- Joined
- Feb 17, 2010
Those skaters are probably very deserving of the spot, no matter where they are from.
2017-18 State of U.S. Ladies Skating
- Thread starter R.D.
- Start date
Those skaters are probably very deserving of the spot, no matter where they are from.
True. But, a lot of people expressing that idea seem to be fans of Courtney Hicks, Bradie Tennel and Amber Glen which was why I specified. I should have been more clear.
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2010
I am a fan of Courtney, but her inability to skate well at Nationals is the primary reason she doesn't have more opportunities to represent the US in important events. I'd be fine with her competing only in Senior B's; she could still make the Olympic team with strong skates at Nationals.
:agree:Well, somewhere (maybe it was a different forum) the argument was being made that Gracie should give up her spot so Courtney Hicks, Bradie Tennel or Amber Glen could have a chance. Or Polina Edmunds could get a second spot.
Anyway, my main point was that if USFSA had just dropped support for Gracie people would be criticizing that as cruel. As much as we may feel for another skater that deserves the spot, Gracie also deserves to be given support right now. It's complicated and arguments can be made for either thing. And no one, not even USFSA and whatever other feds might be affected, really know for sure what the "right" answer is because is this case "right" is very subjective.
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2014
GP spots are determined by previous results, not by any skater's current level of readiness for that level of competition. I understand the desire to see a skater who might be more ready for competition to have those spots, but Gracie's spots are not undeserved or just given to her because of USFSA.
I so badly wanted Gracie to have a roaring comeback this season.
I so badly wanted Gracie to have a roaring comeback this season.
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2016
So true, every point. I personally have had huge struggles in the past 2 years that are mostly unresolved. I am only a couple yesrs older than Gracie. Making huge life decisions in your early 20's is tough. There is way too much reading between the lines and speculation going on here. Let's just be patient and wait and see what comes next. Once we get there let's support whatever decision Gracie makes.
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2014
Of the skaters listed, only Polina has had success internationally. I used to have this discussion about Angela Wang. I had seen her as a Junior and she was so promising that I had labeled her the next big thing. She still has flashes of brilliance but, she has yet to put 2 solid programs under the pressure at Nationals. Courtney is still young and as I stated earlier, she's in great shape and she can still prove herself at Nationals.
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2014
I agree she should do what makes her happy, but I also tend to feel that if you are "going to position yourself to be marketed as an Olympic hopeful" you are also opening yourself to people talking about you as you are positing yourself as a (at least somewhat... less than days gone by) public person. As such, some extent of the public talking about you... for better or worse, should be expected, anticipated, and accepted... the nature of sports is that they are talked about.
I don't know if she is not training, or is training and just struggling. Few of us do. I more hope she is training safely. I would not want to see anyone who can't do triples force themselves and get injured by pushing to hard.
If she really wants to go to GPs and do only doubles... well if it makes her happy... she can do that. But I don't think she should expect much warm and fuzzy commentary (well maybe from Ted Barton) from doing only doubles on the GP. If she can handle the comments, and still be happy doing it, maybe she should go. But I wonder hard that would be to do in reality.
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2014
Courtney has medaled on the GP the last two years. Polina has not. Polina has a 4CC title and some world appearances... I might say Courtney has had more success than Polina.
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2014
I think the ISU would disagree with you. The fact that Polina has an international win and has been to the Olympics and Worlds. I don't know if she still has a world ranking but she did at one point and I don't believe Courtney, whom I love, has a world ranking that can match Polina's. That said, I still think that Courtney should have been given a GP event this season. She's in great shape and the scoring potential of her programs this year will definitely help in the long run.
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2014
Points wise Polina looks more successful... but i don't think two years of medals is "no success" They have both had more than no success.
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2010
I agree that doing too much, too fast could lead to injury. She must be in Olympic medal-contending form by Nationals to make the team. Can she add the 2A, five different triples, and a 3-3 back into her arsenal, and be confident enough in all those jumps to perform them consistently under pressure, by January? We are skeptical about Polina's chances, even though she is doing everything except a 3-3 and the lutz. Gracie seems to be much further behind in her preparations.
- Joined
- Aug 29, 2016
Polina is not exactly in good shape in terms of jumping ability as of now. Gracie is on a completely different level of unprepared. I love Gracie and admire Polina in certain aspects of her skating and wish both good luck in returning to previous form. Both have a long journey ahead of them.
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2014
Well, at least we have video evidence of Polina landing triples. I am hoping with all I have to see Gracie land a triple under any circumstance.
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2016
How do you absolutely know though that Gracie is unable to land a triple or a tripe-triple? Are you judging based on her weight? Sure we haven't seen anything that suggests she is doing well in training but I would argue that her sun valley exhibitions are not going to automatically lead me to assume she can't land a triple.
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2014
I want to like Polina's skating. I do. And I am certain that she is a lovely person.
But her skating leaves me cold. I feel like she is all technique and no heart. But ones mileage may vary.
But her skating leaves me cold. I feel like she is all technique and no heart. But ones mileage may vary.
The isu.org site lists the current World Standings;only JGP/Brisbane points have been awarded yet for 2017-18, so these are based on the previous two years. Yes, Courtney is much higher than Polina, but Polina qualified for a GP due to her "comeback" status. The current standings for U.S. ladies:
5. Ashley (tied with Maria S.)
8. Karen
9. Mirai
16. Gracie
20. Mariah
30. Courtney
49. Angela W.
52. Bradie
64. Amber
80. Tyler P.
102. Paige
105. Polina
several in the 130s and lower, including Caroline
So now I am really ticked: Still NO Grand Prix or Challenger assignments for Courtney!
ETA: Several days ago Courtney WAS on the Autumn Classic list! Yay!
- Joined
- Sep 8, 2016
I honestly do feel bad for Courtney. But maybe she'll get a GP when someone drops out. Someone drops out, like, every year.
Nationals has been horrible for Courtney for the past 3 years; maybe that had to do with usfsa decision?
Nationals has been horrible for Courtney for the past 3 years; maybe that had to do with usfsa decision?
