:25 yeah but what the fuck is he trying to get better for at this point?? This was a few years ago so maybe his mentality has changed. Hopefully.

4:18 I bet the only reason he's so hard on himself is cuz of Japanese culture. I mean, they're the smartest people on the planet. Probably the most strict people on the planet. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but I'd imagine it has its downsides.

4:50 sounds he wants to do ice shows better than they've ever been done. Really, he'd be a pioneer in it. At least as a singular figure, after all it would be made possible only because of his previous success.

6:16 so they're basically saying a hole in the ice fucked him out of his third consecutive Olympic gold medal? Well I guess that's another way of saying that FATE FUCKED HIM OUT OF IT.

I read an interview where Hanyu said he never once "had fun" at the Olympics, and that competing is never about fun for him, he never thought about anything besides winning. I'm surprised he seems as friendly as he does. Again, I'm pretty sure it's just cuz he's Japanese.

8:00 seems like Yuzuru be thinkin' all deep 'n shit. After a lifetime of thinking too hard, I must say, I am not sure I recommend it.

8:48 I wonder if he's really that serious about this, or if it's just cuz he's Japanese.

9:55 damn, he's broken this shit down into a mathematical formula. Do I even need to say it?

10:27 he's like the Bob Dylan of figure skating.

See this is exactly what he should be doing for the rest of his life, putting on ice dancing shows.

11:05 hell yeah dude, it's like his own personal circus. This guy is living the dream.

11:42 yo he's even modeling for Gucci, fuck yes. Use those good looks my guy, he's doing it right.

See, no other Olympian figure skater is gonna do this, not to the degree that Yuzuru is capable of doing it. Cuz he has EVERYTHING. Like I said, he's the TOTAL package, which gives him such unique advantage.

This is so historically significant it's retarded. I am so fucking lucky I was alive in this era, just to see this go down is legitimately an honor.

13:00 he's really blessed, the guy looks so young. I mean, look at all he's accomplished already, you could practically say his life is just beginning. It's a total mindfuck.

13:20 I can tell he's got a lot of deep feelings and he's way too smart for his own good though.

14:30 the Japanese are way better than us. There I said it. It's just true. Whoever "us" is, doesn't matter. They're better than everyone.

15:48 that other shit takes time away from his skating, and I don't think he likes that at all. It's like he regrets having gone to model for 8 hours and only did it for the money. Which was probably a good idea. But his devotion to practicing all the time is crystal clear here, he's totally fixated on it. And it makes sense that he would be since he's been doing it from childhood.

Is human existence itself fueled by mental problems?? Cuz that's the impression I'm starting to get. That's what I'm starting to conclude about life.

16:12 it's unimaginable to be that talented. I bet you that he has performed it EVEN BETTER than he did at the Olympics, at least 50 times. That's how much he practices. It's unthinkable.

16:45 mostly I'm just trying to figure out what I can learn from Yuzuru Hanyu. What can I learn from this? What can I learn that will help me at this stage in my life? And if there's nothing I can learn that will really benefit me, due to lack of time left, or anything else... at least I can enjoy bearing witness to this incredible human and the amount of determination he's shown in his life.

17:27 hell yeah, he's playing Prince, lol. At some point he's gonna have to realize it's not worth it to risk injury so much anymore. It's better to dial it back willingly than to be forced to. If he were to be injured too badly, it'd put the remainder of his career as a "professional" at stake. It's a fine line. All of the ice dancing performances he could cook up, record and distribute to the world are way more important than quads.

18:52 my God. There's nothing left to prove with this guy, that's just it. THERE'S NOTHING LEFT TO PROVE.

21:55 this guy is definitely not looking in the mirror every day and basking in being the greatest figure skater who ever lived. I can see that now. Even though he should be, if you ask me. He's clearly way too driven and too much of a people-pleaser to let himself enjoy the victory.

I saw a more recent interview with him that I can't find on YouTube, he seemed happier and more peaceful about everything. But he still said some super philosophical and low key concerning shit that makes me think he's always basically gonna feel the same way deep down inside.

I guess his satisfaction with life ebbs and flows the same way everybody else's does.