If the judges don't judge what they see on the ice, quite frankly I do not see much difference between these two scenarios.
I'm still hoping the GPF results have lit a fire in Christina's belly and she'll come to nationals in top form and ready to fight
Well, that may happen, but from what I saw at the JGPF, Christina Gao is simply not that good of a skater yet. Either that, or the promise she showed last year has been temporarily derailed by body changes and i-don't-know-what. I do not expect her to be on the US podium. But even if she is, the USFS would be insane to send her to Senior Worlds--she simply can't be competitive there and by my rough estimation, even skating well, is unlikely to place higher than 10th and maybe more like 12-15th. Even Junior Worlds is going to be a challenge for her to podium, given the competition she's likely to be up against. What bothers me most is not her TES issues, but the PCS side, where she is noticeably off the pace of the best of the intl junior ladies. I find her skating somewhat bland and colourless in general, and I thought that last year also. I think it's just not her time yet.
Well, that may happen, but from what I saw at the JGPF, Christina Gao is simply not that good of a skater yet. Either that, or the promise she showed last year has been temporarily derailed by body changes and i-don't-know-what. I do not expect her to be on the US podium. But even if she is, the USFS would be insane to send her to Senior Worlds--she simply can't be competitive there and by my rough estimation, even skating well, is unlikely to place higher than 10th and maybe more like 12-15th. Even Junior Worlds is going to be a challenge for her to podium, given the competition she's likely to be up against. What bothers me most is not her TES issues, but the PCS side, where she is noticeably off the pace of the best of the intl junior ladies. I find her skating somewhat bland and colourless in general, and I thought that last year also. I think it's just not her time yet.
Also if you feel this way about Christina, do you also feel the same about Agnes - that is would be crazy for the USFSA to send her to senior worlds if she places 1st or 2nd because her scores this season haven't been that high?
Yes, somewhat the same for a 2nd place finish (I think if she ends up in 1st place, rules say she gets to go so USFS has no choice). Except Agnes has at least competed on the Senior international circuit now, while Christina has been limited to Juniors. But I don't think Agnes has yet earned her chops with the intl judges at the Senior level. She's another one still baking in the oven, not quite done yet.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but Silverlake's relentless defending of Gao here actually brings up a valid point often forgotten: you cannot count someone out after ONE bad performance. People are doing the same thing re. Flatt, and to a lesser extent, Wagner. All the talk is on Czisny and Nagasu. Arguably rightfully so- but remember Asada last year? Who would have thought she would win the Olympic Silver Medal after the eggs she laid early in the season? Flatt and Wagner are probably the two strongest competitors (keyword: competitors) in the US field and the ones most likely to be a threat anyway. Nagasu is an honorable mention.
This upcoming Nationals is probably the fork in the road for Czisny's career. If it doesn't work out here it probably never will. At least she can enjoy the GP victory. No small feat.
I don't agree that Ashley is a better competitor than Mirai and the results of their careers don't support that.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but Silverlake's relentless defending of Gao here actually brings up a valid point often forgotten: you cannot count someone out after ONE bad performance. People are doing the same thing re. Flatt, and to a lesser extent, Wagner. All the talk is on Czisny and Nagasu. Arguably rightfully so- but remember Asada last year? Who would have thought she would win the Olympic Silver Medal after the eggs she laid early in the season? Flatt and Wagner are probably the two strongest competitors (keyword: competitors) in the US field and the ones most likely to be a threat anyway. Nagasu is an honorable mention.
This upcoming Nationals is probably the fork in the road for Czisny's career. If it doesn't work out here it probably never will. At least she can enjoy the GP victory. No small feat.
I'm looking at this from a mental toughness/consistency standpoint- which is why I used the word COMPETITOR over SKATER.
but they are very close.
How can you compare Mao with Rachael and Ashley
Are you trying to create an international incident
Mao skates in a different universe than Flatt and Wagoner.
Mao won Natls last season and then won 4CC leading into the Olympics and then won Worlds.
I expected her to atleast win Silver in Vancouver because she a not just a great skater but also can rise to the occassion.
Alissa has won three GP gold medals which is three more than Flatt and Wagoner combined.
How does that make them stronger than Alissa :think:
I knew exactly what you meant and I don't agree.
I find a little puzzling how many times Rachael and Ashley can mess up in competition and yet you and some others still can't let go of the idea that they are the best competitors among the U.S. ladies. I think they are good competitors but hardly as reliable as many believe. Has Ashley even ever had two back-to-back clean programs in a major senior competition? :think:
How do they compare to Czisny? to Zhang? to Gao, Zawadzki, Gilles even? They all have bombed, yes. But some bomb more than others. That's really my point. It's all RELATIVE.
Flatt didn't get the nickname "Reliable Rachel" for no reason. Up until recently (when the judges began to take her apart) you practically never saw her fall or 1x/2x jumps.
It's probably pretty clear now we won't see eye-to-eye on this issue, though, so I'll stop pressing it.
silverlake22;536118 I actually think there is a strong possibility that both Christina and Agnes could probably finish ahead of Rachael and Ashley if they were sent to Worlds and skated well. It just wouldn't surprise me at all.[/QUOTE said:Wow, really? I guess I just don't see what you and other see in Christina and Agnes. I've watched them move through the ranks and they have some talent but to think they'll medal at Nationals much less be in the top 5...Different strokes for differnt folks.