Emily Hughes - What Do You Think?

[jsteam4501s]

Emily is an all-raw-power skater who looks awkward when she tries to be graceful and lyrical. Nationals was very close because the judges "held EMILY up" too much , not Kimmie. Kimmie is combining power with artistry much better this season.

It kind of annoys me that those of you who criticize Kimmie say that she "doesn't feel the music" or appears to be "counting off the elements one by one", but you EXUSE Emily from being graceful and expressive by emphasizing her "enthusiasm" and her "spirit". In other words, in your eyes Kimmie has to be graceful , Emily doesn't.

For Emily to win a medal at worlds would require a lot of other skaters really having a crash-and-burn.

On the other hand, Alyssa could give away some of her artistic merit to a couple of other skaters and still have a shot at a medal.

This is not Emily-bashing - I see her mostly well-executed raw power and her enthusiasm, just little beyond those.

 

[R.D.]

It kind of annoys me that those of you who criticize Kimmie say that she "doesn't feel the music" or appears to be "counting off the elements one by one", but you EXUSE Emily from being graceful and expressive by emphasizing her "enthusiasm" and her "spirit". In other words, in your eyes Kimmie has to be graceful , Emily doesn't.

Remember, it's all opinion. One right doesn't make the other wrong.

in MY view, I share the feeling that Kimmie's SKATING is rather bleh, and I know others feel the same way too. It's not an attack on her personally, it's just that when she skates I get nothing out of it. Simple.

And as for Emily Bashing- I've seen a little of it here and there, but mostly mixed in with harsh criticism.

 

[amber68]

For Emily to win a medal at worlds would require a lot of other skaters really having a crash-and-burn.

On the other hand, Alyssa could give away some of her artistic merit to a couple of other skaters and still have a shot at a medal.

Well, opinions vary. I think that Emily is a better skater than Alyssa and, if she becomes consistent, I wouldn't be surprised to see her medalling at Worlds.
Alyssa will never come near the podium if she does not find a coach to change her jump technique. Her falls are not caused by lack of mental toughness but by the very flawed jump technique.
(None of the top skaters underrotate their jumps as much as Alyssa. At 4CC her second 3F&3L lacked more than 1/2 rotation. Also the height, position in the air are not great. Even when Alyssa lands the jumps, they don't look pretty).
And this is a major issue .

 

[Tonichelle]

I don't agree. I like the whole issue of confrontation- it gets things out in the open. Granted, it only works with sane folks. :yes:

there's a difference between a disagreement that's rational and one that is started by someone who has issues that are outside of skating fandom but bleeds over... that's what I'm talking about...

if someone - like myself - can't always control their emotions it's best to stay quiet until you can make a rational post...

I am *trying* to follow my own advice these days, we'll see if I ever get around to actually doing it though lol

 

[antmanb]

I'm sorry but I consider a one handed Bielman a cheated move. She cannot do a real Bielman so she flutters her free hand to distract from the improper position?

Its not a one-handed Biellmann, its a Chinese Spiral.

Ant

 

[antmanb]

This isn't about their differences, or who has lighter jumps. Just talking about Emily's LP full of crossovers and no transitions, and that Kwan did the same for years...

After she'd won countless national and world titles and provided us programs crammed full of beautiful choreography and transitions. You could view Kwan's move to empiter programs (choreogrpahically speaking) as going hand in hand with the onset of injury and as she was approaching the final few seasons of her elligible career. I'm not sure a comparison of Emily trying to do at her best, in her prime and in her youth what Kwan was managing at the end is that favourable a comparison to Emily.

Ant

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

This will be Emily's second Worlds, and I believe the field is tougher than it was in Calgary which only sported Sasha and Fumie. Tokyo has a tough Asian lineup, a determined Swiss gal, and a Canadian looking for her first Worlds podium.

Let's see how Emily does at this Worlds. It will be soon.

Joe

 

[flying camel]

I like Emily. I like her fighting spirit. However, she is not on the same level as the top skaters competing. I don't see her being anywhere near the World podium at least not this year. She needs to keep competing and working with different choreographers. Once some of the top juniors are age elegible I don't see her making anymore world teams.

 

[Linny]

For how long?

Love Emily. Think she brings something special to the ice. Just don't think she can maintain it for more than another 2 years or so.
Linny

 

[SeaniBu]

On the other hand, Alyssa could give away some of her artistic merit to a couple of other skaters and still have a shot at a medal.

Under the 6.0 sys, but I doubt the CoP sees it that way.

I agree with the comment about having "artistic expression" to spare :agree: - as well as centering that leads me to believe she has been drinking Swiss water all her life . But under the CoP, as so many are quick to point out, does not reward the PCS as in the past making the Jumps more important. This in turn will be the factor that keeps her off the podium IMO. I would love to be wrong because that would mean the artistic is coming back in judging. But as for now, the ones who out jump Alissa will out place Alissa. JMO

 

[nubka]

After she'd won countless national and world titles and provided us programs crammed full of beautiful choreography and transitions. You could view Kwan's move to empiter programs (choreogrpahically speaking) as going hand in hand with the onset of injury and as she was approaching the final few seasons of her elligible career. I'm not sure a comparison of Emily trying to do at her best, in her prime and in her youth what Kwan was managing at the end is that favourable a comparison to Emily.
Ant

Probably not. That's why even though I like Emily's skating, I know she will certainly never be another Kwan...

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

I don't agree. I like the whole issue of confrontation- it gets things out in the open. Granted, it only works with sane folks. :yes:

And for people who have admitedly dislike Kwan since 1998.

Remember, it's all opinion. One right doesn't make the other wrong.

NOT TRUE​

There are many contriubtors in this Forum who are able to discuss the whole gamit of figure skating and have something to offer other than their prejudiced opinion. they even know the difference between the lutz and a flip.

Joe

 

[Tonichelle]

and there are some who can't tell the difference between a lutz and a flip but that doesn't mean their opinion should be dismissed...

 

[R.D.]

Tokyo has a tough Asian lineup, a determined Swiss gal, and a Canadian looking for her first Worlds podium.

IIRC, Calgary had this "lineup" as well. It just depends on how they skate. Everyone is in the same boat.

Anyway, I don't think the comparisons to Kwan are fair to Hughes. Why does everyone have to be compared to her? She was one of a kind. The exception, not the rule.

 

[R.D.]

And for people who have admitedly dislike Kwan since 1998.

Putting words in my mouth again, but I guess I shouldn't expect much more from you.

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

and there are some who can't tell the difference between a lutz and a flip but that doesn't mean their opinion should be dismissed...

I did not say that. I am saying there is more to this Forum than opinions. which had been posted as some sort of factual statement.. Nothing wrong with that. But I believe Golden Skate goes beyond opinions and there have been gobs of posts contributing to the interest of the Forum and not just someone opining.

Do you think we should only posts opinions as was the case with::

Remember, it's all opinion.

Just sticking up for Golden Skate.

Joe

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

and there are some who can't tell the difference between a lutz and a flip but that doesn't mean their opinion should be dismissed...

I don't think it should be dismissed. It shows the reader who he is dealing with;. Again nothing wrong with opinions but Golden Skate goes beyond opinions, You don't agree?

Joe

 

[Tinymavy15]

Well, opinions vary. I think that Emily is a better skater than Alyssa and, if she becomes consistent, I wouldn't be surprised to see her medalling at Worlds.
Alyssa will never come near the podium if she does not find a coach to change her jump technique. Her falls are not caused by lack of mental toughness but by the very flawed jump technique.
(None of the top skaters underrotate their jumps as much as Alyssa. At 4CC her second 3F&3L lacked more than 1/2 rotation. Also the height, position in the air are not great. Even when Alyssa lands the jumps, they don't look pretty).
And this is a major issue .

watching alissa, it looks like her jump technique is bad. Her jumps do look under-roated but i don't think a coaching change will help. after learning them like that for so many years it's a little late to re vamp your whole techniqe. however, alissa is landing her jumps solidly in practice. She does amazing run-throughs. it's just in the comption ice that she falls apart.

 

[Tonichelle]

I don't think it should be dismissed. It shows the reader who he is dealing with;. Again nothing wrong with opinions but Golden Skate goes beyond opinions, You don't agree?

Joe

Where are these supposed distinctions? What facts are we talking about that someone else called an opinion. Some don't agree that Michelle is the greatest since sliced bread. That doesn't make them less of a fan. And just because someone can't identify a jump that doesn't make them less qualified to think so.

Skating is an objective sport, like it or not opinion seems to rule more -on the board and off- than fact.

 

[SeaniBu]

Wow Toni, I am really starting to see why you are so valuable to GS. You are so ... whatever. I can't believe you get me to gush over you. I never would have thought it. Wow!

Yah I think that thinking outside the box, I know some hate that term - is good. It doesn't say much if you try to present a point as being "well I know this is wrong, or don't agree, but here is the point." It is already invalidated before you even bring it up. The goal is to expand knowledge and entertain different POVs. What else is going to bring the "undeniable truth" if you can't see another opinion? Isn't the whole idea of an opinion based on the fact there is going to be other opinions? I think it is seeming just like a "red letter day" and what is valid only comes from discounting that which is anyway.

Like - I think John and Ina have the best Death spiral, and Ira enters her donut spin the best to me. Someone can come along and show me that I am irrational giving examples and I change my tune. Eb n Flow.