Figure skatingiAsk Pj: Who needs redemption?

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CBC figure skating expert Pj Kwong wants to know what you the figure skating fan thinks each week. Email your insights and opinions on this week's topic to pjkwong@pjkwong.com, and Pj will respond to her favourite email here at CBCSports.ca. Don't forget to include your name and where you're writing from. If you're willing to have Pj read your response on the air during a CBC broadcast, please tell her it's OK to do so.   

This week: Who needs redemption?

It's apparent heading into the Cup of China that, as a few more skaters enter the Grand Prix race this season, they share one thing in common: looking to set aside disappointments and inconsistencies from the past season and (hopefully) starting anew. So who needs redemption the most and will be able to claim it? Is it Brian Joubert, Tomas Verner, Samuel Contesti or Takahiko Kozuka? Or do you have your own skater in mind?

As always, thanks to all of you for sharing your ideas. You have great things to say and I feel fortunate to be allowed to be here!

Cheers 
Pj

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Last Week: Skate Laces

 
To: Pj Kwong
From: Joan Murray
Subject: Skate Laces

Hi again Pj.

Thanks for your reply to my last email.

I am glad the music on Bold was at an audible level for the last two finals and that the camera crew kept the whole skater in their sight and not bits of them.

Regarding the lace incident, 45 years ago I was shown a way of tying shoes that never comes undone until the ends of the laces are tugged and is firm and not floppy. It is not the double-knot that tightens and is hard to undo, especially so, I would think, after skating. In all those years, I have never had a lace come undone until I pulled the ends and I wear lace-ups most the time. Perhaps all skaters could learn this:

Make the first loop and, when the second loop is threaded through the hole, wrap it round a second time through the hole. Then pull it tight in the usual manner.

I don't know if this explanation is clear, but if you want a demonstration, I live in Kingston not far from the K-Rock Centre. I have not come to the skating as the cost of a ticket is not within my budget, but I am thoroughly enjoying it all and would rather watch with you and Patrick as you have such interesting insights into the skaters and their performances and I get to see all the skaters rather than a select few. Besides, I am a sucker for a French Canadian accent!

See you at the women's final,
Joan Murray

To: Joan Murray
From: Pj Kwong
Subject: Skate Laces

Hi Joan!

Thanks so much for writing and for the explanation about tying the laces. You painted a great picture for me and I am going to try it out myself when I get on the ice tomorrow to coach! It was a shame about Jeremy's laces and you're right that skate laces can be a bit tricky!

I am sorry you didn't have the opportunity to come to K-Rock, but if you had, you wouldn't have been able to hear that French Canadian accent of David's - so a silver lining, by my reckoning!

Last day and I am sure some great free dances on hand. Hope you're going to be glued to the TV!

Enjoy your day!

Cheers,
Pj

(Photo of Brian Joubert by Yuri Kadobnov/Getty Images)

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