The new scoring system doesn't deduct points for a fall, it just adds less for that element (as long as you complete the revolutions before falling). This isn't nearly as bad for the overall score.
It was a grim fall and the continuation was a courageous and special moment, true. But it is the Olympic Games and takes place once every 4 years and there are no guarantees you will ever return. So as much as I applaud it and thinks it makes great suspense and entertainment, I can tell you that I have seen amateur club rugby players and industrial league ice hockey players who got their bodies pulverized and swore off the St. John's medical crews and meat-wagons to insist they continue to play in meaningless games. I think by their very nature, elite athletes have to possess a lot of intestinal fortitude if they want to compete at the highest level, especially when it's something as important as the Olympics -- which face it, is pretty much the most important moment of Zhang's life until she gives childbirth (and I'm betting she won't walk away from that pain, either). Besides, I've seen runners who are three hours behind the winner crawling across the finishline of meaningless marathons, I've seen people like Bret Hart and Mick Foley carrying worse injuries through fake mid-level wrestling cards, so I'm pretty sure Olympians -- yes, even female Olympians -- with a stake on the podium are equally as capable. Mind over matter, dude! But yeah, Zhang & Zhang made compelling TV (although the live CBC coverage kicked NBC's arse).
I watched in dismay as they were awarded the silver. I am amazed at how dishonest the judging still seems to me. The Russians looked tight and unable to get into thier program, it looked forced. I enjoy watching figure skating, it's an athletic event that requires speed, grace, and power, still it's kinda pansey. Falling down on that throw definitly sucked and hurt but how are the judges supposed to score that? Injury timeout? Her face to me had more dissipointment in it than pain. Theres no way they get a silver, but a standing ovation and kudo's" great finish". Stop the prima dona BS, oh you to Michele.
The only skater I've ever wanted to hang with was Robin Cousins. That dude made ice skating look manly. Also for consideration might be Elvis Stojko early in his career. He got more artistic as he went on, but at the beginning he was all "karate on ice" guy - he has a black belt. Though, hanging out with him, you'd have to contend with his mullet.
I read this yesterday, and could really see her point last night.
