Adam Rippon short program

Generally, I put these posts together in winner-order, but I wanted to start with Adam, even though we really already talked about his look when we covered Nationals. Then I did the rest of the Americans, because I wanted to talk about both of them. Then I did the medalists. Then I threw in Patrick Chan because a lot of you are Canadians. Is that just a whole bunch of spoilers for this post? YES.

Anyway, Adam. America's skating sweetheart and I mean that sincerely. I complained in this very spot that I thought it was unfair that Ross Miner didn't get to go to South Korea after he finished second at Nationals, and I stand by that complaint in theory -- but Adam skated wonderfully and represented his (and my) country so beautifully. I am, if I may be schmoopy about it for a moment, so proud of him and so happy that we have him in this world.

Adam Rippon short program

I also love that he wears a mesh shirt for a short program that is essentially a salute to an evening at the club. Like a lot of people who have gone through life with many gay male friends, I think, I watched this program and thought, "oh, I've been at this party."

Adam Rippon long program

Did I cry at this tremendously gorgeous long program? I DID. It's SO GOOD. I think he was a bit underscored on components, in fact. It's a BEAUTIFUL program. 

Adam Rippon long program

And this top is spectacular. (As, I must shallowly note, is Adam Rippon's physique. I mean, all of the Olympics is about, "ooh, that person has amazing thighs," essentially.)

Nathan Chen short program

Nathan got new outfits for the Olympics, and as I understand it, this skate did not go well. It did not go well on such a large scale that I decided I didn't need to find it and watch it. (Which is a shame, because I actually LOVE this short program and think it's better choreographed than his long program is.) But you look sleek, Nathan!

Nathan Chen long program

And I am SO PROUD of him for coming out and more-or-less nailing the long program. Scott Hamilton pointed out on Twitter that he and Brian Boitano both finished in 5th place at their first Olympics and look how well that worked out for them.

Vincent Zhou short program

Sweet Vincent Zhou should ALSO be proud of his performance. He is barely even an adult!

Vincent Zhou long program

I wish NBC had decided to show this! They came back from the ads and I was like, "VINCENT ZHOU IS IN SECOND RIGHT NOW? Did I have a small stroke at some point this evening and lose time?!"

Yuzuru Hanyu short program

Good on Hanyu for repeating, which is BASICALLY IMPOSSIBLE, as was pointed out by the last man who did it...one Mr. Dick Button, whose tweets last night were a delight. (I was as proud as a loving mother of Adam Rippon when Dick noted that he had a beautiful skate. He then noted that someone else never gets marked down "for all his FLAILING," which was likewise a delight.) ANYWAY, Hanyu is really extremely good. 

Yuzuru Hanyu long program

One of the things I like about this program is that he is wearing a real COSTUME. It's not just, "I'm gonna go out and wear something from Banana Republic." It's part of his story-telling.

Shoma Uno short program

Uno is also great. I might have more FEELINGS when Uno skates, actually. He has such a sweet baby face.

Shoma Uno long program

And I also appreciate his commitment to skating in velvet. 

Yuzuru Hanyu and Shoma Uno

This was sweet. All these men seemed so happy for each other. There was so much hugging and crying, which honestly is what I want from my figure skating. Hugging, crying, leaping, and maybe also some making out. 

Javier Fernandez short program

Javier Fernandez is SUCH a charming skater. I will NEVER forget that he did my favorite exhibition skate of all time.

Javier Fernandez long program

I also thought, while watching his long program, that one of the things I enjoy most about figure skating is how SINCERE it is. Not everything need be jokey or cynical. SOMETIMES WE WANT FEELINGS. TURN ON SOME MUSICAL THEATRE. OR COLDPLAY. HAVE YOU ANY COLDPLAY?

Jin Boyang short program

Jin Boyang finished 4th, which I think must be the most emotionally trying spot to end up in. 

Jin Boyang long program

This entire program is to Star Wars, and this bit is from his step sequence, which is set to the Cantina Song. It is charming, but if you are not familiar with Star Wars, it is SO TONALLY WEIRD to have all kinds of like SERIOUS MUSIC...then some heavy breathing (Darth Vader, of course)....then this aggressively tootely perky interlude....then back to SERIOUS. I kept thinking, "my mother must be really confused about the emotional story of this long program."

Patrick Chan short program

I'm really glad Patrick got his gold medal in the team competiton; if you don't remember, he ALMOST beat Hanyu for the gold in 2014 and lost by the skinniest of margins. I am not in love with his musical choices -- this was to "Dust In the Wind," and his long program is to "Hallelujah," which means that AT LEAST two Canadian teams are skating to that song -- but he's such an elegant skater.

Patrick Chan long program

I believe he's retired after this Olympics, and he certainly went out with class.

Let’s Talk Olympic Figure-Skating: The Men

Impressive quads of the muscular AND jumping varieties.