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I'm just curious about one thing. What does it mean to "peak too early"? Is it hard for skaters to maintain the physical conditioning or mental drive to stay at the top for too long? Is it a strategic thing where you reveal your whole program and its strengths too early, thereby giving rivals the time to target you without adding enough later?
Good question. I was going to answer "physical" but the mental aspect can be equally important.
Last season Jeremy Abbott had a good start and did very well in GP's and then followed up by winning US Natls.
In March he was one of the favorites for a World medal. But Jeremy did not skate very well and later commented that his legs were dead, that he had no lift in his jumps. A few weeks later he also had a subpar outing at the WTT.
He said he felt burntout from the wear and tear of a long season. It could be said that Jeremy peaked, physically atleast, too early last season.
I am not sure about his mental state, but it is possible his mental drive was effected as well.
Jenny noted a skating season is not a sprint. Athletes, especially in an Olympic year want to be in prime physical condition this February.
One of Orser's jobs handling Yuna goes beyond observing her and trying to spot any flaws or bad habits that might start to develope. He also has to be able to pace her training so she "peaks" the weeks she is competing - but always with a longterm eye on Vancouver. If he senses she is looking fatigued he will cut back her training, or change it up. His goal this season is to have Yuna like a fine tuned engine with all pistons firing come February.
The mental aspect can be just as important. It goes beyond the troubles Mao might appear to be having right now. Practicing the same elemnts over and over can get tedious. It can get boring which can lead to ineffective practices and result in bad performances at events,
Orser credits Wilson for his spontanous personality and constant good humor as being very helpful to his skaters at the Cricket Club. Wilson plays the clown to Orser's drill seargeant which helps to create an ideal practice atmosphere.
Being mentally stale or fatigued is different than suffering a loss of confidence, although the two could be related. Both can produce less than desired results for any skater or athlete.
I am sure others can offer more insight into this very important aspect of getting a skater ready for competition, particularly the importance of of peaking this February.
