Ando, Asada, Murakami, Kim, Czisny, Korpi, Kostner..... Not really sure who the other two "guaranteed" to beat Flatt.
Have you seen Korpi from Europeans? If that Kiira shows up in Tokyo, I don't think she's "guaranteed" to beat Rachael.
Ando, Asada, Murakami, Kim, Czisny, Korpi, Kostner..... Not really sure who the other two "guaranteed" to beat Flatt.
It's been so shocking to see Mirai mess up her spins this year of all things. It's disappointing. This wasn't her year. I just hope she has enough fight and love for the sport for next year. And let's hope that injuries don't get in the way of her improving what she needs to improve.
Alissa, though.... wow. I just had this little feeling that she would regain her title. It fought with my fear of her messing up but I really did have this feeling. I adore her program. Her short program too. I can't say enough how happy I am for her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As I said, it's unfortunately for Mirai but at 16/17 you just don't quit after having won the bronze medal at your home championships. She's got a gold, silver and bronze now. Not too shabby. I too found Frank's comment rather mean-spirited and when your young charge has thrown down all she could in the given circumstances, saying, "You threw it away, I'm sorry" in a mean way was unnecessary. I hope she develops a true lutz and salchow and keeps working. When all things are in place, we might be looking at the Sochi gold medallist. It'll take a lot of work, however.
I'm not trying to trash Rachael, but her program just doesn't suit her. She's not sexy nor cute, and it's hard to look at the hard effort trying to be sexy or cute. I'm not sure what would be her style, classy and elegant don't seem the right ones either, maybe sweet and nextdoor girl type program, or try something powful or joyful?
Actually, if you ask me, Czisny has been the most consistent lady in the world this season, and I never thought I would ever say that! She has Skate Canada gold, TEB bronze, GPF gold, and now Nationals gold. I think anything can happen in Tokyo.
wow Czisny even got a Level 4 on her step... didn't see that one coming
yet another Level 3 on her layback :scratch:
The SP was a lot better than the FP overall, IMO. My favorite skaters tonight were Agnes and Yasmin. Christina was good too.
Mirai didn't go out there like a champion. Rachael apparently had little left in the tank and fell below her norm - but got scored as if she brought it. Alissa was cautious and bland until she finished her jumps. Meh. I don't see either of the top 2 having a great showing at Worlds.
I think Mirai should go train alongside Mao or Daisuke and learn how to fight and deal with pressure. Rachael should change her FP to Tosca or Aranjuez. Alissa should quit while she's ahead. Agnes and Joelle should go to Worlds since Yasmin is too young. Problem solved.
Have you seen Korpi from Europeans? If that Kiira shows up in Tokyo, I don't think she's "guaranteed" to beat Rachael.
I think the level 3 is from her not holding one of the positions long enough (is it 6? 8?) for an extra level.
I got shivers down my spine as you mentioned Tosca! But if Rachael does EoE as well as she did, even in Michelle's shadow, I'm sure Rachael could skate a passionate Tosca as well... Her LP is a bit gimmicky for my tastes, but never count Rachael out.
Reading your post makes me realise that I love the fact that Alyssa executed her jumps well. Upon review, I think she was a bit cautious. Still, a brilliant skate and well-deserved finish.
The SP was a lot better than the FP overall, IMO. My favorite skaters tonight were Agnes and Yasmin. Christina was good too.
Mirai didn't go out there like a champion. Rachael apparently had little left in the tank and fell below her norm - but got scored as if she brought it. Alissa was cautious and bland until she finished her jumps. Meh. I don't see either of the top 2 having a great showing at Worlds.
I think Mirai should go train alongside Mao or Daisuke and learn how to fight and deal with pressure. Rachael should change her FP to Tosca or Aranjuez. Alissa should quit while she's ahead. Agnes and Joelle should go to Worlds since Yasmin is too young. Problem solved.
Maybe she could skate to Much Ado about Nothing or music from the Speed soundtrack?
And Rallycairn, I share your excitement for Agnes and Christina. They have such style and ability. I don't know which one I like better. Both were musical, graceful, and athletic in combination. And if Gao can jump like that in a year where she grew four inches, I feel pretty confident about her technique. What lovely soft landings she has! (The fabriholic in me compels me to repeat that I love her dress, especially with that contrasting ornament on it. These things matter.)
Alissa is a soft and quiet skater and her choreo this year embraces that. Some people don't like it I guess but I hope the world judges do. Let's not forget that Alissa is the GPF winner. She's been the most successful ladies skater in the world this year so I wouldn't count her out for worlds.