Last night after viewing Mao Asada's masterpiece exhibition piece from 2008 (as well as timeless ones from Oksana Baiul), I decided to watch the top 3 from the 2010 Ladies Nationals again, which I haven't watched since January.
And though I would have given it to Mirai Nagasu (she was a delight!), my heart was with Ashley Wagner. I still maintain she should have won Nationals in 2008 ~ that's the best I've ever seen her skate ~ imho she's by far the fastest skater amongst the USA ladies. She never stops, she literally speeds around, in fact maybe she should slow down a little, lol, especially when the music calls for it; hold out her positions a little longer to savor them. But that's being nitpicky, I still think she's the most complete skater out there in terms of having it all ~ speed, power, superb spinner, flexibility, emotion, and when she's on her jumps & 3/3s are a delight to behold. But consistency is her nemesis. I think the USFSA is willing to give it to her (dying to give it to her in fact), but she always tends to come up short when it counts.
This is where Rachael Flatt trumps her again & again & again, and rightfully so.
Of course Mirai also has it all, but in a different way; she & Ashley have different strengths and different body shapes, and thus far Mirai's are more appreciated when each skates their very best (e.g. 2008 Nationals). But looking at history, this is the way it has always been. The more stockier type skater always has to rely on her jumps in order to defeat the ballerina (e.g. Tonya vs. Kristi). Therefore, I think Mirai will win Nationals again this year unless Ashley & Rachael, et al, can bring down the house with 3/3s, 3A, and 7 triples galore!
I'm just hoping everybody brings their A-game, like they did in 2008, and may the best woman win!!!!!! *clapping*
And though I would have given it to Mirai Nagasu (she was a delight!), my heart was with Ashley Wagner. I still maintain she should have won Nationals in 2008 ~ that's the best I've ever seen her skate ~ imho she's by far the fastest skater amongst the USA ladies. She never stops, she literally speeds around, in fact maybe she should slow down a little, lol, especially when the music calls for it; hold out her positions a little longer to savor them. But that's being nitpicky, I still think she's the most complete skater out there in terms of having it all ~ speed, power, superb spinner, flexibility, emotion, and when she's on her jumps & 3/3s are a delight to behold. But consistency is her nemesis. I think the USFSA is willing to give it to her (dying to give it to her in fact), but she always tends to come up short when it counts.
This is where Rachael Flatt trumps her again & again & again, and rightfully so.Of course Mirai also has it all, but in a different way; she & Ashley have different strengths and different body shapes, and thus far Mirai's are more appreciated when each skates their very best (e.g. 2008 Nationals). But looking at history, this is the way it has always been. The more stockier type skater always has to rely on her jumps in order to defeat the ballerina (e.g. Tonya vs. Kristi). Therefore, I think Mirai will win Nationals again this year unless Ashley & Rachael, et al, can bring down the house with 3/3s, 3A, and 7 triples galore!
I'm just hoping everybody brings their A-game, like they did in 2008, and may the best woman win!!!!!! *clapping*
