- Joined
- Jul 31, 2003
Joesitz said:RG and Vash - I agree Yukina needs to up the triples combos and with consistency. What I was thinking about, is that Shizuka has shown the others that Japanese Ladies can be Queen of the Ice. That sentiment gives motitvation for the others to work harder. Bottom line for us is to muse and wait.
I would say that in Dortmund, Irina got the biggest ovation. She is very popular throughout Europe. Her home town presence in 2005 is an advantage for the podium and a win if she is up to her best.
My home town theory is based on my two Worlds I've seen live. MK got the gold in DC over a very high level technical of Elena. I'm sure the roar of the crowd has some influence on the judges., although it didn't quite work for Timmy but then he was up against the King of the Ice. With the roar of the crowd in Dortmund, it was clear that Lindemann would win over Lambiel, but also Winkler and Lohse v. Grushina and Gronov(sp). Both Lambiel and G&G were arguably better. However, the Germans were very good too, and that's where subjectivity comes in.
Carolina in 2006? No surprise to me if she's on the podium., and maybe Yukina, too.
Joe
Joe,
I agree. Home crowd can influence the judges. I have seen it many times, and at these worlds it seemed a bit too obvious.
Irina's return was a big story at these worlds. Given the seriousness of her illness a top 10 finish was a very good one for her. If she is healthy next year, and has skated in a few competitions prior to worlds, she could challenge for at least a podium spot. She is capable of matching the Japanese gals in the jumps and has a great presence on the ice. One cannot count Sokolva out either, although she had a bad year.
Carolina certainly seems to be moving toward that podium spot in Torino. I thought she was overmarked in the LP, perhaps to help her move to the podium in 2006? That may be a bit farfetched but Italy has not had a top level lady skater, and the crowd will certainly go wild.
I would love to see Yukina on the podium. If Shizuka does well this year (at least medals at worlds) she will be one of the faves at the Olympics. Alas, there are just 3 spots on the podium. If history is any indication, all these ladies will be too old in 2006 to win the Olympic gold.
Vash