I think we all are excited and very keen (well we are on this site lol) about skating. And we just take in every breath, every stumble, every flow from every landing...but this is one event and the short program one part of the whole competition. We tend to be swayed like we are chasing someone in hide and seek but we shouldn't jump the band wagon and say the USFA is dropping Ashley or Bradie is the new Gracie or saviour to US skating.
Bradie obviously has talent and those of us who watched before could see she had the potential and huge jumps. Almost a bit like Maria Sotskova we need to see some consistency - I think Maria has done that though she did show nerves at Russian Nationals. Obviously Bradie has some great jumps and some artistry and it will be awesome to see how she develops. She very well could be the new US no. 1 lady and has shown strong signs of her ability with Skate America and even some of her past skates but she has not built up the body of work yet so let's wait and see how she does in the long program. I am hopeful but she still needs a bit more strong results internationally.
The PCS imho were odd. Honestly, not saying they should, the judges could have had Ashley and Mirai and others higher pc wise and it would not be shocking to see Mirai in first. One can argue this is great that it is no longer "reputation" judging but I think some people might feel Bradie's PCS were too high comparatively - we of course will forget about National inflation or gifting - that is a given in the US, Canada, Russia - well anywhere.
Angela Wang has the full package and it is nice to see Mariah and Polina not give up. I am not sure Polina has had enough time to get a longer program up to snuff so we will see but I like her attitude she is not giving up. A little sad to see Caroline Zhang not get the speed and power one would hope she would have developed as a 2008 world junior champ - I think that is when she won. Courtney, Starr, and several others could have been the Bradie - it is about timing and about getting it together. I think the American ladies have a lot of talent - they just need a few or even one to own it - easier said then done. A skater to distinguish themselves as the it girl/woman - not to insult anyone. It is easier said then done. No one wants to fall or not win but even if Bradie wins she must show the world she is the real deal by holding up under pressure internationally when the world knows she is a threat or the American champion. SHe might have the goods
It is not the time to assume Ashley is finished.
A quick comment about Mirai's triple axel - as long as it does not kill or drain her for the rest of the program (long or short) it is very smart. Even a two foot, messy landing as long as it is fully rotated it is worth more than a double axel even if it is a double axel done in the second half. It is like a triple jump and not even a salchow or toe loop but a positive GOE triple loop or flip (if what I heard is correct she got 6.3 pts for her triple axel in the short). So very wise - with the provisio it did not kill the rest of the program.
As for using or reusing programs I believe it is de rigeur and if skated well the judges will reward. The scoring system really does not consider reusing programs. I am curious though Chen and Wagner who have switched or constantly switched programs just how smooth they will be. I think you have to really commit to a program and go for it. If you are switching it means you are unsure - but a reliable old program is like a well worn pair of jeans - some times it gives you the confidence to really get the job done.
Skating skills = currently none of the Americans have the edges or flow of the "top" skaters despite the criticisms of Evgenia, Osmond and Kostner. Arguably they do not even have the power. Though I was quite surprised to see the artist Kostner long program and I am not nearly as educated as many of you - she really telegraphs imho her jumps. But you all may tell me I am crazy. It was just my uneducated assessment. I think we are loo king forward to an exciting long program. Now depending on what happens Sunday morning may create a cliff hanger - who gets on the Olympic team and will the battle continue at 4CC's?
:dance:
, thank You mrrice for KABOOOOOOMMMMMM smiles
