Word: midori
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Yamaguchi withstood a strong challenge from Japan's Midori Ito, who lifted the crowd as she courageously hurtled her way to a silver medal after placing a disappointing fourth in the original program. The most famous athlete in her country, Ito had earlier seemed almost crushed by the weight of her flag and the expectations back home. The bronze went to Nancy Kerrigan of Stoneham, Mass., an elegant, imperturbable skater who made a characteristic decision to scale back her jumps in her long program...
...when the Olympic women's team was Tenley Albright, Heiss (both future gold medalists) and Catherine Machado. This year's trio could sweep the medals, as they did at last year's world's championship in Munich. If they do not, the reason will probably be Japan's Midori Ito, 21. She is 4 ft. 9 in. and built like a fireplug. But can she fly! At Munich her image was set indelibly, warts and all, when she took off and whirled, airborne, into the stands. That was the embarrassing part. Then she went back out again, her radiant smile...
...reigning Ice Queen. There is a temptation among some followers of the sport to see the Olympic conflict in terms of athleticism (Ito) vs. artistry (Yamaguchi). This face-off would give Ito the edge. As ex-Olympic champ Dorothy Hamill puts it, "Kristi is graceful and musical. But when Midori skates, she has me on the edge of my seat." The excitement comes from the power of Ito's leaps. No skimming above the surface -- her jumps pop. She could execute all the categories at age 11, and had perfected them at 12. As Canadian choreographer Sandra Bezic says...
...separated 11 years ago. Albertville will be the culmination of 17 years' work for both women, and they are planning a program with somewhat more focus on artistry. It is unlikely, though, that they will try to imitate the lithe and pretty Yamaguchi. Says Yamada: "I always stress with Midori that this is a sport...
...rotation." Inevitably, others are catching up. Says Ito wistfully: "I cannot make a mistake because people not quite so good as I am can win since they have some higher artistry." It may not say so in the rule book, but smiles do have a way of counting, and Midori Ito has set some standards in that department...