She will have to have pristine jumps to have things not reviewed, unfortunately for her, because her reputation will proceed her and anything that is remotely marginal WILL be scrutinized.
Actually, in my experience, it's MUCH EASIER to skate right after someone has killed it and the roof has been blown off the building. You can absorb ALL of that energy and use it for yourself -- there is a TON of energy in the building right after someone has killed it. Yes, you have to block out that score and placement (if they are being announced) but there's just something about the response for that previous skater as you take the ice that carries you. Personally, my best performances are typically right after someone else has totally killed it. The great thing about having the person before you kill it is the crowd is already "warmed up" for you and the energy level is SUPER high.
She will have to have pristine jumps to have things not reviewed, unfortunately for her, because her reputation will proceed her and anything that is remotely marginal WILL be scrutinized.
Anyone would have those loops downgraded, not just someone being scrutinized. She is a full 1/2 turn short, if not more.
Nagasu has not been a good "placement pressure" skater. The expectations were low when she made the Olympic team (everyone expected it to be Cohen and...)
If Ashley does go for the 3-3 she should defo do it at the GPF and based on how it goes there decide whether to do it for Nationals. I don't think she should skate cautiously at national but I don't think she needs the 3-3 to win (or get 2nd) and it would such a shame if a botched attempt cost her a spot on the world team.
I thought the jump calls were lenient if your name was "Asada" at NHK but not for others in that I felt Asada had some borderline jumps she got full credit for that Nagasu and Suzuki had called which were the same quality (quantity?) of rotation.Anyone would have those loops downgraded, not just someone being scrutinized. She is a full 1/2 turn short, if not more.
I thought the jump calls were lenient if your name was "Asada" at NHK but not for others in that I felt Asada had some borderline jumps she got full credit for that Nagasu and Suzuki had called which were the same quality (quantity?) of rotation.
I think I am hoping to see Christina Gao get the second spot on the U.S. team this year. I think right now, Christina offers a nice consistency and maturity in her programs, while still being a skater definitely improving and on the rise. I like Gracie Gold, but I don't know if she's really ready for Worlds this year. She is so young and inexperienced and, at times, it really shows. I don't like the fact that she's had a lot of mistakes and popped jumps in her long programs. That could be disastrous at Worlds, especially with so much on the line for next season. I think what I'd like to see for Gracie is a bronze at Nationals, a 4CC assignment, and continued growth next season. As for Mirai, I just don't think her programs and overall package this year are good enough. I personally prefer Christina's programs, and I think Christina's chances of hitting the programs well are as good or better than Mirai's. Mirai does have a stronger international rep, but it's not significant enough to justify her being on the team solely for that.
I think Ashley Wagner is the favourite to win WGM. She's got it. Confidence. Decent programs. Strong jumps no major weakness. She is skating well, consistently and with confidence and everyone else is struggling or still developing. Wagner will bring home the gold for the US and the US will have three to Sochi and all will be well. You can bet on Wagner; she knows she is the it girl now. Can you imagine to US ladies winning a medal??Okay maybe a bit of a stretch but a world champion in Ashley is in the making.
Oh for dog's sake, it happened ONCE at her first SGP event. Knowing this kid like I do, she'll have it together for Nationals...Gold will be a question mark- she has shown signs of buckling under pressure, which is not comforting- but at the same time, if she can at least hold it together, she will score more internationally than all the other girls in question...
A good time to remind all that Wagner has been climbing uphill her entire career. She has NEVER been the favorite or dealt with expectations before. Remember my words when I say she's still unproven under pressure.
A good time to remind all that Wagner has been climbing uphill her entire career. She has NEVER been the favorite or dealt with expectations before. Remember my words when I say she's still unproven under pressure.
A good time to remind all that Wagner has been climbing uphill her entire career. She has NEVER been the favorite or dealt with expectations before. Remember my words when I say she's still unproven under pressure.
Having said that, the international experience she's been getting should work in her favor. Americans have been off the podium for so long and people (media & fans) are beginning to look to her to end the dry spell.