2018 US Men's Oly/World/4CC team announced

[narcissa]

Re. the 3 Olympics spots: This was the smartest decision and what I felt was fair. So I'm very happy.

But Grant doesn't even get 4CC? Did something happen there?

 

[artsciboy]

Is "I'll be skating forever....." really that much humbler? :sarcasm:

How is that even remotely not humble? Adam ended up skating much longer than he thought he would in 2012. Colour me confused? Are people not watching the press conference and listening to the questions/context for the responses?

 

[RemyRose]

But Grant doesn't even get 4CC? Did something happen there?

BOW. Max > Grant just like Rippon > Ross.

 

[Mathman]

Really? OK, thanks—didn't know that. When did that change?

For the Olympics, quite a while ago (8 years?). It was said at the time that the reason was a legal one: if the winner of Nationals automatically went to the Olympics, then Nationals could be regarded as the official Olympic qualifying event and as such would fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Olympic Committee rather than of the USFSA.

For worlds, they slipped it in without fanfare a couple of years ago on the basis that the criteria for worlds should be the same as for the Olympics.

But I think the real reason is that the USFSA felt that they were falling behind other countries which had strong federations that boldly took a firm hand in shaping the teams that they send to international competitions.

 

[caseyl23]

For the Olympics, quite a while ago (8 years?). It was said at the time that the reason was a legal one: if the winner of Nationals automatically went to the Olympics, then Nationals could be regarded as the official Olympic qualifying event and as such would fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Olympic Committee rather than of the USFSA.

For worlds, they slipped it in without fanfare a couple of years ago on the basis that the criteria for worlds should be the same as for the Olympics.

But I think the real reason is that the USFSA felt that they were falling behind other countries which had strong federations that boldly took a firm hand in shaping the teams that they send to international competitions.

But that's not the reason the U.S. has fallen behind, and if they think so, they're deluding themselves. They're behind, because they have a '90s mentality when it comes to quads, and it's almost 2020. In a way, as I posted many pages back, selecting Adam is indicative of that. Even with Nathan and Vincent dragging them forward, it's like they're kicking and screaming, "But we still need our artist!"

 

[mrrice]

STOP THINKING OF THE NATIONALS IN AN OLYMPIC YEAR AS AN OLYMPIC TRIAL. THAT IS NOT WHAT IT IS!

I realize that.....That doesn't mean I have to like, or agree with it. There's a reason that 2014 became a huge scandal that people talk about to this very day....Ross earned that Silver Medal last night. He paced himself to peak at the right time and if others came up short, I feel bad for them but, I don't give the Silver Medalist the boot.. Has an age eligible silver medalist EVER been passed over before???

 

[snowflake]

(To tell the truth, I'm not sure that Ross is the seventh best skater in America.)

Exactly! Today he is the second best skater in America

"Young with lots of potential" was not one of the published criteria. The USFSA may have good reasons for their choices, but in this respect they were not transparent but rather had a hidden criterion.

Ah, but maybe they should have this criteria. What I have learned from athletes, coaches and others involved in sports is that Olympic games is a VERY special event... with many sports being represented, lots of interesting people everywhere, special rituals, cool housings with social possibilities, huge media interest and all. Meaning that it's a good idea sending young talents to have the experience to not be overhelmed for future success. Sometimes it pays off sometimes not.

In Sweden the olympic committee invests in young dedicated talents long before it's sure if they will or can participate in any game. As a help for them to reach their goals I suppose. I think the support mainly consists of giving them opportunities to attend top notch training camps(as for figure skaters with coaches like Lambiel, Huth, Orser etc) And sometimes send athletes that are a long shot of medaling.

Doesn't USA have an olympic committee who decides the spots? Or do they just approve whith the federations decisions?

 

[moonvine]

that is lousy argument

i could make a case for tenley being fresh out of juniors, tara, sara, dick , hayes,
paul, scott hamilton, scott allen, peggy fleming etc.

they have to be fresh and just start out .

that is what make part of the olympic the freshness and newness of the athletes who never been there.

20 plus years ago. Some 50 years ago.

 

[moonvine]

But never mind all the arguing, can someone here please be mad with me that I have now seen a total of four absolutely racist comments about the men's and ladies team selection on social media, all apparently pointed at the group of six having four skaters of Asian heritage. One commenter on USFSA's FB post is upset that the men's and women's teams are "foreign". And there are also a few blatantly homophobic comments implying that Adam only got his spot because he is gay.

That makes me want to vomit more than watching the free skates last night did.

I will be VERY mad with you. The only good thing about stuff like that is that people show you who they really are.

 

[NAOTMAA]

I would have been perfectly fine with Ross on the Olympic team and Adam on the world (three spots for next year are at stake so its more important who goes there) but this is a total joke. Not only does Ross not go to Olympics or worlds despite finishing 2nd (when three spots were available) but isn't even 1st alternate in either as well Neither Adam or Jason will be coming close to the world or Olympic podium so that makes it even more silly. Nationals officially means nothing anymore they should just go full on women's gymnastics and do it all behind the scenes where they can do as they please because that's exactly what they did

 

[QuadSal]

Here is the videos of the selection of the Olympic Men's Team:
Part 1
Part 2

 

[Figure 8's]

OK I get it. But the Body of work thing should not be the all powerful deciding factor. In my opinion if you cannot skate well enough at nationals to at least come in 3rd, than you have no business going to the Olympics. If you cannot beat our your own country's skaters than how are you going to beat every other country's Skaters. One has to wonder why Ross Miner worked so hard and skated so well at Nationals when it literally means nothing. Everyone's dream is to go to the Olympics. Next years Grand Prix assignments hardly means anything this year. The public only has the perception of unfairness and that does not bode well for Figure Skating.

 

[artsciboy]

I would have been perfectly fine with Ross on the Olympic team and Adam on the world (three spots for next year are at stake so its more important who goes there) but this is a total joke. Not only does Ross not go to Olympics or worlds despite finishing 2nd (when three spots were available) but isn't even 1st alternate in either as well Neither Adam or Jason will be coming close to the world or Olympic podium so that makes it even more silly. Nationals officially means nothing anymore they should just go full on women's gymnastics and do it all behind the scenes where they can do as they please because that's exactly what they did

No, neither Adam and Jason will likely come close to the medal podium for the mens event. That said, the two of them have a proven track record of repeatedly finishing in the Top 10 at Worlds (I believe neither have ever finished outside of the Top 10 at any of their Worlds appearances). Certainly for Worlds where spots for the following season are on the line, it is worth taking the risk with them to help ensure 3 spots the following year. In this respect, both Vincent and Ross riskier options - the former for his underrotations/relative junior quality to his skating and for Ross, his inconsistency and inability to finish in the Top 10 in his prior 2 appearances at Worlds. I wish the USFS had thought more carefully about this in respect of the ladies' selection for Worlds.

 

[Ares]

Why don't they announce the "pool" of skaters eligible for the Olympic team in advance? :sarcasm:This way, if the Olys were the goal for some skaters, they might not risk their health and funds to train quads for the Nationals.:disapp:

Exactly

Just sad & angry for Ross, sigh.

I'd send him for the Olympics. Simply lunatic to have him 2nd alternate (what the hell?!)

 

[georgia]

OK I get it. But the Body of work thing should not be the all powerful deciding factor. In my opinion if you cannot skate well enough at nationals to at least come in 3rd, than you have no business going to the Olympics. If you cannot beat our your own country's skaters than how are you going to beat every other country's Skaters. One has to wonder why Ross Miner worked so hard and skated so well at Nationals when it literally means nothing. Everyone's dream is to go to the Olympics. Next years Grand Prix assignments hardly means anything this year. The public only has the perception of unfairness and that does not bode well for Figure Skating.

USFS was clear this year. Like many other countries, they announced early that they will take into consideration the athletes previous record, as they should. You can’t come to Nationals, have a good day and claim a spot on the Olympic team, when other skaters are busting their assess to get USA on the skating map for years at the time. Let’s be honest.

 

[mrrice]

OK I get it. But the Body of work thing should not be the all powerful deciding factor. In my opinion if you cannot skate well enough at nationals to at least come in 3rd, than you have no business going to the Olympics. If you cannot beat our your own country's skaters than how are you going to beat every other country's Skaters. One has to wonder why Ross Miner worked so hard and skated so well at Nationals when it literally means nothing. Everyone's dream is to go to the Olympics. Next years Grand Prix assignments hardly means anything this year. The public only has the perception of unfairness and that does not bode well for Figure Skating.

Exactly!!!! What I can't get over is the fact that Ross won the Silver by a lot......It's not like he was 3rd and barely beat Vincent. The bigger insult is Jason being named alternate #1...How does the 6th place finisher bump a silver medalist out of anything....There is no logic here. If myself and several other devoted and knowledgeable fans are confused, can you imagine what the casual fans must think. When they see Ross off the team after the way performed in San Jose, I'm sure they're just shocked as we are.

 

[NAOTMAA]

It's really hilarious to see the USFSA simply do as they please and play clear favorites (Jason as 1st alternate for Olympics and worlds over Ross AND Grant) just as Tonya Harding is getting newfound public attention and glory with "I, Tonya." Guess girl wasn't as crazy and paranoid as they wanted you to believe

 

[QuadSal]

I think it all to do with not making the selection process clear to the public, through tv announcements or other media platforms, then the backlash would be way less.

 

[lavender]

Your post is from fifteen pages ago, but I have to say it: This is basically the same as: “American bests out Kwan!” all over again. 20 years later, racism is alive and well.

Peoples characters are so disappointing these days. Evil racism is real..

 

[TCAngel18]

I absolutely can use Sarah as example.......Her "Body of Work" consisted of beating Irina and Michelle exactly ONE time before SLC. I see this situation differently....Sarah was the National Silver Medalist in 2002 and can you imagine if they gave her spot to 4th place Angela Nikodinov...Ross has been to Senior Worlds and that should have made a difference with the committee. I love Vincent but, he LOST to Ross and should not be going.

She also had 2001 world bronze medal, she wasn’t just a flash in the pan, she had been steadily climbing the world ranks since 1999.

Also, Irina has no place in this argument.

I agree w the rest, but the first part was moot.