ik i spoke about it in the tags of the isabeau levito post but i really do intensely dislike the way the us fed and coaches are framed against the russians. there’s this idea that the american way of coaching is (morally) better, that the children aren’t exploited or coached in dangerous and unhealthy ways, and it’s very odd to me because surely we can all see that that isn’t for lack of trying? there were strong hints of it with alysa, and its become abundantly clear with isabeau, that the only reason the us system is any better is because they can’t figure out how to emulate the russian one. they want their factory chain of child prodigies, and the only reason they don’t have it is because they don’t know how. 

it pains me so much to see commentators and reporters and some american fans speak about the us system like its the best thing ever and then turn around and criticise sambo 70 like!! the call is coming from inside the house!!