What will the 2011/2012 season bring us in ladies?
- Thread starter ImaginaryPogue
- Start date
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- Joined
- May 19, 2011
I think next year will really set the tone for Soichi, at least a little bit.
Russian Babies (or RBB; I totally love that BTW!)
Be afraid...be very afraid. These girls aren't playing. To be honest, the JGP was much more interesting than ANYTHING that happened on the senior level. There are a number of good skaters coming up, and not just from Russia...though I'll start with them first.
These girls will make a splash, as early as next season. The three to look for are Adelina Sotnikova, Elizaveta Tuktamisheva (Liza T), and Polina Shelepen.
I'd point to Adelina over the other two, for one crucial reason: her presentation. Whereas some junior skaters look like junior skaters, Adelina does not. There's an ease, maturity and flow to her movements and presentation that sets her apart from the others girls. She'll fit in easily amongst the more mature skaters. Then there's the jumps: she jumps out of the building!
Her jumps have amazing height and coverage, and she lands them pretty consistently. She does have a tendency to flutz, which will hurt her a bit, but she can work on that. In terms of the lady I see really mixing things up next year, it's Adelina all the way for me...seriously, if you haven't seen her skate, you need to educate yourself...
Liza T is another one. There was a lot of talk about the 3A she has, though she did not attempt it last season...that doesn't mean she won't in seasons to come though. Liza T lacks the maturity and flow Adelina has, but she skates with a lot of energy, pizazz and spark. Her 3-3 wasn't as consistent last year, but she's more than capable on doing them (3lz-3t) along with 2a-3t. Her jumps don't soar like Adelina's, but she's much stronger in her lutz technique. She's fiery...definitely a diva-in-the-making!
And OMG she and Johnny Weir look like sister and brother!
Polina Shelepen is a bit of a wildcard at times. When she's on, she's right up there with the other two; however, I've watched her the past two seasons on the JGP and she's prone to implosions. Still, she has good sized jumps (including a 3lz-3t and 2a-3t) that cover a lot of ice, her spins are probably the best of this trio of Russian ladies, and she has a mature statuesque appearance on the ice--she's listed at 5'5" on Wikipedia. She hit her growth spurt last year, so she seems to have made it past the puberty monster okay. She's not awkward with her height but she lacks the flow and ease of Adelina...in other words, her stroking is still a bit juniorish to me...
On any day, all three of these ladies can challenge for a top 3 finish. I think the technical content that all three pack will really be what shakes the field up. All three have 3lz-3t (Adelina also has a massive 3lz-3lp) and each has 2a-3t. Adelina and Polina have all 5 triples (with occasional edge calls) and Liza too I think; she did a double salchow in combination at Jr. worlds last year...I don't know if she can't do a 3S or she just chose not to include it...Regardless, these ladies will push everyone, if only on the technical mark at first. The only thing against them right now is time (experience and maturity) but once that comes, look out...
Japanese Ladies: New Wave
I don't think Japan's in dire straits in terms of a next big star. There's still plenty of star power to go around. Miki, Mao and Kanako managed to make top 10 at worlds (1st, 6th and 8th respectively) so there's still hope.
You can never count Mao out. I think, more than anything, Mao needs a break. She's gotta be running on fumes at this point. She needs some down time recharge her batteries and refocus. As for Miki, if she sticks to this new formula, she's going to challenge for a top 5 finish every time...I don't know how much longer she will compete, but she appears to be in great shape and could make a run at Soichi if she wanted to. Sadly, Akiko probably will never get her due, but I absolutely adore her skating...
In terms of the newer girls, Kanako is leading the pack. Say what you will, but she had nothing short of an extraordinary debut season. She medaled at both of her GP events (bronze at NHK, gold at SA) and got bronze at the GPF. She came in 3rd at nationals and 1st at the Asian winter games and had a top 10 finish at worlds...that's not too shabby. Her technique does need to be refined, as does her style, but she's in the running right now. We'll have to see how she matures...
Risa Shoji probably will stay junior another year, but she's a lovely skater. She reminds me of Shizuka with a dash of Mao. Lovely flow and softness to her skating. She won gold and silver in her JGP events, 4th at the JGPF and 5th at jr. worlds. With the Big 3 Russians jumping senior next year, along with a few Americans, I think she'll be the one to beat on the JGP next year. She just needs time...Same thing goes for Haruka Imai, Yuki Nishino and Miyabi Oba. None are shining too brightly right now, but there's still hope that one of them will hit a stride in the future...
The American Ladies
The problem with the US these past 5 years hasn't been a lack of good skaters. We have some pretty darn good ones...the issue is none of them has stepped up and grabbed that spot. After having Michelle bowl over challenger after challenger for that top spot for nearly 10 years, it's been weird seeing this group of ladies talk about how much they want to be number one and yet sit by idly, never stepping up and claiming that spot.
Alissa stepped up this year...but she has a lot of improvements to make before she'll be able to compete past that PCS mark. Her spins are gorgeous, but she could easily lose a spot on the podium due to her technical content. Rachael shot herself in the foot this year (or more appropriately, in the tibia
) with how she ended her season. As anyone who watches the sport knows, a large amount of success is based on reputation and good rapport with the judges. Rachael's disastrous showing at worlds could hurt her both internationally and nationally. Ashley seems to slip every time she gets going...I don't know what it is, but given her abilities, I do expect her to be farther along than she is. Her issues are all little problems that she can't seem to get past...it's strange. It's been said time and time again that Mirai is the best all-around skater the US has right now, and I agree. Mirai has shown flashes of brilliance...yet her shining moments are too sporadic for her to get a firm foothold in this climb to the top. If she ever decides to flip on the switch, she'll be a podium threat every time out; the question is when will she flip the switch?
In terms of upcoming talent, the US has some really good options. Agnes Zawadski is a powerhouse jumper who has the ability to really light up the ice. Leaving Tom Z will probably help her (how? IDK, I'm just glad she left him...:sheesh
. Christina Gao has a lot of technical ability and improved a lot in terms of presentation last year...though she still has a bit of a ways to go. I really think these two, with Mirai and Alissa, could help to boost the US in terms of standings and I wouldn't be surprised Agnes or Christina make the world team this year...
Farther down the line, we have Courtney Hicks (good appeal, needs polish and refinement), Amanda Dobbs (sat out with injury toward end of season but talented), Vanessa Lam (lacks height in jumps but promising), and my fav, Yasmin Siraj. Yasmin grabs my eye because of her musicality and expressiveness when she skates. She skates with the music, rather than just to it which is something several of the aforementioned skaters lack and, ultimately, that will set her apart.
Even if the current crop of US ladies fail to step up, I'm sure Agnes and Christina are more than eager to take the reins...and, luckily, there's a lot of talent coming up behind them as well. All in all, I think the US will be alright in the long run.
There's only one person I can point to who really caught my eye on the JGP last season outside of the Russians, Japanese and Americans: Zijun Li of China. She has a lovely lyrical style to her skating and she's decently consistent as well. Gorgeous spins and use of her arms and very good musicality as well. She had the misfortune of being pitted against the Russian powerhouses last year on the JGP and didn't really get an opportunity to shine. I see her as a top contender this year though..
No matter which way you look at it, there's talent all around. Who knows how the landscape will change between now and 2014? I'm sure there will be some reshuffling as skaters come in and others go out, but one thing is for sure: the ladies competition in Soichi will be awesome! :thumbsup:
Russian Babies (or RBB; I totally love that BTW!)
Be afraid...be very afraid. These girls aren't playing. To be honest, the JGP was much more interesting than ANYTHING that happened on the senior level. There are a number of good skaters coming up, and not just from Russia...though I'll start with them first.
These girls will make a splash, as early as next season. The three to look for are Adelina Sotnikova, Elizaveta Tuktamisheva (Liza T), and Polina Shelepen.
I'd point to Adelina over the other two, for one crucial reason: her presentation. Whereas some junior skaters look like junior skaters, Adelina does not. There's an ease, maturity and flow to her movements and presentation that sets her apart from the others girls. She'll fit in easily amongst the more mature skaters. Then there's the jumps: she jumps out of the building!
Her jumps have amazing height and coverage, and she lands them pretty consistently. She does have a tendency to flutz, which will hurt her a bit, but she can work on that. In terms of the lady I see really mixing things up next year, it's Adelina all the way for me...seriously, if you haven't seen her skate, you need to educate yourself... Liza T is another one. There was a lot of talk about the 3A she has, though she did not attempt it last season...that doesn't mean she won't in seasons to come though. Liza T lacks the maturity and flow Adelina has, but she skates with a lot of energy, pizazz and spark. Her 3-3 wasn't as consistent last year, but she's more than capable on doing them (3lz-3t) along with 2a-3t. Her jumps don't soar like Adelina's, but she's much stronger in her lutz technique. She's fiery...definitely a diva-in-the-making!
And OMG she and Johnny Weir look like sister and brother!Polina Shelepen is a bit of a wildcard at times. When she's on, she's right up there with the other two; however, I've watched her the past two seasons on the JGP and she's prone to implosions. Still, she has good sized jumps (including a 3lz-3t and 2a-3t) that cover a lot of ice, her spins are probably the best of this trio of Russian ladies, and she has a mature statuesque appearance on the ice--she's listed at 5'5" on Wikipedia. She hit her growth spurt last year, so she seems to have made it past the puberty monster okay. She's not awkward with her height but she lacks the flow and ease of Adelina...in other words, her stroking is still a bit juniorish to me...
On any day, all three of these ladies can challenge for a top 3 finish. I think the technical content that all three pack will really be what shakes the field up. All three have 3lz-3t (Adelina also has a massive 3lz-3lp) and each has 2a-3t. Adelina and Polina have all 5 triples (with occasional edge calls) and Liza too I think; she did a double salchow in combination at Jr. worlds last year...I don't know if she can't do a 3S or she just chose not to include it...Regardless, these ladies will push everyone, if only on the technical mark at first. The only thing against them right now is time (experience and maturity) but once that comes, look out...
Japanese Ladies: New Wave
I don't think Japan's in dire straits in terms of a next big star. There's still plenty of star power to go around. Miki, Mao and Kanako managed to make top 10 at worlds (1st, 6th and 8th respectively) so there's still hope.
You can never count Mao out. I think, more than anything, Mao needs a break. She's gotta be running on fumes at this point. She needs some down time recharge her batteries and refocus. As for Miki, if she sticks to this new formula, she's going to challenge for a top 5 finish every time...I don't know how much longer she will compete, but she appears to be in great shape and could make a run at Soichi if she wanted to. Sadly, Akiko probably will never get her due, but I absolutely adore her skating...
In terms of the newer girls, Kanako is leading the pack. Say what you will, but she had nothing short of an extraordinary debut season. She medaled at both of her GP events (bronze at NHK, gold at SA) and got bronze at the GPF. She came in 3rd at nationals and 1st at the Asian winter games and had a top 10 finish at worlds...that's not too shabby. Her technique does need to be refined, as does her style, but she's in the running right now. We'll have to see how she matures...
Risa Shoji probably will stay junior another year, but she's a lovely skater. She reminds me of Shizuka with a dash of Mao. Lovely flow and softness to her skating. She won gold and silver in her JGP events, 4th at the JGPF and 5th at jr. worlds. With the Big 3 Russians jumping senior next year, along with a few Americans, I think she'll be the one to beat on the JGP next year. She just needs time...Same thing goes for Haruka Imai, Yuki Nishino and Miyabi Oba. None are shining too brightly right now, but there's still hope that one of them will hit a stride in the future...
The American Ladies
The problem with the US these past 5 years hasn't been a lack of good skaters. We have some pretty darn good ones...the issue is none of them has stepped up and grabbed that spot. After having Michelle bowl over challenger after challenger for that top spot for nearly 10 years, it's been weird seeing this group of ladies talk about how much they want to be number one and yet sit by idly, never stepping up and claiming that spot.
Alissa stepped up this year...but she has a lot of improvements to make before she'll be able to compete past that PCS mark. Her spins are gorgeous, but she could easily lose a spot on the podium due to her technical content. Rachael shot herself in the foot this year (or more appropriately, in the tibia
) with how she ended her season. As anyone who watches the sport knows, a large amount of success is based on reputation and good rapport with the judges. Rachael's disastrous showing at worlds could hurt her both internationally and nationally. Ashley seems to slip every time she gets going...I don't know what it is, but given her abilities, I do expect her to be farther along than she is. Her issues are all little problems that she can't seem to get past...it's strange. It's been said time and time again that Mirai is the best all-around skater the US has right now, and I agree. Mirai has shown flashes of brilliance...yet her shining moments are too sporadic for her to get a firm foothold in this climb to the top. If she ever decides to flip on the switch, she'll be a podium threat every time out; the question is when will she flip the switch?In terms of upcoming talent, the US has some really good options. Agnes Zawadski is a powerhouse jumper who has the ability to really light up the ice. Leaving Tom Z will probably help her (how? IDK, I'm just glad she left him...:sheesh
. Christina Gao has a lot of technical ability and improved a lot in terms of presentation last year...though she still has a bit of a ways to go. I really think these two, with Mirai and Alissa, could help to boost the US in terms of standings and I wouldn't be surprised Agnes or Christina make the world team this year...Farther down the line, we have Courtney Hicks (good appeal, needs polish and refinement), Amanda Dobbs (sat out with injury toward end of season but talented), Vanessa Lam (lacks height in jumps but promising), and my fav, Yasmin Siraj. Yasmin grabs my eye because of her musicality and expressiveness when she skates. She skates with the music, rather than just to it which is something several of the aforementioned skaters lack and, ultimately, that will set her apart.
Even if the current crop of US ladies fail to step up, I'm sure Agnes and Christina are more than eager to take the reins...and, luckily, there's a lot of talent coming up behind them as well. All in all, I think the US will be alright in the long run.
There's only one person I can point to who really caught my eye on the JGP last season outside of the Russians, Japanese and Americans: Zijun Li of China. She has a lovely lyrical style to her skating and she's decently consistent as well. Gorgeous spins and use of her arms and very good musicality as well. She had the misfortune of being pitted against the Russian powerhouses last year on the JGP and didn't really get an opportunity to shine. I see her as a top contender this year though..
No matter which way you look at it, there's talent all around. Who knows how the landscape will change between now and 2014? I'm sure there will be some reshuffling as skaters come in and others go out, but one thing is for sure: the ladies competition in Soichi will be awesome! :thumbsup:
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2009
Great post! Some great points you make there.
As for the Russians, though, there's a lot with potential. Rosa Sheveleva in particular is a very strong jumper with nice presentation and a lyrical style. Consistency has not been her friend, but she seemed to improve on that aspect later in the season when she won a couple of domestic competitions. I assume she will opt for the JGP in the fall, but she could definitely be in the mix for the Euros and Worlds teams. She beat Polina Shelepen in the FS at both Russian Nationals and Russian Junior National competitions, so the judges do reward her when she skates well and are willing to give her higher PCS than Shelepen when she doesn't bomb. She has yet to do a 3-3 in competition but has all her triples (with no edge issues) and a huge 3lz-2t combo that looks like it could definitely be upgraded to a 3lz-3t in the near future. Sofia Birukova is also a great talent, although inconsistent, but my hope is that she dealt with most of her puberty woes last season and will be stronger in the coming season. She's a little older than the other girls (she turns 17 next month) with a more mature look and style, and we saw at COR where she beat both Makarova and Leonova that when she's on, she's a force and will be rewarded for what she can do. I believe she has all the triples, and her 3t-3t is a strong and consistent element for her. She has talked about attempting 3lz-3t, so I would assume she trains them in practice and maybe this season she will try it in competition. Her spins are also nice. She's a bit of a wildcard, but if she can get it together, she's a lovely skater and should be in the mix. Anna Ovcharova did not compete at all last season, but placed 5th at both the JGPF, Russian Nationals, and JW in the 09-10 season, an impressive feat considering she was only 13 at the time. At JW she put out a fantastic SP which earned her 1st place in the segment, ahead of Kanako, and just faltered in the FS. Consistency in the FS wasn't her strong suit, but she does have all the triples with no edge issues, even though her technique is not great. That being said, she did win the FS at the 2010 Russian Junior Nationals, where she placed 2nd. I haven't seen her skate since 2010 JW, but from what I have heard her training is going well. Puberty is also a question but she was around 5'3" and fairly mature looking as a 13 year old, so she might have just had an earlier growthspurt in which case her time off might not have set her back much. In any event, she and her coach are hoping for JGP this fall, and if she still has her distinct spark, I can see her dominating considering her PCS were quite strong at 13 and now that she's older and more mature I would assume they would continue to rise so long as she can still jump. For Anna, just getting the jumps done should be enough to get her in the mix to make the Worlds and Euros team, because her spins, presentation, musicality, flexibility, and step sequences are where she really shines. A 3-3 would certainly help give her an edge, though, and if she gets one, I personally think she could be right up there with Adelina and Liza. She was my favorite of the Russians when she was competing because she's such an animated performer and knows how to work the crowd. Then there's Polina Agafonova who I personally don't think is as strong as the other ladies I've mentioned. She has all the triples and a 3lz-3t, but can be very inconsistent, especially early in the season. Her 2a is also problematic and she is prone to UR issues. On top of that her presentation is very juniorish, and she's so petite with a young appearance that she seems like a little kid out there. To me, her skating also seems a bit slow, though I'm sure some of that is just due to the fact that she's 4'9". Still though, her spins are fantastic and she is capable of skating a 7 triple FS so shouldn't be counted out. Also at this point I'm wondering if she'll ever shoot up in height, because if she does, it could hurt her jumps, but if she doesn't, pairs could potentially be a better option for her. Polina Korobeinkova will also be age eligible for Worlds and Euros in the coming season. She has yet to compete internationally but has had some good results at domestic competitions and was 9th at Russian Nationals. She doesn't have a 3-3 or a 3lz, but the rest of her skating is very nice and lyrical - her style and look is very similar to that of Alissa Czisny. I don't think she'll really be a threat this season, but you never know. If she can get a 3lz and/or a 3-3, she might have a decent chance to go to Euros and/or Worlds depending on what others do.
As for the Russians, though, there's a lot with potential. Rosa Sheveleva in particular is a very strong jumper with nice presentation and a lyrical style. Consistency has not been her friend, but she seemed to improve on that aspect later in the season when she won a couple of domestic competitions. I assume she will opt for the JGP in the fall, but she could definitely be in the mix for the Euros and Worlds teams. She beat Polina Shelepen in the FS at both Russian Nationals and Russian Junior National competitions, so the judges do reward her when she skates well and are willing to give her higher PCS than Shelepen when she doesn't bomb. She has yet to do a 3-3 in competition but has all her triples (with no edge issues) and a huge 3lz-2t combo that looks like it could definitely be upgraded to a 3lz-3t in the near future. Sofia Birukova is also a great talent, although inconsistent, but my hope is that she dealt with most of her puberty woes last season and will be stronger in the coming season. She's a little older than the other girls (she turns 17 next month) with a more mature look and style, and we saw at COR where she beat both Makarova and Leonova that when she's on, she's a force and will be rewarded for what she can do. I believe she has all the triples, and her 3t-3t is a strong and consistent element for her. She has talked about attempting 3lz-3t, so I would assume she trains them in practice and maybe this season she will try it in competition. Her spins are also nice. She's a bit of a wildcard, but if she can get it together, she's a lovely skater and should be in the mix. Anna Ovcharova did not compete at all last season, but placed 5th at both the JGPF, Russian Nationals, and JW in the 09-10 season, an impressive feat considering she was only 13 at the time. At JW she put out a fantastic SP which earned her 1st place in the segment, ahead of Kanako, and just faltered in the FS. Consistency in the FS wasn't her strong suit, but she does have all the triples with no edge issues, even though her technique is not great. That being said, she did win the FS at the 2010 Russian Junior Nationals, where she placed 2nd. I haven't seen her skate since 2010 JW, but from what I have heard her training is going well. Puberty is also a question but she was around 5'3" and fairly mature looking as a 13 year old, so she might have just had an earlier growthspurt in which case her time off might not have set her back much. In any event, she and her coach are hoping for JGP this fall, and if she still has her distinct spark, I can see her dominating considering her PCS were quite strong at 13 and now that she's older and more mature I would assume they would continue to rise so long as she can still jump. For Anna, just getting the jumps done should be enough to get her in the mix to make the Worlds and Euros team, because her spins, presentation, musicality, flexibility, and step sequences are where she really shines. A 3-3 would certainly help give her an edge, though, and if she gets one, I personally think she could be right up there with Adelina and Liza. She was my favorite of the Russians when she was competing because she's such an animated performer and knows how to work the crowd. Then there's Polina Agafonova who I personally don't think is as strong as the other ladies I've mentioned. She has all the triples and a 3lz-3t, but can be very inconsistent, especially early in the season. Her 2a is also problematic and she is prone to UR issues. On top of that her presentation is very juniorish, and she's so petite with a young appearance that she seems like a little kid out there. To me, her skating also seems a bit slow, though I'm sure some of that is just due to the fact that she's 4'9". Still though, her spins are fantastic and she is capable of skating a 7 triple FS so shouldn't be counted out. Also at this point I'm wondering if she'll ever shoot up in height, because if she does, it could hurt her jumps, but if she doesn't, pairs could potentially be a better option for her. Polina Korobeinkova will also be age eligible for Worlds and Euros in the coming season. She has yet to compete internationally but has had some good results at domestic competitions and was 9th at Russian Nationals. She doesn't have a 3-3 or a 3lz, but the rest of her skating is very nice and lyrical - her style and look is very similar to that of Alissa Czisny. I don't think she'll really be a threat this season, but you never know. If she can get a 3lz and/or a 3-3, she might have a decent chance to go to Euros and/or Worlds depending on what others do.
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Kim will announce her competitive plan, if any for this season, after IOC announces the 2018 Olympic host city next month. Until then, nothing is set.
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2006
^ I'm really looking forward to seeing more of Yasmin Siraj as well. She was definitely one of my favorites at Nationals. She was a little dynamo. I hope her skating competitiveness survives the inevitable growth spurt.
- Joined
- Jun 3, 2009
I'll be completely honest. Since Adelina Sotnikova is the only member of the RBB I've learned to spell, I'm hoping she has the most success.
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2003
The RBBs by the time of Sochi should be young ladies and I expect them to skate competitively as grown ups. I do not buy cutsey little girl skating. Pagaentry is just not my thing.
If Figure Skating is to be considered a major Sport, we need mature contestants. Same thing with the rash of little boys we seem to be getting nowadays.
If Figure Skating is to be considered a major Sport, we need mature contestants. Same thing with the rash of little boys we seem to be getting nowadays.
Midori Ito will compete in the ISU International Adult Figure Skating Competition this weekend in Oberstdorf, Germany (Nebelhorn Trophy is held in the same town in September).
Here's a great quote from the Associated Press article last week:
Here's a great quote from the Associated Press article last week:
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- Joined
- Oct 22, 2005
She's doing the ISU Adult Competition this weekend (aka O'dorf for the US Adult Skating Community). Unfortunately, one of the people who should be in her group had to withdraw due to injury. Such a shame - I was looking forward to seeing the pics on FB.
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2003
It's very sad that our Sunday afternoon senior skate offs turned into a clownish fiasco. Some fans loved them, but the public tuned into see competitive skating and the public disappeared as did any hope of revising a Senior (age) Competition. Maybe Midori can bring back this type of competition which does well in other sports. It doesn't have to be in the United States.
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2005
The competition Midori is competing in this week is already very popular among the world wide adult skating community and is quickly approaching it's 10th anniversary. Those of us who participate in competitive skating over the age of 21 (who are not elites) really don't care if this competition revives the popularity for audiences. We do it for ourselves and we pay our entry fees which typically cover the cost for the organizers + a little profit. US Adult Nationals is probably the single most populous competition in the world with 400-700 skaters annually and almost 1000 starts (many skaters do multiple events).
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2003
^^^^^
Maybe over 21 but over 40? I can understand Ice Dance over 40 but not much else.
What we need is a competive competion for Skaters who left the competition world but still manage to skate I'd love to see the Stars on Ice celebs to compete with so many others who we don't even mention, but no clowning, please.
Maybe over 21 but over 40? I can understand Ice Dance over 40 but not much else.
What we need is a competive competion for Skaters who left the competition world but still manage to skate I'd love to see the Stars on Ice celebs to compete with so many others who we don't even mention, but no clowning, please.
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2006
Ummm you'd be surprised, Joe. At my rink, there is a woman who is 58. She started ten years ago, and was the Adult Gold Div IV national champion last year. She's amazing! She can do her doubles up to the toe loop. She is also flexible enough to do a fast, centered haircutter spin.
Also, adult competitions don't just have the regular singles/pairs events where you see jumps. There are interpretive and artistic competitions, where there are no jumps allowed. Just interpretation of music and moves =)
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2003
Well, good for her. I'm not looking for exceptions, but honest to goodness past competitive skaters who at one time either medal or who had almost medaled. Blue Dog, there is nothing wrong with Adult competitions. They have their place in the scheme of things. Retired Competitive Skaters should have an annual venue for Sport as those senior golf players have. Just my thoughts.
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2005
The competition Ito is competing is IS an Adult competition. It was developed by two former Chairs of the US Figure Skating Adult Committee, Barb Standke of France, who started the Mountain Cup competition and another adult skater who is from Germany.
You'd be surprised - the one lady who withdrew from the ISU event that was going to be in Ito's group is 47 and lands a consistent double Axel. She's been on the podium in Masters Ladies every year at Adult Nationals and I think she's won at least once. She used to be competitive in Canada growing up.
The largest groups of adult skaters in the US are in the 41-50 age class category followed by the 31-40 group.
There are a lot of former Regional and Sectional level competitors who are in the adult figure skating ranks now. Also, Craig Joeright was competing up until this year and won the Championship Pairs event 3 times with an actual adult start skater. Loyd Eisler was working on a comeback to skate Championship Pairs as well before he tore his rotator cuff.
Blue Dog, I think we may know each other as the skater you are talking about in Gold 4 happens to be a friend of mine.
- Joined
- Jun 27, 2003
They had those competitions - and while some skaters clowned around (including Kurt's "Raggy" number which was technically brilliant while wearing a red nose) - most took it extremely serious. Then the ISU jumped in and turned them into Pro-Ams and it killed off the "pro" competition sports... Dick Button selling out the World Pros broke the camel's back on that one. It had nothing to do with what types of programs were done. (I think the US gave up on them when Michelle Kwan lost to Josee Chouinard at the Pro-Am Skate Canada event... just a theory on that one. When a has been - and an almost unknown to the average viewer - beats out the goddess of all skating... well...)
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2003
^^^
I'm talking about Did it make Money? Were the viewers interested in the frolicking comps? They did leave, and no sponsors, so did the networks. No? Some fans have to realize that figure skaters have limited celebrity status. But hold on Toni. Sylvia has posted a new thread for a return of exciting and innovative competitions.
I'm talking about Did it make Money? Were the viewers interested in the frolicking comps? They did leave, and no sponsors, so did the networks. No? Some fans have to realize that figure skaters have limited celebrity status. But hold on Toni. Sylvia has posted a new thread for a return of exciting and innovative competitions.
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2003
Why are you continuing with something we all know? I acknowledged that way before and being that she is a past well known skater, I suggested her presence may create a stir for establishing a Retired Senior competition without clowning.
You really have to read posts more carefully before you interject such nonsense. We know you are well read in skating circles but so are many others.
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2006
^
There is no need to be so condescending toward other posters. I seem to recall you yourself saying recently that you did not have time to read every post in a thread, Joesitz, and the same is true for many of us. Nothing in mskater's post merits such an intemperate response. Even if she or he had said something offensive, it only makes matters worse to reply in such an ad hominem way.
There is no need to be so condescending toward other posters. I seem to recall you yourself saying recently that you did not have time to read every post in a thread, Joesitz, and the same is true for many of us. Nothing in mskater's post merits such an intemperate response. Even if she or he had said something offensive, it only makes matters worse to reply in such an ad hominem way.
