2018-19 U.S. Ladies' figure skating

[TontoK]

I disagree about the scores on juniors translating to seniors: I think as the juniors transition to seniors, the 5s that are being handed out like gummy bears at junior ladies will morph into something more reasonable. Particularly when they come up against more established senior skaters. I base this, however, on what happens to “name” men with big old jumps their first year in seniors (Nathan, Vincent) and not the ladies whom I follow less.

My moneys on Bradie, unless Ting and Alysia considerably up their performance factor, and they are young and should be given time to do so, rather than expected to slay this year.

Then again, I *always* thought, based on seeing her live twice last year, that Bradie was mature and confident. Now we can add “more polished” to the list.

Before last year, I had barely heard of Bradie. But she earned her reputation for steadiness and reliability fairly. And, as you know, I'm a fan.

So, I'm not closing the door on the possibility that some other young US lady can do the same thing this season. But, so far, I don't see it, at least in the senior ranks.

I remain ever hopeful.

As for the artistry issue, I didn't see a problem last year. True, she might not have been as polished as some, but she certainly wasn't just stomping around the ice like a pack animal, as some have portrayed. She seemed determined and ambitious, and I don't think that's bad.

 

[Jammers]

Before last year, I had barely heard of Bradie. But she earned her reputation for steadiness and reliability fairly. And, as you know, I'm a fan.

So, I'm not closing the door on the possibility that some other young US lady can do the same thing this season. But, so far, I don't see it, at least in the senior ranks.

I remain ever hopeful.

As for the artistry issue, I didn't see a problem last year. True, she might not have been as polished as some, but she certainly wasn't just stomping around the ice like a pack animal, as some have portrayed. She seemed determined and ambitious, and I don't think that's bad.

It's time for the new kids to grab the reins and take over US Ladies. Mirai and Ashley have been around for over a decade and their time is done. The older group of skaters like Mariah, Courtney and Anglela Wang have had there chances and aren't the answer either so i see it being Bradie and the 17 a and under girls leading the way. 2014-2016 Gracie would still be the best the US has to offer but i don't see Gold ever reaching that level ever again. Karen and Amber are great talents but are major headcases who can't be counted on even though both are still young.

 

[mishulyia]

I liked Gabriella Izzo at one of the JGP comps. Impressed by her presence and flow.

 

[Bluediamonds09]

Are there any small competitions going on for US skaters??

I think there should be. They need all the experience they can get with competing. That’s probably why the Russians are so consistent; they compete all the time! And even now, there are all these different stages and events going on.

 

[elbkup]

Anticipating what Gracie Gold will bring to the table this season... no news yet but she may be gaining strength and could surprise us all! Good luck Grscie!!

 

[macy]

I have to say that although Bradie is looking great, the young ones like Alysa Liu and Ting Cui may still give her a run for her money in keeping her national title.

i think ting and alysa will be podium threats if they're clean, but unless bradie bombs she'll repeat as national champ. i think she'd have to do really badly and others do really well for her to not win.

 

[Spirals for Miles]

i think ting and alysa will be podium threats if they're clean, but unless bradie bombs she'll repeat as national champ. i think she'd have to do really badly and others do really well for her to not win.

If Alysa lands her two triple axels and everything else, I could see her winning, or Bradie winning solely on PCS

 

[macy]

Hannah Miller has lovely qualities, but unfortunately she doesn't seem able to fully rotate her jumps.

she's been fighting injuries the last couple years or so. i hope she stays healthy this year.

 

[MarinHondas]

Are there any small competitions going on for US skaters??

I think there should be. They need all the experience they can get with competing. That’s probably why the Russians are so consistent; they compete all the time! And even now, there are all these different stages and events going on.

There really isn't. Skaters who don't have byes are preparing for regionals and others are preparing for JGP, Senior B or GP.

 

[chuckm]

South Atlantic, NW Pacific and Upper GL Regionals start next week.

 

[chuckm]

If Alysa lands her two triple axels and everything else, I could see her winning, or Bradie winning solely on PCS

At least when Mirai won the US Championship in 2008, she at least had a year of Junior competition behind her, with two JGP and a JGPF gold and JW silver. Alysa is too young to have that. I can't see USFS handing the US Championship to a skater who is too young to compete even at the junior level until the following season. If there was no current senior skater of comparable or superior ability, perhaps she would have a shot---but that just isn't the case.

If Bradie wins, it won't be solely on PCS. In addition to solid jumps, she also has excellent spins---and she has a track record for doing well at the international level at SENIOR events. Becoming a seeded skater in the GP after your first year as a senior is pretty darned impressive. That Bradie has improved her technical and performance abilities so much in just a short time---as demonstrated at her first competition this season---is even more amazing. No other US skater has proven to be a more consistent performer than Bradie, and she is clearly determined to move ahead in her skating career.

There's no doubt that Alysa is talented, but she is young and still has the challenge of growth and puberty ahead of her. IMO, she has a good chance of making the US podium, but silver is probably the most she can expect.

 

[mrrice]

At least when Mirai won the US Championship in 2008, she at least had a year of Junior competition behind her, with two JGP and a JGPF gold and JW silver. Alysa is too young to have that. I can't see USFS handing the US Championship to a skater who is too young to compete even at the junior level until the following season. If there was no current senior skater of comparable or superior ability, perhaps she would have a shot---but that just isn't the case.

If Bradie wins, it won't be solely on PCS. In addition to solid jumps, she also has excellent spins---and she has a track record for doing well at the international level at SENIOR events. Becoming a seeded skater in the GP after your first year as a senior is pretty darned impressive. That Bradie has improved her technical and performance abilities so much in just a short time---as demonstrated at her first competition this season---is even more amazing. No other US skater has proven to be a more consistent performer than Bradie, and she is clearly determined to move ahead in her skating career.

There's no doubt that Alysa is talented, but she is young and still has the challenge of growth and puberty ahead of her. IMO, she has a good chance of making the US podium, but silver is probably the most she can expect.

Well said!

 

[MarinHondas]

http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1120891.shtml

This article is slightly confusing to me? Has Beverly Zhu switched to represent China or just train there? I am pretty sure she will represent China as well but it is unclear to me.

 

[MarinHondas]

If she has switched to rep China, I would say that's sad for the U.S., she is a big talent with lots of potential.

 

[frida80]

http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1120891.shtml

This article is slightly confusing to me? Has Beverly Zhu switched to represent China or just train there? I am pretty sure she will represent China as well but it is unclear to me.

Wow... I have to say I’m shocked. I stopped paying attention to her earlier this season because she got injured and assumed she return later. I knew that China was looking at a US born skater but I had no idea she was in their cross hairs. Well, good for her p. She gets to train with the legendary Tiffany Chin. She also helps fill a desperately needed Chinese lady spot to help with the 2022 Olympics. I’m going I miss seeing her skate for this US, but if this helps her fulfill her dreams, go for it.

 

[labgoat]

I believe Alissa Ciszny won the Grand Prix Final Gold in 2010. She also won Nebelhorn that year. Ashley medaled in the 2012 GP Final.

First time to post on this forum however I have read it religiously for years. Please don't rip me apart if I made a redundant post or maybe misunderstood the question....

This is going to be a very interesting season as the senior ladies transition out of competitive careers, opening up the ranks for junior skaters.

Welcome! I'd also like to add the following winners of Four Continents:

2007 Kimmie Meissner
2012 Ashley Wagner
2015 Polina Edmunds

 

[kwanatic]

http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1120891.shtml

This article is slightly confusing to me? Has Beverly Zhu switched to represent China or just train there? I am pretty sure she will represent China as well but it is unclear to me.

Yes, it appears as though she'll be representing China. I just went back and watched her SP from nationals this year. She's a lovely skater. Good SS, nice jumps and spins...she has the potential to be really great. On the one hand it's sad but on the other good for her. China is pulling her with the intention of sending her to Beijing in 2022. Barring any accidents/injuries she's almost guaranteed a spot to the Olympics, in the country she represents. That's pretty amazing for her.

Hopefully they'll be able to work with her and get her competitive. China hasn't had a strong skater in the women's event since Zijun Li back around 2013 when she had that amazing performance at worlds. She never really made it back to that level of skating after that with all of the injuries and other issues. Fingers crossed Beverly can be that go-to skater China needs.

 

[MarinHondas]

Yes, it appears as though she'll be representing China. I just went back and watched her SP from nationals this year. She's a lovely skater. Good SS, nice jumps and spins...she has the potential to be really great. On the one hand it's sad but on the other good for her. China is pulling her with the intention of sending her to Beijing in 2022. Barring any accidents/injuries she's almost guaranteed a spot to the Olympics, in the country she represents. That's pretty amazing for her.

Hopefully they'll be able to work with her and get her competitive. China hasn't had a strong skater in the women's event since Zijun Li back around 2013 when she had that amazing performance at worlds. She never really made it back to that level of skating after that with all of the injuries and other issues. Fingers crossed Beverly can be that go-to skater China needs.

Yes, this is true. All I can say is that I hope she will be competitive by 2022, that would be really awesome because I like her skating.

 

[zebobes]

I actually was wondering if China would try to recruit Alysa Liu, but I imagine that the US would NOT want to give her up, and having a gay father would probably also be difficult for the more traditionally minded people in China to except.

 

[drivingmissdaisy]

I actually was wondering if China would try to recruit Alysa Liu, but I imagine that the US would NOT want to give her up, and having a gay father would probably also be difficult for the more traditionally minded people in China to except.

Normally I'd say that, unless she wouldn't be competitive with the US women, there wouldn't be any compelling reason to switch. However, Chinese athletes who reach the top of their sport can do tremendously well financially through sponsorships. Li Na, a former top tennis player, secured $48 million in sponsorships after winning a Grand Slam title.