2018-19 U.S. Men’s figure skating

[heyheyhey]

I mean Nathan has his own unique qualities that none of those other guys have, I very much doubt any of the other current skaters could pull off some of his music choices as they’re very specific to his style and his style is very unique. He doesn’t need other people’s qualities, he has his own that works for him.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

I agree about him not having the drama, artistry, edgework, or maybe even the earnestness of his peers or predecessors, but I still somehow find Nathan elegant? I don't fully know why, but he has a very stately presence on the ice. I think it comes from his confidence and easygoing personality in part. The things he does well, like the more modern Shae-Lynn step sequences and his spread eagles, just look so good. He brings something unique to the men's field, and I do feel that he's growing his artistry bit by bit. Who knows, maybe the life experience of college will be good for helping develop that.

Please tell me the bolded part is just a joke. He has all of those things and more. Have you seen him perform live?

 

[sworddance21]

Jason's SP win in TES is exactly what I like about the new system - rewarding quality. That program was magical.

His skating skills are just to die for.

Watching him back to back with Aliev (who I really like) or some of the other "artistic" skaters, there really is no comparison. Jason's carriage, his finish of every single movement, are just spectacular. He reminds me of Cizeron. He's majestic.

 

[theharleyquinn]

Please tell me the bolded part is just a joke. He has all of those things and more. Have you seen him perform live?

The person I quoted compared his edgework and flow to Patrick/Daisuke/Stephane, his artistry to Yuzu/Daisuke, and his drama to Johnny/Shoma. The point was he has all of those things, but they aren't necessarily as natural as they are to the skaters above. I don't think that takes away from his impressive well-roundedness on a lot of those skills, but it's a statement that he has the potential to grow much more in all of them which was the point of my compliment. And yes, I have.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

The person I quoted compared his edgework and flow to Patrick/Daisuke/Stephane, his artistry to Yuzu/Daisuke, and his drama to Johnny/Shoma. The point was he has all of those things, but they aren't necessarily as natural as they are to the skaters above. I don't think that takes away from his impressive well-roundedness on a lot of those skills, but it's a statement that he has the potential to grow much more in all of them which was the point of my compliment. And yes, I have.

Well, I would have to disagree with them too. I mean, yes, he has edgework that is very good and it's the closest of any of the eligible men right now. His artistry is there, and I don't particularly find Weir or Shoma very "drama" with their skating. So to each their own.

 

[theharleyquinn]

Well, I would have to disagree with them too. I mean, yes, he has edgework that is very good and it's the closest of any of the eligible men right now. His artistry is there, and I don't particularly find Weir or Shoma very "drama" with their skating. So to each their own.

I'm still failing to see where we disagree on Nathan based on what I actually wrote, but okay. Nathan's SPs are very good but his FS runs the risk of becoming a jump drill when he's focused too much on the technical content. This was my issue with his free last season, even though his short was my favorite by a mile. His artistry is there, but he needs to develop follow-through for the full program.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

I'm still failing to see where we disagree on Nathan based on what I actually wrote, but okay. Nathan's SPs are very good but his FS runs the risk of becoming a jump drill when he's focused too much on the technical content. This was my issue with his free last season, even though his short was my favorite by a mile. His artistry is there, but he needs to develop follow-through for the full program.

I said he has it, and you said he doesn't. We agree to disagree.

 

[theharleyquinn]

I said he has it, and you said he doesn't. We agree to disagree.

I'm normally not the type to argue about these things, but I really don't appreciate being misquoted, especially about a skater I genuinely enjoy.

I agree about him not having the drama, artistry, edgework, or maybe even the earnestness of his peers or predecessors, but I still somehow find Nathan elegant?

The person I quoted compared his edgework and flow to Patrick/Daisuke/Stephane, his artistry to Yuzu/Daisuke, and his drama to Johnny/Shoma. The point was he has all of those things, but they aren't necessarily as natural as they are to the skaters above. I don't think that takes away from his impressive well-roundedness on a lot of those skills, but it's a statement that he has the potential to grow much more in all of them which was the point of my compliment. And yes, I have.

Next time quote the full gist of what I actually said instead of cutting it off for the sake of argument. I never said he doesn't have those skills.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

I'm normally not the type to argue about these things, but I really don't appreciate being misquoted, especially about a skater I genuinely enjoy.





Next time quote the full gist of what I actually said instead of cutting it off for the sake of argument. I never said he doesn't have those skills.

Uh, I never misquoted you, but can we move along now?

Quote Originally Posted by theharleyquinn View Post
I agree about him not having the drama, artistry, edgework, or maybe even the earnestness of his peers or predecessors, but I still somehow find Nathan elegant? I don't fully know why, but he has a very stately presence on the ice. I think it comes from his confidence and easygoing personality in part. The things he does well, like the more modern Shae-Lynn step sequences and his spread eagles, just look so good. He brings something unique to the men's field, and I do feel that he's growing his artistry bit by bit. Who knows, maybe the life experience of college will be good for helping develop that.

 

[princessalica]

I love watching Nathan skate. His style is very different from most of the men, but it is definitely a unique style that I love watching. Jason is also fun to watch, but I think its awesome to be able to see what their different personalities bring to the ice.

 

[Metis]

I said he has it, and you said he doesn't. We agree to disagree.

At this point, you’re willfully misreading. Moreover, this isn’t Nathan’s fanfest and people are allowed to have different opinions.

 

[century2009]

I really like Nathan's modern style. Shae and him should always collaborate because from Nathan, Shae has a muse for contemporary music in figure skating. Nemesis and now Caravan is so different and so well done. It is a match made in heaven.

Nemesis is such a masterpiece and didnt even know the music and now love the artist. And it works so well for him and his style. I was really impressed and didnt think this was in him.

And then Caravan does a great job of expanding it further but doing something different.

It all has this youthful and modern take that I havent seen done before, and fits him so well. I couldnt think of another skater doing it. Just great really.

He is a top skater and I really like that he doesnt skate to typical warhorses. And experiments. He has great skating skills that rival others but with a different flow and edgework. So glad he is different from others because I dont want to see another Hanyu, Javi, Patrick, Yaugin, etc.

That is probably why I hope he balance school and skating well because it would be sad if he leaves the sport early. He is leaving a mark but he still could do so much more. (Also, I really like that there is actually competition in this sport because right now, it is lacking with top guys leaving. And the US is also lacking)

 

[Tavi...]

I really like Nathan's modern style. Shae and him should always collaborate because from Nathan, Shae has a muse for contemporary music in figure skating. Nemesis and now Caravan is so different and so well done. It is a match made in heaven.

Nemesis is such a masterpiece and didnt even know the music and now love the artist. And it works so well for him and his style. I was really impressed and didnt think this was in him.

And then Caravan does a great job of expanding it further but doing something different.

It all has this youthful and modern take that I havent seen done before, and fits him so well. I couldnt think of another skater doing it. Just great really.

He is a top skater and I really like that he doesnt skate to typical warhorses. And experiments. He has great skating skills that rival others but with a different flow and edgework. So glad he is different from others because I dont want to see another Hanyu, Javi, Patrick, Yaugin, etc.

That is probably why I hope he balance school and skating well because it would be sad if he leaves the sport early. He is leaving a mark but he still could do so much more. (Also, I really like that there is actually competition in this sport because right now, it is lacking with top guys leaving. And the US is also lacking)

Try to remember that there are fans of other US men on this board. Saying the US is lacking in this thread is not only negative it’s untrue. We all like different things.

 

[Mrs. P]

(Also, I really like that there is actually competition in this sport because right now, it is lacking with top guys leaving. And the US is also lacking)

Jason "I got a 96.41, beat Nathan in the SP at IdF and currently have the men's fourth highest SP score." Brown would like a word. ETA: Also, he is only one of two skaters who have medaled on the GP during every year of his senior international career (only Yuzu has as a longer consecutive record) for at least six seasons.

In all seriousness, I think we can all agree that Nathan definitely shook things up and merits having the strong loyal following of fans he has. And yes, when he executes his technical content fully, he is pretty much assured of winning most competitions, as we did see in the free skate of IdF.

I will also add that Nathan has always had solid skating skills and good speed. I also really like his Caravan program because it allows him to perform outward to the audience. However, while Nathan is quite special, there is plenty to appreciate in the other men on the world stage.

The U.S. men definitely has far less depth in the senior ranks now that Adam and Max have retired, but I think to say there's a lot of good things to still appreciate. We had three men qualify to the GPF (heal quick, Andrew!). Nathan, of course, won both his GPs, Jason had a nice comeback at IdF.

Overall, five U.S. men won 8 medals between the JGP and GP, that's actually tied with Russia, who also won 8 medals (between 6 men). Japan had best result, with 7 men winning 10 medals.

So take that fwiw.

 

[century2009]

I cant speak of Juniors because Seniors is a different ballpark, and we have seen many that cant maintain their status as they move to Senior because it is very tough.

There are potential there, but right now, I will wait until they perform in Senior to comment.

You know I had so much hope for Jason in the past, but have been disappointed by his inconsistency, some of it is mental and some of it is still not doing a quad when his same-generation peers have all adjusted.

I am glad he made a big change because things were not working. He showed he still got it in France, but I will wait until he puts out more of this because by the free program, he lost me again. And he had this same clean program before in the past.

I know Jason is in adjustment period, so not expecting much this season, but I cant trust one performance. And this is why he needs at least a quad, because there is no way you can always have a clean program every single time and hope for others to make mistakes. You need buffers.

Someone else put it nicely here ---- Nathan is the only one driving the US manual car (while listening to Yale lectures and studying).

And right now, everyone is in the backseat and Jason, at the moment, is in the passenger seat. I hope Jason can drive the car, but right now, it is too early as he learning stick-shift.


In the backseat,
Vincent is fixing his underrotation.

Alex and Jimmy are figuring out their performance and quad as it is their first time in the car.

Adam was dropped off in LA.

Ross wanted to be dropped of somewhere.

Grant was dropped off at Church.

Max was dropped off at a bank.

Camden Andrew, and other junior are too young to be in the car.

So yeah, depth is a bit lacking in the US car as it makes its way through its 2018-2019 destinations.

 

[princessalica]

So anyone else see Nathan's IG post? He apparently lost his case for his airpods and then people were jerks and called him an idiot for it - he called himself a fool. He was just asking where to get a new case. I'm sometimes amazed at how people feel that they can take the littlest thing and be jerks about it and because you aren't face to face that makes it ok??? I'll admit that tone is lost many times in written word, but people seem to have no respect whatsoever for anyone else's feelings.

 

[princessalica]

Really there are only three men in the world on the same level - Nathan, Shoma, and Yuzu - And you can argue that one is better - but realistically, these three are fighting for the top - There are some in the next group down that are top ten in the World potential, but unless the top three falter badly - they aren't going to podium at GPF or Worlds. We've got Jason who definitely is in that group - And Vincent who also could be - If as everyone knows he can get a handle on underrotations - But I don't think that the US is lacking any more depth than any other country. I mean yes Japan has 2 of the top 3 - but after those top three the next up is Tanaka - who is ranked 23rd this season (Nathan is only 15th because he only has 2 competitions). Russia has several in the 2nd group, but none in the top tier. And those are the only other nations with enough skaters to worry about their depth. I absolutely want to see the other US men achieve their potential, and yes we are talking about potential on them, but this is the season after the Olympics. It is a season of change. If we look at World Standing going into this year, US and Japan are the only 2 Nations with 2 skaters in the top 5. Russia has 2 in the top 10. Likewise US and Japan both have 4 skaters in the top 20. Really seems pretty comparable to me. Maybe I'm missing something, but I think that pretty much everyone is in the same situation.

 

[sheetz]

So anyone else see Nathan's IG post? He apparently lost his case for his airpods and then people were jerks and called him an idiot for it - he called himself a fool. He was just asking where to get a new case. I'm sometimes amazed at how people feel that they can take the littlest thing and be jerks about it and because you aren't face to face that makes it ok??? I'll admit that tone is lost many times in written word, but people seem to have no respect whatsoever for anyone else's feelings.

Uh, you've completely misinterpreted the post. He was annoyed with himself for misspelling the "y'all" in his original IGS and then immediately corrected it because he's that fastidious. It was all in fun and not to be taken seriously. That's just how he is.

 

[princessalica]

OK, I was like people don't be jerks! That makes me feel better.

 

[skylark]

I love watching Nathan skate. His style is very different from most of the men, but it is definitely a unique style that I love watching. Jason is also fun to watch, but I think its awesome to be able to see what their different personalities bring to the ice.

Inside the disciplined workhorse/ precise technician that is Nathan Chen, there lurks a Wild Spirit, a gypsy who yearns to pull up camp and break free, to express his untamed heart, to live out that wanderlust, that subtle, scintillating streak of rebellion. He's the restless wayward wind.

I thought it couldn't get any better than "Nemesis," and I still think it may be a tie, but his "Caravan" program shows that he can take old, very familiar music and create this dynamic, new idea of it. I love how he dances, how he moves, how his puckish face shows the reckless joy of Caravan. And so very well done, Shae-Lynne.

We do have Jason (yay!). I miss Adam. :sad21: And we have other men still chasing their own unique styles and technical chops. (Double yay!) Throwing in the name of Alex Krasnashon here. They'll reveal themselves, just like Nathan has revealed himself as so much more than a quadster ... although of all the quadsters, he's so amazing. His wiki page shows a long list of records he's broken. But I really don't understand how anyone can look at his skating now and say that he's only about quads. YMMV. I feel like Nathan really is on a journey, and he hasn't got it all mapped out. For someone at the very top level of men's figure skating, that's amazing.