The fact that Stojko or Plushenko thinks that a greater attempt at athetlicism - the quad jump - guarantees Gold over all the other elements needed to be executed in the sport is somewhat silly. It harkens back to the schoolyard days when brute strength always prevailed - the stronger kid would always win out. These guys put a premium on having the 'guts' to not be a sissy. What's next a triple-dog-dare to do a quad? These guys are a couple of grown up bullies who are crying because their perceived athletic dominance, their macho personas, were not enough to get them the ultimate Gold. Plushenko thought he could just 'skate' through the last minute and half because he's so damn manly. He didn't need a footwork routine, he only needed the first three minutes to win the 4 and half minute long program. He's that amazing. Please. It wasn't enough to charm the judges this time, or in Stojkos case, two other times previous. The judges saw something better this time - and not by much mind you - but enough to award Lysacek the deserved Gold. Frankly, their (Stoj and Plush) routine styles dazzle with athletic ability and raw power but lack a certain grace and astheticism. It is the difference between driving an Aston-Martin or driving a Corvette. One takes the turns better and one is better on the straight aways. Stojko is obviously not happy with his Silver Medals and shows extremely poor taste in raining on the parade of Lysacek who skated by all the rules and was the smarter competitor. The sport is Figure Skating, not Quad Jumping, so one must skate figures and moves and jumps and show great footwork. Lysacek did this. He skated the much smarter routine and skated it beautifully. Plushenko's obvious Golden Boy treatment by the Russian authorities led to an arrogance that kept him from getting the Gold. Much like the rich kid who is never told 'no' at home, he got a wake up call out in the real world when he was told 'no' by Olympic judges. Stop whining. You got beat. Be a man. Learn some foot form and come back with your quads and and your foot forms and a greater appreciation of what it is to compete in the Olympics. Other athletes are there to win, too. They don't just think it is to be given to them. Stojko, I wish you the best, but it's time for you to be gracious or just shut up and go home.

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