2016-2017 State of U.S. Men Figure Skating

[noskates]

Well, as far as medals, the US on the international competitive scene, etc. etc. Nothing is ever a sure thing. I always remember what Scott Hamilton said (I think it was Scott) "remember, the ice is slippery!" Speculation is always just that - a thought process based on past performances. Who would have thought Lip would not be a factor these days - or will she be again? Who would have thought Ashley Wagner would be a silver medalist at Worlds last year? There are so many "who would have thoughts" that I don't put any credence into speculation anymore. Any elite skater at any time can have the skate of his or her life and blow speculation all to bits! Two women who prove my point are Sarah Hughes and Tara Lipinski - or Oksana Baiul. Skates of their lives at the right time. Could happen to anybody!

 

[MaxSwagg]

Well, as far as medals, the US on the international competitive scene, etc. etc. Nothing is ever a sure thing. I always remember what Scott Hamilton said (I think it was Scott) "remember, the ice is slippery!" Speculation is always just that - a thought process based on past performances. Who would have thought Lip would not be a factor these days - or will she be again? Who would have thought Ashley Wagner would be a silver medalist at Worlds last year? There are so many "who would have thoughts" that I don't put any credence into speculation anymore. Any elite skater at any time can have the skate of his or her life and blow speculation all to bits! Two women who prove my point are Sarah Hughes and Tara Lipinski - or Oksana Baiul. Skates of their lives at the right time. Could happen to anybody!

I had that they would go for both Ashely and Gracie on the podium at Worlds...and, as we can see, it came very close to happening.

 

[Nathan13]

Speculation is always just that - a thought process based on past performances. Who would have thought Lip would not be a factor these days - or will she be again? Who would have thought Ashley Wagner would be a silver medalist at Worlds last year? There are so many "who would have thoughts" that I don't put any credence into speculation anymore. Any elite skater at any time can have the skate of his or her life and blow speculation all to bits! Two women who prove my point are Sarah Hughes and Tara Lipinski - or Oksana Baiul.

Amen--basically every Ladies Olympic Champion except Yuna Kim...Tara, Sarah, Shizuoka, Adelina. All were not the heavy favorite.

 

[skylark]

Well, as far as medals, the US on the international competitive scene, etc. etc. Nothing is ever a sure thing. I always remember what Scott Hamilton said (I think it was Scott) "remember, the ice is slippery!" Speculation is always just that - a thought process based on past performances. Who would have thought Lip would not be a factor these days - or will she be again? Who would have thought Ashley Wagner would be a silver medalist at Worlds last year? There are so many "who would have thoughts" that I don't put any credence into speculation anymore. Any elite skater at any time can have the skate of his or her life and blow speculation all to bits! Two women who prove my point are Sarah Hughes and Tara Lipinski - or Oksana Baiul. Skates of their lives at the right time. Could happen to anybody!

:agree: I quite agree. All you have to do is look at the thread for 2015-16 Power Rankings. All the talk was of Liza and Mao.

Speculation over the outcome is fun. But I'm even more interested in speculating about all the other fascinating aspects of figure skating.

 

[Tavi...]

Sorry, but why are you discussing women in the US men's thread?

 

[ice coverage]

Somewhat off topic, but several current skaters -- e.g., Adam, Polina, Madi Chock -- have posted warm and loving messages in memory of Jef Billings of SOI . (Retired skaters have done so as well.)

I was particularly touched :sad4: by the great thought and great heart that Jeremy put into his powerful and creative tribute. Wonderful photo montage that goes perfectly with Jeremy's beautifully written remembrance.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BK6aRKaAlMF/ (Sep 28)​

Thank you, Jeremy, for showing us how much Mr. Billings meant to skaters like you. May he rest in peace.

 

[andromache]

This and That with Kori Ade as Dave's co-host, to talk about Nebelhorn, is highly enjoyable. She speaks most about the men's field, I think, but she has really interesting remarks about the other disciplines.

Kori makes great observations, always fair. I love what she said about Grant. Also, a cute bit from an unnamed skater: having a quad is like having a high maintenance girlfriend.

Can quad = high maintenance girlfriend become a GoldenSkate meme? Can we all start making jokes about Yuzu's many girlfriends, and what a stud Boyang is for his age, and how Miki isn't jealous of Javi's girlfriends because she encourages him to see them?

I hiatused from TSL over the summer because of gymnastics content, but I have a lot to catch up all of a sudden.

 

[karne]

Can quad = high maintenance girlfriend become a GoldenSkate meme? Can we all start making jokes about Yuzu's many girlfriends, and what a stud Boyang is for his age, and how Miki isn't jealous of Javi's girlfriends because she encourages him to see them?

I hiatused from TSL over the summer because of gymnastics content, but I have a lot to catch up all of a sudden.

We could have a lot of fun with this. So does this mean Adam and his girlfriend are having a sort on-off again thing? And Jason is still in the process of wooing his girlfriend hoping they'll become an item? And Max has a nice steady girlfriend but she's getting jealous because lately he's been courting other girls? I think Plushy's could be upgraded to wife status though since they're so committed.

Hmm. Let's see. And Grant and his girlfriend are sort of new to this steady thing but they're liking it, Brendan and his girlfriends have been on and off for a while but Miss Toe is starting to come by more often, and Josh and his girlfriend had a big stormy breakup because she hurt him and oh now I am sad again. :sad21:

 

[AsadaFanBoy]

I truly hope that's how she feels because in the long run, the caliber of the skaters around you always motivates you to work harder. I was certainly that way. When we'd do a full out run through at the end of practice, I would kick higher and leap bigger, just to make sure everyone knew why "I" was the Captain....

It sounds rather trite when I think about it now but, that's definitely how I was.

trite? no.

it sounds like you knew pacing and how to deliver under fatigue. it's an important skill, and as captain, it's more effective to lead by demonstrating how it's done rather than to go half out and encourage everyone else to go at 100%.

 

[Jaana]

Amen--basically every Ladies Olympic Champion except Yuna Kim...Tara, Sarah, Shizuoka, Adelina. All were not the heavy favorite.

Yes, Tara was not a heavy favorite, but she was the reigning World and GPF champion.

 

[mrrice]

trite? no.

it sounds like you knew pacing and how to deliver under fatigue. it's an important skill, and as captain, it's more effective to lead by demonstrating how it's done rather than to go half out and encourage everyone else to go at 100%.

Thank you for saying that because that's exactly what motivated me. That, and memories of my ballet teacher who never let us go half out or "mark" through anything in class. She always said that when you trained at less than 100%, your muscles learn how to cheat and that would lead us to mistakes during performances and possible injuries to our partners. We were NEVER allowed to mark or miss "Lifts" when that happened, we heard.......STOP!!!!!..........Go Back, Now. :disapp:

This scene from the TV show Fame reminds me of my ballet teacher in every way. We used to call our teacher Debbie Allen because they were so similar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtgmnhRQir4

Freeze at 54. seconds and guess who the white girl is sitting next to "Coco" It's Lori Singer. She was one of the star's of "Footloose" She was Kevin Bacons girlfriend "Ariel" in the huge hit movie from 80's

 

[Arriba627]

She always said that when you trained at less than 100%, your muscles learn how to cheat and that would lead us to mistakes during performances and possible injuries to our partners.

Sounds like the George Balanchine philosophy! I just love it when you share your personal experiences with us! Most of us are on the outside looking in to these types of experiences, but you've lived a lot of it! So interesting!

 

[skylark]

Can quad = high maintenance girlfriend become a GoldenSkate meme? Can we all start making jokes about Yuzu's many girlfriends, and what a stud Boyang is for his age, and how Miki isn't jealous of Javi's girlfriends because she encourages him to see them?

I hiatused from TSL over the summer because of gymnastics content, but I have a lot to catch up all of a sudden.

:agree:

Patrick wants to go steady, but his girl is a tad bit fickle, and she's jealous of her triple axel rival. Yuzu is somewhat high maintenance himself. Every time he makes a new conquest, he starts chasing someone new.

And for the US men, let's see.

Jordan Mueller didn't call, come by or even write love notes for nine months. Now it's on again.

 

[b-man]

Shotaro moved from Tammy at one point but is back with her, IIRC. Sean Rabbit and Vincent Zhou also train with Tammy.

Is Vincent Zhou not with Tom Z. in Colorado Springs? I talked with one of his training mates earlier this year?

 

[Mrs. P]

Is Vincent Zhou not with Tom Z. in Colorado Springs? I talked with one of his training mates earlier this year?

He moved back to Tammy over the summer.

 

[mrrice]

Yes, Tara was not a heavy favorite, but she was the reigning World and GPF champion.

I remember that GPF event. I loved Tara but, it was Tanja Szewczenko who IMO, stole the show!! Here's Tanja's LP from that event. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dj9q7UOqwQ8

 

[Tavi...]

Just saw clips of Jeremy and Adam at Japan Open. Both skated very well!

Jeremy showed very little rust from his lay off beyond a few wonky jumps - I liked the program, his skating was beautiful, and his 3A was really nice. He didn't attempt a quad. What I loved the most was how happy he seemed to be out there again.

Aside from the opening 4Z (<<, fall) I thought Adam skated much better here than he did at SLC a few weeks ago. The program isn't my favorite, but it's definitely more cohesive now and his overall presentation / jumping seemed much improved. He didn't radiate happiness like Jeremy did - but then again, as a current competitor he's under pressure in a way that Jeremy is not.

Overall, great job by both guys!

 

[el henry]

Yes, back to discussing the *men*; I thought maybe I should visit the ladies' thread to see if the posts were there. A little bit more than normal thread drift, I'd say...:scowl:

But anyway, Adam did skate his LP better, but it is still the same LP. I know I'm shallow, but I can't get past the music. Not that I care to understand the lyrics, but I don't think it's a radiate happiness kind of program....

Jeremy was a revelation. I never "got" him, and I'm not sure I do now, but wow Jeremy, why would you ever want to go back to real comps? You actually looked happy here, in a way I have not ever seen you look, even when you skated well, in comps (not that I was watching your whole career, but at least the latter part). Don't buy into this "Oh I'll be filled with regret over what I didn't do" hogwash; anyone who's lived more than two minutes on the planet has regrets over what they didn't do. Skate with what makes you happy *now*.

 

[yuzushenko]

not a fan of max reusing the short. we've seen it since WTT in 2015! at least get him a new costume..not that the old one was an actual costume or anything.. i hope this means he might change the program midseason

but his free skate, boy do i LOVE his new LP! so much fun, i was laughing the entire time. he seemed a little shy and embarrassed out there, i hope he'll grow more comfortable and just go for it and sell it. the opening for example, i would love to see him at least mouth the lyrics all exaggeratedly with some passion. it seemed he grew more comfortable towards the end where it looked he was feeling the music more. loved the ending move!!

if he were an extrovert i feel like he would sell that program quite a lot. be ridiculous and over the top while feeling everything. sort of like jean-luc baker goofing off. this program showed me that he is probably quite a shy guy who doesn't goof off all that much (or that obnoxiously).

same advice for yuzuru (wrong thread), would love to see him just sell it and give into the character at the beginning. do that finger wagging sermon and let your swagger and soul out!


it's the beginning of the season so hopefully the program will grow more comfortable as it goes along. can't wait to see max completely let go and just consume himself in the program. (though it might be a high hope to have given he hasn't done much of that in the past).


i havent checked out adam and jeremy yet, will do so shortly.


so is jeremy coming back this season? i thought he retired. i heard that he said he was going to use this season to get in shape for next year. seems kind of odd to forego the year before the olympics and to announce "im taking a year off for x" when he's been off the ice for 2 years already. i predict another johnny weir thing happening where he says he'll come back and ends up stalling til the very last season and ends up saying "never mind! ill retired!"

 

[Arriba627]

but his free skate, boy do i LOVE his new LP! so much fun, i was laughing the entire time. he seemed a little shy and embarrassed out there, i hope he'll grow more comfortable and just go for it and sell it. the opening for example, i would love to see him at least mouth the lyrics all exaggeratedly with some passion. it seemed he grew more comfortable towards the end where it looked he was feeling the music more. loved the ending move!!

I feel really enthused about Max's Lion King. I think he'll grow into it, and I think it's going to be a real crowd pleaser! The end move is very cool, and he did seem to really be enjoying the music once he got into it.