- Joined
- Sep 27, 2017
Bradie is the first US female skater in a long time that made me saw wow. I look forward to seeing more of her. The hunt for the Olympic team for the ladies looks to be very interesting.
2017-18 State of U.S. Ladies Skating
- Thread starter R.D.
- Start date
The "body of work" rule wouldn't exist if the skaters weren't in such a rut and the field as a whole wasn't so lackluster :disagree:
Once upon a time the top US skaters skated at nationals like they were head a shoulders above the rest. There was never a fear that the US would be sending less then its best because the country's top skaters always got the job done. 2014 changed that
the rule was clearly made with the ladies in mind but of course the other disciplines can now benefit as well. They can thank the ladies for that. It may be Ashley Wagner's lasting legacy
!!!
I honestly think the "body of work" criterion took on more prominence with the emergence of the Oly Team Event in Sochi 2014. That in itself requires Feds to be a bit more strategic than they may have been in the past
I guess the question is, we know Wagner was given a spot to the Olys in 2014 on this criterion. If Wagner is still too injured for Nats (for whatever reason), does she get an injury bye? Not because she's a factor in the individual event, but because of the team competition?
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2007
I believe it was earlier, Christopher Bowman in 1990 as reigning World Silver Medalist withdrew from US Champs and placed in world team
This site and every other skating site would crash for a month
most skating fans still don't think much of the team competition (and unfairly try to devalue the medals won there) so if Ashley was picked for the team based on that........yikes :eeking:
like I mentioned before I hope the rules are changed after these Olympics and the countries are allowed to pick a separate skater who just competes for the team event and not the singles. Kind of like the event specialists in gymnastics. I don't see anything wrong with that
In my opinion, Ashley is not going to get onto the Olympic team without skating at Nationals, and I doubt she will make it onto the Olympic team without finishing in the top 3. I think the 2017 Grand Prixs have essentially rendered the Body of Work and Tiers irrelevant, as the two who were leading pre-season (Karen and Ashley) have been thoroughly unconvincing.
Based on recent data (two events), it could be argued that Bradie Tennell should skate both portions of the team event. I doubt that will happen.
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2014
I agree.......As for her "Body Of Work" How about the fact that she just beat the reigning US Champion and a former World Silver Medalist! I really hope they select the ladies who have done well under pressure THIS YEAR. Otherwise, we might as well save a spot for Gracie Gold.
Honestly Bradie can probably TES her way on to a U.S. Championship.
I'm glad to hear Eurosport's take on the FS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAwlTpvSxXY
They actually think the program is well-constructed and note the transitions in the program. I actually love the one she does into the 3Lo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAwlTpvSxXY#t=2m57s
I'm glad to hear Eurosport's take on the FS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAwlTpvSxXY
They actually think the program is well-constructed and note the transitions in the program. I actually love the one she does into the 3Lo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAwlTpvSxXY#t=2m57s
This would be my POV as well. I hope it's the Committee's POV, too.
now let's not get too excited...she still has to skate at Nationals, then we'll see!
That being said, she has made quite the statement at SA....and the other two made their own statements as well
If Tennell can skate like that at Nationals........you know, at this rate a win cannot be ruled out. No one else is stepping up after all! But - a lot can change between now and then.
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2010
This year, there would be no basis to send Ashley for the team event. She doesn't have the season's best score for the SP or the LP, the highest GP placement this year (by herself), the best finish at Nationals last year or the highest Worlds placement last season. Honestly, she shouldn't even skate the team event unless she finishes in the top 2 because she can't rotate a 3/3.
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2010
I'd be happy with this. She reminds me of a young Gracie Gold (although she isn't that young) and I think she could improve a lot in the next year if given more opportunities to compete.
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2014
Speaking of Gracie Gold, isn't that man sitting with Bradie in the KnC one of Gracie's former team members? I swear that's her "Life Is Beautiful" Choreographer, isn't it? I know I've seen that man before.
Yes, Scott Brown.
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2014
It certainly would. However, I wouldn't mind seeing Raven Haired Mirai Nagasu land her 3A and lead the team when they head to Korea. Whoever brings it is who I want to see go to the games.
I am a die-hard Diva Wagner fan, but even I'm losing my patience with her. I understand that she was injured today and couldn't compete. Makes sense. She wants to make sure she's healthy for Nationals/ makes the Olympic team. Fine; good plan; I concur. But it's always something with her.
At Skate Canada she wasn't trained/ was too loose/ felt rusty. But she chose not to do any senior Bs heading in to her GPs. Here, she had a mysterious ankle infection. At Worlds she was tense and heartbroken. At Nationals she needed to work on her spins and execution. At Cup of China 2016, the caller was too harsh. Da da da da da da. Whenever she doesn't skate well, she has an excuse, a learning experience, etc.
Lady, you're 26. It's almost put up or shut up time. Either skate like the 3-time National Champion and World Medalist you are, or don't. But I'm tired of listening to her move the goal post and declare herself a work in progress and list off the things she now knows she needs to improve every time her skating is not up to snuff. Enough talking. Try your best to get better. And, as the saying goes, just do it. Let the work speak for itself.
Bradie Tennell is fine. She's technically proficient. She reminds me of 2014 Polina in that she gets quite a lot of credit for what she does do out there even when her skating looks a bit juniorish. Kudos to her for performing so well at her Grand Prix debut. At this rate, she'll be the top US lady in Pyeongchang.
At Skate Canada she wasn't trained/ was too loose/ felt rusty. But she chose not to do any senior Bs heading in to her GPs. Here, she had a mysterious ankle infection. At Worlds she was tense and heartbroken. At Nationals she needed to work on her spins and execution. At Cup of China 2016, the caller was too harsh. Da da da da da da. Whenever she doesn't skate well, she has an excuse, a learning experience, etc.
Lady, you're 26. It's almost put up or shut up time. Either skate like the 3-time National Champion and World Medalist you are, or don't. But I'm tired of listening to her move the goal post and declare herself a work in progress and list off the things she now knows she needs to improve every time her skating is not up to snuff. Enough talking. Try your best to get better. And, as the saying goes, just do it. Let the work speak for itself.
Bradie Tennell is fine. She's technically proficient. She reminds me of 2014 Polina in that she gets quite a lot of credit for what she does do out there even when her skating looks a bit juniorish. Kudos to her for performing so well at her Grand Prix debut. At this rate, she'll be the top US lady in Pyeongchang.
So... I am eating my words from previous posts. Again, the below are just my opinion:
Bradie Tennell - she isn’t my cup of tea yet, but after this outing I believe she can make top 3 at nationals and if she does, she will make the team... unless she is third and Ashley is a close 4th.
Karen Chen - this girl has it all but she is suffering from classic US inconsistency. Her career actually reminds me of Mirai’s. I don’t think she will be on the team unless she wins or is #2. She is too much of a gamble at this point. We will see how Golden Spin goes...
Ashley Wagner - honestly... her tech has been declining for some time. I know she is injured but I think she peaked in 2016. I think she will make the team as long as she is top 4 (depending on who is third). I don’t believe based on her BV and GOE at this point that she can win Nationals or is a OGM threat. Wagner nor the fed are helping her PCS. If Karen or Mariah are in third and Ashley is in fourth, Ashley will definitely be chosen over them. If it’s Mirai or Bradie... I’m not as sure. Again, she has the most sponsors and money speaks volumes...
Mariah Bell - like Karen, she has proven to be unreliable. She also has lower PCS than Karen in international outings. I know that she is reworking her LP but unless she wins, I don’t think she will be on the team. I could even see her get second and be passed over depending on who is third and fourth. Personally, I don’t see her getting on the podium this year st nationals. Such a shame because I really think she is talented and has that spark that audiences can connect to... I said it before and I will say it again, she needs a coach that can focus on her.
Mirai Nagasu - okay. I know I am biased but Mirai has shown that she has gotten progressively better. Yes, her performance hit rock bottom after 2014 but I think she is working on it. Her GP scores are second best (I know it’s not saying a lot in this field of ladies but STILL) and she has some great results in tier II competitions. I think of looking at her growth from Rostelecom to NHK, she has a good shot for a Cinderella story at Nationals and the fed/media LOVE a good redemption story. I think she has a good shot of making the team IF she makes top 3 and at the current state, if she keeps her head on straight and skates like her FS at NHK she will make the podium.
Courtney Hicks - I don’t think the fed really supports her as much as the rest of the girls TBH. If she wins... she could make the team but I really can’t imagine her doing that. If she is second, I believe the fed would pass her up for Ashley, Bradie, or Mirai if any of those ladies were 3/4.
Angela Wang - she hasn’t wow’ed in both programs in an international event. I cannot imagine a scenario where she makes the team.
Caroline Zhang - again, cannot imagine a scenario where she makes it. That crazy tech (that wild leg in her toe pick) is so jarring and I know that she did a great job at Tallinn pulling up in the FS but I am not confident that she can pull it out in both programs at nationals and the other women have stronger bodies of work and or more support.
Amber Glenn - this skater... has it all. Power, tech, performance. What she lacks is ever doing a clean performance. I do not even think she is on the radar in this cycle but I wanted to comment on her because some people have mentioned her.
Starr Andrews - a lot of buzz behind this skater and I think she has a lot of future of cultivated and groomed the right way. She still feels a little rough around the edges but I emphasize that she could be a threat in the future. I think the fed would set her up for a strong GP debut next year if she performs.
Just my thoughts - don’t shoot me!
Bradie Tennell - she isn’t my cup of tea yet, but after this outing I believe she can make top 3 at nationals and if she does, she will make the team... unless she is third and Ashley is a close 4th.
Karen Chen - this girl has it all but she is suffering from classic US inconsistency. Her career actually reminds me of Mirai’s. I don’t think she will be on the team unless she wins or is #2. She is too much of a gamble at this point. We will see how Golden Spin goes...
Ashley Wagner - honestly... her tech has been declining for some time. I know she is injured but I think she peaked in 2016. I think she will make the team as long as she is top 4 (depending on who is third). I don’t believe based on her BV and GOE at this point that she can win Nationals or is a OGM threat. Wagner nor the fed are helping her PCS. If Karen or Mariah are in third and Ashley is in fourth, Ashley will definitely be chosen over them. If it’s Mirai or Bradie... I’m not as sure. Again, she has the most sponsors and money speaks volumes...
Mariah Bell - like Karen, she has proven to be unreliable. She also has lower PCS than Karen in international outings. I know that she is reworking her LP but unless she wins, I don’t think she will be on the team. I could even see her get second and be passed over depending on who is third and fourth. Personally, I don’t see her getting on the podium this year st nationals. Such a shame because I really think she is talented and has that spark that audiences can connect to... I said it before and I will say it again, she needs a coach that can focus on her.
Mirai Nagasu - okay. I know I am biased but Mirai has shown that she has gotten progressively better. Yes, her performance hit rock bottom after 2014 but I think she is working on it. Her GP scores are second best (I know it’s not saying a lot in this field of ladies but STILL) and she has some great results in tier II competitions. I think of looking at her growth from Rostelecom to NHK, she has a good shot for a Cinderella story at Nationals and the fed/media LOVE a good redemption story. I think she has a good shot of making the team IF she makes top 3 and at the current state, if she keeps her head on straight and skates like her FS at NHK she will make the podium.
Courtney Hicks - I don’t think the fed really supports her as much as the rest of the girls TBH. If she wins... she could make the team but I really can’t imagine her doing that. If she is second, I believe the fed would pass her up for Ashley, Bradie, or Mirai if any of those ladies were 3/4.
Angela Wang - she hasn’t wow’ed in both programs in an international event. I cannot imagine a scenario where she makes the team.
Caroline Zhang - again, cannot imagine a scenario where she makes it. That crazy tech (that wild leg in her toe pick) is so jarring and I know that she did a great job at Tallinn pulling up in the FS but I am not confident that she can pull it out in both programs at nationals and the other women have stronger bodies of work and or more support.
Amber Glenn - this skater... has it all. Power, tech, performance. What she lacks is ever doing a clean performance. I do not even think she is on the radar in this cycle but I wanted to comment on her because some people have mentioned her.
Starr Andrews - a lot of buzz behind this skater and I think she has a lot of future of cultivated and groomed the right way. She still feels a little rough around the edges but I emphasize that she could be a threat in the future. I think the fed would set her up for a strong GP debut next year if she performs.
Just my thoughts - don’t shoot me!
Yes to all of this.
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2014
I'd like to know what happened to Emily Chan and Tessa Hong. I think I might be a jinx of some kind. I really liked both of these young skaters and as soon I do, they seem to drop like stones in the rankings. Are they showing promise this year? Tessa is Frank Carroll's top lady isn't she?
