Sometimes the truth hurts.
I think that just about sums everything up succinctly. As unfair I think it is to group Meissner and Hughes in the same category, he brings up a very valid point. All the American ladies have just been plain awful thus far. I.
The top skaters usually combine difficulty with good execution. But 2nd-tier skaters are pushing themsleves very hard, and even some of the top people try elements that are iffy for them, so you get splatfests. But that's because skaters are putting a lot more into their programs; it's easier to go clean when you stroke-stroke-jump and stay on both feet during your footwork.
OT, but I wonder what would be the impact of penalizing falls more severely.
Perhaps then skaters would not put in jumps they are not sure of hitting, or might simplify the other moves so as not to wear themselves out for the jumps.
Point well taken. :thumbsup:
I think falls are severely punished. The skater gets a deduction of -1 on the overall score, -3 on the GOE for the jump, and could possibly have the jump downgraded.
Sandra Bezic commented to me last year that it wouldn't be long before a lady's career was from 14-17.
TEB
And what on earth was the German pair thinking using Schindler's list?? .
TEB
TEB: Yes, Mao had mistakes, but her long program was gorgeous with wonderful music and costume.
Caroline Z: The most expressive arms in figure skating. So... why do her arms go all crazy in jump preparation and the high kick? What do skating coaches do anyway? A ballet dancer couldn't keep her place in a top dance academy if she persisted with such bad technique this late in her training. And yet, Caroline alone stayed upright.
and Lu Chen who bombed in 97 Worlds and won the OBM in 98............