There is a difference in the mental strength department between the 19-year olds Mao & Yuna, vs. a 16-year old Mirai. It comes from experience and battle scars.
There is no question nerves and pressure got to Mirai after her unexpected lead in the SP at Worlds. She is a very self-aware young lady, she knows it is the same demon that haunted her at the Cup of China. Her challenge is to work towards conquering that demon. It is not easy, as you can't easily simulate such pressure and expectation in another setting. Most of the learning has to come from real experience. Unless you are fortunate enough to be born mentally tough without even working at it, you have to deal with it the hard way. I certainly know my limitation when I was 16.
Look at it this way, the glass is mostly full, not a little empty. There is little question Mirai has the raw talent, presence and personality on ice. When she is relaxed enough to let her considerable charisma show, the judges and audience find her irresistible. She needs to get to the point when she is in the lead in a major event, she is no longer in shock, but be relieved and consider it a nice cushion going into the LP.
With Frank's help and her natural spunk, she has a good shot at getting there. And trust me, she will go into the LP at major events with a lead again, and again.
There is no question nerves and pressure got to Mirai after her unexpected lead in the SP at Worlds. She is a very self-aware young lady, she knows it is the same demon that haunted her at the Cup of China. Her challenge is to work towards conquering that demon. It is not easy, as you can't easily simulate such pressure and expectation in another setting. Most of the learning has to come from real experience. Unless you are fortunate enough to be born mentally tough without even working at it, you have to deal with it the hard way. I certainly know my limitation when I was 16.
Look at it this way, the glass is mostly full, not a little empty. There is little question Mirai has the raw talent, presence and personality on ice. When she is relaxed enough to let her considerable charisma show, the judges and audience find her irresistible. She needs to get to the point when she is in the lead in a major event, she is no longer in shock, but be relieved and consider it a nice cushion going into the LP.
With Frank's help and her natural spunk, she has a good shot at getting there. And trust me, she will go into the LP at major events with a lead again, and again.
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