Boitano had a triple axle and a triple triple but his spread eagle was magical. I had not to this day see anybody leaning that far into the ice like Boitano. Orser was rewarded later in his career with Gold metal students, that's his magic and glory.
In 1988, in the 6.0 scoring system there was not really a place to award more points for the 'Tano lutz with the arm over the head, but today, that's more points. As you say, Orser has excelled as a coach, and this program was no slouch either.
It's the blaring marching band kind of music that drives me crazy, to me everything else is fine. The skippy choreography seems characteristic of the time.
It’s often been said that the difference between winning gold and winning silver has a lot to do with how the skaters skate. Some people skate to not lose or to not make a mistake, and other people skate to win. I think that’s what happened here. To me, it appeared that Boitano put his entire heart and soul into his program on this night. He didn’t hold back at all and he charged into every element at 100%. Orser seemed tense and he skated very cautiously. Boitano deserved the gold for sure.
Absolutely. Skating safe almost never pays off, which includes a skater depending too much on his or her artistic abilities, expecting them to put him over the top so he can pull back technically. Orser skated safe and lost, but he wasn't the only one. Michelle Kwan skated safe in '98 and lost, too. There wasn't enough distance between her and Tara Lipniski artistically that Michelle could afford to pull back technically and yet, that's what she did. If Michelle had done a triple-triple in her LP, I believe the judges would have gone her way. Kim Yuna in 2014 is another example. She skated perfectly but only had 6 triples in her LP, depending on her reputation and artistry to make up the difference. It didn't. Yes, there was likely a cheating scheme in play at those Olympics, but Kim could easily have thwarted it by doing 7 triples in her LP, which was the standard for the ladies, instead of 6. There are other examples, but those skaters are probably the most famous losses for skating safe.
@@L1623VP I totally agree. The only time you can skate safe to win is when all your opponents made errors, which was what Shizuka Arakawa did in Torino 2006 and it worked in her favor because both Sasha Cohen and Irina Slutskaya had falls
@@ardishorwich4601 I totally agree. I think his program really stood the test of time. Turn a few of those triple jumps into quads instead, and this program would be a gold medal winning performance even by today’s standards. (Just my opinion 😊)
What made it so great aside from his technical ability was that the music, choreography, and even the costume was perfect for him. Sandra Bezic literally was like a great Taylor with her choreography. All the skaters she worked with looked their best.
It was a nice performance, especially given Orser's history of nerves. In any other year, he might have won the gold. But that night belonged to Boitano. That spread eagle, those splits, and that death drop--stunning.
Brian Botanio was always known as the Best Male Jumper. He gets 4ft high on his death drop. Not til Elvis Stoyko did another Jumper come that could jump like Brian B. And it wasnt close!!!
The difference came from that Boitano skated everything he was capable of to win, and Orser downgraded his 2nd triple axel to a double in order to not fall. Both Brians put up fantastic performances that night, but skating safe usually does not work out when you want to win. The only time you can do that is if all your opponents made errors
Brian strikes me as unusually tall for a male skater (5'11") compared to other leading men (Scott Hamilton 5'2"). The length of bone allows for more muscle. What has always struck me most about Brian is the beautiful musculature of his legs. I've not seen that much development anywhere other than a ballet stage. Though he cannot do the rapid gymnastics of a petite, Brian makes optimal use of his height and strength, powerful jumps, elegant extensions, exceptional control, His build is a key component of his magnificent spread eagles.
I was pulling for Boitano very hard in 1988. I watched both again today for the first time since then, and I was expecting that I might see it differently, but no. Boitano was far and away the better of the two that night.
I disagree. Yuzuru is a natual born genius. Actually, Yuzuru's 2012 Worlds FS performance with a Japanese coach was 10 times better than 2014 Sochi FS under Orser
Orser skated very well and deserved his silver. Boitano was clearly the superior skater and the best in this competition. I don't think it was as close as the scores; Boitano's entire presentation had a better arc, was technically brilliant, and the skating was more confident. However, I don't like the long wait at the beginning of Boitano's program and that idea has become too popular. Great competition and congrats to both men!
I think Boitano had to stand there and wait because his music might have been too long. Your music can go over the time limit, but your actual skating movements must remain under time or you get deducted. If Boitano had moved a second too early, maybe that could have cost him the gold, LOL
I liked both Brian's skating but I do think that in Calgary Boitano was head and shoulders better. I could never agree with the result being so close. I had Boitano ahead in both the short and free. His jumps were better, his spins were in a different class and I have to say Boitano's artistry was better. Boitano's short to 'Les Patineurs' was an artistic masterpiece.
Boitano had the edge in both the execution and technical aspect, but both gave fantastic performances that night. Apparently there was supposed to be a fix for Orser to win, but one of the judges bailed on it after seeing how well Boitano skated. Regardless, the results were correct
If you read Wiki on this competition, the Canadian skating federation had a secret pact with the East Euro judges. It nearly worked. The Russian judge later backed out on the deal and voted for Boitano, that made the difference in the 5-4 decision in his favor.
@@msmo2060 Totally agree with you but the real tragedy is "that stupid reporter" is none other than David Santee, a former competitive figure skater himself who was the silver medalist in the 1981 World Championships behind Scott Hamilton. Frankly, David should have known better.
Они оба были хороши, но победил сильнейший и тот кто не сделал не единой помарки, вот любят рассуждать был ,лучше, но судейская Бригада фиксирует лучше,чем диванные эксперты!😁😁😁
In retrospect, it's funny and entertaining to listen to them down play the triple flip and the doubled triple axel in order to prepare the audience for what they expected as the anticipated result. Too funny
David Santee, I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that you were once an interviewer. The good news is that you were only an interviewer for a really, really short time.
Santee was the worst interviewer ever. I remember he interviewed a young Kristi Yamaguchi and asked her “So what was your key move in your estimation?” What kind of question is that?
Orser only did "1 minor mistake", which was not really a mistake (Dick Button): Stepped out 3Flip, downgraded 3Axel to a 2Axel, horrible spins, and almost seemed a two-footed 3Toe at the end. And Orser still wondered for many years how he lost to Boitano?
Orser with no 3/3, no second 3A and he didn't figure out how he lost to Boitano, especially when the technical mark was the deciding mark back then? Interesting.
On top of that, Boitano was 2nd in the compulsories and Orser was 3rd. Orser placed ahead of Boitano in the short, but that was only worth 20% of the final score, compared to the compulsories being worth 30%. So even though both skaters were/are beloved and delivered iconic performances, the rules of the time made it abundantly clear that Boitano *had* to be the winner. Orser's team never took compulsories seriously enough, even after he lost the gold in 1984 over them. I love him and his skating, and I respect him tremendously as a coach, but I've never understood why he, by his own admission, never trained them harder when he knew they were his Achilles' heel.
Что Бойтано,что Орсер, большие молодцы. И тренера молодцы. Очень понравились выступления обоих. Благодаря моему интересу к Алине, я увидела выступление Великих фигуристов прошлых лет.
what an amazing competition. I don't like how the reporter was there right after Brian had found out he lost. it's cool to be a good sportsmanship but God, give him some space. both performances were epicly similar, but bb seemed like the performance of his life, while the judges have simply seen The Canadian skate much better. in my opinion the hottest skates of 88.
If you read Wiki on this competition, the Canadian skating federation had a secret pact with the East Euro judges. It nearly worked. The Russian judge later backed out on the deal and voted for Boitano, that made the difference in the 5-4 decision in his favor.
@@Person-mh6xq he didnt 2 foot a triple Axel. Even boitano was upset at dick button for stating that on air in subsequent interviews. He said he didn't make any mistake. Ive seen the video multiple times and cannot point out what dick was talking about.
@@jamesyu5212 yes, I read something a few years back that Dick Button later re-watched Boitano’s performance from a different camera angle, and he realized that Boitano did not two foot that jump. He apologized to Boitano for saying/thinking it was 2 footed and he admitted that he had been wrong.
"Not sure what the judges saw there to score him so highly" He was the reigning World Champion in his home country. Pretty obvious that would affect his marks.
I remember watching this. All these years later I watch it again, and think that the right man won. I hated this choreography. His arms flailing and choppy movements. He seemed out of control for much of the routine and demonstrated very little grace. Again, I attribute that to the choreography, and the music didn't help. His split jumps were nowhere near as high or graceful as Boitano's. Comparing the two routines, Boitano's was more measured, controlled, which I'd normally think subtracts from connecting with the audience and judges emotionally. However, in this case it works because it reflects military precision. If Orser could have presented a skate that was more controlled, or at least more graceful and artistic, it would have elevated it to another level. But it had none of that. It was an inferior routine. So the gold went to the USA, and rightfully so.
Grace was missing...I give him the technique of the jumps with this spins but Boitanos were clean and flawless. This guy had perfection in mind but Boitano gracefully showed us perfection and finness. Great job regardless
Not to mention that there was an unbridled exuberance and joy to Boitano's performance that just carried everyone along with it right to the on-the-nanosecond ending....even Boitano's one glitch, the two-foot landing, was done with aplomb and confidence, not taking anything away from the jump.
i was born in 2001 so i have 0 bias between the brians and i haven’t even seen boitano’s programs, but i agree both orsers short AND long program are WAY too flaily and he lacks precision in most of his choreo movements. it looks like he simply just hasn’t practiced the precision of his choreo at all. he also kind’ve skates with his hands at hip height like he’s doing school figures rather than having them up at his chest in more of a ballet-esque position. that may just be the time period but it’s very noticeable in some spots lol
Overscored. No way he deserved such high marks in artistic merit. It was choppy, simplistic execution and choreography. There was collusion amongst the judges for Orser to win. He'd came in 2nd at the previous Olympics to the American Scott Hamilton, and these Olympics were on his home turf of Canada. One judge didn't go along with the plan and voted his conscience. That was the difference. Fortunately, the more deserving man won.
The military theme delivered by Boitano was far stronger and more convincing than Orser's version. I didn't buy it and feel it was over scored artistically and technically. Orser looked like a Nutcracker puppet doll.
I never liked this program except for the opening jump. The choreography is just horrible. The mistake on the flip and the double instead of the triple towards the end sealed his fate. I still cannot believe the Czech judge gave him a 6.0 in artistic impression.
There is actually a reason. Orser's score wasn't supposed to be anywhere near as high as it was. But there was a pact for the judges to rig the competition so he'd win. In fact, the only reason Boitano won was because a Russian judge was so impresses, he gave up the rig, and gave Boitano the score he deserved.
That is NOT the reason! Boitano skated first and the Czech judge gave him 5.9/5.9 After Orser skated that judge decided to place him ahead of Boitano (for a 1st place ordinal) The only way to do that was to score Orser either 6.0/5.9 or 5.9/6.0.
@@MikeeRogers Agree! Boitano's performance has stood the test of time. It was beautiful. His costume, choreography, the total performance was gorgeous.
Boitano gave everything he got during the night where it mattered the most, and it paid off. Orser's jumps look so floaty and effortless in the air, and he put up a great fight
Yes Dick Button - "It did make a difference" - two foot landing/and step out, no 3x3, and one 3 axel, and 6 triples vs 8 (BB) too many 2 axels. I like Orser ALOT, but the lack of technical difficulty, and more obvious mistake, and lack of energy at end comes in 2nd to Boitano. I'm surprised it was even a 5-4 split, should have 7-2 IMO.
I have just started watching these 2 performances again. Brian Boitano was absolutely mesmerizing. Some say his arms, movements were stiff but he was actually in character with the military style music. His performance was sheer perfection in many aspects. I won't enumerate since you have done a very good job of listing the fine points and aspects of Boitano's gold winning performance. The music was wonderful and let us give credit to Sandra Bezak for her choreography. Also Boitano's costume was even more classy, the navy and burgundy colors. It is obvious there was a lot of attention to details in this performance. I enjoy watching this every time.
Because Orser was "the favorite", he was skating to "not lose". Boitano was skating to win. Big difference. When you skate cautiously, you usually don't win...Orser in 88, Kwan in 98, Yuna in 14, etc.
True favorite often don't win because the pressure is too much to handle. Disagree when it comes to Michelle Kwan--She skated her program mistake free but the judges preferred Tara Lipinski's program which had more pop. It was the choice of apples over oranges--judges choose oranges.@@L1623VP
@@LORDADONIS35 Not so. Tara had a triple loop-triple loop. Michelle did a triple double. Tara's program was technically more difficult than Michelle's, and there wasn't enough distance between them artistically that Michelle could afford to pull back technically, but that's what she did, hoping her reputation would pull her through, but it wasn't enough. Michelle also skated tentatively in '02 and lost the gold a second time. I was rooting for Michelle both times, and even I can admit that she skated safe and harmed her chances for gold. In '02 she was certainly dealing with the ghosts of the '98 loss in her head, but in '98 she lost because she held back.
Not so several judges in 98 said they regretted their decision because Michelle was a better skater and had a more well rounded program. Tara had one triple-triple jump but Michelle had two difficult triple-double combinations and better artistry. Tara also two footed her second triple loop and under the current system would have been give a downgrade under rotation for that jump. In the end Michelle didn't need the gold she is a living legend with consecutive 9 national titles, 5 world titles, 2 olympic medals, and made more money from ice shows and endorsement than Lipinski and the others--she's worth millions of dollars. People still love and admire Michelle Kwan no one cares about or even remembers Tara Lipinski or Sara Hughes.@@L1623VP
@@LORDADONIS35 I find it VERY hard to believe that any judges would break their code of ethics with the ISU and speak publicly about their personal feelings regarding judging competitions. They'd almost certainly be sanctioned or fired from their judging position by the ISU. Unless you can confirm that with published media statements, it never happened because those judges would have been fired. Kwan's losing the '98 gold takes nothing away from her legacy.
I love both Brians, and really admire their talent! I do think, personally, Orser's artistry, in terms of upper body movement and dancing abilities, is better than Boitano's; he's lighter on his feet and faster through footwork. However, it wasn't enough to save him b/c Boitano was flawless on every jump. Most of Orser's jumps were gorgeous as well (his lutz was WOW). Both would have HUGE GOE marks. But the flip cost him, as did playing it safe with the double axle. Great competition.
I would agree with your assessment. Boitano could appear stiff/mechanical and not as fluid as Orser in the artistic department but Boitano was so technically consistent which I think was his greatest strength as a figure skater. You could just always count on him to land those jumps flawlessly time and time again.
Boitano spent a lot of the first minute and a half stroking up & down building up speed for jumps, Orser was interpreting the music with added interest in arm and leg positions from the get go. But he stepped out of the 3F and down graded the 3A
His choice of music was weak. It was too episodic and those episodes didn't seem to create a unified whole. The climaxes were up and down. Boittano's program led to a thrilling finale.
Button sounded like an idiot during this commentary. People thought that Boitano wasnt artistic because he had a shit program in 1987....and horrible choreography. Luckily, Sandra Bezic, the worlds best choreographer, transformed Brian and exploited his beautiful line and extension and his height, which made everything look bigger. Brian gave the two best performances in Olympic history and deserved the gold medal.
@mlc2005 Orser also checked with someone in his camp to see how many 3A's Boitano did, and he misunderstood and thought it was only 1. That's why he seems so confident skating, then in total disbelief when he saw he only got silver. I read he went into the dressing room/bathroom all the men shared right after this, and Boitano was there and was very gracious to him.
Yes, I've read that too somewhere. Remember back then a two footed jump was suppose to not count at all.... so that's why he was told Boitano only landed one 3A. However, judges aren't blind and they can see a skater skate the performance of the night and his life, versus a cautious skater at the most important competition.
@Parker528 The tie was only in the LP, and was broken by the skater with the higher Technical Merit marks awarded by the judges who tied the skaters. Therefore, Boitano was awarded the 1st Place ordinal for the LP, Orser 2nd. 1st Place Ordinal = 1.0 factored placement; 2nd Place Ordinal = 2.0 factored placement, etc.
I’m glad they stopped doing these interviews in the kiss and cry. How brutal for Brian to see those marks, think he probably won, be told he was narrowly second and have zero time to process that before he needs to be in an interview. Brutal
Kinda charming to see Orser mouth "SH#T" after learning he was second, and then his coach immediately and discreetly elbowing him in the ribcage to collect himself before Santee interviewed him.
I'll never understand why he didn't go for the second triple Axle, as he did later at Worlds, especially since he had the slight mess-up on the flip. If you want to see this done to total perfection, check out his 1988 Worlds long.
Saw and heard that also. Think he thought the cameras were off. He said in the 88 film of the Winter Olympics that he thought he had won. I don’t think he knew about Boitano 2nd triple Axel.
Nobody’s fault but the fact they both did military programs - makes it easier to compare and Orser doesn’t come out on the right side of that one choreography and artistry wise. Boitano’s overall program was more dramatic and engaging. But this program has grown on me and Orser faced such enormous pressure he did phenomenal.
brian o is a great skater, but in this competition he just wasn't quite up to brian b. I think the artistic marks for this were a smidge high as well as the technical marks - especially when brian b had already skated. Not sure what the judges saw there to score him so highly. And Dick B's comment about the step out on the flip is baffling. Compared to brian b's 2-foot landing, the step out was much more disruptive to the presentation.
Looking back on Orser's program he really wasn't on top of his jumps. The opening triple axel almost went off the rails along with the error on the triple flip, no second triple axel and he was totally off balance on the last triple.
he also didn't have the triple/triple combination jump. this free skate competition should have been a unanimous 9-0 decision favoring boitano instead of 5-4.
Yes pretty much. If the judges had wanted to put Orser 1st even if they thought he was technically below and artistic wise above they would have tied them on the technical mark and put Orser .1 up on the artistic to make sure he was ahead or something like that. Just like in 98 between Tara and Michelle, 4 judges tied tied them on the artistic but dont think for a moment any judge thought Tara was as good artistically, they just felt she deserved 1st overall and knew how they had to score.
These guys were clearly the best of their era. In the long program at this competition, I think Boitano won the jumps by a large margin. Boitano had two triple axels and one double axel (compared to one triple and two doubles for Orser). The other jumps were comparable (with Boitano having better height and distance) except for Orser's two-foot and step-out on the triple flip. I did not see a two-foot landing from Boitano; the landing of the second 3A just looked heavy on the toe pick. In the spin department, some of Orser's spins travelled noticeably where Boitano's did not. I liked Boitano's spin positions somewhat better, and nobody, not even Orser, had as much fly on the death-drop as did Boitano. I think Orser's footwork sequence was better than Boitano's. Thus, Boitano clearly deserved the higher technical marks. Regarding presentation marks, I would have given Boitano higher marks. Orser's skated almost every note of the music and did so extremely well. I found, however, that the program was rapid-fire from beginning to end, showed us only a kind of military parade ground routine, and expressed little emotion. Boitano's program had more artistic breadth. We saw, of course, a military aspect, but also some playfulness and some romance. His program changed tempo four times, as well, and Boitano expressed the music's emotions really well. So, I think Boitano's performance was better in almost every respect. While I rate neither Orser nor Boitano above the other over their entire careers, I think the decision for this program should have been 9-0 in favor of Boitano. I did not find the two performances, in comparison, merited a 5-4 decision.
Without a second 3A I’m not sure why this was close. Smart if he felt tired (and lord knows the pressure on him after 4 years was something he handled beautifully to earn the silver and present so well) (pressure most people will never face in their lives) but BB was no slouch in composition either. What they did for skating was awesome but the skating skills necessary now (not just stand up and skate across the ice with arm movements until your next jump) by comparison (plus harder jumps) shows how far it’s come in 32 years. Canada deserves a men’s champ tho, when it happens that’ll be wonderful on the shoulders of Cranston Orser Stojko Chan...
It was that close because Canada was trying to cheat and get a judging voting swap but the USSR judge refused to participate. Boitano should have won all judges.
It's no wonder the silver recipients sometimes feel a bit cheated. They are so stunning but I did really love boitano. I can't even stand up in ice skates
Barrie Ontario there is a rink where Brian practiced as did Elvis Stojko, there was a reception in Toronto City Hall to celebrate these skaters, my sister was there as she lives in Barrie.I have signed pictures both of them.
Surprising to hear Dick Button's disappointment in the outcome (as least that's how I felt it sounded). Dick always seemed to roll with the favorites tho, which to his audience sometimes left them shocked when the favorites didn't win. We all learned a ton about figure skating from Dick, but I always appreciate honest critiques no matter who was skating.
I watched both of these performances live as they happened. I still never understood why the results were so close. Boitano was so clearly superior in every way to Orser. Technically he trounced Orser: 2 triple flips, 2 triple axels and a triple triple combination. That alone should have given him the technical mark. Any judge who scored Orser higher or tied him with Boitano on technical should have been sanctioned. Boitano had better edges ( spread eagles) spins and choreography and his "double foot" triple axel wasnt even a double footing if you look closely. How anyone could think Orser deserved the gold medal is absoultely mind boggling. Boitano was perfect in every phase of the competition. What is fucked up is that the judges still politically almost gave it to Orser.
+Mike Giammarino Boitano, had Camel Spin with change of foot, Flying Sit Spin (and a very huge one), a Combination Spin with foot change, and a Sit Spin into a Straight Up Spin. Orser had Flying Camel into Sit Spin, Flying Sit Spin, and Sit Spin. All very mediocre. Boitano's last triple was a Salchow while Orser's was an almost two footed 3Toe. But Orser has said it in many interviews; that he thought The Gold would be his because he was going into the Olympics as Canada's only Gold medalist (in any event), he was the world champion, and the Olympics were in Canada! I have never understood the 5-4 win that night. To top it off, that 5.7 in presentation for Boitano. If anything, Boitano's Presentation marks should have been at least five 5.9s!!!!
A spread eagle is still a risky edge. You can fall off it at any time, and Boitano really leaned on them....his spins were more varied and superior.All those steps you are mentioning are difficult but they didnt carry much weight back then. Techncially , Boitano crushed him. No discussion there, and he deserved much higher technical marks and had he skated after Orser, he would have swept 8 of 9 judges. I dont think its very mature to compare them after the Olympics. Orser was a great coach, but Boitano had the best professional career of any skater...and made it back to the Olympics in 94...a true athlete who pushed himself. So what if he's cooking? He's a multi millionaire and doesnt need to do anything else... let him cook. And fyi, he was the one who urged Orser back to skating when Orser was depressed, overweight and lost in life. Again, a true champion.
If I recall correctly, five judges liked Boitano better and four preferred Orser. Boitano clearly won. As you said, he was technically perfect and his choreography was much better. It never should have been that close.
regardless of where he placed...this is a great skate...in front of his country...last to skate in the flight...and to accomplish this...pretty darn amazing.
I just didn't think Orser's routine was choreographed as good as Boitano's. Orser looked like a little puppet on a string at times. His arms were sloppy. I never understood why his marks for artistic impression were so high. I mean a 6.0? Come on. The Czech judge was high.
The Czech judge's marks for Boitano were 5.9/5.9 After Orser's skate, the Czech judge decided to place him first, ahead of Boitano. To do that the judge had to award a mark of 6.0 The marks are always relative, to compare and rank the skaters.
I watched this again recently with the sound off and I am bothered by Orser's hands always pointing up and arms bent at times. Boitano kept his hands straight and firm which is better in my opinion. Stronger and less flappy.
С новой системой судейства все его прыжки будут отпюсованы. С такой лёгкостью и большим запасом прыгает. Мог бы ещё подкрутить, но тогда не надо было. Не было такой гонки за четверными. Не удивлюсь, что вскоре начнут охоту за пятерными)))) Парить над льдом будут, а не по льду кататься))) нарушая все законы физики.
He had many fine qualities, I'm sure, but I couldn't bear his biased commentary, especially not against skaters he disliked--some of whom were spectacular. Choreography and expectations changed, and I suppose it would be too much to expect he should take that in stride over so many years, but it often struck me as jealousy rather than mere intransigence. I thought his mean-spirited comments reflected poorly on the U.S. on more than one occasion. His accomplishments were legendary, but he didn't seem to be able to believe that others could be astonishing in new ways. So I didn't miss his commentary so much.
@TheWhatsinaname 1st tiebreaker back then was the skater with the higher Technical Merit marks. The next season they changed the tiebreaker for the Long Program/Free Skate to the skater with the higher Artistic Impression marks. Had this change been in effect in the 1987-88 season, Orser would have been Olympic Champion.
And if the rules from 1992 had been in place in 1984, Orser would've won that year as well. He won both the short and the long, but he placed 7th in the compulsories and it killed his total score. I definitely agree with the judges that Boitano was the winner in '88, but I wish Orser hadn't retired that year because I truly believe he would've thrived under the new rules, even at his age. (Thanks for sharing the video!)
I like Dick Button but he was wrong in his commentary of this program's mistakes. The mistake on the flip was glaring and ugly, and it impacted the overall presentation of the program... The only minor technical glitch with Boitano was the two footed landing on the second triple Axel which was not anywhere near as glaring, and some say it was not two-footed at all... Then you factor in the fact that Orser had no second Triple Axel and it is really not a contest at least technically...
@Parker528 Well, they knew the skater with the higher technical merit mark would win the tiebreaker. If they chose to give Orser a lower technical merit mark but a higher artistic impression mark, then those judges knew they wanted to place Boitano in 1st Place.
I liked both Orser and Boitano, but definitely felt that Boitano was the better of the two that night and thus deserved the gold medal. What I did like best about Orser was his choice of music as I am a fan of Shostakovich.
To all you people here arguing about the Battle of the Brians and who won it -let me tell you this - and then you decide: I am what you call "younger generations", I was not around to watch this back in 1988....I do however know very well who Brian Orser is (he coached Yuzuru Hanyu, Yuna Kim, Javier Fernandez and for a while even Evgenia), so I know him as the greatest coach of our era, and I know they have a Brian Orser Arena in Canada...But when I first heard about the "Battle of Brians", I had to GOOGLE who the other Brian was - because we have no clue who Brian Boitano is, we never heard of him. Older Millenials apparently heard of him through South Park - but they also had to Google him back then, because they didn't know who he was either. Now maybe that will help you put things into perspective. One gold medal at the Olympics in the 1980's is just that - one gold medal VEERRRY long time ago. What matters though is your LIFETIME achievement. I would say there is no doubt which Brian won that one.
Yes, that was my point. I was just saying that it may not have been the case that the results would have changed had the artistic mark been the tie breaker rather than the technical mark.
His story still runs today in the worldwide fs championship and coaches today's top skaters. Wonder why Hollywood didn't make a movie on him instead it was Tonya
Boitano had a triple axle and a triple triple but his spread eagle was magical. I had not to this day see anybody leaning that far into the ice like Boitano. Orser was rewarded later in his career with Gold metal students, that's his magic and glory.
In 1988, in the 6.0 scoring system there was not really a place to award more points for the 'Tano lutz with the arm over the head, but today, that's more points. As you say, Orser has excelled as a coach, and this program was no slouch either.
It's the blaring marching band kind of music that drives me crazy, to me everything else is fine. The skippy choreography seems characteristic of the time.
Boitano's spread eagle alone was worth the gold. No one in the world has ever done it like he does it!
And His Death Drop! WOW 4ft in the air. Brian Botanio was the best by far.
I've never seen a more beautiful spread eagle than Boitano's. He also did a really nice job on his flying camel.
It’s often been said that the difference between winning gold and winning silver has a lot to do with how the skaters skate. Some people skate to not lose or to not make a mistake, and other people skate to win. I think that’s what happened here. To me, it appeared that Boitano put his entire heart and soul into his program on this night. He didn’t hold back at all and he charged into every element at 100%. Orser seemed tense and he skated very cautiously. Boitano deserved the gold for sure.
Absolutely. Skating safe almost never pays off, which includes a skater depending too much on his or her artistic abilities, expecting them to put him over the top so he can pull back technically. Orser skated safe and lost, but he wasn't the only one. Michelle Kwan skated safe in '98 and lost, too. There wasn't enough distance between her and Tara Lipniski artistically that Michelle could afford to pull back technically and yet, that's what she did. If Michelle had done a triple-triple in her LP, I believe the judges would have gone her way. Kim Yuna in 2014 is another example. She skated perfectly but only had 6 triples in her LP, depending on her reputation and artistry to make up the difference. It didn't. Yes, there was likely a cheating scheme in play at those Olympics, but Kim could easily have thwarted it by doing 7 triples in her LP, which was the standard for the ladies, instead of 6. There are other examples, but those skaters are probably the most famous losses for skating safe.
@@L1623VP I totally agree. The only time you can skate safe to win is when all your opponents made errors, which was what Shizuka Arakawa did in Torino 2006 and it worked in her favor because both Sasha Cohen and Irina Slutskaya had falls
Brian B’s program remains the finest choreographed and delivered programs of all time, as well as technical.
@@ardishorwich4601 I totally agree. I think his program really stood the test of time. Turn a few of those triple jumps into quads instead, and this program would be a gold medal winning performance even by today’s standards. (Just my opinion 😊)
What made it so great aside from his technical ability was that the music, choreography, and even the costume was perfect for him. Sandra Bezic literally was like a great Taylor with her choreography. All the skaters she worked with looked their best.
It was a nice performance, especially given Orser's history of nerves. In any other year, he might have won the gold. But that night belonged to Boitano. That spread eagle, those splits, and that death drop--stunning.
Very clean and the movements for a guy is superb! Boitano guy
Brian Botanio was always known as the Best Male Jumper. He gets 4ft high on his death drop. Not til Elvis Stoyko did another Jumper come that could jump like Brian B. And it wasnt close!!!
He just popped a jump.
The difference came from that Boitano skated everything he was capable of to win, and Orser downgraded his 2nd triple axel to a double in order to not fall. Both Brians put up fantastic performances that night, but skating safe usually does not work out when you want to win. The only time you can do that is if all your opponents made errors
Brian strikes me as unusually tall for a male skater (5'11") compared to other leading men (Scott Hamilton 5'2"). The length of bone allows for more muscle. What has always struck me most about Brian is the beautiful musculature of his legs. I've not seen that much development anywhere other than a ballet stage. Though he cannot do the rapid gymnastics of a petite, Brian makes optimal use of his height and strength, powerful jumps, elegant extensions, exceptional control, His build is a key component of his magnificent spread eagles.
I was pulling for Boitano very hard in 1988. I watched both again today for the first time since then, and I was expecting that I might see it differently, but no. Boitano was far and away the better of the two that night.
can't believe they interviewed him straight in the kiss and cry, after he lost out on a gold medal. Like give him time to process first!
In my opinion, this is part of where Yuna and Yuzuru get their greatness from..
I disagree. Yuzuru is a natual born genius.
Actually, Yuzuru's 2012 Worlds FS performance with a Japanese coach was 10 times better than 2014 Sochi FS under Orser
mhm no
And Javier fernandez
@@junkao8624 I agree with you, it's really so.
Jane Doe bruh seriously
A beautiful skater, but Boitano has the artistry and his "spread eagle" is one of the most gorgeous moves in figure skating.
That spread eagle by Boitano is legend.
Not just the spread eagles, but Boitano's split jumps and death drop were always HUGE.
i feel like michelle's deep inside edge spiral was equally as good.
E Rivera it was as no one was doing that at the time until Sasha.
@@jjh2456 It really started with Nicole Bobek. Her spirals inspired Michelle to improve hers.
Orser skated very well and deserved his silver. Boitano was clearly the superior skater and the best in this competition. I don't think it was as close as the scores; Boitano's entire presentation had a better arc, was technically brilliant, and the skating was more confident. However, I don't like the long wait at the beginning of Boitano's program and that idea has become too popular.
Great competition and congrats to both men!
I think Boitano had to stand there and wait because his music might have been too long. Your music can go over the time limit, but your actual skating movements must remain under time or you get deducted. If Boitano had moved a second too early, maybe that could have cost him the gold, LOL
It's such a pity with the new scoring that we don't seem to get the full artistrry anymore.
Boitano did 2 triple axels- Orser did one- that's the gold.
This was good, but didn’t have the drama and perfect changes (and perfect skating!) that Boitano’s did.
You can really tell a resemblance in performance when it comes to Yuzuru Hanyu. Kudos to a great coach!
The snap he has in the air for sure.
Шикарное скользение, высокие уверенные прыжки, артитизм, задорство и все это Брайн Орсер! Красавчик👍👏👋
Those jump spin things are flawless and mastery. I'll give him that
I liked both Brian's skating but I do think that in Calgary Boitano was head and shoulders better. I could never agree with the result being so close. I had Boitano ahead in both the short and free. His jumps were better, his spins were in a different class and I have to say Boitano's artistry was better. Boitano's short to 'Les Patineurs' was an artistic masterpiece.
BB program was more cohesive and fluid.
Yes it was, and a step up from John Curry 1976.
Boitano had the edge in both the execution and technical aspect, but both gave fantastic performances that night. Apparently there was supposed to be a fix for Orser to win, but one of the judges bailed on it after seeing how well Boitano skated. Regardless, the results were correct
If you read Wiki on this competition, the Canadian skating federation had a secret pact with the East Euro judges. It nearly worked.
The Russian judge later backed out on the deal and voted for Boitano, that made the difference in the 5-4 decision in his favor.
Boitano’s spread eagle was sublime! That was the most ‘in the ice’ moment for me !❤❤
I'm glad they stopped doing those interviews in the kiss and cry. How awkward. "So, yeah, you just barely lost the gold medal. How do you feel?" Ugh.
Dawn Rhodes I know.... I have good news & bad news.... to bad Brian didn’t punch that stupid reporter
@@msmo2060 Totally agree with you but the real tragedy is "that stupid reporter" is none other than David Santee, a former competitive figure skater himself who was the silver medalist in the 1981 World Championships behind Scott Hamilton. Frankly, David should have known better.
npe1 really? Even more reason to call it stupid
David Santee was the WORST.
BTW where was Brian Boitano’s two footed jump that Dick Button said he did??
His choreography was beautiful but Brian did earn his Gold.
Они оба были хороши, но победил сильнейший и тот кто не сделал не единой помарки, вот любят рассуждать был ,лучше, но судейская Бригада фиксирует лучше,чем диванные эксперты!😁😁😁
Боже, вот это катание!!!! А какой красавец!!!?изумительно!
Gosh, I love that opening move when the music halts and he nails that triple lutz. Gives me chills
Врайан Орсер великолепен!!!Такая лёгкость, устойчивость и потрясающий контакт с залом!! Восторг!!
Брайн Орсер, круче, и программы интереснее! Легенда!!! дай бог ему по больше олимпийских учеников!!!!
In retrospect, it's funny and entertaining to listen to them down play the triple flip and the doubled triple axel in order to prepare the audience for what they expected as the anticipated result. Too funny
Бесспорно, в прошлом ВЕЛИКИЙ ФИГУРИСТ!!!!!
BOITANO IS SO HARD TO BEAT BECAUSE HE IS ESPECIALLY CONSISTANT.
David Santee, I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that you were once an interviewer. The good news is that you were only an interviewer for a really, really short time.
LOL. How did he ever get that job in the first place? Just awful.
Santee was the worst interviewer ever. I remember he interviewed a young Kristi Yamaguchi and asked her “So what was your key move in your estimation?” What kind of question is that?
Brian Orser is a cool dude and all but good god those spins were horrific
could not agree more ;-)
Orser only did "1 minor mistake", which was not really a mistake (Dick Button): Stepped out 3Flip, downgraded 3Axel to a 2Axel, horrible spins, and almost seemed a two-footed 3Toe at the end. And Orser still wondered for many years how he lost to Boitano?
Incredible Mann Agreed. Sure could hear who Dick Buttons favored during Orsers program.
Orser with no 3/3, no second 3A and he didn't figure out how he lost to Boitano, especially when the technical mark was the deciding mark back then? Interesting.
On top of that, Boitano was 2nd in the compulsories and Orser was 3rd. Orser placed ahead of Boitano in the short, but that was only worth 20% of the final score, compared to the compulsories being worth 30%. So even though both skaters were/are beloved and delivered iconic performances, the rules of the time made it abundantly clear that Boitano *had* to be the winner.
Orser's team never took compulsories seriously enough, even after he lost the gold in 1984 over them. I love him and his skating, and I respect him tremendously as a coach, but I've never understood why he, by his own admission, never trained them harder when he knew they were his Achilles' heel.
Что Бойтано,что Орсер, большие молодцы. И тренера молодцы. Очень понравились выступления обоих. Благодаря моему интересу к Алине, я увидела выступление Великих фигуристов прошлых лет.
ALINA !!! we love her so much!!
Olimpic Champion 💜🧡💛
what an amazing competition. I don't like how the reporter was there right after Brian had found out he lost. it's cool to be a good sportsmanship but God, give him some space. both performances were epicly similar, but bb seemed like the performance of his life, while the judges have simply seen The Canadian skate much better. in my opinion the hottest skates of 88.
I agree, how was he supposed to feel at that moment? What a stupid question.
If you read Wiki on this competition, the Canadian skating federation had a secret pact with the East Euro judges. It nearly worked.
The Russian judge later backed out on the deal and voted for Boitano, that made the difference in the 5-4 decision in his favor.
That interview in the K and C was cruel and unusual. Thank God they don't do this anymore.
See both Brians for the first time and figure out that Boitano is more superior in any way, though both are great
I would have given Orser 5.6/5.9 & Boitano 6.0/5.7. Boitano rightly won.
Except Boitano two-footed his 2nd triple axel so a 6.0 for technical merit would not even remotely be warranted. Other than that, a superb program.
@@Person-mh6xq ok.....
Orser was under scored, technically..his program was superior…
@@Person-mh6xq he didnt 2 foot a triple Axel. Even boitano was upset at dick button for stating that on air in subsequent interviews. He said he didn't make any mistake. Ive seen the video multiple times and cannot point out what dick was talking about.
@@jamesyu5212 yes, I read something a few years back that Dick Button later re-watched Boitano’s performance from a different camera angle, and he realized that Boitano did not two foot that jump. He apologized to Boitano for saying/thinking it was 2 footed and he admitted that he had been wrong.
"Not sure what the judges saw there to score him so highly" He was the reigning World Champion in his home country. Pretty obvious that would affect his marks.
Orser did well, but Boitano's performance was legendary. Of course he was tired, haha! He did like 11 jumps, right?
What's with the jumps...lol
@@twincherry4958 I know, right? I thought they were dancing, not figure skating, haha!
@@smoothALOE 🤣🤣
I remember watching this. All these years later I watch it again, and think that the right man won. I hated this choreography. His arms flailing and choppy movements. He seemed out of control for much of the routine and demonstrated very little grace. Again, I attribute that to the choreography, and the music didn't help. His split jumps were nowhere near as high or graceful as Boitano's. Comparing the two routines, Boitano's was more measured, controlled, which I'd normally think subtracts from connecting with the audience and judges emotionally. However, in this case it works because it reflects military precision. If Orser could have presented a skate that was more controlled, or at least more graceful and artistic, it would have elevated it to another level. But it had none of that. It was an inferior routine. So the gold went to the USA, and rightfully so.
Wews
An
Grace was missing...I give him the technique of the jumps with this spins but Boitanos were clean and flawless. This guy had perfection in mind but Boitano gracefully showed us perfection and finness. Great job regardless
Not to mention that there was an unbridled exuberance and joy to Boitano's performance that just carried everyone along with it right to the on-the-nanosecond ending....even Boitano's one glitch, the two-foot landing, was done with aplomb and confidence, not taking anything away from the jump.
i was born in 2001 so i have 0 bias between the brians and i haven’t even seen boitano’s programs, but i agree both orsers short AND long program are WAY too flaily and he lacks precision in most of his choreo movements. it looks like he simply just hasn’t practiced the precision of his choreo at all. he also kind’ve skates with his hands at hip height like he’s doing school figures rather than having them up at his chest in more of a ballet-esque position. that may just be the time period but it’s very noticeable in some spots lol
Overscored. No way he deserved such high marks in artistic merit. It was choppy, simplistic execution and choreography. There was collusion amongst the judges for Orser to win. He'd came in 2nd at the previous Olympics to the American Scott Hamilton, and these Olympics were on his home turf of Canada. One judge didn't go along with the plan and voted his conscience. That was the difference. Fortunately, the more deserving man won.
absolutely spot on. Thank God for that judge with a conscience. NO question Boitano deserved the gold.
The military theme delivered by Boitano was far stronger and more convincing than Orser's version. I didn't buy it and feel it was over scored artistically and technically. Orser looked like a Nutcracker puppet doll.
I never liked this program except for the opening jump. The choreography is just horrible. The mistake on the flip and the double instead of the triple towards the end sealed his fate. I still cannot believe the Czech judge gave him a 6.0 in artistic impression.
There is actually a reason. Orser's score wasn't supposed to be anywhere near as high as it was. But there was a pact for the judges to rig the competition so he'd win. In fact, the only reason Boitano won was because a Russian judge was so impresses, he gave up the rig, and gave Boitano the score he deserved.
That is NOT the reason! Boitano skated first and the Czech judge gave him 5.9/5.9 After Orser skated that judge decided to place him ahead of Boitano (for a 1st place ordinal) The only way to do that was to score Orser either 6.0/5.9 or 5.9/6.0.
@@MikeeRogers Agree! Boitano's performance has stood the test of time. It was beautiful. His costume, choreography, the total performance was gorgeous.
@@tuxtommy69 yes. The technical merit mark outweighed the artistic impression marks in those days.
Boitano gave everything he got during the night where it mattered the most, and it paid off. Orser's jumps look so floaty and effortless in the air, and he put up a great fight
Slightly better artistry than Brian’s program but the technical precision and stamina belongs to Brian 🇺🇸 🥇 🙌🏾
Oh, is the definition of artistry tiptoeing around like you are on hot coals?
Yuzuru's coach was a fun to watch..just like how yuzu entertained his audience...superb artistic impression
Nasty David Santee interviewing Orser at his lowest moment.
Orser was stiff, panicked, and frenzied. Totally outclassed by Boitano.
Yes Dick Button - "It did make a difference" - two foot landing/and step out, no 3x3, and one 3 axel, and 6 triples vs 8 (BB) too many 2 axels. I like Orser ALOT, but the lack of technical difficulty, and more obvious mistake, and lack of energy at end comes in 2nd to Boitano. I'm surprised it was even a 5-4 split, should have 7-2 IMO.
I have just started watching these 2 performances again. Brian Boitano was absolutely mesmerizing. Some say his arms, movements were stiff but he was actually in character with the military style music. His performance was sheer perfection in many aspects. I won't enumerate since you have done a very good job of listing the fine points and aspects of Boitano's gold winning performance. The music was wonderful and let us give credit to Sandra Bezak for her choreography. Also Boitano's costume was even more classy, the navy and burgundy colors. It is obvious there was a lot of attention to details in this performance. I enjoy watching this every time.
0:51 BEST use of music + technical element for beautiful dramatic effect 🤯
The Orser team would have known that Boitano had done a triple+triple combo and a second 3A. Why didn't they tell Orser he needed to do the same?
Because Orser was "the favorite", he was skating to "not lose". Boitano was skating to win. Big difference. When you skate cautiously, you usually don't win...Orser in 88, Kwan in 98, Yuna in 14, etc.
True favorite often don't win because the pressure is too much to handle. Disagree when it comes to Michelle Kwan--She skated her program mistake free but the judges preferred Tara Lipinski's program which had more pop. It was the choice of apples over oranges--judges choose oranges.@@L1623VP
@@LORDADONIS35 Not so. Tara had a triple loop-triple loop. Michelle did a triple double. Tara's program was technically more difficult than Michelle's, and there wasn't enough distance between them artistically that Michelle could afford to pull back technically, but that's what she did, hoping her reputation would pull her through, but it wasn't enough. Michelle also skated tentatively in '02 and lost the gold a second time. I was rooting for Michelle both times, and even I can admit that she skated safe and harmed her chances for gold. In '02 she was certainly dealing with the ghosts of the '98 loss in her head, but in '98 she lost because she held back.
Not so several judges in 98 said they regretted their decision because Michelle was a better skater and had a more well rounded program. Tara had one triple-triple jump but Michelle had two difficult triple-double combinations and better artistry. Tara also two footed her second triple loop and under the current system would have been give a downgrade under rotation for that jump. In the end Michelle didn't need the gold she is a living legend with consecutive 9 national titles, 5 world titles, 2 olympic medals, and made more money from ice shows and endorsement than Lipinski and the others--she's worth millions of dollars. People still love and admire Michelle Kwan no one cares about or even remembers Tara Lipinski or Sara Hughes.@@L1623VP
@@LORDADONIS35 I find it VERY hard to believe that any judges would break their code of ethics with the ISU and speak publicly about their personal feelings regarding judging competitions. They'd almost certainly be sanctioned or fired from their judging position by the ISU. Unless you can confirm that with published media statements, it never happened because those judges would have been fired. Kwan's losing the '98 gold takes nothing away from her legacy.
Этот парень круче Бойтано! Смотреть на его катание - удовольствие выше крыши!
I love both Brians, and really admire their talent! I do think, personally, Orser's artistry, in terms of upper body movement and dancing abilities, is better than Boitano's; he's lighter on his feet and faster through footwork. However, it wasn't enough to save him b/c Boitano was flawless on every jump. Most of Orser's jumps were gorgeous as well (his lutz was WOW). Both would have HUGE GOE marks. But the flip cost him, as did playing it safe with the double axle. Great competition.
I would agree with your assessment. Boitano could appear stiff/mechanical and not as fluid as Orser in the artistic department but Boitano was so technically consistent which I think was his greatest strength as a figure skater. You could just always count on him to land those jumps flawlessly time and time again.
Boitano spent a lot of the first minute and a half stroking up & down building up speed for jumps, Orser was interpreting the music with added interest in arm and leg positions from the get go. But he stepped out of the 3F and down graded the 3A
@@cypher31 All true! Though Boitano DID two-foot his 2nd triple axel.
His choice of music was weak. It was too episodic and those episodes didn't seem to create a unified whole. The climaxes were up and down. Boittano's program led to a thrilling finale.
back when these things mattered
Button sounded like an idiot during this commentary. People thought that Boitano wasnt artistic because he had a shit program in 1987....and horrible choreography. Luckily, Sandra Bezic, the worlds best choreographer, transformed Brian and exploited his beautiful line and extension and his height, which made everything look bigger. Brian gave the two best performances in Olympic history and deserved the gold medal.
lol
"That was the best men's competition ever" Aside from the top two, where was the competition? There was none. Not a great competition at all.
@mlc2005 Orser also checked with someone in his camp to see how many 3A's Boitano did, and he misunderstood and thought it was only 1. That's why he seems so confident skating, then in total disbelief when he saw he only got silver. I read he went into the dressing room/bathroom all the men shared right after this, and Boitano was there and was very gracious to him.
Yes, I've read that too somewhere. Remember back then a two footed jump was suppose to not count at all.... so that's why he was told Boitano only landed one 3A. However, judges aren't blind and they can see a skater skate the performance of the night and his life, versus a cautious skater at the most important competition.
@Parker528 The tie was only in the LP, and was broken by the skater with the higher Technical Merit marks awarded by the judges who tied the skaters. Therefore, Boitano was awarded the 1st Place ordinal for the LP, Orser 2nd. 1st Place Ordinal = 1.0 factored placement; 2nd Place Ordinal = 2.0 factored placement, etc.
EXCELENTE!!!! EN ESE TIEMPO NO LO VI, Y AHORA QUE PUEDO VERLO ES REALMENTE FANTASTICO!!
I’m glad they stopped doing these interviews in the kiss and cry. How brutal for Brian to see those marks, think he probably won, be told he was narrowly second and have zero time to process that before he needs to be in an interview. Brutal
Kinda charming to see Orser mouth "SH#T" after learning he was second, and then his coach immediately and discreetly elbowing him in the ribcage to collect himself before Santee interviewed him.
Excelente recuerdo y ejecución. Todo un digno patinador
I would have never had Orser ahead of Boitaino even if Orser landed that flip clean. Boitano was so much better of a skater imo.
Way too much weird arm movements
I'll never understand why he didn't go for the second triple Axle, as he did later at Worlds, especially since he had the slight mess-up on the flip. If you want to see this done to total perfection, check out his 1988 Worlds long.
He said he wanted to make sure he didn’t fall so he played it safe.
"Second? Second? (a beat)... Shit."
Saw and heard that also. Think he thought the cameras were off. He said in the 88 film of the Winter Olympics that he thought he had won. I don’t think he knew about Boitano 2nd triple Axel.
Nobody’s fault but the fact they both did military programs - makes it easier to compare and Orser doesn’t come out on the right side of that one choreography and artistry wise. Boitano’s overall program was more dramatic and engaging. But this program has grown on me and Orser faced such enormous pressure he did phenomenal.
Boitano faced the same pressure because he came behind Hamilton.
By the way, Orser looked like he had not eaten since he had won his World Championship!!!
brian o is a great skater, but in this competition he just wasn't quite up to brian b. I think the artistic marks for this were a smidge high as well as the technical marks - especially when brian b had already skated. Not sure what the judges saw there to score him so highly. And Dick B's comment about the step out on the flip is baffling. Compared to brian b's 2-foot landing, the step out was much more disruptive to the presentation.
Seems like he’s prancing on the ice. Boitano for the win totally
Фантастика,фигурист с большой буквы,хотелось бы ,чтобы он передал своё мастерство Жене Медведевой ,фигуристке из России!!!
Looking back on Orser's program he really wasn't on top of his jumps. The opening triple axel almost went off the rails along with the error on the triple flip, no second triple axel and he was totally off balance on the last triple.
he also didn't have the triple/triple combination jump. this free skate competition should have been a unanimous 9-0 decision favoring boitano instead of 5-4.
Yes pretty much. If the judges had wanted to put Orser 1st even if they thought he was technically below and artistic wise above they would have tied them on the technical mark and put Orser .1 up on the artistic to make sure he was ahead or something like that. Just like in 98 between Tara and Michelle, 4 judges tied tied them on the artistic but dont think for a moment any judge thought Tara was as good artistically, they just felt she deserved 1st overall and knew how they had to score.
These guys were clearly the best of their era.
In the long program at this competition, I think Boitano won the jumps by a large margin. Boitano had two triple axels and one double axel (compared to one triple and two doubles for Orser). The other jumps were comparable (with Boitano having better height and distance) except for Orser's two-foot and step-out on the triple flip. I did not see a two-foot landing from Boitano; the landing of the second 3A just looked heavy on the toe pick.
In the spin department, some of Orser's spins travelled noticeably where Boitano's did not. I liked Boitano's spin positions somewhat better, and nobody, not even Orser, had as much fly on the death-drop as did Boitano.
I think Orser's footwork sequence was better than Boitano's.
Thus, Boitano clearly deserved the higher technical marks.
Regarding presentation marks, I would have given Boitano higher marks. Orser's skated almost every note of the music and did so extremely well. I found, however, that the program was rapid-fire from beginning to end, showed us only a kind of military parade ground routine, and expressed little emotion. Boitano's program had more artistic breadth. We saw, of course, a military aspect, but also some playfulness and some romance. His program changed tempo four times, as well, and Boitano expressed the music's emotions really well.
So, I think Boitano's performance was better in almost every respect. While I rate neither Orser nor Boitano above the other over their entire careers, I think the decision for this program should have been 9-0 in favor of Boitano. I did not find the two performances, in comparison, merited a 5-4 decision.
When Orser gets the news that he came in second, there's a jerk with a microphone asking him how he "feels".
Without a second 3A I’m not sure why this was close. Smart if he felt tired (and lord knows the pressure on him after 4 years was something he handled beautifully to earn the silver and present so well) (pressure most people will never face in their lives) but BB was no slouch in composition either. What they did for skating was awesome but the skating skills necessary now (not just stand up and skate across the ice with arm movements until your next jump) by comparison (plus harder jumps) shows how far it’s come in 32 years. Canada deserves a men’s champ tho, when it happens that’ll be wonderful on the shoulders of Cranston Orser Stojko Chan...
It was that close because Canada was trying to cheat and get a judging voting swap but the USSR judge refused to participate. Boitano should have won all judges.
I think Orser chose the wrong music and BOITANO had the best Artistic Impression and should had been higher marks.
Yes and the year before it was boitano who had the bad music choices
It's no wonder the silver recipients sometimes feel a bit cheated. They are so stunning but I did really love boitano. I can't even stand up in ice skates
Barrie Ontario there is a rink where Brian practiced as did Elvis Stojko, there was a reception in Toronto City Hall to celebrate these skaters, my sister was there as she lives in Barrie.I have signed pictures both of them.
Footwork-Orser.
Everything else-Boitano.
Orser kinda looked like Plushenko from last year's olympics. Stuff was landed but it looked ugly in the air.
Surprising to hear Dick Button's disappointment in the outcome (as least that's how I felt it sounded). Dick always seemed to roll with the favorites tho, which to his audience sometimes left them shocked when the favorites didn't win. We all learned a ton about figure skating from Dick, but I always appreciate honest critiques no matter who was skating.
The battle of the Brians. Classic. Both were great but this night Boitano was a little bit better.
In my opinion - he couldn't hold a candle next to Boitano
I watched both of these performances live as they happened. I still never understood why the results were so close. Boitano was so clearly superior in every way to Orser. Technically he trounced Orser: 2 triple flips, 2 triple axels and a triple triple combination. That alone should have given him the technical mark. Any judge who scored Orser higher or tied him with Boitano on technical should have been sanctioned. Boitano had better edges ( spread eagles) spins and choreography and his "double foot" triple axel wasnt even a double footing if you look closely. How anyone could think Orser deserved the gold medal is absoultely mind boggling. Boitano was perfect in every phase of the competition. What is fucked up is that the judges still politically almost gave it to Orser.
+Mike Giammarino Boitano, had Camel Spin with change of foot, Flying Sit Spin (and a very huge one), a Combination Spin with foot change, and a Sit Spin into a Straight Up Spin. Orser had Flying Camel into Sit Spin, Flying Sit Spin, and Sit Spin. All very mediocre. Boitano's last triple was a Salchow while Orser's was an almost two footed 3Toe. But Orser has said it in many interviews; that he thought The Gold would be his because he was going into the Olympics as Canada's only Gold medalist (in any event), he was the world champion, and the Olympics were in Canada! I have never understood the 5-4 win that night. To top it off, that 5.7 in presentation for Boitano. If anything, Boitano's Presentation marks should have been at least five 5.9s!!!!
A spread eagle is still a risky edge. You can fall off it at any time, and Boitano really leaned on them....his spins were more varied and superior.All those steps you are mentioning are difficult but they didnt carry much weight back then. Techncially , Boitano crushed him. No discussion there, and he deserved much higher technical marks and had he skated after Orser, he would have swept 8 of 9 judges. I dont think its very mature to compare them after the Olympics. Orser was a great coach, but Boitano had the best professional career of any skater...and made it back to the Olympics in 94...a true athlete who pushed himself. So what if he's cooking? He's a multi millionaire and doesnt need to do anything else... let him cook. And fyi, he was the one who urged Orser back to skating when Orser was depressed, overweight and lost in life. Again, a true champion.
Michael Giammarino Having slated myself, Boitano was flawless compared to Orser.
If I recall correctly, five judges liked Boitano better and four preferred Orser. Boitano clearly won. As you said, he was technically perfect and his choreography was much better. It never should have been that close.
well said......I know IJS isn't perfect nowadays, but at least it helps to break down content a bit to compare content.
regardless of where he placed...this is a great skate...in front of his country...last to skate in the flight...and to accomplish this...pretty darn amazing.
Brian B. just seemed to have more energy and artistry than Brian O. Both great performances.
Omg.. Brian Orser. Fantastic !
In hindsight Orser looks a stick on skates: almost no grace and surely lacking the grace and pure athleticism of Boitano.
I just didn't think Orser's routine was choreographed as good as Boitano's. Orser looked like a little puppet on a string at times. His arms were sloppy. I never understood why his marks for artistic impression were so high. I mean a 6.0? Come on. The Czech judge was high.
The Czech judge's marks for Boitano were 5.9/5.9 After Orser's skate, the Czech judge decided to place him first, ahead of Boitano. To do that the judge had to award a mark of 6.0 The marks are always relative, to compare and rank the skaters.
I watched this again recently with the sound off and I am bothered by Orser's hands always pointing up and arms bent at times. Boitano kept his hands straight and firm which is better in my opinion. Stronger and less flappy.
He was the reigning world champion skating into this Olympics is probably why, and overall I thought he was a finer skater.
No he wasn't. Boitano was always better than Orser. Orser won worlds in 87 because Boitano skated with injury.@@Schmoityface
@@LORDADONIS35 Orser was far more fluid, less robotic. I preferred Orser, my opinion. Relax.
С новой системой судейства все его прыжки будут отпюсованы. С такой лёгкостью и большим запасом прыгает. Мог бы ещё подкрутить, но тогда не надо было. Не было такой гонки за четверными. Не удивлюсь, что вскоре начнут охоту за пятерными)))) Парить над льдом будут, а не по льду кататься))) нарушая все законы физики.
I love the way he now trains yuzu, who's great
Счастливая что Женя теперь с Брайан Орсер и Орсер и Женя приедут на этап гран при Кубок росстелекома в Москву
I really miss Dick Button.
Especially during these 2018 Olympics!!
So do I and ABC broadcasting the Olympics.
He had many fine qualities, I'm sure, but I couldn't bear his biased commentary, especially not against skaters he disliked--some of whom were spectacular. Choreography and expectations changed, and I suppose it would be too much to expect he should take that in stride over so many years, but it often struck me as jealousy rather than mere intransigence. I thought his mean-spirited comments reflected poorly on the U.S. on more than one occasion. His accomplishments were legendary, but he didn't seem to be able to believe that others could be astonishing in new ways. So I didn't miss his commentary so much.
@TheWhatsinaname 1st tiebreaker back then was the skater with the higher Technical Merit marks. The next season they changed the tiebreaker for the Long Program/Free Skate to the skater with the higher Artistic Impression marks. Had this change been in effect in the 1987-88 season, Orser would have been Olympic Champion.
And if the rules from 1992 had been in place in 1984, Orser would've won that year as well. He won both the short and the long, but he placed 7th in the compulsories and it killed his total score.
I definitely agree with the judges that Boitano was the winner in '88, but I wish Orser hadn't retired that year because I truly believe he would've thrived under the new rules, even at his age.
(Thanks for sharing the video!)
I like Dick Button but he was wrong in his commentary of this program's mistakes. The mistake on the flip was glaring and ugly, and it impacted the overall presentation of the program... The only minor technical glitch with Boitano was the two footed landing on the second triple Axel which was not anywhere near as glaring, and some say it was not two-footed at all... Then you factor in the fact that Orser had no second Triple Axel and it is really not a contest at least technically...
Yuzuru has a lot of Brian's style..
@Parker528 Well, they knew the skater with the higher technical merit mark would win the tiebreaker. If they chose to give Orser a lower technical merit mark but a higher artistic impression mark, then those judges knew they wanted to place Boitano in 1st Place.
I liked both Orser and Boitano, but definitely felt that Boitano was the better of the two that night and thus deserved the gold medal. What I did like best about Orser was his choice of music as I am a fan of Shostakovich.
Орсер лучший! Великолепно!
Я думала видела все в фк! Не знала,что Брайен такой космический! Браво!!!
На Олимпиаде 88 Орсер далеко не лучший. Он просто хорошо исполнил номер. А выступление Бойтано - это шедевр, это выступление победителя.
C8toujours avec un imm plaisir que je regarde ce programme fantastique du maître B. O
To all you people here arguing about the Battle of the Brians and who won it -let me tell you this - and then you decide: I am what you call "younger generations", I was not around to watch this back in 1988....I do however know very well who Brian Orser is (he coached Yuzuru Hanyu, Yuna Kim, Javier Fernandez and for a while even Evgenia), so I know him as the greatest coach of our era, and I know they have a Brian Orser Arena in Canada...But when I first heard about the "Battle of Brians", I had to GOOGLE who the other Brian was - because we have no clue who Brian Boitano is, we never heard of him. Older Millenials apparently heard of him through South Park - but they also had to Google him back then, because they didn't know who he was either. Now maybe that will help you put things into perspective. One gold medal at the Olympics in the 1980's is just that - one gold medal VEERRRY long time ago. What matters though is your LIFETIME achievement. I would say there is no doubt which Brian won that one.
Brian Boitano was the greatest male skater from the era where everyone cared about skating. Period.
Yes, that was my point. I was just saying that it may not have been the case that the results would have changed had the artistic mark been the tie breaker rather than the technical mark.
Да уж,и правда хорош,не ожидала....
Ага
Must be hard for Orser as a coach now, to coach his athletes on routines using the "tano" jumps.
this is the dumbest thing i've ever read lmao
Why would that be hard for Orser??
USA Judges make me proud. They gave Canadian Bryan great marks even though Brian B had been cheated a bit. I love my country and am proud of us.
How did Boitano cheat? Pretty shitty comment.😊
His story still runs today in the worldwide fs championship and coaches today's top skaters. Wonder why Hollywood didn't make a movie on him instead it was Tonya