Ashley Wagner Teleconference Highlights

[KKonas]

SP The Red Violin FS Samson & Delilah. She just got back from Japan Open and performing her FS and feels she is in a good place with her programs right now, but that it is going to be a tough season as defending champ because she feels she still has to prove herself and keep making improvements on her performance from last year and hopefully end up with the same result. She wants to prove that last season's results weren't just a fluke. Se doesn't want to skate to avoid losing but skate to win, attacking at every competition. She's looking forward to Skate America and lived in Tacoma, WA in '97-98 and still has grandparents there. Hopes to go to GP Final, but really focused on winning Nationals and making the World Team.

[KKonas]

Also want to add that she said this is her first appearance at Skate America and that she feels she really needs a triple - triple in her programs this year and may try one at Skate America.

[golden411]

Thanks for the scoop, KKonas!

I found this bit interesting:

U.S. Figure Skating ‏@USFigureSkating

@AshWagner2010 hopes to "Interact with the audience" & "draw them in" with her new programs. She cites touring with Stars on Ice as helpful
1:11 PM - 10 Oct 12

So at least for her, touring was an opportunity to improve performance skills -- not just a paycheck.
I've never agreed with pessimistic fans who assume that touring is inevitably detrimental to preparation for the upcoming season.

And BTW, for Wagner fans, a new lengthy profile of her has been added to the 2014 US Nationals site.
http://www.boston2014.com/fan-centra...ashley-wagner/