Rika Kihira and Bradie Tennell were the most complete skaters in this SP competition, and for that reason theirs were my favorite performances. They both have it all, and they both gave all they had! It was wonderful to see Rika's 3Lutz again. It goes to show the wisdom of her coaches in not letting her perform or practice them until they could be sure that she wasn't going to re-injure her leg or prolong the healing process. Rika may have lost some momentum in terms of world competition, but she's playing a long game. I also feel that she and her team are more interested in putting out quality skates, with attention to expression and music, than they are in results. Which I think is wonderful.
After those two, my favorite skaters were Amber Glenn and Karen Chen. Again, they both are showing with their content what qualities they value most in their skating. I like most of all to feel something when a skater performs, and these two really fulfilled that mission for me. I'm just thrilled for Amber and the strides she's making.
Performance honorable mentions: Alicia Pineault and Kailani Crane. Alicia is new to me; Kailani is an old "friend" who I can always count on to give a sparkling performance!
I usually enjoy Kaori's joy and abandon, but to me those weren't in evidence as much as usual. Perhaps I don't favor her SP music so much.
After those two, my favorite skaters were Amber Glenn and Karen Chen. Again, they both are showing with their content what qualities they value most in their skating. I like most of all to feel something when a skater performs, and these two really fulfilled that mission for me. I'm just thrilled for Amber and the strides she's making.
Performance honorable mentions: Alicia Pineault and Kailani Crane. Alicia is new to me; Kailani is an old "friend" who I can always count on to give a sparkling performance!
I usually enjoy Kaori's joy and abandon, but to me those weren't in evidence as much as usual. Perhaps I don't favor her SP music so much.