- Joined
- Nov 12, 2009
About Jason putting out the 3-axel -- he has been practicing the jump. I hope he will put it out when he and his coach feel he is consistent enough to be successful. If not this season, then next season is soon enough IMO. He is after all, only 17 years old. IMO, I don't think it is at all healthy for still maturing young skaters to go gung ho with trying to land quads, and putting too much pressure on themselves physically and psychologically in training 3-axel either or putting it out when the skater is not ready. So what if it takes a skater like Brown more time to land the 3-axel (Chan was not quite ready at ages 16 and 17 either but felt pressure to put out the 3-axel and he has had consistency and technique problems with it). At this point, I would wait until next season, unless Jason and his coach feel it is worth it to try the 3-axel in the fs at Jr. Worlds to be more competitive (as long as the injury to his ankle is healed).
I also think that Jason, Joshua and Denis have better execution and presentation skills than Han Yan, although Yan is quite talented too (he doesn’t interpret the music well).
Good points. I think Jason will do 3a when he is ready. For right now, he is doing very well without it, and against a steep field too! As for Yan, he is impressive but I think he is just a very different type of skater from the likes of Farris, Ten and Brown, who are all very elegant. The skating of Ten and Farris could even be described as ethereal. Jason is dynamic but still manages to be artistic. Yan is a more athletic type of skater. His components are so high likely because of his speed and attack. I agree his musicality could be improved, and his lines also need work (his arms are often bent and a bit flail-y). But his huge jumps and the speed he generates cannot be ignored and give his skating a bold, impressive quality, so I understand the marks. He is very strong in the footwork as well. For some reason, he reminds me of Takahashi. Hopefully that means he has a bright future ahead of him.
Now that videos are out I must say I'm really impressed with the 3 Americans. The future of US men's figure skating is in good hands. Joshua and Jason are just incredible and I really enjoyed that program from Dolensky and think he could have a bright future if he can get a 3a.