If there was one specific reason I decided to go to Worlds, it was to see Todd compete.  I enjoy Todd's inspiring musical themes and long elegant lines -- and a triple axel to die for.  I also admire Todd's dedication and an intense love for skating that has brought him back time after time from injury and defeat. It was certainly a joy to see him perform so well and stand on the podium, although it was disappointing that he didn't get the silver medal he deserved.  But he met his goal of proving that at 29, he is still up there with the young turks. 

One thing about Todd caught me by surprise -- in person, he is less charismatic than I found him to be on television, quite the opposite of what I experienced with Yagudin.   He fails to connect with his audience, focusing inward and onto the ice to maintain his concentration.  Clearly an introverted man, he is probably most comfortable in an empty practice rink.   A petty photographer's gripe:  from rolls and rolls of film and dozens of e-cam shots, I didn't get ONE decent photo of Todd!  He is like quicksilver -- always moving, never pausing, and with such speed only the fastest lens can capture him.