Also, Meissner improved her presentation from 2006 to 2008
^ The one with the best chance to win U.S. Nationals.
Ashley Wagner has also been known to succumb to pressure; although she has usually skated well in the GP, she was 12th in the SP at 2009 Nationals, dropped to 3rd at 2009 JW, and was 16th at Worlds 2008.
Doesn't it depend on how she actually skates??If Rachael Flatt wins Nationals, it will NOT be because she was "gifted".
But is it "succumbing to pressure" or just simply inconsistency? I dunno, I think it's the latter...
Flatt is the most consistent, although she might not have the highest scoring potential. There is a difference, and it depends on the risk you're willing to take. For Worlds or 4CCs it might be OK. But for the Olympics I'd imagine one would rather go for the steady performers since a) the pressure there is more than at any other event and b) the US hasn't a prayer at a ladies' medal anyway so who cares about scoring potential, you just want to have the strongest showing. Flatt can handle pressure situations the best of the current US ladies crop, although she's far from immune to cracking under it as well. I'd say Nagasu is probably second- I'm amazed at how much doubt she seems to have and still goes out and does a commendable job. Way to fight...
Everyone else is hot and cold just like the weather this time of year. Wagner? Fifty-fifty. Zhang? Struggling to maintain her status. Czisny? No explanation needed. Everyone else I haven't named? Not in Olympic contention (even if by some freak of nature they sneak into the top 2, I don't think USFS would send an unseasoned competitor with only 2 spots)
Doesn't it depend on how she actually skates??
It's perfectly possible that she could do well technically and get gifted on PCS.
I hope that, if she does win, she'll do it with good and deserved PCS and prove she's capable of memorable performance and interpretation, not just competence and consistency. I'd be very proud of her if that were the case.
No, I meant more does it make a difference whether you are erratic because you are inconsistent or because u tend to crack under pressure. You seemed to be making a distinction.
ITA agree about Flatt of course, who wouldn't?
Also glad to hear you say that about Nagasu. She has been rather steady this season.
If Rachael Flatt wins Nationals, it will NOT be because she was "gifted".