I fully expected this breakup to happen after Nationals. This pair just had weren't relating out there on the ice, and therefore no future, it was pretty obvious in competitions. I think Mark should have called it a day when Amanda did, and started to move on with his life, and I mean no disrespect in that. Lindsay I don't know much about, I don't hold having 3 partners against her per se, but I somehow get this weird impression watching her skate, that she resents doing pairs.
Weren't relating on the ice? Heck, I don't think they were relating very well off the ice, either. Those interviews from IN during nationals were icy - little eye contact and obvious uncomfortableness with each other. Almost as if they didn't really care for each other, or perhaps is was she who didn't enjoy his company. Not that pairs need to be BFFs, but congeniality and comfort go a long way in training, particularly in countries where partnerships are not managed by the Federation.
. But I won't lie, the fact that Mary Beth was right out of juniors was a visual disparity on the ice in terms of artistry and maturity/presentation.
Isn't it time Rockne moved on too. I think Dube and Hay moved on too and he wasn't that old sometimes it is just over.
Lindsay Davis' last partner before Ladwig was Themi Leftheris in the 2010-2011 season; after they finished 7th at Nationals, they split. Lindsay was 18 at the time, Themi 27. IIRC, Themi retired after that season.
Previously, she skated with Alex Merritt in the 2008-2009 season; she was 15 and he 22. They won Pacific Sectionals but split after placing 12th at Nationals.
Third time could be the charm for Rockne.
In both of her previous partnerships, both men were much older with lots more experience. They may have been looking for instant success and when they didn't get it, they bailed. It is very common in US Pairs skating for the men to look elsewhere because they can more easily find new partners, while the girl is the one left behind. It doesn't seem fair to blame the splits on Davis, especially considering her age at the time in both cases.
??? Is Ladwig becoming an ice dancer? Based on his tweets below, inquiring minds ...
@LadwigMark
Watch out @USFigureSkating passed my juvenile & intermediate freeskates today! Thank you Ciara Myers for partnering with me.
9:55 AM - Mar 8, 2013
@TarahKayne
@LadwigMark @usfigureskating I think he might mean dances.
10:20 AM - Mar 8, 2013
@LadwigMark
"@TarahKayne: @LadwigMark @usfigureskating I think he might mean dances. " Yes. Setting up has left me loopy!
10:34 AM - Mar 8, 2013