Until this weekend, I thought Christina Gao might be the best choice for the second spot. But her GPF performance was definitely disappointing--major mistakes in both programs, especially the short. Now, I don't know who is the best choice. It will just come down to whoever skates best at Nationals. I do think the main contenders are Christina, Gracie, and Mirai. I guess Agnes has an outside shot, but I'd rather not see her on the team. I like Agnes, but she's not scoring well internationally, even when she skates fairly clean.
My biggest concern right now is Ashley's injury. I hope, hope, hope it is not serious. With her on the team, we have a chance at 3 spots; without her, it will be hard. I'm just hoping she can skate at Nationals and do well. If not . . . I think the USFSA should consider giving her a bye to Worlds. In general, I don't favor injury byes, but in this case, I think it should at least be considered. With Olympic slots on the line, we simply must put our best team forward at Worlds this year. Even if it means taking a risk on an injured Ashley. I think Ashley has done enough this season to prove she is definitely our top lady. If she can't skate at Nationals, I would put her on the team UNLESS the top two finishers both had stellar performances.
There were a couple errors in it that she wanted back.Plus if Ashley can get 115 for a 2 fall skate at the GPF, you can imagine that number would be higher at Nationals, whereas I know it was a junior program, but Gracie's almost 114 was for a nearly perfect skate, so it gives you an idea of comparison on the international stage.
I would probably put her on the team EVEN IF the top 2 at nationals had stellar performances, but insist on an evaluation a week and a half or 2 weeks before worlds to make sure she is recovered from the injury and in good form. I don't know that I'd say I favor byes, but I definitely think there are instances when they should be used, and if Ashley can't skate at Nationals this is one of them.
Until this weekend, I thought Christina Gao might be the best choice for the second spot. But her GPF performance was definitely disappointing--major mistakes in both programs, especially the short. Now, I don't know who is the best choice. It will just come down to whoever skates best at Nationals. I do think the main contenders are Christina, Gracie, and Mirai. I guess Agnes has an outside shot, but I'd rather not see her on the team. I like Agnes, but she's not scoring well internationally, even when she skates fairly clean.
...With Olympic slots on the line, we simply must put our best team forward at Worlds this year. Even if it means taking a risk on an injured Ashley. I think Ashley has done enough this season to prove she is definitely our top lady. If she can't skate at Nationals, I would put her on the team UNLESS the top two finishers both had stellar performances.
...and to top it off, I stumbled upon the pictures of her splat face-down on the ice on another forum all I have to say is yikes
ETA: I think we'll know soon enough how serious it is. She's scheduled to skate in a Disson show this weekend, I think...we'll have to see if she goes forth with it or whether she pulls out
Team Czisny seems to be keeping its cards close to its chest at the moment. Seems to be unknown what shape she's in...only thing to go on is a tweet from Phil Hersh a couple of months ago saying that she "assures" him she'll be ready for nationals
I won't disagree with you there.
Playing DA, I should note that Czisny has, in the past, typically given her best performances early in her season...and fizzles out by nationals (and worlds, if applicable). So, it really depends on the shape she is in...but it's NEVER easy to begin the season at your own Nationals.
Alissa has the ability to pull out a great program out of nowhere.