Still, there is that chance that she could be the first repeat US champion in over 20 years. If she pulls off that feat, and can't even win a world medal...no words
Odds are against her though, of course.
What about Michelle?
Kwan did not successfully defend her FIRST title, though.
Kwan did not successfully defend her FIRST title, though.
MK in 1997, BUT ALSO Meissner in 2008, Nagasu in 2009, Czisny in 2010...they all fell victim to the pressure of being the chased.
I thought it was well-known that MK's inconsistency in 1997 was due to a growth spurt and boot problems. Of course, she must have felt the pressure of being chased by the likes of Lipinski, et al., but I'm sure the first two issues I mentioned played a huge part in why she faltered during that season.
I thought it was well-known that MK's inconsistency in 1997 was due to a growth spurt and boot problems. Of course, she must have felt the pressure of being chased by the likes of Lipinski, et al., but I'm sure the first two issues I mentioned played a huge part in why she faltered during that season.
Internationally, Flatt will get hosed every time, but nationally, she is still very much a threat for that title as long as she's in the building.
Of course. I'd call her the favorite. Maybe not an overwhelming favorite like Michelle in her day but if anyone can be called the favorite she can.
...and again, I think it will be interesting to see how she handles being in this position. It's not an easy position to be in, and AFAIK Flatt has not been in such a position (at this level, anyway) before. At least, for the past 3 years she has not been lower then 2nd which cannot be said for any of the other Contenders.
I expect her to handle the pressue just fine. She's Rachael. And I think in her case, the pressure of going in as defending champion won't be quite as high as the pressure she faced in last year's nationals, with the Olympic team at stake. I think it's more injuries and the other skaters she has to worry about.
Well, last year's result was certainly a topic of hot debate for a few weeks. I thought at the time that Nagasu should have won since she was so much more engaging than Rachel was. I think Nagasu would have won that one under 6.0 (but the Oly team would be the same). Flatt was flat for me that night, but what can you do.
And Flatt was hacked at SA, but again, what can you do? It appears she was injured and fighting through pain, anyway, so maybe when it comes down to the nitty-gritty she wasn't quite as sharp on those jumps as usual. Still, after what happened in Vancouver I'm convinced they'll find a way to hold her down even if she does her best. I hope it doesn't frustrate her TOO much.