Sports

[Johnnyeager]

Tara Lapinski and Johnny Weir did not hold back during NBC skate commentary:

“To be honest, I almost don’t believe what I’m seeing," Lipinski said. "Seeing her on Olympic ice right now with everything we’ve discovered over the last week. I did not think this was going to happen and I don’t think it should be happening.”

"With all of this news I just, I feel so uncomfortable as a skater and as a skating fan even having to commentate on her performance simply because she should not be able to compete in this competition," Weir said.

[Sooner]

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@spiderw wrote:

I used to watch the Olympics every year.  I always enjoyed the skaters but saw too much bias with the judges.  I understand rules and regulations and of course substance abuse doesn't have any place in sports although it is often found.  

I agree this Russian skater should be held accountable and have consequences but those on the team who aren't involved shouldn't be punished also.  It reminds me of school when one child would be talking while the teacher taught and the entire class had to stay after school.  It isn't fair.

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@spiderw It is fair because it is the only way to punish the country and hope that other athletes will not have to compete against cheaters. 

Frankly, that is why I don't and will not watch this farce any more.  It's sad that nothing of any consequence ever happens to the cheaters. 

[spiderw]

Sooner,

Your point is well taken.  

[newname0]

I watched her skate the short program yesterday evening and I think the judges wanted to see how she skates sans any medications.  She faultered once and her performance was okay but they gave her the highest score which I wouldn't have.  

[PickyPicky3]

Has anyone heard if the Russian event she won back in December, where she tested positive, has revoked her title?

[debfau]

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@newname0 wrote:

I watched her skate the short program yesterday evening and I think the judges wanted to see how she skates sans any medications.  She faultered once and her performance was okay but they gave her the highest score which I wouldn't have.  

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There was an article on USAToday website, written by a former figure skating judge and he said that she was scored too high for her performance (I couldn't read the article as it's only for USAToday subscribers which I am not), but that is what was in the synopsis of his article.

[deepwaterdotter]

I hope that she is given the opportunity to benefit from some intensive psychological therapy.  The mental breakdown she experienced after the free skate was a sad statement on the Russian ladies' skating program.

[Icegoddess]

No way was she going to a doctor who didn't know the banned substances.  People at this level are not going to their family doctors, especially not in Russia.  It doesn't matter if it was prescribed for a legitimate ailment.  Other, older competitors would have to find a different, IOC approved drug, so she should too.  I have no idea what her grandfather taking the drug had to do with anything.  He's not in the Olympics. They shouldn't have a separate set of rules dependng on your age.  If they can't do that maybe kids shouldn't be going to the Olympics.  It's just not fair to the other competitors.

The thing to realize is that these performance enhancing drugs are not going to make you be able to do things you otherwise couldn't do.  It doesn't mean she's not a good or even great skater without the drug.  It just gives you an edge so maybe you'll have more stamina or more energy for the jumps.  It could be like the difference between doing something at your normal altitude vs doing it at a higher altitude.  

[PickyPicky3]

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@deepwaterdotter wrote:

I hope that she is given the opportunity to benefit from some intensive psychological therapy.  The mental breakdown she experienced after the free skate was a sad statement on the Russian ladies' skating program.

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Although it was hard for us to watch, the fact that she let her feelings out like a typical teenager is probably a sign of good mental health. What a horrible level of emotional pain for anyone of any age. 

[50Mickey]

My heart went out to her after the long program. She is a 15 year old child who was used and abused by a corrupt organization the Russian Skating organization. I think it is wrong to allow a 15 year old to be competing against adults. Figure skating has become a jumping competition. It would have been far better for this skater if she had not been allowed to skate but no the IOC caved and gave into pressure. I hope that she can recover but I have my doubts because of how she will be treated in Russia.