I agree. This is how I look at the field so far:
Ashley
The uber Ashley fans say she is going to clean up the tech. The opposing side says she has been on a downward spiral. The truth of the matter is that she has been on a downward spiral since LY. She has been posting all these videos of her working on her spins but they are still so slow. BUT somehow Ashley always seems to peak with a home crowd. I firmly believe that she will clean up a bit for nationals AND will have some favorable calls from the tech panel. She has the MOST sponsors of the ladies and unless she lands lower than 4th, I cannot imagine the federation NOT sending her. My bet is that she lands in 3rd at nationals.
Polina
We haven't seen much of her - the next GP will be very telling but I will be surprised if she actually makes it higher than 5th at Nationals. I could even imagine a Mirai situation where she lands on the podium and they choose one of the other ladies over her. She has another cycle in her which might give the federation more reason to hold off on sending her this time especially if she has a poor outing in this next GP.
Mariah
She has beautiful qualities but reworking the technique this year was poorly timed and it looks like its affecting her confidence. All the commentators are saying it but she needs a coach that can actually focus on her. Kori was focused on Jason, Raf on Nathan, , , , Ashley, and Adam in that order. I cannot imagine her making the podium. And depending on who doesn't make the podium, if Mariah did, I also think the federation would choose another more prominent skater over her.
Mirai
I am personally biased (although she did exceed my prediction post for NHK!). Let's keep it real - the axel isn't a lock but the buzz is and she is riding that wave. The performance is not where it needs to be but she also has shown glimmers during NHK: a furrowed brow here, a smile there... I think NHK gave her a good confidence boost and she has timing on her hands. She has all this time to focus on training for nationals and yes, my girl Mirai is a head case but nobody can refute that she has been hitting that ice with a newfound determination. I think she is really taking ownership of her skating and I believe she has a really good shot of making the team.
Karen
The US is in a sea of head cases/inconsistencies. I think Karen (although it PAINS me to say it over my girl MN) has the highest potential to be in the final flight at the Olympics for the current crop of US ladies. She has the PCS when she is on and has the higher ceiling tech wise than Ashley. She has a chance to make once last case for herself at Skate America...
And just because people like to bring them out of the woodwork:
Bradie
It isn't going to happen.
Courtney
It isn't going to happen.
I might eat my words but at Skate America, no US lady will be higher than 2nd... but I honestly feel like it will be Karen in 2/3 and then Ashley one level below Karen. Said it.
Thats just my personal opinion but I feel like some die hards might come after me so if you do not hear from me again... It was nice posting 28 times.
& I always liked her loop. Thought it was her best jump tbh.
, start orders for Midwesterns also were published:
at Champs Camp.
for reaching out to Bradie, who I'm sure will pay it forward when she can.
