Now that US Nationals is completed, the status of the Ladies can be re-evaluated. I have some thoughts....
Wagner: She is the one with the most maturity and elegance and packaging of her programs. She is the best choice to be the Ladies' team leader. I believe a medal at Worlds is not a crazy idea for her.
Gold: She is the one with the most demonstrable talent in the areas of jumping, as well as having CoP friendly spinning and footwork. Given her youth and need to become an artist on the ice to be a world-class skater, she is a great choice for US #2. A top 10 finish at Worlds is not a crazy idea for her.
Given this, it could be very close for the US to earn the three spots. Think Ashley #4 or #5 and Gracie as # 8 or #9 would do it. It will be close if these two skate well.
As for Agnes... the girl can not seem to complete many elements in the LP that do not also happen to be in her SP. In this week's competition LP, she completed her 3-3, her 3lutz and 2axel, as well as her combination and layback spins from the SP. Other than that, did she not miss every other jump except for 3 salcow? The girl is a SP skater, and she repeats her elements in the LP, but can't seem to do more than the SP elements. Agnes is a great choice for 4CC.... she needs more competitions to try and break her mental block for LPs. Worlds with spots on the line is no place for her to "gain experience." USFS can't afford it.
Gao: She is just stuck in one place by USFS. She needs better performance and execution and she really needs a ballet class. I think USFS will "use" her as a stop-gap... someone good to call when you need them, but they never get chosen first. It is a thankless position.
Hicks, Cesario, Siraj are all wonderful as juniors now and it looks good for the US in the future.
Mirai and Caroline are seemingly done, especially Caroline. I agree completely with USFS' assessment of them via the marks this weekend. They should put any serious thoughts of being National Champions or Olympians out of their minds, because it is not going to happen without a major change in technique and ability, which is never going to happen.
The USA is making a BIG comeback in Ladies singles. So much depth and the young CoP skaters are solid.
Wagner: She is the one with the most maturity and elegance and packaging of her programs. She is the best choice to be the Ladies' team leader. I believe a medal at Worlds is not a crazy idea for her.
Gold: She is the one with the most demonstrable talent in the areas of jumping, as well as having CoP friendly spinning and footwork. Given her youth and need to become an artist on the ice to be a world-class skater, she is a great choice for US #2. A top 10 finish at Worlds is not a crazy idea for her.
Given this, it could be very close for the US to earn the three spots. Think Ashley #4 or #5 and Gracie as # 8 or #9 would do it. It will be close if these two skate well.
As for Agnes... the girl can not seem to complete many elements in the LP that do not also happen to be in her SP. In this week's competition LP, she completed her 3-3, her 3lutz and 2axel, as well as her combination and layback spins from the SP. Other than that, did she not miss every other jump except for 3 salcow? The girl is a SP skater, and she repeats her elements in the LP, but can't seem to do more than the SP elements. Agnes is a great choice for 4CC.... she needs more competitions to try and break her mental block for LPs. Worlds with spots on the line is no place for her to "gain experience." USFS can't afford it.
Gao: She is just stuck in one place by USFS. She needs better performance and execution and she really needs a ballet class. I think USFS will "use" her as a stop-gap... someone good to call when you need them, but they never get chosen first. It is a thankless position.
Hicks, Cesario, Siraj are all wonderful as juniors now and it looks good for the US in the future.
Mirai and Caroline are seemingly done, especially Caroline. I agree completely with USFS' assessment of them via the marks this weekend. They should put any serious thoughts of being National Champions or Olympians out of their minds, because it is not going to happen without a major change in technique and ability, which is never going to happen.
The USA is making a BIG comeback in Ladies singles. So much depth and the young CoP skaters are solid.