I think each of those skaters have talent, unique strengths and weaknesses, and the potential to be the best. Gracie and Liza have the best jumps and the most difficulty in terms of combinations; Kaetlyn has high quality jumps but not the most difficult combinations; Zijun and Adelina have difficult combinations but not the best technique. Zijun had a nicely choreographed FS and Kaetlyn had an excellent SP, but the others desperately need better choreography from now on. Kaetlyn has the strongest transitions, Adelina has the best spins, etc. I think they all have a nice presence/charisma on ice.
I wouldn't say that any of them have consistency "issues" right now in spite of their random falls/mistakes at Worlds; they're young and have little "big" competitive experience, so as they get more experience and learn how to deal with pressure and expectations, I think they'll become more consistent.
I don't think it'll happen by the Olympics in Sochi...but I could be wrong. They really needed to skate cleanly here in both the SP and the FS and get a medal (would've been difficult, but the door was open a crack), and they didn't do it, so I think they need more competitive experience. I am trying to think of the last ladies skater to medal at the Olympics without medaling at Worlds first. I can't remember? Liz Manley in 1988? (She was skating on home ice, so that would be something in favor of Liza and Adelina.) Sasha Cohen came pretty close in 2002, ending up 4th (again, note the home ice advantage). :think: And as for the last ladies to win OGM without medaling/winning at Worlds???? I can't remember.
So, I think OGM is unlikely, but if one of them skates perfectly in both the SP and the FS (with maximum difficulty, widely appreciated programs, etc)
and there's a Torino-like meltdown among the veterans, I think one could grab a bronze or silver. And that skater will most likely be Adelina or Liza. Maybe.
More likely, I think that while they might have one strong SP or strong FS at the Olympics, it probably won't be enough, and their time will really come at the 2014 Worlds to grab their first World medal (I doubt Yu-Na or Carolina will be there), and build on that for the following quad. Which will be fun.
