I disagree.
Karen wasn't the only one who delivered on the day. Ashley delivered, so did Mariah. So did Caroline Zhang. You can tell from my posts that for me, skating a brilliant program isn't just about scores or winning.
I totally agree with you that "knowing her, this will light a bigger furnace and she will rock at worlds." Go Ashley!
I should clarify I mean to say the overall event on the day for BOTH short and long ... and I am only referring to the those mentioned in my post, Mirai, Karen and Ashley. Ashley was able to put up a great FS and shows herself to be the great fighter/pro we know she is, but the 'wind' was not beneath her wings this time let's just say and she maxed out her TES along all these little chronic issues that did affect the score. If skated cleaner, it would have made a difference. Had she and Mirai switched their skating order, it may have made a few points differences? Only speculations of course.
I felt the US was finally offering Mirai an olive branch this time round, pity she couldn't take full advantage of it. I am pleased Mirai get to do the 4CC again (thanks Ashley), she has a 4cc bronze and silver already, wouldn't be amazing if she can somehow manage the whole set? Wheee...
Although I would also love Karen to prove herself for to gain the much needed international reputation. Her previous PCS was really undermarked as she was seen like US #6, 7, now it is all different. It is a tough place at the top as Gracie has shown, subject to all sort of pressures she hasn't experienced before. She'd also need to build the momentum convincingly and immediately like Nathan has done this season playing catch up... to stamp - seal - deliver to be a true contender if she is serious about the Olympics.
On a like to like basis if you really think about it
- Jumps
- Spiral
- Spins
- Quality
- Maturity (for her age group)
- Artistry
She is no slouch compare to the current leaders of the sport.
She just needs consistency, reputation and federation support. Also guidance on devising COP smart programs, choreography and given the opportunity to learn, to develop, improve and experiment, although I like her SP A LOT this year, there are always things can be improved, get a specialist 2nd/3rd opinion, even those at the very top (regardless of the scoring) need and should do this. There will be some mistakes and hiccups along the way, it is just normal part of the journey, people just need to be realistic about the whole thing. Time is on her side for now being 17. She appears to have good basics and a genuine interest in pursuing the arts (as seen in her art works on her website since a young age) also in her gala programs since Novice days which says so much about her. Like Nathan, she is still very much a work in progress. Raw, a little rough, hungry but could be absolute diamond given the right support with care leading to the Olympics, bar injuries - their achilles heel.. quite literally.
