2017-18 State of U.S. Ladies Skating

[andromache]

I've only been watching Bradie for two seasons, and her season this year was very short. I think she has a unique look (she stood out from the pack during the first summer competition where I watched her). But I also think she was poorly packaged last season. The choreography, particularly in her free, was generic. Busy, with lots of reaching here there and everywhere, but no storytelling. Nothing unique or held. But I think she could learn how to do that. In fact, I would say I expect her to improve quite a bit as a performer. As far as the jumps are concerned, she seems to either be more solid than everyone or not competitive at all. I haven't figured her out as a competitor yet. She seems to get the same URs as most of the other U.S. ladies.

The bigger problem is Bradie's age. She's 19. 18/19 tends to be peak for most female skaters - sure, the jumps might not be AS good as they were at 14/15 years old, but the performance ability that comes with age is there. As skaters get older than 20, the jumps and spins become harder, they become more involved in things besides skating, etc. Some skaters wind up peaking later (Ashley, Carolina), but they're exceptions, and even then, like, Ashley's spins are much weaker than they were at 18/19.

If Bradie has some sort of breakthrough with her skating, good for her. But if she ends up in the US top 3, it means that our field is painfully weak and our younger hopefuls have all burned out. Keeping my fingers crossed for some JGP success this year.

 

[Seren]

I don't dislike Bradie but I think the ship has sailed. She is 19 and not competitive in juniors- if she podiums it would mean the us field is not as strong as it needs to be to be internationally competitive.

I feel bad for skaters like Bradie who are obviously extremely talented. It's not like I could ever do what she does (as I spent half my morning sitting on the ice in the epic battle of me-0 double salchow-20). That said, in elite sports 'really good' isn't enough. It must be really hard to have gotten 'almost there' and fallen just short compared to those who have success.

 

[Ender]

It seems we have to rely on younger generations... and we might have to wait for another 5 years for any spot on world podium.

 

[andromache]

I don't dislike Bradie but I think the ship has sailed. She is 19 and not competitive in juniors- if she podiums it would mean the us field is not as strong as it needs to be to be internationally competitive.

I feel bad for skaters like Bradie who are obviously extremely talented. It's not like I could ever do what she does (as I spent half my morning sitting on the ice in the epic battle of me-0 double salchow-20). That said, in elite sports 'really good' isn't enough. It must be really hard to have gotten 'almost there' and fallen just short compared to those who have success.

Unfortunately, there's only so far that hard work and talent will get you. She's lived and trained in the same place her whole life. She's been with the same coach for 8+ years. Ashley Wagner was extremely competitive internationally as a junior, but as a senior, she had to change coaches - one time to begin medaling on the GP, and then another change to John Nicks before she could win Nationals (and 4CCs).

If you aren't happy with the level of what you've achieved, sometimes you have to be hungry enough to chase it.

 

[Ice Dance]

The bigger problem is Bradie's age. She's 19.

Mariah Bell is 21. She just made our top 3.

A significant portion of our top 8 are likely to retire within two years. (I know Ashley says she's staying in. But whether she does or not, retirement is a significant possibility for a number of these ladies).

Another significant portion of our top 8 are wonderful. In every other competition (maybe).

This season's juniors were, indeed, not competitive on the JGP. Not more competitive than Bradie. None of them medaled. None of them could defeat any of the Russian, Japanese, or Korean ladies in competition.

Our top two junior ladies from Nationals have yet to compete on the JGP. They need time to develop. (And are going to develop physically as well).

Polina is coming off a lengthy injury and is a question mark at this point in time.

Amber has the difficult jumps but earns zero points for them when she pops.

Tessa likewise.

Vivian dealt with injury all last season.

Emily is also 19 and missed the cut this season.

So it's all very much up in the air after this year, if you ask me.

Personally, I like Karen, Polina, & Vivian. But I wouldn't count out anyone at this point.

 

[temadd]

I would love to see Ashley go back to her Pollock SP. Now that she has increased her technical ability, I think she would do quite well with it. I loved the music and her performance was spectacular but, back then, she didn't have triple triple, so she had a hard time when she got to Worlds. Here it is from Nationals 2012: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqLGwmQAd8M

I loved that music and program too! I think people forgot about it because her Black Swan that season was so spectacular.

 

[ice coverage]

... Congratulations to Christina! ... Anyone know what she was studying? For some reason, I'm thinking it was something scientific/medical.

Per Christina's page on LinkedIn (which looks up to date at least as of summer 2016, if not more recently):

Harvard University
Bachelor of Arts, Economics, Neurobiology
2012 – 2017
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-gao-12818364​

...

Have been meaning to come back and give an updated reply.
Christina's page recently was revised to say her BA is in "Economics, History."

BTW, her most recent Instagram caption is too cute not to share:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVBFYGLH9cZ/?taken-by=gao_christina (Jun 6) ​

---

For those wanting more visibility for Karen Chen, a bit of reassurance: Yesterday she was the face of USOC marketing posts.

https://twitter.com/TeamUSA/status/872151118448476160 (Jun 6)
https://www.facebook.com/TeamUSA/posts/10154686018772686​

---

Belatedly adding another example of Polina Edmunds out there doing shows:

http://www.mybluedots.org/champions-skating-for-a-cure-will-feature-polina-edmunds/ (May 18)​

---

Michelle Kwan's FB Live session yesterday for the USOC (also with Apolo Ohno):

https://www.facebook.com/TeamUSA/videos/10154687410912686/ (Jun 6, approx. 5:20)
https://twitter.com/TeamUSA/status/872220584138088448​

Photo of Michelle, Apolo, Tarah Kayne, and bobsledder/2018 Olympic hopeful Lauren Gibbs (who is a friend of many skaters, BTW):

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVCuEfThvNL/?taken-by=lagibbs84 (Jun 7)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVCuEfThvNL/?taken-by=lagibbs84​

---

ETA, forgot to mention:

The 2017-2018 edition of the assignments page on the USFS site now is ready and waiting for names of entries to be added:

http://usfigureskating.org/story?id=84032&menu=TeamUSA​

I was surprised to see that the Asian Open (from Aug 2 - 5, in Hong Kong this year) is on the USFS list for the coming season.
The comp is for senior, junior, and novice skaters in ladies, men, and pairs.

http://www.isu.org/en/single-and-pa...ents/2017/08/asian-open-figure-skating-trophy​

I am curious to see whom USFS will be sending -- in any of the three disciplines .

BTW, it is odd to me that on the 2017-18 page, USFS has not included the Philadelphia Summer International (nor the Lake Placid International).
They always can be added later, but I would have expected them to be no-brainers.​

 

[hippomoomin]

Wow~ so happy for Christina Gao. And she is very smart young lady in may areas for sure. Working in a field that is financially rewarding doesn't hurt either.

 

[Weathergal]

Have been meaning to come back and give an updated reply.
Christina's page recently was revised to say her BA is in "Economics, History."

BTW, her most recent Instagram caption is too cute not to share:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVBFYGLH9cZ/?taken-by=gao_christina (Jun 6) ​

---

For those wanting more visibility for Karen Chen, a bit of reassurance: Yesterday she was the face of USOC marketing posts.

https://twitter.com/TeamUSA/status/872151118448476160 (Jun 6)
https://www.facebook.com/TeamUSA/posts/10154686018772686​

---

Belatedly adding another example of Polina Edmunds out there doing shows:

http://www.mybluedots.org/champions-skating-for-a-cure-will-feature-polina-edmunds/ (May 18)​

---

Michelle Kwan's FB Live session yesterday for the USOC (also with Apolo Ohno):

https://www.facebook.com/TeamUSA/videos/10154687410912686/ (Jun 6, approx. 5:20)
https://twitter.com/TeamUSA/status/872220584138088448​

Photo of Michelle, Apolo, Tarah Kayne, and bobsledder/2018 Olympic hopeful Lauren Gibbs (who is a friend of many skaters, BTW):

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVCuEfThvNL/?taken-by=lagibbs84 (Jun 7)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVCuEfThvNL/?taken-by=lagibbs84​

---

ETA, forgot to mention:

The 2017-2018 edition of the assignments page on the USFS site now is ready and waiting for names of entries to be added:

http://usfigureskating.org/story?id=84032&menu=TeamUSA​

I was surprised to see that the Asian Open (from Aug 2 - 5, in Hong Kong this year) is on the USFS list for the coming season.
The comp is for senior, junior, and novice skaters in ladies, men, and pairs.

http://www.isu.org/en/single-and-pa...ents/2017/08/asian-open-figure-skating-trophy​

I am curious to see whom USFS will be sending -- in any of the three disciplines .

BTW, it is odd to me that on the 2017-18 page, USFS has not included the Philadelphia Summer International (nor the Lake Placid International).
They always can be added later, but I would have expected them to be no-brainers.​

Thanks for the update to the update on Christina--and all the other info!

 

[macy]

not sure if she's been a topic of conversation at all especially since her poor showing in juniors this last nationals, but i just watched haley beavers novice programs from 2016 and she is a GORGEOUS skater! she has beautiful jumps, good spins, and has a maturity to her skating that other young girls do not have developed yet. she actually emoted to her music extremely well for her level. i'm really hoping she comes back strong this next season and does very well in juniors. she has SO much potential.

 

[concorde]

not sure if she's been a topic of conversation at all especially since her poor showing in juniors this last nationals, but i just watched haley beavers novice programs from 2016 and she is a GORGEOUS skater! she has beautiful jumps, good spins, and has a maturity to her skating that other young girls do not have developed yet. she actually emoted to her music extremely well for her level. i'm really hoping she comes back strong this next season and does very well in juniors. she has SO much potential.

I heard a rumor she is had to take the year off. Not sure how true it is but if she is not in the Philly Open, then it is probably true.

 

[jFarrisFAN]

I heard a rumor she is had to take the year off. Not sure how true it is but if she is not in the Philly Open, then it is probably true.

She recently started a skating Instagram page @haley.skates just dedicated to her skating videos. She has posted a recent 2A and it was very good so I assume she's not taking the year off.

 

[TMC]

not sure if she's been a topic of conversation at all especially since her poor showing in juniors this last nationals, but i just watched haley beavers novice programs from 2016 and she is a GORGEOUS skater! she has beautiful jumps, good spins, and has a maturity to her skating that other young girls do not have developed yet. she actually emoted to her music extremely well for her level. i'm really hoping she comes back strong this next season and does very well in juniors. she has SO much potential.

She has incredible charisma. One of the most magnetic skaters I've ever seen.

 

[concorde]

She recently started a skating Instagram page @haley.skates just dedicated to her skating videos. She has posted a recent 2A and it was very good so I assume she's not taking the year off.

Let's keep our fingers crossed this is correct.

 

[Bluediamonds09]

Let's keep our fingers crossed this is correct.

I know, right? Haley beavers is kinda awesome. Maybe her decision to stay novice at 16 yrs old was ok for her? I don't know, but man, this girl is a great skater. And have you seen her rippon lutz? Also good spins and presentation. Hoping the best for her.

 

[sheetz]

Gracie is now listed as the headliner for Sun Valley on Aug 26.
https://www.sunvalley.com/things-to-do/ice-shows

 

[breadstal]

Isn't she's great? :shocked: Did anyone hear/ see her before? https://www.instagram.com/p/BVTPVEnne8C/?taken-by=itscoachvincent

 

[Ice Dance]

Isn't she's great? :shocked: Did anyone hear/ see her before? https://www.instagram.com/p/BVTPVEnne8C/?taken-by=itscoachvincent

Yes, Ting Cui won the novice silver medal at Nationals. You can watch her programs on ice network if you have it. Her free was a lot of fun.

 

[drivingmissdaisy]

Gracie is now listed as the headliner for Sun Valley on Aug 26.
https://www.sunvalley.com/things-to-do/ice-shows

Poor Gracie. Her bio gives her credit for both her US silver medals but only one of her national titles. :disapp:

 

[mrrice]

Poor Gracie. Her bio gives her credit for both her US silver medals but only one of her national titles. :disapp:

August 26th seems a bit late to still doing "Show Programs." Do you think there's a chance she'll try either of her 2017/18 programs? I actually don't really care as long she looks more like her old self. There's plenty of time between now and then for her to regain her stamina and her basic triples....UNLESS....She's masking an injury. I would love to be there to see her perform and I wish her the very best.