Senior Ladies' Free Skate

[Andalusia]

I just saw Caroline's LP and am agog. Will try to come back and give more detailed opinions when I can stop babbling incoherently.

 

[demarinis5]

Congrats to the winners. Boring broadcast team not impressed at all. Loved the fluff piece with Michelle and Caroline. Kimmie's melt down was difficult to watch.

Caroline is still my favorite and loved her LP.

 

[bethissoawesome]

The age issue again... everyone has argued over certain skaters not being able to go to a competition because they are below the cut-off age. Yes, it's unfair, but yes, the rule was probably put in place with the best intentions (should such young girls have such enormous pressure? what will it do to them physically?)

The problem I see with it lies in the far future. If you were an "elite coach," who would you rather train... someone who can go to the Olympics YOUNG at 16 in their prime for jumping, etc. or someone, because of the age rule, that won't be able to make it until 19, and spend season after season in the senior circuit, becoming more and more prone to injuries and the like....

 

[bekalc]

The age issue again... everyone has argued over certain skaters not being able to go to a competition because they are below the cut-off age. Yes, it's unfair, but yes, the rule was probably put in place with the best intentions (should such young girls have such enormous pressure? what will it do to them physically?)

The problem I see with it lies in the far future. If you were an "elite coach," who would you rather train... someone who can go to the Olympics YOUNG at 16 in their prime for jumping, etc. or someone, because of the age rule, that won't be able to make it until 19, and spend season after season in the senior circuit, becoming more and more prone to injuries and the like....

Um, I think that just about every elite coach out there would kill to have Mao Asada or Yu-na Kim as their students.

 

[R.D.]

That was the big reason so many brought it on this year...next year it will be a different story and I expect nerves to play a much bigger factor. Especially with the world team being sent this year, I think only two of them will get to go, and that will raise the stakes even higher.

 

[bekalc]

That was the big reason so many brought it on this year...next year it will be a different story and I expect nerves to play a much bigger factor. Especially with the world team being sent this year, I think only two of them will get to go, and that will raise the stakes even higher.

Well true. But I doubt that Korea and Japan, and the rest of the world where going to agree to a rule change just because well the USA is now in danger of losing 3 spots for next years worlds. As far as they are probably concerned. One less phenom having worlds experience at the Olympics=A good thing! LOL!

I mean I doubt the USFSA was pushing really hard for the rules to change in 2005 so that Mao and Yu-na could be age eligible and jump their way to medals.

 

[lmarie086]

I just watched some long programs...Kimmie actually broke my heart. I had tears in my eyes. I just hope between now and Worlds she can heal and really attack whatever is going on.
Caroline was gorgeous. I adored that LP. If not for the disastrous SP which, as I saw some people say, was really her evil twin, she would have gotten at least silver. Just beautiful.
I hadn't seen Mirai before and gotta say, she's impressive. Ashley was wonderful as well, and the only I haven't seen is Flatt.
US Ladies is looking good.

 

[bethissoawesome]

Um, I think that just about every elite coach out there would kill to have Mao Asada or Yu-na Kim as their students.

Sure. But think about, they were trained young regardless of the age-rule being implemented--- (hypothetical) Yu-Na or Mao COULD have won the 2006 Olympics, but by 2010, who knows, a lot could happen, and Caroline, Mirai, etc. could be right on their tails going in to that competition.

It happens in gymnastics all of the time... parents, coaches... they won't spend the money for the best training, sacrifice schooling, and so much of life if their child/athlete won't be in their prime when the big competitions roll around. I think it's pretty silly to assume that in the future, skaters who will be in their younger years for their first Olympics will have preferential treatment over those that, best case scenario, can't make it their first time until 19. What if something happens and they miss that ONE window at 19 and have to wait until 23 to go the Olympics? Well, if the skater that ideally falls into the right age parameters misses their first shot, they can go again before 20. 2 shots vs. 1.

It also means (having the ability to) make your big break before or during college... and that can affect a lot of choices as well.

 

[bekalc]

Sure. But think about, they were trained young regardless of the age-rule being implemented--- (hypothetical) Yu-Na or Mao COULD have won the 2006 Olympics, but by 2010, who knows, a lot could happen, and Caroline, Mirai, etc. could be right on their tails going in to that competition.

It happens in gymnastics all of the time... parents, coaches... they won't spend the money for the best training, sacrifice schooling, and so much of life if their child/athlete won't be in their prime when the big competitions roll around. I think it's pretty silly to assume that in the future, skaters who will be in their younger years for their first Olympics will have preferential treatment over those that, best case scenario, can't make it their first time until 19. What if something happens and they miss that ONE window at 19 and have to wait until 23 to go the Olympics? Well, if the skater that ideally falls into the right age parameters misses their first shot, they can go again before 20. 2 shots vs. 1.

It also means (having the ability to) make your big break before or during college... and that can affect a lot of choices as well.

Well that's pretty silly because there is still world titles to be had, regardless of age for the Olympics. Khorkina in gymnastics did quite well until she was a ripe old age. With the new age rules in place, I think it's quite much to assume that a skater who is 15/16 and is dealing with major, major body changes. And also doesn't have a whole lot of experience is somehow going to pull it out at the Olympics.

Lipinski, and Hughes who were the last really young champions had 2 world competition experiences under their belt and Baul had at least one...The last 4 world champions, were all over 18 when they won.

As for Yu-na and Mao, I think they still have an edge over the US girls. In the sense of basic skating skills. Mao has the triple axel. And Yu-na's jumping technique is really second to none. By the time the Olympics rolls around they will both be much more experienced and both should have gone through their growth issues.

Whereas Caroline, Mirai, Rachael Flatt etc, will be right around Meissner's age and dealing with puberty themselves. I say if you see a young skater with talent train them.

Yu-na and Mao will have quite a lot of advantages over the youngsters at the Olympics.

 

[feraina]

Caroline was gorgeous. I adored that LP. If not for the disastrous SP which, as I saw some people say, was really her evil twin, she would have gotten at least silver. Just beautiful.

I would agree, but unfortunately the tech panel/judges don't -- they placed her 4th in the LP.

 

[emilycarlson]

Mirai Nagasu - Emily Carlson

On her very first jump in her long program, Mirai Nagasu tumbles to the ground. Gasps fill the Xcel Center in St. Paul. But the 14 year old wasn't disappointed with her fall - she was angry. She went on to land the next seven triple jumps, and became the second youngest United States figure skating champion ever. Nagasu is just 34 days older than Tara Lipinski when she won the title in 1997. Because she is just 14, she cannot compete in the World Championships next month in Sweden. The International Skating Union says to compete at Worlds, skaters had to be 15 by July 1, 2007. Mirai won't be 15 until next April. The rule is supposed to keep the young "kids" out of the lime light and all the intense pressure until they are a but older and "ready." In reality, it's a stupid skating rule. As a real rule, skaters peak when they are teens, sometimes young teens. Oksana Baiul was 16 when she won Olympic gold in 1994, Tara Lipinski was 15 in 1998, and Sarah Hughes 16 in 2006. This year, 14 year-old Mirai has been traveling the world, competing in International Junior events, skipping school and making money. Not typical "kiddie" behavior. Mirai could be a her peak right now. So why not let her skate at Worlds? Mirai isn't the only one left in the dust. Second place Rachel Flatt is 20 days shy of the age requirement, and fourth place finisher Caroline Zhang is just 14 as well. Meaning the USFSA could end up sending 3rd place Ashley Wagner, 5th place BeBe Liang, and if they stick to placement, 6th place Katrina Hacker, who has little to no international experience. According to sanctions, they could pass her over for 7th place Kimmie Missner, who fell three times in her long program. If we can't send our top little skaters to Worlds because of their age, and their older, but not as competitive counterparts don't skate well, they could cost the US dearly. If the placement from the top two skaters from a country is below 13 - say a seventh and an eighth place finish - that country can only send two skaters to the next Worlds. Smart rule, right? More about Mirai: http://emily-carlson.com/
http://www.zimbio.com/About+Emily+Carlso...
http://emily-a-carlson.blogspot.com/
http://eacarlson3.bravejournal.com/
http://www.emilycarlson.org
http://www.emilycarlson.info

 

[sillylionlove]

I love Caroline. She did a great job. I have been a fan of hers since Skate America this year.

As for Mirai....she has a new fan in me.

Rachel...she's awsome.

I think that the US Ladies are going to be a force to reckon with when they all become "of age" for worlds. I predict podum sweep in 2010!!!

As for Kimmie, I feel so bad for her. She really isn't that bad of a skater. I sure hope that she figures out what is going on and tries to correct it. I am glad that she is on the world team.

 

[1795]

How's this for simple and fair? If you're a junior, you skate in junior events. If you're a senior, you skate in senior events. If you can't skate at senior Worlds, you don't skate at senior Nationals.

That way, we don't get into these arguments. :sheesh:

exacttly! hi-5! :agree:

their voices are.....arrrr it's like a day care....whiny and high and hahahaha

but good skate haha

 

[rtureck]

I love Caroline. She did a great job. I have been a fan of hers since Skate America this year.

As for Mirai....she has a new fan in me.

Rachel...she's awsome.

I think that the US Ladies are going to be a force to reckon with when they all become "of age" for worlds. I predict podum sweep in 2010!!!

Too early to talk about podium sweep, I dare not tempt skate gods. I am exceedingly proud of Mirai. I believe this is only the second time she beat Zhang. Last year at jr national, Mirari was clean, Caroline was not. In the past, Mirai had never beat a clean Caroline. But this free skate changed the trend. Nagasu fell and was not clean, yet her score was slightly higher than a clean Caroline. I can't wait for their junior world rematch. BTW, is Lucindah Ruh still coaching Caroline in spins?

 

[CalebsMom]

I loved Rachel's SP & LP. I enjoyed watching her skating.

I also loved Caroline's LP (even with her "small" jumps which always bother me). Yes, she skated her heart out last night.

I know many of you will not agree, but both Mirai and Ashley were just blah to me. Mirai's skating looked very tentative and Ashely's very jerky.

When it comes to the skating skills (except for her disastrous jumps), I think Kimmie is still the best among US ladies.

 

[Yellow Cat]

Polymer - Well said.

Rally - well said.

Could a two-person worlds team next year actually be a blessing in disguise for someone who doesn't go? That person could fly under the radar a little longer, no pressure, come out and surprise, etc. I'm thinking of gymnastics, Kim Zmeskal won worlds in '91 and had tons of pressure in '92. Or hey, look at Kimmie...who my heart also broke for last night.

 

[Pikachuusb]

Wow what an exciting Nationals I think I was sick to my stomach for most of it.

Congrats to Mirai!!! I am soooooo happy for her I cant wait to see her back at the rink here in Pasadena, way to go girl!!:agree: At the Good-luck party/fundraiser at the rink before Nationals, I told her she'd be great, she definately lived up to that. She rocked the SP and when she came out for the LP her face said it all, you could see the nerves. Needless to say my stomach dropped. When she fell I screamed NO!!(hopefully, the neighbors didnt mind. LOL) But she came back strong. And of course I was screaming and clapping and cheering(once again, sorry neighbors. LOL) my boyfriend, who's been saying she was going to win Natioanls since the Jr GPF, looked over at me and said "seeeee" He loves being right, and Im glad he was this time. He laughed saying I was doing every jump along with her. Hey, if it helps her get extra height by me doing it along with her on the couch, I'll keep doing it. LOL My family is overjoyed too. Mirai is a wonderful person and an amazing skater.

Congrats to Rachel & Ashley!!! They really did great during thier LPs. Although my boyfriend & I expected Ashley to be higher than Rachel. I hope Ashley keeps that momentum for Worlds. I am sooo glad Rachel showed what she was capable of. I am sooo pleased with them. They kicked butt and took names.

Congrats to Caroline!!! I am sooo glad she was able to move on from the SP and deliver a spectacular LP. Although I am sad she wasnt in the top 3 w/Mirai, a Pewter medal is still a good thing. Plus she is soooo exciting to watch. I knew she wouldnt be able to make up the deficit from the SP to get a silver but she was close. I hope she does go to Jr Worlds and has 2 great performances.

Congrats to Bebe!!! I was sad she had a few flubs in both her SP & LP, BUT she is going to Worlds for the 1st time. Yea!!! Ive been a fan of hers since she was 12 and Im so glad this is her chance to go. The LP was great even with the flubs, she really did great under the pressure, which usually kills her in the LP.

Poor Kimmie I have never been a fan of hers, but seeing her fall apart brought tears to my eyes. That was just devestating. At 1 point it looked like she was going to stop the program and just get off the ice. My heart broke for her. I hope she can overcome this and the GPF and have 2 great programs for Worlds.

Poor Alissa, such talent and such overwhelming nerves. I feel Alissa & Caroline had the same problem. Caroline got nervous in the SP and she slowed to a crawl skating. Alissa got nervous and lost height from her jumps. Brian Boitano's face was disappointing. I hope he doesnt give up mentoring her. They also mentioned that Brians coach is reteaching Alissa jump technique. God I hope thats true. Girl has sooo much to offer and if she could get someone to reteach her she'd be tough to beat. Wouldnt that make for an exciting Nationals. I wish her the best and hope that she can overcome her nerves and I hope her hand heals quickly. I know its not easy to skate with that on your hand.

I think the USFSA made the correct decision in choosing Kimmie, Ashley & Bebe to the World team. Having Katrina do the 4CC instead. Katrina doesnt have the international experience that Kimmie does, nor does she have the jump content. Id rather take Kimmie with the chance she could do her program cleanly. I also think that the Jr World team of Nagasu, Flatt & Zhang is a correct one as well. Sure Gilles won, but she really cant compare to those 3. JMHO

As for the broadcast, I didnt mind NBC doing it at all. I was kinda dreading it, but was pleasantly suprised. Im also glad Uncle Dick was there. I agree with alot of people Sale & Pelletier left me wanting in the way of commentary. I loved them during other events commentating but this event was blah for me. I missed Peggy Fleming and was over Bezic but all in all it was good. The only thing about the broadcast I hated was where the skaters had to give a pbp of what they did in the "truth booth". They looked uncomfortable doing it and I felt like they were just trying to fill space. If you need to fill space...show more skaters!! Ok Im getting off of my soapbox now.

Heres hoping we get 3 spots for Worlds!!
Everyone take care and have a wonderful day!!

 

[camion]

The senior ladies skate was pretty awesome & lately I thought consistency was lagging. For Rachel and Ashley to go out and do a clean short and pull off a great performance in the long just as well shows how poised they are. Mirai is definitely headstrong to not crumble when she missed her first jump. She was a little stiff in the face, but she did great. And OMG Caroline's performance was definitely a family favorite amongst my household. She was exiquisite! A little ballerina on ice and I'm sure her jumps will garner more height and power as she grows. My heart goes out to all the girls who couldn't fully perform what they are capable of. Kimmie, Bebe & Alissa- I'm still great fans of yours and admire your character. I know it must be tough, but I'm rootin' for you guys!

I'm gonna go off topic now, but my friend is a gymnast & I was talking on the phone w/her while we were watching nationals together. She thought Mirai did not deserve to win because she missed her 2-axel. Her thought was that even if if Mirai had a substantial lead from her sp, better component scores, start value, better execution in spins, spirals, etc. whatnot- she should have at the very least have been placed 2nd. According to her- gymnastics has also undergone a scoring system makeover & because of it the All-around competition is "screwed up"- where it's possible for an athlete to make a major mistake like falling off the balance beam and still get first place overall (she mentioned names- sorry though, I can't recall them at this pt.). But she told me 2 years ago, both at worlds & U.S. nat'ls (gymnastics comp.) the people who got Gold made huge mistakes & alot of fans were angry that other gymnasts were bypassed for first when they did not make any major mistakes on 4 events. She was not saying that ppl who have less difficulty and more consistency simply be handed gold. But that if there is a gymnast who has a fair amount of difficult skills performed- even if their start value is lower than the "favorite" competitor/athlete who possess overall better execution quality, if they put it together & are solid at that competition they should get 1st place. Anyways, I was wondering what your guys' thoughts would be because you guys already made an analogy with the 2 sports for the age topic.

 

[sk8addict]

Hugs

Did anyone else notice the kimmie didn't get a single hug after her disasterous skate. It almost looked like Pam was mad at her instead of offering her condolance.

 

[Lissy]

Did anyone else notice the kimmie didn't get a single hug after her disasterous skate. It almost looked like Pam was mad at her instead of offering her condolance.

To me, it looked like Kimmie just wanted to sit down. She didn't even look at Pam.