2017-18 State of U.S. Ladies Skating

[skylark]

oh my goodness my head is spinning with all this. But I seem to be unable to resist the pull to put in my oar.

My biggest wish is that they don't ask Nathan to do both SP and FS. He'd probably say yes ... but I don't think anyone knows how doing four great programs in that short amount of time, what the effect would be. Especially with his youth and everyone's inexperience in how competing 4 programs in a couple of weeks really affects the skaters. I can't forget about Julia, how heartbreaking that was, and I certainly don't want that to happen to Nathan. The Canadians and Russians will be splitting the honors between their men. I don't want Nathan to be disadvantaged in comparison. I really really don't want them to risk him.

As for the Shibs doing both? I'd feel most comfortable with them being able to perform well, than I would of anyone else on the team. They're so rock solid and consistent. They'd be sure to have a good placement in both programs. But IF Hubbell and Donohue want to skate in the team event, it's hard to see how they would be denied.

Alexa and Chris will just have to come through, do their best, enjoy the experience, rely on each other and get plenty of rest between events! But at least there's so little chance of them being anywhere near medal contention, that it's not a big risk.

Which leaves me with the thought that the best bet would be to put Bradie in for both team SP and FS. She'll have the longest interval between team event and the ladies' event. Also she's the very definition of unflappable; did you read what she said about overcoming nerves before the nationals FS? Really impressive. If this were the decision, then two dance teams would have the chance ... again, if they want the chance ... to win a team medal.

It's all very interesting.... and angst-making.

 

[StitchMonkey]

It would be a pity for Nathan to burn himself out in the team event when the medal is likely set regardless of who competes for Team USA. Nathan doing one program would also allow his training mate Adam to earn an Olympic medal (if chosen).

I agree completely. I don't even know if his boots could handle doing both.

 

[klutzy]

I agree completely. I don't even know if his boots could handle doing both.

He has six pairs of boots ready to go. (The things you learn from random YouTubes).

That said, Bradie is rock-solid, but not a likely medalist. Either Karen or Mirai could have a brilliant skate and be as likely to medal (not at all likely) as Bradie. Main problem with having only Bradie skate is that it means no medal for either Karen or Mirai, but that's going to be a problem somewhere. Both the men and the dance teams are stronger and maybe deserve team medals more.

 

[pkmnfan]

Both Bradie and Mirai would probably end up placing 4-5th in the FP of the team event anyway (losing to Russia, Canada, Japan, and Italy if they make it to the finals). But there's a much greater potential point difference between Nathan and Adam. Of course it all depends on what Nathan wants to do.

 

[R.D.]

Either Karen or Mirai could have a brilliant skate and be as likely to medal (not at all likely) as Bradie. Main problem with having only Bradie skate is that it means no medal for either Karen or Mirai, but that's going to be a problem somewhere.

Unsure why exactly this is a problem? The skater(s) most likely to win that medal should be put on the event :think:

 

[Spirals for Miles]

Ashley on the TODAY show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_EXBvO3NFc
not sure if this has been posted

 

[russianfan]

This from the poster who still has hope for the U.S. junior ladies?

what's wrong with having hope for the U.S. junior ladies? there soon will be one very promising girl

 

[Sjs5572]

what's wrong with having hope for the U.S. junior ladies? there soon will be one very promising girl

What about Alysa Liu? She delivered a fully rotated seven triple backloaded free skate at nationals and is only twelve years old. Currently, she is training the 3axel and 4salchow.

 

[russianfan]

What about Alysa Liu? She delivered a fully rotated seven triple backloaded free skate at nationals and is only twelve years old. Currently, she is training the 3axel and 4salchow.

yeah, thats what i'm talking about

 

[MarinHondas]

What about Alysa Liu? She delivered a fully rotated seven triple backloaded free skate at nationals and is only twelve years old. Currently, she is training the 3axel and 4salchow.

Alysa Liu is great but rn there’s Ting Cui. Ting rippons a lot of her jumps(all except 2toe in a combo, 2axels, and 3loop) and just is very promising. I guess we will see how she does at Jr. worlds. Then there’s Pooja K. She has nice solid jump technique and is so musical and lovely. I am so excited to see her on the JGP next season. Even Hanna Harrell, who is a bit inconsistent, shows great potential. Like Ting, rippons lots of her jumps and does 3f-3toe and then does a 2a-1/2 lo- 3sal in the second half. She is very entertaining and fun to watch. I see no reason not to be excited about the Jr. ladies. There’s lots of talent there. Alysa is a huge star but there’s also Ting, Pooja, and Hanna. Last year there was less talent in Jr.’s but this year I was blown away.

 

[Jammers]

What about Alysa Liu? She delivered a fully rotated seven triple backloaded free skate at nationals and is only twelve years old. Currently, she is training the 3axel and 4salchow.

Whenever i hear a 12 year old is training a 3axel or quads i just roll my eyes. Let this girl learn the proper technique for all her jumps and let her get through her growth spurts then worry about doing those other jumps. Jumps you might be able to do at 12 when you rotate like a top get way harder when you've grown 8-9 inches and have a woman's body.

 

[Ares]

Whenever i hear a 12 year old is training a 3axel or quads i just roll my eyes. Let this girl learn the proper technique for all her jumps and let her get through her growth spurts then worry about doing those other jumps. Jumps you might be able to do at 12 when you rotate like a top get way harder when you've grown 8-9 inches and have a woman's body.

I think it's better to start early if you can. Just take a look at Tuktamysheva, she was landing 3axels when she was 12 / 13 years old ... then she was not going for that jump for years but all in all I bet that this skill being mastered when much younger came in handy at the 2015 World Championships. So maybe it's preferable to pursue these most difficult skills early on.

 

[lyndichee]

Whenever i hear a 12 year old is training a 3axel or quads i just roll my eyes. Let this girl learn the proper technique for all her jumps and let her get through her growth spurts then worry about doing those other jumps. Jumps you might be able to do at 12 when you rotate like a top get way harder when you've grown 8-9 inches and have a woman's body.

Mishin is a very famous coach and has actually studied the mechanics of figure skating. He has stated that girls need to learn the jumps before puberty in order to be land them as a senior competitor. I'm much more inclined to believe him and trust that Alysa's team is also keeping tabs on her health. Alysa is already miles ahead of her competitors so she will likely want to progress further.

 

[drivingmissdaisy]

I think it's better to start early if you can. Just look take a look at Tuktamysheva, she was landing 3axels when she was 12 / 13 years old ... then she was not going for that jump for years but all in all I bet that this skill mastered when much younger come in handy at the 2015 World Championships. So maybe it's preferable to purse these most difficult skills early on.

I'm actually surprised that Liza lost the consistency on her jumps. She executes them with such ease and sound technique, including the 3A. But I was very happy that she introduced the jump in competition years after I saw the video of her doing it years back.

 

[Bluediamonds09]

I just want the junior ladies to do well at junior worlds. But it’s an uphill battle. Look, there’s 6 ladies from Japan and Russia so most likely they’ll occupy the top 6 spots. That leaves the US ladies about 7th and 8th place and no 3 spots next year.

 

[b-man]

It’s only four days.

Let's see. Nathan skated his Nationals winning FS on Saturday. Sunday was the Smucker's gala. And guess who skated the most energetic program, with jumps everywhere and getting a huge ovation. And that was just for fun. That was the next day. He was hugely motivated to skate a great gala program the next day, and people say he couldn't get motivated for a Olympic medal in 4 days??

 

[frida80]

Let's see. Nathan skated his Nationals winning FS on Saturday. Sunday was the Smucker's gala. And guess who skated the most energetic program, with jumps everywhere and getting a huge ovation. And that was just for fun. That was the next day. He was hugely motivated to skate a great gala program the next day, and people say he couldn't get motivated for a Olympic medal in 4 days??

But he only did two triples in the gala and it wasn't competition. Both Yuzuru and Patrick did both in 2014, they melted down in the FS for singles. It's just not a good idea.

 

[MarinHondas]

I just want the junior ladies to do well at junior worlds. But it’s an uphill battle. Look, there’s 6 ladies from Japan and Russia so most likely they’ll occupy the top 6 spots. That leaves the US ladies about 7th and 8th place and no 3 spots next year.

Japanese girls are very strong don't get me wrong but they aren't as rock solid as the Russians. Something could happen there and open up the door for Ting or Starr. I don't expect us to get three spots though.

 

[Mrs. P]

Don't forget Eunsoo Lim and Young You from Korea. It's going to be quite the competitive field, but it will be good for Ting and Starr to get this experience!

 

[MarinHondas]

Let's see. Nathan skated his Nationals winning FS on Saturday. Sunday was the Smucker's gala. And guess who skated the most energetic program, with jumps everywhere and getting a huge ovation. And that was just for fun. That was the next day. He was hugely motivated to skate a great gala program the next day, and people say he couldn't get motivated for a Olympic medal in 4 days??

He only did triples. Triples are insanely easy for him. They are like doubles for ladies I would say. (for Nathan, not all men). He had an energetic program but he was not doing another 5 quad + 3a fs.