2017-18 State of U.S. Ladies Skating

[Weathergal]

I hope they don't all retire after this year. Any of them could have an "I'm-not-ready-to-quit-yet" moment.

I quite like it that opportunities are open for all three, regardless of setbacks and challenges, of which Ashley, Mirai and Gracie have had plenty. They, along with Mariah Bell who's 21 and recently coming into her own, are holding their own and holding the fort for women figure skaters who have maturity and experience. Plus of course Carolina, Alena, and until recently, Mao. In America we also have Caroline and Courtney who keep having more to give.

I also love Karen, her lutz! and her artistry. It's funny how easy it is to forget that she's only 17. I think it's because of her artistry. And Tessa Hong was fabulous in the SP at Nationals, in technique and expression. It'll be interesting to see how she develops with Frank Carroll. I don't follow juniors, so I can't speak to Kaitlyn.

Also perhaps Vivian Le?

 

[mrrice]

Also perhaps Vivian Le?

Speaking of Vivian Le.....Did Emily Chan retire.....I feel like I haven't seen her in quite a while.

 

[humbaba]

I think Kaitlyn Nguyen is eligible for the JGP this coming season. She turned 13 last November (dob November 2003).

 

[Nathan13]

When do JGP assignments come out? I didn't pay attention last year.

I would throw Alexia Paganini's name into the future of US Ladies discussion. I'm pretty sure she's done quads in practice.

 

[Sam-Skwantch]

When do JGP assignments come out? I didn't pay attention last year.

I would throw Alexia Paganini's name into the future of US Ladies discussion. I'm pretty sure she's done quads in practice.

The thing is JGP spots are different because the federations put forth a ton of subs and can swap out who goes where on a very quick notice. It's not like GP where they are selected to go to events. It's actually a lot more fun watching the fed strategize and move skaters to maximize who makes it to JGPF.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

I think all three of those ladies will retire. But Mirai is not going to make the final next season or afterwards and neither is Gracie without a super strong bounce back (I think it's very unlikely for next season, could happen after if she was in better form for a while, but she seems like she's done after this year). Gracie is probably must popular with the non-skating crowd, but Ashley would be the biggest loss in terms of results. But don't forget about Karen. She's very inconsistent, but she was just 4th at Worlds and she's still young. She could certainly make the final in the future.
Isn't there Tessa Hong who has lots of potential? She's with Frank Carroll now I believe. And I think some people are excited about Kaitlyn Nguyen, who's the Junior National Champ. Don't think she's junior eligible yet internationally.

First of all Ashley has recently said she doesn't plan on retiring after this Olympics. Secondly, Tessa Hong left Frank awhile ago and is training in Colorado Springs under the coaching of Tom Z and Becky Calvin.

 

[frida80]

First of all Ashley has recently said she doesn't plan on retiring after this Olympics. Secondly, Tessa Hong left Frank awhile ago and is training in Colorado Springs under the coaching of Tom Z and Becky Calvin.

Tessa just got back with Frank in April.

 

[RemyRose]

First of all Ashley has recently said she doesn't plan on retiring after this Olympics. Secondly, Tessa Hong left Frank awhile ago and is training in Colorado Springs under the coaching of Tom Z and Becky Calvin.

Wait. So she left Frank again? It was reported that she moved back into his camp after Gracie left.

 

[Skatingcat]

Why has Polina been given a Grand Prix assignment when she hasn't competed in a full season? I'm not being snarky, I am curious about how Grand Prix assignments are given out.

I want Ashley to make the Olympics, no matter how she places.

 

[mrrice]

I don't know the rule but, I think as a former medalist, she might be get Bi into a Grand Prix. I don't for sure but, someone will.

 

[RemyRose]

Why has Polina been given a Grand Prix assignment when she hasn't competed in a full season? I'm not being snarky, I am curious about how Grand Prix assignments are given out.

I want Ashley to make the Olympics, no matter how she places.

Return skater rule just like Josh Farris. I think you had to compete at either the 2015 or 2016 Worlds to be eligible this year. Both competed at the 2015 Worlds and placed in the top 12.

Return of a ranked Skater/Couple - “Return Skater/Couple”
A Skater or Couple, not included among those defined in paragraphs a) and b) above, who was
previously in the top 7 to 12 at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships but since
was injured and/or did not compete at all during the entire season, may be chosen, if
applicable, as an Organizing ISU Member Skater, and in addition, may be considered as an Organizing
ISU Member’s Choice and will be ranked in the list of Season’s Best scores by taking the Season’s Best
points of their most recent season, if proof is given in writing by their ISU Member that they intend to
continue their competitive career and their return is announced and confirmed by the date of the annual
Selection Meeting. Such Skater or Couple is defined as a “Return Skater/Couple” and such a Return
Skater/Couple does not need to fulfill the requirement of a minimum Grand Prix score.

gp-general-announcement-2016_17-final.pdf

 

[mrrice]

Return skater rule just like Josh Farris. I think you had to compete at either the 2015 or 2016 Worlds to be eligible this year.

Thank you, I thought it was something like that. I imagine if Ricky actually returns, he'll get a GP event as well.

 

[RemyRose]

Thank you, I thought it was something like that. I imagine if Ricky actually returns, he'll get a GP event as well.

I believe it's too late for Ricky to use this rule as it has to be within the previous 2 world's so nothing earlier than 2015 World's. But he could always get a host spot.

 

[ice coverage]

... Isn't there Tessa Hong who has lots of potential? She's with Frank Carroll now I believe. ...

... Secondly, Tessa Hong left Frank awhile ago and is training in Colorado Springs under the coaching of Tom Z and Becky Calvin.

Tessa just got back with Frank in April.

Adding to SnowWhite's and frida's posts:

Tom Z had acknowledged in March that Tessa was no longer with him (emphasis added):

coachtomz

Tessa Hong is making progress on her 3A in her Gold Seal Revs! Although I did not get to finish the job, I am confident she will follow in the footsteps of Tonya Harding and @kmeiz12 and complete this jump in competition....
https://www.instagram.com/p/BR9WH19BI52/?taken-by=coachtomz (Mar 22)​

---

.....Did Emily Chan retire.....I feel like I haven't seen her in quite a while.

AFAIK, there is no reason to believe that Emily has retired.

After sectionals (where she did not qualify for 2017 Nats), she wrote, "... I'll be back, stronger ..."

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNDO1I7DOIV/?taken-by=chopstickspin (Nov 20)​

She was listed as a withdrawal for Skate Dallas in Apr 2017. My interpretation (FWIW) is that although she chose not to compete at that (early) event, she intends to compete at future events this season. I hope so.

http://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/ed1194_f61af0e4b8ef412795a75e0f70e22c34.pdf​

As mentioned on the first page of this thread, Emily did perform a couple of weeks ago at the Galleria in Dallas in support of Scott Hamilton's foundation.

BTW, Ashley Kim won both the Senior Ladies SP and FS at Skate Dallas. I think she is another one to watch as a rising talent.
As is Ashley Lin, who finished second in the Senior Ladies SP.
Hanna Harrell won the Junior Ladies SP and FS.

---

I wish Gracie only the best .

But I gotta say that I find it ironic that so many comments on GS had blamed Frank for her troubles last season.

Whereas in the numerous GS comments predicting even worse doom and gloom for Gracie (based on her SOI appearances), I don't really see anyone questioning Marina's effectiveness as her coach.
The new competitive season has not started yet, so it is still very early ... but Gracie had been with Marina since early Feb -- two months before the SOI tour started.

When Gracie spent a couple of weeks with Alex O before Nats, he seemed to have a positive impact very quickly.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

Adding to SnowWhite's and frida's posts:

Tom Z had acknowledged in March that Tessa was no longer with him (emphasis added):

coachtomz

Tessa Hong is making progress on her 3A in her Gold Seal Revs! Although I did not get to finish the job, I am confident she will follow in the footsteps of Tonya Harding and @kmeiz12 and complete this jump in competition....
https://www.instagram.com/p/BR9WH19BI52/?taken-by=coachtomz (Mar 22)​

---

AFAIK, there is no reason to believe that Emily has retired.

After sectionals (where she did not qualify for 2017 Nats), she wrote, "... I'll be back, stronger ..."

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNDO1I7DOIV/?taken-by=chopstickspin (Nov 20)​

She was listed as a withdrawal for Skate Dallas in Apr 2017. My interpretation (FWIW) is that although she chose not to compete at that (early) event, she intends to compete at future events this season. I hope so.

http://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/ed1194_f61af0e4b8ef412795a75e0f70e22c34.pdf​

As mentioned on the first page of this thread, Emily did perform a couple of weeks ago at the Galleria in Dallas in support of Scott Hamilton's foundation.

BTW, Ashley Kim won both the Senior Ladies SP and FS at Skate Dallas. I think she is another one to watch as a rising talent.
As is Ashley Lin, who finished second in the Senior Ladies SP.
Hanna Harrell won the Junior Ladies SP and FS.

---

I wish Gracie only the best .

But I gotta say that I find it ironic that so many comments on GS had blamed Frank for her troubles last season.

Whereas in the numerous GS comments predicting even worse doom and gloom for Gracie (based on her SOI appearances), I don't really see anyone questioning Marina's effectiveness as her coach.
The new competitive season has not started yet, so it is still very early ... but Gracie had been with Marina since early Feb -- two months before the SOI tour started.

When Gracie spent a couple of weeks with Alex O before Nats, he seemed to have a positive impact very quickly.

well Sorry that I got that one wrong since she moves around more than anyone I know in this sport. Last I knew she was in Colorado, also surprised that Frank took her back because usually once you leave him it's all she wrote. Guess social media guessing games scored you one here.

 

[ice coverage]

... Guess social media guessing games scored you one here.

Don't know what I have done to elicit your snark at me. And don't appreciate it.

I did not guess anything. I gave a direct quote from Tom Z.

 

[Barb]

When Gracie spent a couple of weeks with Alex O before Nats, he seemed to have a positive impact very quickly.

What positive impact? besides words. God knows that I am not Marina´s fan, but the problem is Gracie, not her coaches.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

What positive impact? besides words.

Exactly. She bombed badly even after Alex O's words or whatever that was she saw him for. And everyone keeps wanting her to go back to him, she had the chance and went to Marina Z instead, so everyone needs to give up on her returning to Alex.

 

[ice coverage]

What positive impact? besides words. ...

See Frank's comments in the last two paragraphs of Hersh's article after Gracie's time with Alex O.

http://www.globetrottingbyphiliphersh.com/home/2017/1/12/gracie-gold-im-forgiving-myself-for-failing (Jan 12)​

For some reason, the GS software is not allowing me to copy and paste these paragraphs from the article. I keep getting an auto-message re a censored word, but I don't see any words that even remotely could be considered in need of censoring.

Anyway, one of the direct quotes from Frank: "Things are better."
And Frank's lengthier comments also indicate to me that he believes that Alex O had a positive impact.

The "words" were not from Gracie and were not from Alex.

ETA (on Jun 4):

Thanks to Doris and gsk8 for quickly figuring out how to restore the old version of the censor function .

So now I have come back to add the full excerpt with Frank's comments after Gracie's work with Alex before Nats:

On Monday, her first day back in the ice in Los Angeles, Carroll said Gold skated "the worst I ever have seen in the history of the world, but I think she was tired and jet-lagged." Tuesday, he saw her look "quite good." "Wednesday," Carroll said, "she was fabulous."

"Things are better," Carroll said. "She looks like she is really trying. She is not thinking, `I'm not good enough.' She looks like she has snapped out of her melancholy. I just hope to God it's not too late." ​

---

Exactly. She bombed badly even after Alex O's words or whatever that was she saw him for. And everyone keeps wanting her to go back to him, she had the chance and went to Marina Z instead, so everyone needs to give up on her returning to Alex.

I am not among the so-called "everyone" who has wished or does wish for Gracie to return to Alex on a full-time basis.

I always thought it was unfair that many comments on GS held Frank responsible for Gracie's struggles last season.
And I still think it was unfair.

I hope very much that Gracie will have a good competitive season.
If Gracie is happy in Canton, I am happy for her. I do believe that the Shibs and Patrick would be positive influences.
That said, I question whether Marina (at this point) has been helpful to Gracie.

 

[R.D.]

First of all Ashley has recently said she doesn't plan on retiring after this Olympics.

?? Did she?

Wow. TBH I think that's just her mind talking though.
____________

As for Gold - can't expect instant gratification. It'll take months at best to de-program her out of her current funk. We'll see if she can snap out of it but I take it if she misses out on the Olympics, she'll be done.