Wow, what a day! I have some other thoughts, but thought it would be best my comments on the men's free skate here.
It goes without saying that watching Jason Brown's Riverdance live today was probably the No. 1 moment of the day, perhaps even the month and year (or at least one of the top ones for sure). I had a good feeling coming in -- he was due to have the skate of his life. Not sure why I felt that way - probably a combination that he was hitting all the jumps in practice and the fact that it's been sometime since he brought the house down at Nationals. But I think for me the biggest indicatior was looking at his face -- at Skate America he looked exremely nervous. Here, he took a deep breath, but it was clear he was ready and confident. And as he hit every jump, the energy in the arena just kept building up. And as pointed everywhere, the audience could not wait to get on their feet. He got so much stuffed animals that the poor cute boy sweepers had a hard time carrying them in their baskets!
I guess the biggest surprise that I did not shreak like a little school girl.
Though I did cheer loudly! I didn't even take photos or video -- I was that entranched in the program. I guess as a big fan, I was mostly happy and excited for him. I thought about a year ago, people were wondeirng if Jason would even make it at the senior level since he was still struggling with the 3A. I knew that he would get there eventually and I'm happy it happened sooner than later!
I'm excited for Kori Ade too. What a moment to take her student from, as she said in an interview, "march-march-glide" to THE OLYMPICS. What a testiment to their long and solid coach-student relationship. She had talked a lot about how much she invested in her coaching career so she could best harness Jason's talent and stay ahead of him. Mr. P and I had a great conversation about this after the gala tonight over dinner. We talked about how Jason's success here really proves that Team Brown (and Kori's) strategy of developing the full package and aiming for consistency on a hard jump rather than force a succumb to the short-term rewards of having a higher-point jump pays off. Speaking of Mr. P, he was SOLD. I had showed him Jason's Riverdance program several times this fall and he just wasn't buying it. In fact the first time he saw it, he didn't like it at all. It didn't help that he didn't like Riverdance in general. So yeah, he still hates Riverdance, but he said that Jason won him over IN SPITE OF the fact he doesn't like the music.
Oh, and he got +3 across the board for BOTH step sequences! WOW!
Goal for the Olympics: GET THAT SECOND TRIPLE AXEL without two-footing or <! But at least he was much closer than he has been all season with it.
Okay enough about Jason.
Yes I could go on but there was a lot to love about the Men's free skate. After a pretty dismal (with exceptions) ladies free skate, the men's free skate was such a treat (again with exceptions):
* While Jason had the performance of the day, one cannot forget Jeremy Abbott, now our four-time U.S. champion. His FS was sublime, even with the errors. It really is the perfect antithesis to Jason's lively and energetic program. I remember when I saw him at Skate America 2012, he looked out-of-shape and worn out. I was impressed with how much better he looked at this competition. I am proud he hit both his quads and had two really great skates at his final nationals. It was crazy that he almost got disqualified. The audience started shouting and luckily Jeremy got there just in time. Also I am glad that I got to see him in a much better light live before he retires.
* Tonichelle, you would be delighted to know that Keegan did much better today. It wasn't perfect, but there were some great moments, including hitting a 4T-3T combo. Also I LOVED his yo-yo routine in the K&C. Just so awesome. He was able to move up a few spots due to a solid performance.
* Doug Razzano had a big standing ovation. And it was to Nessum Dorma, which gave me flashbacks to Jason Brown's standing-o performance to the same music in 2011. But boy, what a performance by him.
* I'm feeling pretty sad for Max because he did pretty good here. His Carmen FS was great and besides the error on the 4S he really delievered. The step sequence weas really nice. 93+ in TES is nothing to shake a stick at. I'm glad they are sending him to Worlds.
* I loved Ross' program, even thought it wasn't perfect. Judges internationally would have a hard time understanding the program, but I'm glad he was able to perform it to a home crowd. They clearly knew the message/dedication he was sending. Doris explained to me the symbolism that was in much of Ross' choreography. I hope Ross comes back strong next year. He is capable of much more.
* I also enjoyed Joshua Farris' program. I think he was one of the skaters I can now enjoy more now that I've seen him in person. Other than a fall on the quad, he really did a great job and that step sequence...
* Stephen Carriere also did a great program to raise him up from 12th to 9th. He has a nice presence on the ice and he has some great choreography.
* I really felt bad for Richard. Having to go after the loud cheering and the applause and having to hear Jason's huge score probably was quite tough on him. Sad for Adam after such a nice GP season. But sadly, it was clear from the warmup that Adam was going to have a tough time today.
Artistry has won the day!
