- Joined
- Feb 17, 2007
The GPF field may be a restricted one, .........
Yes, the Final is restricted. But how many ladies try to GET to the Final?
The GPF field may be a restricted one, .........
Sadly, I find myself unable to impose on hoi polloi...
I'm actually in substantial agreement with you, which I thought was fairly clear in that paragraph . But I was just observing that we're like a couple of lonely wolves baying at the moon.Yes, the Final is restricted. But how many ladies try to GET to the Final?
The ones with the 3A and some with 3x3, and others with lyrical ballet arms. That's the story of Ladies in general. Without one of those mentioned, all is lost. Not even a contract with a travelling ice show without auditioning.Yes, the Final is restricted. But how many ladies try to GET to the Final?
Well, there are a number of structures that do need attention. No fan is interested in talking shop, until after the Worlds but keep it in mind. It's a sporty competition without the Glitz of Nats and Worlds.Two more would be enough for two groups.
I'd prefer a massive restructuring of the GP season, actually, but that's something different.
While I'm personally somewhat sympathetic with this point of view, the proof, as they say, is in the pudding. By this I mean that, if the GPF really did satisfy the mainstream notion of a "true" champion (particularly in the U.S., where both society at large as well as the skating community continue to live by the Lombardi credo that winning is "the only thing"), then Alissa would now currently be "IT", she will have already satisfied the public as well as herself, and would be feted, I think, in a much more grandiose way than she currently is. ...
^ I like placements because that method elevates each individual Grand Prix event to the status of something worth winning in its own right, never mind the finals.
As for easy or hard fields, the total point method has problems, too. Besides the differences between stingy and generous officiating panels, in addition the scores seem to rise as the season progresses -- both because the performers skate better and also because of gradual grade inflation over the course of the season.
I also believe that MiRai suffers from the overall weakness of the US ladies since Michelle & Sasha's heyday when both were always podium threats and one could be counted on to win.
This has been addressed.Sasha never won a major event in her whole life,
how could she be "counted on" to win anything, when she could never win anything period. If the Sasha-Michelle combined era in U.S skating was from 2002-2006 the two combined to win 1 of the 7 World and Olympic events during that period, .... So the people counting on this were certainly not too wise.
This has been addressed.
Let's look at the numbers a little differently. Consider the significant ISU events to be the Olympics, Worlds, 4CC and all Grand Prix events. During the Kwan / Cohen era, Michelle won 3 and Sasha won 6; this makes a total of 9 events. Since that era, starting with the '06 Worlds, all U.S. ladies combined have won 5. And all 5 events were won by only 2 ladies; Kimmie and Alissa.
That's true indeed.
I was thinking yesterday that if Sasha could return with her skating at the 2006 level, she'd likely beat every one of the current American contenders. I don't know how she'd do internationally. But I do miss her.
Part of Kwanford's point might have been that in the Michelle/Sasha era USA had podium contenders at the Olympics and Worlds and they WON lots of medals. The three spots at Worlds and Olympics came much easier when Michelle and/or Sasha were on the podium at the biggest events.
Not so much since they retired. Right now many of the Sasha bashers would be happy if Alissa or Rachael did what Sasha did winning silver at wolrds. Or bronze. Or even a 4th place finish.
I haven't heard any USA fans moaning about not winning the WC. It feels more like having a skater good enough to be in contention for a medal. If either Alissa or Rachael wins a medal at Worlds the chances of getting thethree spots back is much better.
I was thinking yesterday that if Sasha could return with her skating at the 2006 level, she'd likely beat every one of the current American contenders. I don't know how she'd do internationally.
I would like for the ISU to find a new way of Tie Breakers. It is far too cumbersome even for the knowledgeable fan, and imo, not all together fair, since different comps have different judges.