2017-18 State of U.S. Men's Figure Skating | Page 67 | Golden Skate

2017-18 State of U.S. Men's Figure Skating

Oh the irony.

Phil Hersh’s latest thoughts on quads:

“At the risk of putting a regulator on progress and on pushing the envelope, motivations for elite athletes in any sport, limiting the number of quad attempts (three in the free skate? one in the short program?) would seem a place to start. It is time to rein in a quad revolution that has accelerated at a dizzying pace, in both attempts and splats, since the 2014 Olympics.”

Adam and Misha Ge are currently in his good graces.

http://www.globetrottingbyphilipher...ess-on-its-hands-and-knees-and-butts-olympics

If they want to put limitation on quads, I prefer two in the short, and four in the long. Hanyu and Nathan have already proven that well-executed quads are a thing of beauty and produce performance (choreography) highlights.
 
three weeks of speculations without informations :biggrin:

I have NUMBERS coming. :)

Great! but what I ment was that what we have got from the skaters now is what we’ll have until Nationals. I can’t imagine skaters posting practice reports, strategies, planned elements, problems etc. for us to be the wiser.

My speculations:
* Nathan skates the same quad race, challenging himself as he says he wants to do. Meanwhile training to get better stamina(important) and to get some more points on his spins. He slays.
* Adam skates his programs(with one quad attempt) like he’s done this autumn. He skates almost clean.
* Max also keeps his layout but is more solid than in his autumn competitions.
* Jason :confused: I have no idea what he will show. Did he completely abandon the quad? I predict he will skate safe with no quads. He’ll skate well, similar to his first Grand Prix competition.
* Vincent skates with better stamina, less quads and a smoother performance than earlier this season. Definitely the wild card.

See how positive I am :) I really hope all guys come to San Jose in good form challenging each other. Very exciting!

My wish for Peyongchang: Nathan, Adam and Max. For Sotji I wished Max + Jeremy.
 
Ha, I know. I was just hoping my numbers would provide some discussion fodder since we won't have like, actual information.
Although! USFS conference calls will probably be coming relatively soon and we should get some good info from that.



I don't think anyone is denying that Jason is athletic and that his programs are athletic - but from a technical standpoint, which is half of the score, they are less difficult.

The sport itself recognizes that "artistic" programs are an inherently athletic challenge - which is why there are artistry-related scores built into an Olympic athletic competition to begin with.

It's telling that TES are "technical" scores, not athletic ones. TES is partially dependent on technique needed to execute elements. Jason might have incredible athletic ability, endurance, etc., but the jump technique needed to attain the highest technical scores in the world? He doesn't.

TES and PCS both require significant athletic ability. That's the point.

(Also, y'all underrate Phil's love of the artistry of the sport. He truly appreciates the artistic programs, while recognizing that all the artistry in the world isn't enough to make-up for technical deficiencies at the highest levels. He was tired of Jason not even trying quads, and grateful for Adam making the attempt. But it's clear that neither man has had success with them. Like most fans, Phil likes seeing athletes that are healthy and that have a chance at actually skating clean.)

Given that I've seen some folks argue that Jason's PCS be penalized because of his lack of quad --- regardless of what the actual criteria of PCS, you know -- I'm not so sure. :P That's mainly what I was responding to.

My issue is that "artistic" skaters or those who rack up points in other ways are often dismissed because of their jumps. While yes, doing spins/steps and the choreography is not as physically taxing as doing quads, it can be difficult.

I think it's easy to see that a multi-quad program is difficult, but I think it's difficult for people to see that a no-quad program with complex choreography, spins and steps can potentially be just as difficult. Maybe not as difficult as the top caliber multi-quad programs (which are few-and-far between as Phil noted), but it's important to note that when people wonder why Jason, Max and Vincent all have 176 FS scores despite having varying levels of technical content.

So speaking more generally and not even at Phil. I don't really have a problem with what Phil wrote in this particular piece anyway. I can see why others find ironic (or not ironic) but honestly I agree with the basic premise and his concern (though I don't think I agree with reducing the number of quads).
 
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Ha, I know. I was just hoping my numbers would provide some discussion fodder since we won't have like, actual information.

Although! USFS conference calls will probably be coming relatively soon and we should get some good info from that.

what's that?
 
what's that?

Usually USFS does conference calls with the top national contenders with media outlets. They're usually put on Ice Network eventually and media outlets write lots of articles based on those calls.

I'd imagine we would see calls from the top 5 men.
 
Usually USFS does conference calls with the top national contenders with media outlets. They're usually put on Ice Network eventually and media outlets write lots of articles based on those calls.

I'd imagine we would see calls from the top 5 men.

OK thanks. Curious to hear what the skaters reveal or not :laugh:
 
OK thanks. Curious to hear what the skaters reveal or not :laugh:

They're usually interesting, actually. They are generally pretty upbeat -- though Jason's last two US Nationals calls have been scary -- one he announced his W/D and last year's was when we got word about his stress fracture. Adam's call last year was a W/D too. :(

So PLEASE no injuries or W/D on conference calls this year please!
 
They're usually interesting, actually. They are generally pretty upbeat -- though Jason's last two US Nationals calls have been scary -- one he announced his W/D and last year's was when we got word about his stress fracture. Adam's call last year was a W/D too. :(

So PLEASE no injuries or W/D on conference calls this year please!

No no, just positive talk. I'm so worried about new injuries, WDs.

Only :party2:
 
Ha, I know. I was just hoping my numbers would provide some discussion fodder since we won't have like, actual information.
Although! USFS conference calls will probably be coming relatively soon and we should get some good info from that. ...

Always appreciate your numbers, Mrs. P. :thank:

Usually USFS does conference calls with the top national contenders with media outlets. They're usually put on Ice Network eventually and media outlets write lots of articles based on those calls.

I'd imagine we would see calls from the top 5 men.

Have been meaning to ask:

Unlike the past, I don't think the audio of the pre-Skate America media calls was posted on IN this year?

From social media and articles, it was clear that as usual, some media calls did take place before Skate America.
At the very least, with Nathan and with the Shibs. Plus with Ashley, IIRC. Maybe with others too.

But was anyone able to find audio of this year's pre-Skate America calls? I was not able to find any.​

In any case, I hope the audio of the pre-Nats calls once again will be posted :popcorn:.

(Meanwhile, off topic, but I see that almost 27 minutes of audio was posted yesterday of Lipinski's Olympic Anniversary teleconference.


... (Also, y'all underrate Phil's love of the artistry of the sport. He truly appreciates the artistic programs, while recognizing that all the artistry in the world isn't enough to make-up for technical deficiencies at the highest levels. ...

:agree:
 
:slink:
that amazing Hamilton program deserves to see the Olympics

I always find it interesting when someone I generally agree with loves a program I don't. It shows that even people with similar preferences and tastes can disagree on specifics.

I really really like Jason's LP, but I find that Hamilton SP the most horrific program from a top man since the truly awful days of Urmanov.

Hamilton consistently gets rave reviews from people I respect, and I've tried rewatching to see if my mind has changed... but it hasn't. I don't know what it is, but I just loathe every minute of that program... way more than my second least favorite Jason program, Juke... and I am stunned that others enjoy it.
 
I always find it interesting when someone I generally agree with loves a program I don't. It shows that even people with similar preferences and tastes can disagree on specifics.

I really really like Jason's LP, but I find that Hamilton SP the most horrific program from a top man since the truly awful days of Urmanov.

Hamilton consistently gets rave reviews from people I respect, and I've tried rewatching to see if my mind has changed... but it hasn't. I don't know what it is, but I just loathe every minute of that program... way more than my second least favorite Jason program, Juke... and I am stunned that others enjoy it.

It's okay. :) I get why people don't love that program and could see why it's grating to others.

It does seem that people who are Hamilton fans (S4M is a big one, I think) really do like it. I showed Jason's program to a few of my hard-core Hamilton friends and they were praising him for how well he interpreted the song, performed to the music etc.

I don't think it's horrific but it's far from being my favorite Jason SP. This is my top three.

I actually am kind of sad he got rid of his Apassionata program, which he only did at Team Challenge Cup after he came back from injury. I didn't love it at first (and I'm really not liking the costume), but it was definitely a different program than he did for his SPs (i.e. Juke and the Great Gatsby program it replaced) and maybe could have brought a different side to Jason. Though it was far too similar, mood wise, to the Piano program, so I get why it was trashed.

I did warm up to Hamilton at GPF and maybe if I see it in person I will completely change my mind!
 
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It's okay. :) I get why people don't love that program and could see why it's grating to others.

I don't think it's horrific but it's far from being my favorite Jason SP.

Well, I guess there are gradients of "just plain bad" and that could make an interesting parlor game:

If Hamilton were a serial killer, which one would it be?

I'm going with Zodiac, because of its notoriety and the horrifying possibility that there will be copycats.
 
It's okay. :) I get why people don't love that program and could see why it's grating to others.

It does seem that people who are Hamilton fans (S4M is a big one, I think) really do like it. I showed Jason's program to a few of my hard-core Hamilton friends and they were praising him for how well he interpreted the song, performed to the music etc.

I don't think it's horrific but it's far from being my favorite Jason SP. This is my top three.

I actually am kind of sad he got rid of his Apassionata program, which he only did at Team Challenge Cup after he came back from injury. I didn't love it at first (and I'm really not liking the costume), but it was definitely a different program than he did for his SPs (i.e. Juke and the Great Gatsby program it replaced) and maybe could have brought a different side to Jason. Though it was far too similar, mood wise, to the Piano program, so I get why it was trashed.

I did warm up to Hamilton at GPF and maybe if I see it in person I will completely change my mind!

Yup, I am a big fan!
I think you might change your mind at Nats :) Also he picked a really great song to use for a program! I wasn't a fan of that song in particular until I saw his program. I think that the rap part can be off-putting to some people... this one doesn't have too much.

He definitely interpreted and performed this program amazingly to the music and you can see his dedication to it! I love how he went to see it, too (and I'm very jealous)
 
I looove Hamilton.:love: That is, Jason’s SP, not the show;)

I didn’t at the beginning. I’ve never seen the show, don’t know the music, only know it through Jason. The technical and athletic skill required for those steps, those spins, the perfect timing to the music. And of course Jason’s mature, wholeheartedly committed performance value.

And with all the time he’s spent bashing Jason for not having a quad, Phil Hersh’s latest piece is ironical, to put the very best spin on it. And ironic is a far nicer word than I would use. (ETA: and I have given PH props where props are due, his piece on Jackie Wong for example.) I don’t have time to go copying everything he’s ever written, but I know what I’ve read and I know what I’ve heard him ask during press conferences, and it has been nothing but Jason, when are you getting a quad.

How the mighty have fallen.....
 
It's okay. :) I get why people don't love that program and could see why it's grating to others.

It does seem that people who are Hamilton fans (S4M is a big one, I think) really do like it. I showed Jason's program to a few of my hard-core Hamilton friends and they were praising him for how well he interpreted the song, performed to the music etc.

I don't think it's horrific but it's far from being my favorite Jason SP. This is my top three.

I actually am kind of sad he got rid of his Apassionata program, which he only did at Team Challenge Cup after he came back from injury. I didn't love it at first (and I'm really not liking the costume), but it was definitely a different program than he did for his SPs (i.e. Juke and the Great Gatsby program it replaced) and maybe could have brought a different side to Jason. Though it was far too similar, mood wise, to the Piano program, so I get why it was trashed.

I did warm up to Hamilton at GPF and maybe if I see it in person I will completely change my mind!

I'm a big fan of Hamilton, but I'm not in love with Jason's program. I think there were more effective ways to do a Hamilton program, but this works fine. I just think it could have been better. And the beginning bugs me a little, because it's Hamilton talking and it seems like Jason's acting like he's him, then right after when it's Hamilton and Burr talking, it's not clear to me who Jason is trying to be, and then he's Burr. And there are a couple moments where, I don't know if it's the choreo or Jason's expression, but it seems a little celebratory, which fits with the music, but not with Burr's character at this point. I probably wouldn't notice these things if I didn't know the musical so well.

Part of the reason this music is hard is that there are two people talking, but their emotions/points of view during the song are very different, which leads to those unclear moments for me. That's why I think Dear Theodosia might have worked better. It was also has both Burr and Hamilton, but their perspectives are very much the same in the song. Also, it's just a lovely, sweet song. And of course Wait for It would have been interesting, and has a very clear point of view, nice changes of pace.

And not necessarily Jason, but the right person could do something really entertaining with You'll Be Back (the King George one), maybe as an Ex, though I'd love it see it as a competitive program. Actually, I like Jason could have had fun with that, or someone like Nic Nadeau.

It's sill a good program and I enjoy it, but I probably won't go back and watch it, and I was hoping he'd wow me since I love the music so much.
 
I'm a big fan of Hamilton, but I'm not in love with Jason's program. I think there were more effective ways to do a Hamilton program, but this works fine. I just think it could have been better. And the beginning bugs me a little, because it's Hamilton talking and it seems like Jason's acting like he's him, then right after when it's Hamilton and Burr talking, it's not clear to me who Jason is trying to be, and then he's Burr. And there are a couple moments where, I don't know if it's the choreo or Jason's expression, but it seems a little celebratory, which fits with the music, but not with Burr's character at this point. I probably wouldn't notice these things if I didn't know the musical so well.

Part of the reason this music is hard is that there are two people talking, but their emotions/points of view during the song are very different, which leads to those unclear moments for me. That's why I think Dear Theodosia might have worked better. It was also has both Burr and Hamilton, but their perspectives are very much the same in the song. Also, it's just a lovely, sweet song. And of course Wait for It would have been interesting, and has a very clear point of view, nice changes of pace.

And not necessarily Jason, but the right person could do something really entertaining with You'll Be Back (the King George one), maybe as an Ex, though I'd love it see it as a competitive program. Actually, I like Jason could have had fun with that, or someone like Nic Nadeau.

It's sill a good program and I enjoy it, but I probably won't go back and watch it, and I was hoping he'd wow me since I love the music so much.

I appreciate your thoughts, SnowWhite. I think there are probably people who share your view. And I haven't seen the musical (which will change in March, yay!), but I do know American history and I do agree that it's a bit confusing on which character Jason is aiming for. I'd prefer him to play Burr. I do think part of the challenge is the music is upbeat, but the song is about ambition and the desire to be a factor in these major conversations/decisions.

It is kind of autobiographical with Jason in a way cause I think he is ambitious but it's masked in positivity. Maybe that's why he was drawn to this song as a program.

I'd love to hear Spiral 4 Miles counterargument on this. :)
 
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Congratulations to Max, who graduated UCCS today!!!!

USFS congratulatory tweet

Picture of Max in his cap and gown thanks to USFS instagram

Neat article from UCCS site (Max graduated "magna cum laude", which other people more well-versed in US higher education than me tell me that he had a 3.7-3.89 GPA). Favourite bit:

Aaron completed his bachelor’s degree in three years while most students take four or more years to complete a degree. He combined studies in finance with at least five hours daily on the ice with the goal of representing the U.S. in the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.

“One down, one to go,” Aaron said of his two goals. He will compete in the U.S. Nationals in January 2018.

Aaron combined a heavy course load with five to six hours of daily training. He took early morning, evening and summer classes, approaching each with the attitude “that a B was not an option.” He worked with academic advisers to help them understand the needs of top athletes who are UCCS students.

“I know skating can’t last forever,” the almost 25-year-old said. “When it comes time to retire, I wanted to have something that I can rely on. Studying finance was the right thing for me. When the time comes, I hope to work with professional athletes, including some of my buddies in the NHL, to help them manage their money so it can last.”
 
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