Well, I think that's an unfair statement, as Kim was injured right before Worlds in both 2007 and 2008, but still managed to acquire bronze. Now that's impressive. The skaters who placed above her (Miki and Mao in 2007, Mao and Carolina in 2008) were in great shape, so any comparison of ability based on those World results is bound to be unfair. In 2008, Kim had only a week or so to practice right before Worlds because she had to focus on recovery, but still managed to give bronze-level performances. Remember that against all odds she still performed a record-breaking performance to Tango de Roxanne in 2007 and had a pretty impressive FS in 2008 to Miss Saigon (perhaps not everyone's favorite, but still well-performed). The two seasons in which she was healthy were 2005-2006 (Jr) and 2008-2009 and in both she not only emerged as World Champ, but also peaked just in time -- so I guess most people base their analysis on these seasons.
There has been much debate concerning Mao's jumps... I think it's mostly mental, but I don't think anyone can deny that there is definitely something physical/technical to it as well (like trying to fix too many jumps at the same time, focusing too much on the 3A at the expense of the other jumps -- someone noted that Mao practices almost only the 3A in practice). I'm in the majority who thinks Mao's jumping skills in general have deteriorated immensely over the last two years, but who knows why. It's a conundrum. Let's just wait to see how she performs in 4CC and the Olympics.
Rochette has planned a 7 triple LP ever since she's been on the scene. She's one of the very few lady skaters nowadays who attempts the 3Lutz (twice), 3flip, 3loop, 3Salchow (twice), and 3toe in all of her LPs.
) Most other ladies only attempt 5 or 6 triples in the LP so those who attempt 7 have a bit of a buffer and don't have to bank on having super high PCS
WTF! Okay, Joannie does imaginary 7 triple programs. Makes total sense! :chorus:
