Will Ando make the Olympic Team? | Page 2 | Golden Skate

Will Ando make the Olympic Team?

aftertherain

Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 15, 2010
Yes and no. She beat all the top three ladies both times (Asada, Kostner and Kim), but they weren't exactly at their best.

And it's pretty clear Miki's not at her best right now. Her spins are atrocious and footwork sections slow. Best of luck to her, though. It's about time she had glamorous non-Morozov'd costumes.
 

NMURA

Medalist
Joined
Jul 14, 2010
japanese team= asada, suzuki and ando!
murakami for 2018...
she won´t beat ando!! kanako is the queen UR :(

Murakami received no UR call last year.
And it's 100% sure Murakami receives higher PCS than Ando this year.
Bet your money on Asada and Murakami. After all, it's Japanese nationals.
 

thinspread

On the Ice
Joined
Aug 8, 2013
Murakami received no UR call last year.
And it's 100% sure Murakami receives higher PCS than Ando this year.
Bet your money on Asada and Murakami. After all, it's Japanese nationals.

I agree with this and others who said no. Let's say Ando finishes 4th at the nationals. Will they send her to 4CC or Worlds, if not all top three are sent? Or will they send someone like Imai or Miyahara?
 

NMURA

Medalist
Joined
Jul 14, 2010
This season's world team is unpredictable. Asada could opt out if she wants to make the Olympics the culmination of her career. They can decide who to send after examining results from 4CC, Jr worlds, and the Olympics. For Ando, Japanese nationals will be her last competition.

My predictions are
Olympics - Asada, Murakami, Miyahara
4cc - Miyahara, Hongo, Imai
Jr worlds - Kato, Sakamoto
Sr worlds - Murakami, Suzuki, ??
 

CanadianSkaterGuy

Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 25, 2013
Suzuki's worst score of the last season is 158 pts at National sports festival. It's obvious that she easily crumbles under pressure, especially when she feels that the judges are not on her side. That's why I'm very positive about the same thing happening at Japanese nationals.

Beating Ando's 162 pts doesn't matter anyway. Ando is not a factor from the beginning. All parties (Ando herself, JSF, TV, sponsors) are just trying to gain some profits from the "comeback mother athlete" story.

It's interesting how some people are quick to suggest Miki is a threat after one competition at Nebelhorn (in which she only landed 4 triples and had weak spins at that), and everyone keeps going back to Suzuki's poor Worlds showing as if she hadn't got 2 silvers on the GP and 3rd at the GPF and skated lights out at WTT, and certainly outskated 9 skaters who all placed ahead of her at Worlds.

Skaters go up and down. If we looked at Denis Ten's season prior to Worlds we would have all written him off. Amodio came 2nd at Euros with excellent skates, but bombed at Worlds. Mao was 3rd at Worlds and 5th at World Team Trophy.

As for whether JSF would send Miki over a higher placing Murakami and Suzuki at Japanese nationals, I don't think so. If Suzuki or Murakami bombs to 5th and Miyahara places 3rd and Ando 4th, I can picture them potentially giving Ando the 3rd spot. That's a lot of ifs though.

The answer to the question is: probably not, but she does have a shot contingent on Suzuki and Murakami skating poorly and having poor GP showings, and Ando herself returning to form. That being said, she had a really good start at Nebelhorn and I'm sure people would have crucified her comeback had she actually bombed, so I'm glad she's still in it.

The reality is, she has the potential to be one of the bigger comebacks this year and has shown that she's committed to make the Olympic team or at least giving it a shot, which is commendable.
 

NMURA

Medalist
Joined
Jul 14, 2010
If Suzuki or Murakami bombs to 5th and Miyahara places 3rd and Ando 4th, I can picture them potentially giving Ando the 3rd spot.

That is never happening. Ando can't meet any selection criteria if she doesn't make the podium.
Judging from Ando's PCS at Nebelhorn, she can't expect any PCS advantage against Miyahara. Also Suzuki can't expect BIG PCS advantage against Miyahara. I expect the higher TES will gain the third spot, as the past cases with Nakano vs Suzuki of four years ago, and Mura vs Oda of last year.
 

CanadianSkaterGuy

Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 25, 2013
That is never happening. Ando can't meet any selection criteria if she doesn't make the podium.
Judging from Ando's PCS at Nebelhorn, she can't expect any PCS advantage against Miyahara. Also Suzuki can't expect BIG PCS advantage against Miyahara. I expect the higher TES will gain the third spot, as the past cases with Nakano vs Suzuki of four years ago, and Mura vs Oda of last year.

I dunno... Russia was stupid enough to let 5th place Kovtun go... so a 4th place Ando who is a 2-time World Champion going instead of a higher-placing Miyahara isn't entirely out of the realm of possibility.
 

Blades of Passion

Skating is Art, if you let it be
Record Breaker
Joined
Sep 14, 2008
Country
France
No way whatsoever that second Loop deserved a call. Still pisses me off.
 

NMURA

Medalist
Joined
Jul 14, 2010
Kovtun is considered to be the future of Russian men, also he has backing from Tarasova. Ando doesn't have any expectations for future (needless to say, the chance for a medal) and strong political supports.
TV Asahi has special commitments to her but they are not so cozy with the JSF like Fuji TV. Some of the JSF people might have been irritated by TV Asahi's blatant promotion of Ando. It's reported that TV Asahi (which bought the broadcast rights of Nebelhorn) had urged the ISU (German federation) to give an invitation without knowledge of the JSF.
 

CanadianSkaterGuy

Record Breaker
Joined
Jan 25, 2013
NO UR at Japanese nationals.

Technically no UR, but her 3T-3T in her SP was turned to a double. At least she had a very strong FS. :) Also, she wasn't marked as having any UR'ed triple in her FS, but the 3rd jump in her 3-jump 3S-2L-2L combo was most definitely URed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xltDBVa9wHE#t=6m50s as did her 3L in her 3L-2T http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xltDBVa9wHE#t=6m look like a UR. I'm pretty sure a more astringent technical specialist would have nailed her for those.

What I do like about Ando's entry is that she certainly does make the women's event more interesting. Miyahara being more of a 2018 prospect almost solidified Suzuki and Murakami, but hopefully the addition of Ando will push Suzuki/Murakami.
 

YesWay

四年もかけて&#
Record Breaker
Joined
Sep 28, 2013
I think Miki will definitely be a contender. By the Japanese nationals I think Miki will be capable of pushing out either Murakami or Suzuki, especially if one of them has a bad day.

I also think the placings at Japanese nationals could boil down to who has the most mental strength (ability to perform under pressure), and who WANTS the Olympics the most. And in that respect, I suspect Murakami could be the weakest, and perhaps has the least motivation since she has the luxury of another shot at the Olympics in 2018 if she chooses to continue skating...

In one edition of a TV show in Japan recently, they interviewed Suzuki and her coach, then in another edition they interviewed Murakami and her coach. I thought these were quite revealing about the mentalities and attitudes of the skaters:

Murakami seems to me, less of a "fighter", tries not to think about winning at competitions and prefers to "enjoy" them. Her coach criticised her for not setting goals high enough, and contrasted her with Asada (who she also used to coach): Outwardly, Asada is very controlled and reserved, but apparently this conceals a very strong determination and a fierce fighting attitude - she competes to WIN (her attitude is "if I don't go out there and try to win, what's the point?")

In the show with Suzuki, the comments and interactions with her coach showed that she is also very determined, wilful, and strong-minded. Apparently she has been fighting and arguing with her coach, constantly, since practically forever. She seems methodical, hard working and diligent.

Not that Murakami is "weak", or lacks ability... just that of the three above, I felt that she was litle bit too relaxed and Asada and Suzuki are mentally stronger - and they also have maturity (age) and experience on their sides.

Will Miki be stronger mentally, than any of the above? I have nothing to go on. But I think she has shown great strength and will to succeed in the past.

I wonder if her choice of SP music "My Way", says something about her determination to succeed in the face of some huge and unpleasant "controversy", over giving birth while unmarried and refusing to name the father (things that are still considered "scandalous" in Japan). Similarly she is returning to "Firebird" for the FS - the music she used to win the Japanese nationals twice in consecutive years... and it's apparently a "special" piece for her (according to a recent interview, don't know why).
 

NMURA

Medalist
Joined
Jul 14, 2010
IMO, the Olympic team should be selected on the basis of usefulness for Japan. There are only two criteria. Chances to win Olympic medals and investments for the future. Any skaters described as "strong", "motivated", "experienced", "established" are meaningless as long as they fall short of realistic chances for a medal. Suzuki is the 12th at worlds and her highest score outside of Japan is only 181 pts. Ando has passed her peak long ago and definitely lacking time and motivation to be competitive again. All of her "comeback mother athlete" stories are just publicity stunts. Her comment after Nebelhorn shows that she is not so serious about making the Olympic team. The third skater has no chance for a medal anyway. Then they should choose on the basis of usefulness in the future. Miyahara is the only appropriate choice at this point.
 

MaiKatze

Record Breaker
Joined
Feb 4, 2012
^^Interesting. But what you describe as a weaker attitude here, could actually be an advantage for Kanako, very much in nationals and of course, in Olympics. Precisely because the pressure ain't there, she is just out there to enjoy the sport. That makes her more relaxed, less stressed and in the end yes, maybe she doesn't have the killer instinct to really win the Olympics or so, but nobody expects her to anyway. I think, yes, she doesn't seem to have that strong of a will to win. She says she wants to end her career after this season, despite her age and possibilities! Maybe Kanako just has other priorities in her life and doesn't see this as a life/death situation. This will never make her world champion, but she seems ok with it.

Just looking at it from a presentation kind of view, I think Kanako and Akiko are miles ahead of Miki, who always seemed stiff, tense and nervous to me. Who knows what will happen, I wish every girl the best, they certainly would all deserve a spot.

@NMURA
Which men do you think will go to Olympics for Japan?
 

YesWay

四年もかけて&#
Record Breaker
Joined
Sep 28, 2013
Ando has passed her peak long ago and definitely lacking time and motivation to be competitive again. All of her "comeback mother athlete" stories are just publicity stunts. Her comment after Nebelhorn shows that she is not so serious about making the Olympic team.
Why do you think she lacks motivation? I thought simply showing up at Nebelhorn (and at such short notice) showed she was serious.

Miki has been "written off" before... and then she won her second World Championships, almost every other competition that season, and posted scores over 200 at 4CC and Nationals.

What was her comment at Nebelhorn, that shows she is not so serious?

You could be right about Miyahara, I forget that she is age-eligible for the Olympics. And she beat Suzuki at last year's Nationals. If she can get through the usual growing pains unscathed in the next few years, I think she is destined for stardom.

^^Interesting. But what you describe as a weaker attitude here, could actually be an advantage for Kanako.
Yes, it could work in her favour. Arakawa went out to "enjoy" the Olympics and skated for herself and her fans more than anything - and the result was a divine performance, worthy of the gold medal.

On the other hand, there is Kim Yuna. She is "good" at everything, no particular weaknesses. But (just my opinion) I also don't think she is the "best" at anything - except one thing: she has proven she has the mental strength to skate clean, when it really matters, and when the stakes are incredibly high. She does this despite (my opinion again) not being "relaxed" like Murakami, and I think that's a GIANT advantage...
 

thinspread

On the Ice
Joined
Aug 8, 2013
This season's world team is unpredictable. Asada could opt out if she wants to make the Olympics the culmination of her career. They can decide who to send after examining results from 4CC, Jr worlds, and the Olympics. For Ando, Japanese nationals will be her last competition.

My predictions are
Olympics - Asada, Murakami, Miyahara
4cc - Miyahara, Hongo, Imai
Jr worlds - Kato, Sakamoto
Sr worlds - Murakami, Suzuki, ??

IMO, the Olympic team should be selected on the basis of usefulness for Japan. There are only two criteria. Chances to win Olympic medals and investments for the future. Any skaters described as "strong", "motivated", "experienced", "established" are meaningless as long as they fall short of realistic chances for a medal. Suzuki is the 12th at worlds and her highest score outside of Japan is only 181 pts. Ando has passed her peak long ago and definitely lacking time and motivation to be competitive again. All of her "comeback mother athlete" stories are just publicity stunts. Her comment after Nebelhorn shows that she is not so serious about making the Olympic team. The third skater has no chance for a medal anyway. Then they should choose on the basis of usefulness in the future. Miyahara is the only appropriate choice at this point.

That sounds odd.

I don't think Miyahara would score higher than Suzuki on international stage in the coming season. Investment for future? I assume it would be for giving her exposure/experience at the Olympic stage, and also for domestic marketing of the sport in Japan. A couple years ago I had a chance to talk to a reporter for a Japanese figure skating magazine at a competition. I remember he was enthusiastic for their new prospect, Miyahara. I understand they need a new, young star, and Ando, Takahashi and possibly Asada and Murakami are all making an exit. But, what about a skater's life-long effort and her wish to be chosen to participate in the Olympics on the merit of her skating?
 

NMURA

Medalist
Joined
Jul 14, 2010
That sounds odd.

I don't think Miyahara would score higher than Suzuki on international stage in the coming season.

It doesn't make difference whether their scoring capacities are 170 or 185. They need 195 or higher outside of Japan (where the JSF can influence the judges in favor of Japanese skaters). Suzuki has no future and Miyahara has it. That should be the deciding factor. Of course, a skater of 185 is highly useful at worlds, than one of 170.

what about a skater's life-long effort and her wish to be chosen to participate in the Olympics on the merit of her skating?

So-called "effort" or "wish" don't matter at all. The values of Olympic candidates should be judged by usefulness for the whole skating community in Japan. After all, the Olympics is a quasi-war between nation states.
 
Joined
Jul 30, 2012
Country
Russia
Kovtun is considered to be the future of Russian men, also he has backing from Tarasova. Ando doesn't have any expectations for future (needless to say, the chance for a medal) and strong political supports.
Kovtun at 2012/2013 Season earned best of Russian Men Season Best and Season World Ranking. He was first of Russian Men at all his Internationals of 2012/2013 Season.

Miki Ando did not compete after Worlds-2011 to Nebelhorn-2013. All 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 Seasons.
 
Joined
Jul 30, 2012
Country
Russia
It doesn't make difference whether their scoring capacities are 170 or 185. They need 195 or higher outside of Japan (where the JSF can influence the judges in favor of Japanese skaters). Suzuki has no future and Miyahara has it. That should be the deciding factor. Of course, a skater of 185 is highly useful at worlds, than one of 170.
Japan can not earn three Olympics medals.
So third skater at Olympics and Worlds may be "not for today, but for future", i.e. Miyahara.

Remember, Kanako Murakami at her first Worls was 8th, Suzuki 11th.
 
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