Unexpected pleasures

HOUR ONE
Ladies short program
They go straight to their bread and butter. Tom Hammond says first they'll show a skater from Turkey, Tugba Karademir. 'Now you say why would you show a skater from Turkey, who has no chance to medal, from a country with only two ice rinks?' Uh, actually, I wasn't thinking that, we're not all head-in-the-flag NBC programming execs. Was rather happy to see someone different. He sells her sob story, something about overcoming great difficulties. In black with silver short skirt; they said it's being shown live in Turkey, wonder what they make of her outfit, looks discoish. Nice cello music; nails her opening combination; Sandra Bezic says her goal is to make the cut, which means top 24. So far she's skating quite well. She's elegant, has a nice flow, if not particularly fast. This is indeed what the Olympics are all about. Button says it was too expensive for her parents to make the trip to watch her, her mom's in Canada, dad's in Turkey. Nails final jump; you know, if Tom hadn't said she had no chance, people might not know. It's definitely simple, but it's clean, and elegant. Nice to see a dream come true.

Washington Post has an interesting article on her:

Even as a 5-year-old in 1990, skating weekly with her classmates at the then-new rink in Ankara, it was clear that Karademir _ an only child _ had talent. By the time she was 12, and already a winner of a Balkans under-18 medal, her parents decided she should move abroad to obtain the best possible coaching.

Her mother gave up a job with Roketsan, a Turkish rocket and missile maker, and the two moved to Canada while Tugba's father stayed behind _ maintaining his restaurant business in Ankara in case his wife and daughter abandoned their adventure and opted to return home.

No relatives nor close friends awaited the Karademirs in Canada; there was no job lined up for the mother, no coach waiting for a new pupil. But within weeks, the two decided to settle in Barrie, Ontario, about 55 miles north of Toronto, so Tugba could enroll in a skating school with several topflight instructors, including her current coach Robert Tebby.

Her mother eventually got a job in Toronto with Pratt & Whitney, the aircraft-engine manufacturer. Her father _ after remaining for a year in Turkey _ sold his Ankara restaurants and made the move as well, now working as a chef; they are part of small Muslim community in Barrie.

"My parents were very brave," Tugba said. "It's been really hard for my father. When you own your own business, and then you have to go to work for someone else, it's not easy."

Hmm, her mom worked for a rocket company. Not your typical Turks.

American Kimmie Meissner, 16, is next, in black dress with some silver. She's a bit swan-like gawky; seems like a nice girl though. Wish I didn't already know her results. Dramatic classical music, she's going pretty fast actually. Scott says her opening is very tough, one of the hardest--she nails it, double triples. Hmm, nails her second jump too. Very mannered hand movements, like everything is perfectly memorized. Nice line as she skates the length of the rink in time to the music. Very graceful and elegant, like a Nancy Kerrigan with the exaggerated long limbed movements. Hamilton says she has all the qualities to be the next great American skater. Hammond reminds us that Americans have won the last two Olympic golds... which is true, but in such a limited fashion, both skaters had the performance of their lifetimes and that was it. Scott says strong, complete performance, she's gonna be thrilled. Interesting, commentators are patting her on the head, she did well, but it's not like they think she's suddenly a medal contender. For some reason I thought I'd enjoy it more than I did, it was good, but didn't grab me. Maybe a bit too unexpected, yet without any magic for some reason. Commentators aren't gushing either, just talking matter-of-factly; very high scores though, Hammond is totally surprised. Odd, as the second skater these marks are quite high.

Hmm, a screwup on the late night prime time replay, they cut from a commercial straight into the middle of some skater in white skating to Phantom of the Opera. Music is tinny, instrumental without vocals. She's ok, not that fast, very basic choreography. Nails a jump. She's definitely European or Canadian, not Slavic. Hmm, ended after the music. Joannie Rochette, of Canada, mediocore scores, into second.

Vonetta Flowers
Jimmy and Chevy come early tonight, with a look at the first black athlete to win a medal, a gold in Salt Lake in 2-woman bob sleigh. It's a tear-jerker; she breaks down talking about her newborn twins, one of whom turned out to be deaf. So they all learned sign language. You can tell she's a good person. Her son wound up having an operation on his ear in Italy last year that gives him some sound.

But her kids had to go home afterwards, too expensive. Then they show how on the Today show, during an interview two days ago, one of her sponsors, Kleenex, surprised her by bringing her kids and mother over.

Gosh, I hate/love this kind of journalism. On the one hand, it brings tears to your eyes--on the other hand, it's not really journalism, it's reality tv. And it's too easy. Ask her about Shani Davis; ask her about being the only black athlete in her sport; ask her questions and discover the story instead of creating the story. In conjunction with an advertiser, no less. They who control the purse strings ultimately have the power; it's a slippery slope for journalists to go down, no matter how laudable the goal or feel-good the end results. Leave it to the entertainment division, not news.

Two-women bobsleigh
USA 1 comes down first sleigh in heat three, light snow, clean track. They're doing well, clean line say the announcers. Next, Jean Phram and Flowers, Phram's photo and name is featured. In ninth coming in, after a bad first run. Third-best run in the 2nd heat, announcer says. Good run for them, too.

Germany 1, the favorites as always. Some problems in the second run keep their lead from being bigger. Funny, they have to quote Germany tv to say she made a huge mistake in heat 2--didn't they see it themselves? In first, more than half a second.

Next, Italians. They're okay, look clean so far. Makes a mistake late, into third. Hmm, where are the Russian women? Odd, they've yet to show the inside of a bobsleigh, wonder how the steering mechanism works. Next, Canadians, driver up sick all night with stomach flu. A few mistakes coming down, into 4th. Next, Germany 2. Would be many nation's top sled, won bronze in Salt Lake. Nice in-track camera. Slow for some reason, dropped from second to fourth; announcers replay parts of her sloppy line.

HOUR TWO
Men's 1500 speedskating
One of the most-eagerly anticipated events of the Games, battle of the American gold medalists. Joey Cheek is first up; starts off fast, but fades down the stretch and finishes 3rd, early.

Next, Italian Enrico Fabris, against Simon Kuipers of the Netherlands, both of whom are fast on the last lap the announcers say. Good pairing for them, then. But DJ says some trouble on the backstrech for Fabris, Kuipers doing well. Both are indeed getting stronger as the race goes on... really picking it up, they'll be 1-2 with Fabris in first by almost a full second. Nice skating. Hmm, based on the time--it's the top of the hour--not sure if either Chad Hedrick or Shani Davis win... but who knows.

Next, Derek Parra, who did well in Salt Lake City. Paired with a Canadian, Steven Elm. Announcers say Parra's had trouble lately, got divorced. He looks like he's working hard early, not so smooth. He's fading a little... won't be able to match the Italian, DJ says essentially you gotta have a lead at 1100M or else you'll lose. He winds up 2nd in his heat, 10th overall.

Idiot Melissa Stark reports on talking with her friend Hedrick's coach, who wants Chad to not rush. Yevgeny Lalenkov of Russia skates with Chad. Very dramatic, they air the announcer's sequence. Hmm, both are pretty fast early. Fading a little, may just be Fabris' great final lap. He's almost a second faster on the final lap, definitely dying, but has a good lead. He's a little under, into second. Italians are happy.

Hmm... look of death from Chad. Now, Shani--who earlier said it may not be Chad he has to worry about. Go Shani! He's the former world record holder in this event, so he has a real shot. Paired with another Russian, Aleksandr Kibalko. Davis looks so focused; oooh, a false start. Hmm, looks fast early. Jansen says he's totally capable of winning this. Hmm, had to avoid Russian on crossover; he's up by 1.5 seconds about halfway through. Not really fading either... DJ says he needs to be 1 second up--he is, he's going to win the gold, just gotta maintain, he'll do it! He's losing time, though--let's go! Uggh, so close, barely misses, by .16 seconds. He's happy though; silver is silver, and beat Chad. Fabris gets hugs from both Americans. Davis is smiling and happy. Chad not at all, even with bronze.

Our second double medalist of the game, along with his teammate Cheek. Let's see if Stark talks to Davis. Nope, she talks to her boy Chad. He says essentially he didn't do that well, which is why he got 3rd. Nothing about Fabris' good race, actually says he got his medal on a really bad day. He's backtracking from the stuff he's said about Shani.

With Davis; a more normal interview than the other night. He says he did the best he could, happy with his results. She asks how important was it to come out better than Chad; he says nah, we're just competitive, wishes him well.

At end of press conference, Davis says it would've been nice if Chad had hugged him or shaked his hand at the end of the 1000M, just like he hugged Chad at the end of his race. They're sitting right next to each other, Chad doesn't do it--just sits there, says 'just like Shadi' under his breath. Talks about how as the leader of the team he felt betrayed by Shadi not skating the team pursuit.

Sleigh two
Hmm, a medal here?! Good time, coming up on 10. U.S.A. 2, with Flowers and her teammate. A few bangs going down the track, just as they're saying how great the driver is, which meant the breakperson--Flowers--ain't that good. Next, Canada 1, in 5th at the moment; nice run, first by almost a second. Next, Italians. Ooh, totally bangs against wall. Big skid, announcer goes nuts; bangs the wall again. Into first, by .05. Crowd goes nuts.

Next, U.S.A. 1, Shaun Rohbock driving. She wants everyone else to have to hear Stars and Stripes. Clean start, odd, a track worker almost came down the track. She's going clean, Ooh, a small skid; then hits the wall a bit. Into first, guaranteed at least silver! She's ecstatic, as is the crowd. .32 in front. Now, the Germans.... How great is it that we're competing with the big girls?! Huge lead, though. Ah, she'll take gold, too far in front. Gold, by nearly a second. Americans are still really happy though. And the Italians too. Plus U.S.A. 2 in 5th, not bad at all.

Back to skating
Yelena Sokolova of Russia, who Hammond says suffered a concussion from falling luggage. In pink; music is Italy's own, Puccini's Turandot. Oh, trips on first jump. 'A disaster for her at this point' says Button, Hamilton surprised, says she's been so solid in practice. Whoah, totally pops next jump, horrible. The Russian machine is dying... she was second at the European Championship no less. Odd, totally fell apart, there's no bench for Russia.

Show Irina Slutskaya showing up, looking very chic and confident. Next, Elene Gedevanishvili, 16, of Georgia, little girl in black/red, music is Carmen. Hamilton really likes her, says she's a little firecracker. Wow, nailed her first jump; great speed says Scott, tenacious says Sandra. Two big triples in a row, she is good, nice call Scott. Button is on the bandwagon too, she's just come out and taken control. Sandra says she works hard in practice and is totally starstruck--by Sasha Cohen and Slutskaya. She's very cute but has a big personality without it being forced, like Tara Lipinksi's was. Her coach is great, just happier than heck. Her jacket says Georgia in big letters. Nice scores, into second! She's got a big smile.

Ugh, Emily Hughes clumping around backstage, there's just something about her.... Miki Ando of Japan, in black, who's the only woman to land a quad in competition, once four years ago. Starts with a spin, music is very serene and melodic, violin and piano, nice. Two triples, touches down on second. She looks like she's skating with a sweater around her waist, makes her look dowdy. She kindof glides sometimes over the ice, very pleasing. Button says her spiral is really second-rate; ooh, she touches the boards. Bezic says she has moments of brilliance, then sloppiness. Very un-Japanese! Poor scores, into 3rd early.

American and Long Islander Emily Hughes next; looks uncomfortable and oddly guy-like in blue ill-fitting outfit. She's at that awkward coltish age. Tough position for her, hope she does well. Standard classical music. Nails first jump, big smile. Wow, digs out combination. An odd slip on an easy element. Looks to be rushing things a bit. Final jump... nails it. A soaring spiral, decent line, if a bit awkward-looking. I think her legs are just a bit too long for the rest of her right now. Nice finishing elements, Scott says she did about as well as she could. Big finish, big smile. I think announcers definitely are a little rah-rah, given her tough situation. Abbreviated chant of U.S.A.; nice marks, into 3rd; a personal best by six points.

HOUR THREE
Next, Sarah Meier of Switzerland, yellow and white. Very ballerina-ish. Music is like a music box. Nice opening; very graceful and elegant skater, long-limbed. A classic-looking dancer, looks a bit fragile, otherwise could be a protypical Russian skater. It's a lovely program, but Scott says it doesn't quite flow like the top-ranked skaters; slip on a landing too. I hope she stays in the sport and gets better coaching, she could be quite good. Scores ok, into 6th.

Hughes tells Andrea Joyce how happy she is; can't wait to go out there again. Beginning to warm to her a bit; just wish she wasn't so self-focused, had more awareness of the outside world and her surroundings. It's interesting how some athletes seem to have that--Joey Cheek, Apolo Ohno, Shani Davis, Michele Kwan--while others are oblivious to everything but themselves--Chad Hedrick, Lindsey Jacobellis.

Final group of six out there, the grown-ups. Irinia Slutskaya of Russia first, at 27 if she wins she'd be oldest since 1908, wow! In dark blue, sparkly. Close to her mom, who's sick.... Odd music, it's not classic, like dark. Nails her first jumps, looks easy. Man, nails another jump--just no doubt, very powerful skater. It's a classic Russian performance, straight-forward and just technically so solid. As Sandra notes, not very artistic though; and that she has a wildness about her skating. And apparently women can now wear pants.... Her skating isn't really boy-like though. It's really like a woman among girls, just so confident and well-done. She'll win gold, easily--there's no fear that she might fall, no tentativeness. Into first, by quite a bit, over 7 points.

With everyone else, you always are happy when they skate clean; with the Russians, that's the starting assumption. There's no holding of breath before they go into the air, and no long lead-in while they tense and get ready. So they pile speed and pure technical excellence on top of a clean program--no wobbly jumps to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Next, Italian Silvia Fontana, who was born on Staten Island while her dad was directing building projects. Black and silver dress, to jazz. Ooh, doubles her opening combos. Then singles a double. Oh well. Crowd not really that into it either. Went pro for a while, is playing to the crowd. Gets a nice hand at the end, Hamilton says may not have qualified for the long program. Backstage, Sasha Cohen singing along to music while riding bike.

Shizuka Arakawa of Japan--they've yet to win any medals, wow. In elegant red, classic music. Triple-doubled, nice speed though; bit stiff but nice second jump. Hmm, nice spiral sequence, keeps leg up and lets go; she's actually not bad. Elegant and smoothness yet also strength, says Button. Long-limbed too. Not a smiley skater, just goes out and does it to her satisfaction. Crowd appreciative, big smile at the end. Sandra says she may be the most talented, skater; calls her statuesque. High scores, looks totally delighted and surprised, into second.

Slutskaya in earnest English says she's grown a lot in the past couple of years, understands life doesn't end with figure skating.

Ugh, Sasha Cohen's in an ugly turquoise blue dress. Profile shows her working out, to her audio track; a bit odd, disjointed, cut very quickly. One of those she had to travel far to come home pieces. Her ex-coach says she understands the search, but there has to be loyalty, trust, committment from the athlete. Her current coach says she left as a young girl, came back as a young lady. Cohen says she feels like a scientist who's done a thousand experiments for the past four years.

Before her is orange-dressed Yelena Liashenko of Ukraine. Bird-noises starts her classic music, reminds me of what that Surya Bonali of France skated to. Nice opening jumps, albeit telegraphed as Button says. Two-footed a landing, then makes another one totally easily. Done with jumps, into elements, big smile. Not a bad program, but not so inspiring. Into 10th.

And then Fumie Suguri of Japan. Tiny, in black and white dress. Looks feisty; to some sort of flamenco thing, odd. Hamilton notes three Japanese women all skate very differently, except all great jumpers; she nails her opening combo, nice and soft landings. Commentators praise her, says she rises to the occassion, has good choreography. I like her, has a nice spirit to her, bit of etherealness. Crowd is into it, they like her.

So interesting how certain skaters just are crowd favorites, they clap even when she's not doing anything great. She's pretty fast, too. Scott says every element was delivered beautifully, she's like in tears coming off. Bezic says she doesn't have the ability of the other Japanese skaters, but makes the most of what she has. Has a nice, earnest look to her--and catches a stuffed animal thrown out of the crowd! Bows to one of her coaches at the end. What a great sport, when it's done right. She's one of my favorites of the night. Okay scores, into 3rd, behind other Japanese skater. Slutskaya takes off, two skaters to come.

Next, Carolina Kostner of Italy. All glittery, with white and blue. Very nice classic music, Bezic says she's a total wild card, goes so fast, can be great, or horrible. And she falls.... Crowd gives her a hand anyway. Nails her next jump. I like her, she has a courage that comes through somehow. A bit coltish as well. Nails her next jump. Button doesn't really like her. Wow, it's like nearly midnight Italian time. Hits herself on the head as she goes off, but has a nice smile. She tried her best... Bezic says she's an incredible talent, with a bright future. Into 10th.

HOUR FOUR
Jittery Sasha waiting on the sidelines, funny, she keeps snapping out arm movements. I'm not sure how she'll do, she seems pretty nervous. It all depends on the first jump. It's really nuts, keeps snapping out moves. Such an odd outfit, too. Hope she does well, mind over matter. Very determined look; nails her opening combination, makes it look so easy. Wow. Nails her triple, this is great. Go Cohen! Very precise, no real softness, she's skating like a Russian. Music is martial too. A great spiral sequence says Bezic, perfection. And a big smile too. If she doesn't get into first with this, there's no hope. I think she will, she's a legit contender who skated at the height of her game. Crowd is totally roaring, they love her. Scott says wow. Bezic says the best for last. Button says there's no greater burden than having potential, and that burden was lifted tonight. She pokes her tongue out as she bows, a look of total happiness and triumph. Fellow American Meissner in the stands not so happy, odd.

Chant of U.S.A. as she goes to the kiss and cry. Button says he's known her coach since 1948, and that he's a funny guy. Sandra talks about the fire in her eyes... and the scores are very high, she's into first, by .03! Awesome. Scott says this sets up a huge showdown on Thursday. Afterwards she says she's on such a high right now; Tracy says the rub has always been can you keep it together for two programs, can you--she says just gotta rest up, and believe in myself.

This is gonna be great. When was the last time an American was leading going into the long program? And when was the last time we had three skaters among the top seven?

NBC ends prime time with a look at Thursday night's skate order--Cohen skates 2nd in the final group of six, Slutskaya last. It'll be Irina's competition to lose.

HOUR FOUR.5
Women's freestyle aerials
Catch just the end of women's aerials, four Chinese in finals--no Americans. Makes sense, it's essentially gymnastics on snow.

Head to head
They show more of Davis/Hedrick press conference, says athletes aren't perfect; Hedrick says without the competitive tensions neither one of them would be the skaters they are. Replay the part at the press conference where reporters are like why don't you shake his hand to Chad after Shani's comments, Chad just drinks water, goes on for a minute, does the passive aggressive thing. Jim Lampley pretends they're squabbling like kids... they aren't. Just two very different people, reflective of their peoples.

Photo of Sasha Cohen performing by Yuri Kadobnov/ AFP.

Photo of Italy's Enrico Fabris wearing a toy crown given by a fan after winning gold by Matt Dunham/ AP/