Originally Posted by SkateFiguring
Doesn't Nam have to skate Senior in Canada because he won Junior? The funny part is that he doesn't even qualify for Junior international events yet. He is very exciting, incredibly talented, and a very bright light. I agree that in a few years, it will very likely be Chan and Nguyen. Just crazy, crazy talent in both of those young men.
If that's the case, then that might be the most costly error the US Federation has made in a while.
Although he could have won Junior Worlds, a title he does not have (he's never even been to Junior Worlds), I do think it was the best decision. If you are able to be competitive in the Senior ranks, then it's generally always better to skate in that division. Winning a Junior World Title ultimately doesn't mean all that much. Simply skating well at Senior Worlds (or even 4 Continents) will get more people to notice you. If Dornbush went to Junior Worlds then he probably would have less energy at Senior Worlds; it's more important to do as well as he possibly can at Senior Worlds -- especially because if the U.S. loses its 3 spots then that could possibly cost HIM a spot on the World team next year.
I'm taking it as a given that there was no combination of men that'll get the three spots, to be honest (and if I'm wrong, send the crow my way).
That said, I'm not sure I agree with your precept that a junior title ultimate doesn't mean all that much. I'll have to think about that one.
I think it is Nam's own decision. He has won every devision every year, leapfrogging all the way and this year he was observing the Seniors competition in preparation for next year. He likes competing against "old" people. Patrick, too, decided he wanted to compete with the current top Men rahter than the next batch, his peers in age, who are just coming up in the Senior rank now. In contrast, Nathan Chen of the US is staying with the Novice and in no hurry to join the Junior rank just yet. At least this is his family's and his coach's decision.
Canada usually doesn't have a large field and the same depth as in the US but somehow there is always an extremely talented young man to come forth to lead not just nationally but to be among the top tier internationally. They tend to breeze through the levels and join the Seniors at a very young age, where they will take a couple of years to start winning medals. In contrast, the US sees deep and very competitive fields in Singles. The talented young ones tend to take their time in the Junior to gain experience and better their chances before competing with the Seniors. As well, jumping techniques seem more often a problem with the American skaters as evidenced by UR and Edge calls such that some Juniors may need extra time to unlearn and correct what they picked up while rushing through the learning process when younger.
Canadians don't have the same complicated discussions on whom to send to international Juniors and Seniors. The deciding factor for a prodigy is age according to ISU rules. Nam may compete in the Seniors nationally next year while still ineligible for Juniors internationally.
IMO, it only means something if the victory itself means something important. Yu-Na Kim winning Junior Worlds in 2006, ahead of Mao Asada who won the Senior GPF and defeated the entire Olympic podium at some point during the season, was a significant Junior World Title. I don't believe that being "Junior World Champion" in and of itself puts you in any higher regard than placing top 10 at Senior Worlds.
I LOVE the podium. Canada wins gold and Sweden takes bronze(!!). Great job guys!!!! :D Congratulations to all the medalists.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87UvN...eature=related
Han Yan was so good. Jump, skating skills and artisty, he has it.
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