State of US Ladies in skating III: 2014-15 Season
- Thread starter R.D.
- Start date
- Status
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2010
Not really. They were extremely generous calls.
The American women either lack the technical abilities (Wagner) or the mental goods (Gold, Nagasu) to be constant podium threats. I'm not sure how though Polina's nerves are yet.
It makes me wonder if American skaters need more mental preparation, or if there's something in the American method of training that doesn't build enough on mental toughness (Cohen, Nagasu, Czsiny, Gold).
It makes me wonder if American skaters need more mental preparation, or if there's something in the American method of training that doesn't build enough on mental toughness (Cohen, Nagasu, Czsiny, Gold).
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2010
I think it's just really difficult to be consistent. Aside from Michelle and Yuna, I can't think of any skaters in the last 20 years who have consistently been excellent. Almost every other champion from that period had a major dip in form at some point in their career.
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2013
I would love to see Ashley show up at Skate Canada this weekend an really have a lights out skate. But I do think the hopes of the US going forward lie with Polina.
I'm not questioning consistency, because only one handful of skaters have possessed consistency as a quality, but mental toughness. Asada isn't consistent and has some spectacular implosions, but she puts up a fight for the medals. The Russian contingent have had their issues, but they all have a good dose of fighting spirit. None of them are as delicate as Cohen/Nagasu/Gold.
The Americans look scared and tentative whenever they step onto the ice (except for Wagner).
The Americans look scared and tentative whenever they step onto the ice (except for Wagner).
I'm not sure lumping Gracie in with Mirai is a accurate portrayal, even if discussing the mental aspects. Keep in mind that Gracie has much more difficulty in her programs than either Ashley or Mirai, that does figure in the equation.
Also, if you eliminate the botched spin in her sort as well as no points for too many double jumps she is within striking distance of the top of the podium. SA wasn't her best competition, but it wasn't horrible either.
- Joined
- Nov 13, 2012
I'm not a fan of Gracie Gold, but I still think she's fully capable. I don't like her music this season, though. I will say Ashley Wagner. I'm still waiting to see what Polina can do. This is her first full season as a senior, and she was only 4th at the Junior Grand Prix final last year, so maybe she won't do so well early in the season. She did good at the International Classic, though. I will wait to reserve judgement on the ladies.
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2014
" SA wasn't her best competition, but it wasn't horrible either."
This is the problem with most of the US Ladies. It seems we've lowered our expectations over the years but, I certainly remember a time when all the US ladies could deliver programs that were at the very least, entertaining. I expect more than "Not Horrible" from our National Champions. In fact, I expect more than not horrible, from all the medalists at nationals.
This is the problem with most of the US Ladies. It seems we've lowered our expectations over the years but, I certainly remember a time when all the US ladies could deliver programs that were at the very least, entertaining. I expect more than "Not Horrible" from our National Champions. In fact, I expect more than not horrible, from all the medalists at nationals.
I was taking into consider Gold's performance at WC2014 also.
Well, all good things come to an end. Russian men have been floundering in the wilderness for the past eight years (minus appearances from Plushenko when the Olympics rolls around), after producing four straight Olympic champions. Great Britain actually had Olympic champions in men and ice dance, but sadly are competitive in no discipline today. And over here in Canada, our ladies just don't seem to reach the top.
There's not always going to be a Michelle Kwan. Sometimes we just have to cheer for our athletes even if they never become five-time world champion.
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2014
No..........I can't deal with it !
Michelle..................I miss you so.
I miss Plushy too..........
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2012
Wow - isn't it kind of early in the year to be giving up all ready? I will always miss Michelle - she was one of a kind and I think it will be awhile before anyone takes her place (from ANY country) but we have alot of young'uns coming up, the judging system is different than some of the beloved skaters were under, etc. etc.
There's alot of skating left this year.....
There's alot of skating left this year.....
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2014
I never say never. I guess I just miss the excitement of watching an event and knowing that our skaters would deliver even if they didn't win. Believe me, I care far less about winning than I do a clean, well delivered program. Michelle was great at Worlds in 2002 and she didn't win but, I still felt great after her LP.
It's not the medals I miss. It's the feeling I used to get when watching our skaters perform. I hope that made sense.
I think we need to see the rest of the season. Where a figure skater stands relative to others can change a lot from season-to-season. Who knows what Gold, Edmunds, or Wagner will do in the coming events.
TBH though, I can't really get too excited over this question. I guess it matters since holding this unofficial title probably gives you some unearned PCS boost, but I just want good skating no matter who does it.
TBH though, I can't really get too excited over this question. I guess it matters since holding this unofficial title probably gives you some unearned PCS boost, but I just want good skating no matter who does it.
Yeah, that does make sense. It always felt so good to root for Michelle... I remember I worried more about her competitors/the judges, rather than what she would do. While we don't really have anyone that steady these days, I still find the ladies quite enjoyable to watch. Haha, maybe my expectations were too low... I always come out pleasantly surprised by the ladies, after seeing the guys constantly fall/stumble/bomb two of three SP jumping passes.
It also helps that I'm Canadian, and our ladies discipline, well... let's just say I'm perfectly happy rooting for Liza and Yulia.
- Joined
- Dec 17, 2011
When they are at their best, ranking would be like Gracie, Ashley and Polina. I think Ashley should fix her level problems for spins and steps firstly. She has lost too much points for that. But in my opinion, Wagner is the best. Not only in US, but also in world. Figure skating is not about just doing 3+3s, hard spins etc. for me. I want to watch a woman on the ice, someone who is mature and confident; not robotic babies or pretty princess skaters. I hope Diva Wagner will slay us this season. She said that she has been working o different combinations, different entries, unique exits. I can't wait anymore. 
She said that she has been working o different combinations, different entries, unique exits. I can't wait anymore. 
- Status
Similar threads
