Preparing for the 2010 Olympics - Top Contenders | Golden Skate

Preparing for the 2010 Olympics - Top Contenders

antmanb

Record Breaker
Joined
Feb 5, 2004
Answering honestly - I haven't got a clue!!

So many skaters were ready and primed to peak exactly right for worlds and for some reason it went wrong.

Yuna and evan both did exceptionally well. Evan will likely be working on the quad to get it in his programs - i suspect only the LP.

Carolina will need some serious time with a sports psychologist this summer to help her overcome not only the worlds performance but start dealing with any residual issues from the last Olympics.

Brian needs to get himself a coach fast and start working on two programs that won't change mid season that he practices and practices til he's fed up of doing them and then practices some more. He needs to get all his jumps out and landed and maximise all of those jumping passes.

Ant
 

skatingbc

Final Flight
Joined
Jan 2, 2009
I'm going to do this from the Canadian perspective...

Patrick Chan needs to work on getting a quad in his programs. I have no doubt that he is capable of doing a quad in practice, but it's another thing working it into a 4.5 minute program. Vaughn could work on his presentation and Jeremy could work on his speed and consistency.

Joannie needs a triple-triple, imo. I know she can do it as I have seen her do beautiful combos in warm-up! I think she can do this as she definitely has a new confident attitiude and it shows! Cynthia can compete with the best when she controls her nerves. I think that's what she needs to improve on the most.

D/D need to work on their presentation I think. I would like to see them skate to something a little more upbeat with a quicker tempo. This could brighten them up a bit and add some energy to their programs. Otherwise, they have the goods.

Since I know nothing about dance, I won't comment!
 
Joined
Jul 11, 2003
Since there is a time limit (less than a year away), I would suggest:

Mao - Get a better routine. I am sure TT knows what to do now and stay away from waltzes.

Kim - It would be nice to see turned out knees and pointed toes. The speed is super, otherwise a 3A may be necessary.

Rochette - A little more of: 'drawing me into the program'.

Flatt (if she makes it) - 3x3s solid and be more commanding iin presentation

Chan - just be more careful. Everything is there, don't fret it.

Joubert - You have the reputation; just get on with it.

Daisuke - If healthy, then pour it on. Include a quad.

US Men - Whoever goes - A quad would be nice.

McL/Bru - More finesse, cleaner sbs spins and jumps;

Denney/Barrett - Speed is not a problem. More super tricks are needed

to Everyone: If you do not get on the Podium or you did not get Gold, learn from it. It's just another 4 years of work on "What You Do For Love".
 

Buttercup

Record Breaker
Joined
Mar 25, 2008
Ant's right - Caro is in dire need of a sports psychologist. So is Tomas, who hasn't won anything all season and who can't seem to get through a program without popping jumps.

Brian Joubert needs to sort out his coaching and choreo situation and to learn how to maximize points. He also needs a good LP - he hasn't won an LP in international competition since 2007 Euros. He will apprently be keeping his SP; if so, he needs to change the opening of that program :p.

Chan needs to find younger music that he can better relate to. He's currently skating well to the music he has, but he's not actually interpreting it. Does that make sense?

Dai needs to get back to training without overdoing it.

Nobu needs to learn to count.

D/W need B/A to retire. They won't get the marks so long as they're the second American team.

Aliona and Robin need to do whatever Ingo tells them to do, because it's clearly working. Volosozhar/Morozov must find a way to stay with Steuer for the same reason.

Laura Lepisto needs to get the triples she does have consistent, especially in combination.
 

gio

Medalist
Joined
Jan 23, 2006
MAO - Get a better routine. I am sure TT knows what to do now and stay away from waltzes.

I don't agree.
I liked Mao's choice of music, the choreography and the costume. It's a pity she was not on the podium. Artistically she is much better than last year IMO.
I'd like to see a true Lutz.

YUNA - This year she was just great! IMO if she repeats what she had done at Worlds ...
I would like to see a 3A from her, or maybe better a 3Loop.

JOANNIE - A little more of: 'drawing me into the program'.

Actually I like her a lot artistically speaking. I'd like to see a 3/3 from her. Maybe in the SP. But she doesn't necessary need it. One of my fav skaters.

FLATT - IMO she is trying to mimick Caroline Zhang baby ballerina style. Not working for her. Some improvements at Worlds, but still leaving me cold.

PATRICK - Honestly, I don't like his style. I hope he will make change my idea. Maybe different music. A skater that impressed me with Rachmaninoff was the great Kwan. Unfortunately he is nowhere near her in interpretation. IMHO

JOUBERT - Different music please!! Just show me something different from techno and rock.

DAISUKE - I hope he will come with interesting programs as he has done last year. And I really hope he will be healthy and with a Quad

EVAN - continue the good work his has done this year with a very elegant program. It would be good if he includes a Quad.

Chan needs to find younger music that he can better relate to. He's currently skating well to the music he has, but he's not actually interpreting it. Does that make sense?

Interesting, I had the same impression.
 
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antmanb

Record Breaker
Joined
Feb 5, 2004
Brian Joubert needs to sort out his coaching and choreo situation and to learn how to maximize points. He also needs a good LP - he hasn't won an LP in international competition since 2007 Euros. He will apprently be keeping his SP; if so, he needs to change the opening of that program :p.

What and lose the PCS points for pelvic thrusting?? :laugh:

*ducking and running*

Ant
 

Tinymavy15

Sinnerman for the win
Record Breaker
Joined
Dec 28, 2006
yu-na needs nothing
Mao needs to get a coach that willl be there for her everyday. She also needs to work on her 3/3. preferably bring back the second one.
Evan-I don't know what his plans concerning the quad are. If his foot continious to bother him and this makes doing the quad more difficult he will have to abort plan A and stick to plan B (being clean) which worked out pretty well in LA.
Virtue and Moir just have to be healthy.
Patrick Chan needs to keep working on the triple axel. I don't think he should waste time with a quad.
 

Buttercup

Record Breaker
Joined
Mar 25, 2008
What and lose the PCS points for pelvic thrusting?? :laugh:

*ducking and running*
Ant, behave yourself or I'll make you listen to Nessun Dorma every day until Olys! I know where you live! At least sort of. :biggrin:

Contrary to popular belief, I am not a fan of everything Brian does. (See: 1492, the first costume :eek:). He needs to change the opening bit and the outfit, and also to call me regarding his LP music because my choice will be better than anything Tarasova could come up with.
 
Joined
Jul 11, 2003
One has to give Joubert his due.

He has longevity in skating international competitions

He is a powerful jumper

He has been seen executing rhythm in galas

He has a very good positioned camel (better than most guys)

He is a handsome dude with a dancer's body

He is trained in part by arguably, the best coach in today's skating

He needs to use simple costumes

He needs to relax

He should win the 2010 Olympics

JMO
 

flying camel

Medalist
Joined
Nov 16, 2005
Great thread!

Yu Na- her positions in the spirals and the layback need a lot of work. I can't believe Brian has not worked on improving her positions.

Mao : Find a full time coach. She just looked lost this year.

Joannie: She should work on getting the 3/3 consistent. She still needs to work on the upper body stiffness. I would like to see some better costumes from her.

Flatt: She needs more interesting choreography and a consistent 3/3. She needs a great choice of music for the Olympic year. Her team is moving in the right direction. I like the improvements they made in terms of costume changes and make - up. But I feel like Rachael gets a little ignored skating with all those guys. It seems like her team really didn't pay attention to her until after Nationals.

Czisny: I feel like she is still a contender to make the team. She needs to find ways to earn points outside of the jumps. She needs to work more on choreography going in and out of the jumps she can do. She also needs to make her footwork more difficult. She needs to keep trying to find ways to relax in competition. She needs to experiment with relaxing techniques at each competition she goes to untll she finds something tht works..

Caroline: Another contender to make the team. She of couse needs to spend her summr working with a jump specialist. Spend the summer working on your technique and speed. I also would like to see some more interesting music choices for the Olympic year.
 

bekalc

Record Breaker
Joined
Nov 1, 2006
Joe. I agree, I want Joubert to win this. I really feel he deserves it. I just hope he can surround himself with a good team, and good choregraphy, and finally perform up to his potential. (Finally!)

I think the reason the likes of Plushy and Chan are bad mouthing him is that they know this is Joubert's to lose.

I really don't want Plushenko coming and taking it from Joubert. The idea of Plushenko sitting out for four years and then getting it bugs me.
 

screech

Final Flight
Joined
Jan 23, 2005
JOANNIE: Put the 3t/3t back in the LP. You used to do it flawlessly in 2005. If you want to do a series with a 3s in it, why not make it a 3f/3s? And keep the confidence going - you were a superstar this year when you finally started to know that you belonged with the top!

PATRICK: You can do all the elements perfectly. Dont think about it, just do.

TOMAS: Same as Patrick.

BRIAN: No pelvic thrusting programs. Take a page from your exhibitions book and do something softer - you can be a beautiful and surprisingly graceful skater. Help make people think you deserve the PCS you get by doing a program that showcases them!

MAO: Yes you can do a 3a, but if you can't do a 3lz and focus all your energy on the 3a, you will be in the same boat as this worlds.

DUHAMEL/BUNTIN: Keep the excitement and speed and hugeness, but try to find a program that suits your styles - Craig is more graceful, Meagan more athletic... try to find the balance.

PLUSHENKO, KWAN, COHEN: Stay home.
 

Wrlmy

Medalist
Joined
Jun 17, 2007
Joe. I agree, I want Joubert to win this. I really feel he deserves it. I just hope he can surround himself with a good team, and good choregraphy, and finally perform up to his potential. (Finally!)

I think the reason the likes of Plushy and Chan are bad mouthing him is that they know this is Joubert's to lose.

I really don't want Plushenko coming and taking it from Joubert. The idea of Plushenko sitting out for four years and then getting it bugs me.

Brian did his shares of trash-talking Plushenko to be fair.
I doubt Plushy has serious chance at gold. He won't be getting those monstrous pcs that was reserved for him back in dinosaur age. He always had some issue with salchow not to mention he will be hit by WE call. Unless he lands a quad or two consistently, I don't think he should be coming back at all.
 

bekalc

Record Breaker
Joined
Nov 1, 2006
Brian did his shares of trash-talking Plushenko to be fair.
I doubt Plushy has serious chance at gold. He won't be getting those monstrous pcs that was reserved for him back in dinosaur age. He always had some issue with salchow not to mention he will be hit by WE call. Unless he lands a quad or two consistently, I don't think he should be coming back at all.

Oh, I know that Brian trashed talked Plushy and so I have no issue with Plushy there. But I really hate the idea of him winning when he hasn't even done a worlds in this quad....
 

Blades of Passion

Skating is Art, if you let it be
Record Breaker
Joined
Sep 14, 2008
Country
France
[Joubert]

He should win the 2010 Olympics

JMO

Do you really think he's the best out of everyone now that Lambiel has retired?

"Handsome dude with a dancers body" doesn't quite work for me as a reason for why he should win.
 

antmanb

Record Breaker
Joined
Feb 5, 2004
Ant, behave yourself or I'll make you listen to Nessun Dorma every day until Olys! I know where you live! At least sort of. :biggrin:

:rofl:

Contrary to popular belief, I am not a fan of everything Brian does. (See: 1492, the first costume :eek:). He needs to change the opening bit and the outfit, and also to call me regarding his LP music because my choice will be better than anything Tarasova could come up with.

I love the music for his SP and I agree that a new opening would be much better even some pivots or simple edges/alternatnig spread eagles would be better than the current opening - by worlds I would get embarassed for him watching it start.

Ant
 
Joined
Jul 11, 2003
Do you really think he's the best out of everyone now that Lambiel has retired? [/UNQUOTE]

I didn't say that. Your question seems personal. I used the conditional - should. I am not predicting Oly champ and will not, but emphasize who has the 'right stuff' for a possible win early next year. As for Lambiel, he remains the very best all-round skater since Kurt Browning. I see no one taking over that position.

"Handsome dude with a dancers body" doesn't quite work for me as a reason for why he should win.
That's ok for you, although psychologists have written much about good looking people rising up the corporate ladder faster than ordinary looking people. There is a correlation.
 
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evangeline

Record Breaker
Joined
Nov 7, 2007
Mao: Go back to her 1 3A and 2 3-3 jump layout from last year, she seems to have a lot more success with that than her current 2 3A layout. Also, Mao needs a full-time coach.

Yu-Na: Improve her positions on her spirals and spins like the layback. Also, for personal preference, I wish Yu-Na's LPs were as spectacular as her SPs...she seems to tend to build up fat leads in her SP and skate not as well in her LPs, which can be sort of anticlimatic when she wins.

Miki: Now she seems to have her jumps back, more choreography is needed. Also, her posture can definitely be improved.

Joannie: Joannie is definitely a podium contender but needs a consistent 3-3 to aim for the gold. Also, as someone said earlier, she needs to work on her upper-body stiffness.

Carolina: I don't know, she has the talent but upon seeing disasters like her Worlds LP...she probably needs a sports psychologist.

Brian: He needs to get a coach he can work with ASAP, have 2 quads in his LP and needs to stop messing with his jump layout at the last minute.

Tomas: Same as Carolina: he has the goods but doesn't seem to consistently produce. A sports psychologist may do him some good.

Patrick: Be more expressive, and stop alienating people by talking trash about other skaters. Would probably need a quad if he wants to be the top of the top, but I doubt he can do one with his current content in his programs.

Evan: He needs to improve his 3A technique, keep skating consistently clean and hope that his other competitors make mistakes. IMO, that's the only way he can have a shot for Olympic gold.

Daisuke: Just come back.
 
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