State of US Ladies in skating III: 2014-15 Season

[Skater Boy]

I agree. And I'm sure Ashley sees what's going on around her with the Russians coming on so strong. She may have simply adjusted her goals and be setting her sights on regaining her national title and simply having good skates on the grand prix and at worlds.

I am not so sure the Russians are the threats - her own American ladies and the Japanese are real threats. the Russiasn could fall apart with puberty still Sotnikova, Radionova, Pog, Liza, Lipnskaya to name a few and she can beat Leonova and forget Makarova.

Besides it is much more wide open without Yuna, Carolina and Mao. This is her best shot probably to get a world medal unless the Russian ladies crash and burn with puberty.

 

[Skater Boy]

How does everyone think Polina Edmunds will do in the GP? She's got tough competition, up against Lipnitskaia in one and Sotnikova in another (not to mention others, Gracie, Elizaveta, Murakami, Sakoto...) I guess it'll be a big test to see how the judges compare her to the top skaters. I really want her to medal but she's facing tough competition, esp in NHK. I really like Polina's SP this season.

Also, does anyone know how Christina Gao is doing? I had sort of forgotten about her.

I think she is a tough cookie and she flies under the radar so could sneak out some big medals but once she becomes the hunted I am not so sure how she will fare. Besides it is always hard for the olympic champ withall her shows and such to come back - remember Sarah Hughes - it is tough in the modern era to come back competitive with so many other commitments. It worked for Yuna because she took off time from competing.

 

[Skater Boy]

Right now the glass is half empty or half full depending on what view you want to take. The Americans have so many talented skaters and of course we have our biases from Agnes who is taking a break to Gao to Mirai even to Zhang and Zhang to Samantha to Leah to Polina, Ashley and Gracie even Chen and the list goes on. They need some consistency onthe world stage in respect to results evenif they fall but as long as they win medals ie Cohen. None of them has distinguished themselves yet whether it be amazing jumps, spins, artistry or even personality (on or off the ice for that matter). Sadly the most stand out pointof any them may be Zhang (caroline's) mule kick and that isn't something to be known for. A lot of American princesses - of course to win a US title or make the team you have to have talent = the US ladies have too much depth and too much interest in the sport for there not to be competition. Without Mao, Yuna and Carolina there is a lot of opportunity to snatch a world medal. The Russians could fall to puberty or simply not make the world team because there are quite a few top notch ladies. The best our most "outstanding" recent lady the Americans have had is Alissa who of course couldn't medal on the world stage. But Flatt, Wagner, Gracie, Mira and Polina so far have not distinguished themselves really - yet (well Flatt is gone but the point is decent jumps, decent spins, decent presentation but nothing really to remember - another pretty american lady with a princessy smile - ho hum) Sadly at least Harding had some character some spunk to remember - good or bad lol. i wouldn't count any US lady out until nationals and worlds. Though admittedly you can help but think Caroline, Ashley, Agnes some may say there time has come and gone.

 

[drivingmissdaisy]

I am not so sure the Russians are the threats - her own American ladies and the Japanese are real threats. the Russiasn could fall apart with puberty still Sotnikova, Radionova, Pog, Liza, Lipnskaya to name a few and she can beat Leonova and forget Makarova.

The problem is that there are SO many good Russians that whichever ones make the world team will have had very strong seasons and are unlikely to bomb at Worlds. Sure, a few of them will not have good seasons but those aren't the ones who will go to Worlds.

 

[Sandpiper]

I am not so sure the Russians are the threats - her own American ladies and the Japanese are real threats. the Russiasn could fall apart with puberty still Sotnikova, Radionova, Pog, Liza, Lipnskaya to name a few and she can beat Leonova and forget Makarova.

Besides it is much more wide open without Yuna, Carolina and Mao. This is her best shot probably to get a world medal unless the Russian ladies crash and burn with puberty.

Why does puberty make the Americans/Japanese bigger threats? Puberty is a natural process that happens to everyone--Russian, Japanese, or American. It's not some kind of Russian-exclusive disease.

Also, Adelina or Liza are unlikely to do much growing at this point. If they falter, it will be because of nerves or injury (which, too, can happen to anyone regardless of nationality).

 

[mrrice]

Has anyone seen Angela Wang live this season ? I was really impressed by her in 2012 and was wondering what she's been up to. I know her Mother was injured and that surely effected her emotionally. When I saw her in 2013 she was certainly as strong as Polina technically, and was a much stronger performer. Now, she seems to be fading.

I saw that she was able to spend some time with Frank C. so it looks like the fed still has the same faith in her that I do.

 

[hippomoomin]

Why does puberty make the Americans/Japanese bigger threats? Puberty is a natural process that happens to everyone--Russian, Japanese, or American. It's not some kind of Russian-exclusive disease.

 

[aromaticchicken]

I think karen Chen has the potential to be a future standout. Even though she hasn't been consistent since her injury last year, the judges seem to like her and she's certainly seen as a "special" competitor on the junior circuit.

 

[FSGMT]

Has anyone seen Angela Wang live this season ? I was really impressed by her in 2012 and was wondering what she's been up to. I know her Mother was injured and that surely effected her emotionally. When I saw her in 2013 she was certainly as strong as Polina technically, and was a much stronger performer. Now, she seems to be fading.

I saw that she was able to spend some time with Frank C. so it looks like the fed still has the same faith in her that I do.

I saw her live in Milan a couple of weeks ago: her jumps and ice coverage are still there, she just needs consistency (as 90% of the people in the skating world do )...

 

[Amei]

Why does puberty make the Americans/Japanese bigger threats? Puberty is a natural process that happens to everyone--Russian, Japanese, or American. It's not some kind of Russian-exclusive disease.

Also, Adelina or Liza are unlikely to do much growing at this point. If they falter, it will be because of nerves or injury (which, too, can happen to anyone regardless of nationality).

And even if they don't survive puberty it won't take away the accomplishments they have.

 

[mrrice]

I saw her live in Milan a couple of weeks ago: her jumps and ice coverage are still there, she just needs consistency (as 90% of the people in the skating world do )...

Thank you so much for making my day.

By the way, that was hilarious !!

 

[Icey]

Wang's free skate at Lombardia, where she won bronze
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVOdHKQcVtc

 

[apgold]

I think karen Chen has the potential to be a future standout. Even though she hasn't been consistent since her injury last year, the judges seem to like her and she's certainly seen as a "special" competitor on the junior circuit.

Karen definitely has the "it" factor on the ice, IMO - even with her injury last year hampering her progress. I think she's turning Senior this year, so I'm curious to see if she will make a splash at Nationals.

Someone asked about Christina Gao - I think she is scheduled to compete in the Skate Canada Autumn classic this week? So we'll see how she's doing so far this season.

I like Hannah Miller and Mariah Bell and want them to move up in the ranks. Hannah especially has the jumps -see her Lombardia Trophy free skate. We need more of the young skaters with good triple triples to compete with the Russians and Japanese.

 

[mrrice]

Wang's free skate at Lombardia, where she won bronze
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVOdHKQcVtc

Thanks Icey ! She's a lovely skater. It's early so I'm hopeful that the jumps will come. She also looks like she's taller than I remember so she may be dealing with that as well. I really like her free skate music and costume. I'm not sure if it was a mistake but, the ending seemed rather odd.

Is she still with Kristi Krall ? I hope she continues improve.

 

[Mrs. P]

Someone asked about Christina Gao - I think she is scheduled to compete in the Skate Canada Autumn classic this week? So we'll see how she's doing so far this season.

Actually no, sadly -- Christina Gao is now listed as a substitute in the entry list: http://www.isuresults.com/events/cat00028230.htm

On the flip side, we'll have another chance to see Angela Wang in action. She is now listed as a competitor, along with Barbie Long.

 

[ice coverage]

Thanks Icey ! She's a lovely skater. It's early so I'm hopeful that the jumps will come. She also looks like she's taller than I remember so she may be dealing with that as well. I really like her free skate music and costume. I'm not sure if it was a mistake but, the ending seemed rather odd.

Is she still with Kristi Krall ? I hope she continues improve.

Actually no, sadly -- Christina Gao is now listed as a substitute in the entry list: http://www.isuresults.com/events/cat00028230.htm

On the flip side, we'll have another chance to see Angela Wang in action. She is now listed as a competitor, along with Barbie Long.

mrrice, Angela Wang will make her GP debut at Rostelecom Cup.
And yes, Christy Krall and Damon Allen still are her coaches.

http://www.isuresults.com/bios/isufs00012616.htm
http://web.icenetwork.com/skaters/profile/angela_wang​

I think Angela could have a shot at the Challenger prize money for the top three in each discipline in the overall series.

 

[mrrice]

mrrice, Angela Wang will make her GP debut at Rostelecom Cup.
And yes, Christy Krall and Damon Allen still are her coaches.

http://www.isuresults.com/bios/isufs00012616.htm
http://web.icenetwork.com/skaters/profile/angela_wang​

I think Angela could have a shot at the Challenger prize money for the top three in each discipline in the overall series.

I love this site. Thank you so much for the information about Angela.

 

[lcd]

So glad to see Angela getting competition opportunities and experience with her programs. Will put her in good stead by the time Nationals comes around. Have a feeling this could be an exciting year of opportunity for her.

 

[ice coverage]

Full audio of Gracie Gold's media teleconference prior to Skate America 2014 (posted twice):

Tue Oct 14
http://web.icenetwork.com/video/v36830149 (22:05 audio only, posted Oct 18)
http://web.icenetwork.com/video/v36830901/​

ETA:

Brief article based on the media call:

Gracie Gold prepares to bring her A-game
October 15, 2014, 12:12 AM MST
http://www.examiner.com/article/gracie-gold-prepares-to-bring-her-a-game​

(I purposely am not linking to the NBC article by Rachel Lutz.)

GG quotes tweeted by @USFigureSkating:

.@GraceEGold on #SA2014:
“I’m looking forward to another Grand Prix season. I’m glad to be going back to Chicago where I used to live."
12:03 PM - 14 Oct 2014
https://twitter.com/USFigureSkating/status/522100473260560384

"I just love to skate and I love competing. It’s a blessing to do what I love everyday.” -@GraceEGold #SA2014
12:10 PM - 14 Oct 2014
https://twitter.com/USFigureSkating/status/522102238626320384​

GG quotes tweeted by @LynnRutherford:

.@USFigureSkating teleconf: @GraceEGold says she is working to get "cat feet" for 3Lz3T so even if Lutz isn't perfect, she still does combo.
12:26 PM - 14 Oct 2014
https://twitter.com/LynnRutherford/status/522106110082551809

More @GraceEGold teleconf: Biggest takeaway from Nebelhorn Trophy last month: "Take deep breath, relax, trust my training & I'll be fine."
12:29 PM - 14 Oct 2014
https://twitter.com/LynnRutherford/status/522106917720981504​

Michelle Kennedy ‏@IntoSkating

@GraceEGold "I just want to skate really well for myself." - @USFigureSkating teleconfernece
12:35 PM - 14 Oct 2014
https://twitter.com/IntoSkating/status/522108423127572480​

 

[Mrs. P]

Updated my scores after the Autumn Classic. No major changes, though Angela Wang's PCS was in the top 5 for both FS and SP, which gave her a few points in my scoretracker (15-13-11-9-7 for top 5 in each category below).

Gracie Gold 89
Polina Edmunds 83
Courtney Hicks 60
Karen Chen 55
Hannah Miller 37
Mirai Nagasu 22
Samantha Cesario 16
Angela Wang 14
Leah Keiser 9

See Scores below.


***
Overall scores
Gracie Gold 182.31 (Nebelhorn Trophy, 3rd)
Polina Edmunds: 176.35 (U.S. International Classic, 1st)
Courtney Hicks: 174.14 (U.S. International Classic, 2nd)
Hannah Miller: 170.26 (Lombardia Trophy, 2nd)
Karen Chen: 169.41 (JGP Croatia Cup, 2nd)
—
Angela Wang: 163.68 (Skate Canada Autumn Classic, 2nd)
Karen Chen: 160.95 (JGP Czech Skate, 3rd)
Angela Wang: 160.25 (Lombardia Trophy, 3rd)
Mirai Nagasu: 159.59 (U.S. International Classic, 5th)
Samantha Cesario 159.40 (Finlandia Trophy, 3rd)
Leah Keiser: 149.24 (JGP Ljubljana Cupm 3rd)
Mariah Bell 148.48 (Nebelhorn Trophy, 5th)
Amber Glenn: 148.08 (JGP Courcheval, 3rd)
Ashley Cain: 142.95 (Ondrej Nepela Trophy, 3rd)
Amber Glenn: 142.83 (JGP Tallinn Cup, 6th)
Leah Keiser: 128.63 (JGP Pokal der Blauen Schwerter, 8th)
Ashley Shin: 125.42 (U.S. International Classic, 7th)

SP scores:
Polina Edmunds 63.27 (U.S. International Classic)
Karen Chen 62.71 (JGP Croatia Cup)
Gracie Gold 61.82 (Nebelhorn Trophy)
Karen Chen 60.68 (JGP Czech Skate)
Courtney Hicks 58.90 (U.S. International Classic)
—-
Angela Wang 56.38 (Skat Canada Autumn Classic)
Mirai Nagasu 55.96 (U.S. International Classic)
Angela Wang 54.88 (Lombardia Trophy)
Amber Glenn 54.71 (JGP Courcheval)
Ashley Cain 54.05 (Ondrej Nepela Trophy)
Hannah Miller 51.43 (Lombardia Trophy)
Samantha Cesario 50.79 (Finlandia Trophy)
Mariah Bell 50.72 (Nebelhorn Trophy)
Amber Cain 49.66 (JGP Tallinn Cup)
Ashley Shin 49.83 (U.S. International Classic)
Leah Keiser 49.66 (JGP Pokal der Baluen Schwerter)
Leah Keiser 47.66 (JGP Ljubljana Cup)

TES:
Karen Chen 35.94 (JGP Croatia Cup)
Polina Edmunds 35.31
Karen Chen 34.31 (JGP Czech Skate)
Courtney Hicks 31.70
Gracie Gold 31.68
—-
Angela Wang 30.80 (Lombardia Trophy)
Amber Glenn 30.79 (JGP Courcheval)
Angela Wang 30.34 (Skate Canada Autumn Classic)
Ashley Cain 29.29
Mirai Nagasu 27.90
Hannah Miller 26.75
Leah Keiser 27.66
Mariah Bell 26.27
Leah Keiser 26.20
Ashley Shin 25.47
Amber Glenn 24.72 (JGP Tallinn Cup)
Samantha Cesario 23.95


PCS
Gracie Gold 31.66
Polina Edmunds 27.96
Mirai Nagasu 27.56
Courtney Hicks 27.20
Angela Wang 27.04 (Skate Canada Autumn Classic)
—-
Samantha Cesario 26.84
Karen Chen 26.77 (JGP Croatia Cup)
Karen Chen 26.37
Ashley Cain 25.76
Hannah Miller 25.68
Amber Glenn 24.94 (JGP Tallinn Cup)
Amber Glenn 24.92
Mariah Bell 24.45
Ashley Shin 24.36
Angela Wang 24.08 (Lombardia Trophy)
Leah Keiser 23.00 (JGP Pokal der Blauen Schwerter)
Leah Keiser 22.46

FS scores:
Gracie Gold 120.49
Hannah Miller 118.83
Courtney Hicks 115.24
Polina Edmunds 113.08
Samantha Cesario 108.61
—-
Angela Wang 107.30
Karen Chen 106.70
Angela Wang 105.37
Mirai Nagasu 104.03
Leah Keiser 101.58
Karen Chen 100.27
Mariah Bell 97.76
Amber Glenn 93.37
Amber Glenn 93.17
Ashley Cain 88.90
Leah Keiser 78.97 (JGP Poka der Blauen Schwerter)
Ashley Shin 75.59

TES:
Hannah Miller 64.59
Courtney Hicks 60.44
Gracie Gold 56.00
Leah Keiser 55.70
Polina Edmunds 54.64
—-
Karen Chen 53.88
Samantha Cesario 52.53
Angela Wang 52.21 (Lombardia Trophy)
Angela Wang 50.06 (Skate Canada Autumn Classic)
Karen Chen 49.96
Mirai Nagasu 48.47
Amber Glenn 46.84
Mariah Bell 45.83
Amber Glenn 45.60
Ashley Cain 37.10
Ashley Shin 35.43
Leah Keiser 34.14 (JGP Pokal der Blauen Schwerter)


PCS
Gracie Gold 64.49
Polina Edmunds 59.44
Mirai Nagasu 56.56
Samantha Cesario 56.08
Angela Wang 56.64 (Skate Canada Autumn Classic)
—-
Courtney Hicks 54.80
Hannah Miller 54.24 (Lombardia Trophy)
Angela Wang 54.16
Mariah Bell 53.93
Karen Chen 53.82 (JGP Croatia Cup)
Ashley Cain 52.80
Karen Chen 51.31
Amber Glenn 48.57 (JGP Tallinn Cup)
Amber Glenn 47.53
Leah Keiser 45.88
Leah Keiser 45.83 (JGP Poka der Blauen Schwerter)
Ashley Shin 42.16