Both the Knierims and Cain-Gribble/Leduc are capable of finishng ahead of KMT/M at Worlds. Both pairs have finished with higher scores than MT/M did at 4cc this year. So I have hope! I love the Canadians, not as much as I love C-G/L, but the nice thing there is that the two couples have such opposite strengths and styles that it's a pleasure to watch and cheer for both. MT/M have historically made more mistakes at Worlds than their usual. Last year at Worlds, Ashley and Tim were only .06 of a point behind them in the FS. I don't wish anyone ill, but anything's possible.
Actually, I really believe that all 3 pairs have the opportunity and the ability to regroup in the next few weeks and mentally overcome their setbacks from the past few. So it's gonna be exciting!
Ashley and Tim had all the US pairs chasing them this year. It's hard; that's why we haven't had 2 years-in-a-row pairs champions since 2014. I think they'll be motivated to show their best at worlds and do their best for America. For them personally, and for USA, I hope it works in their favor.
As far as Marinaro making a stupid mistake on fs 4CC, true, but it was only a 1 point deduction. Kirsten's doubled sal on the 3-jump combo cost them at least 3 to 4 points. Then, Michael doubled the toe.
I still think it will be a great step forward for C-G/L and K/K to keep 2 spots, in terms of US Pairs and their collective journey. And that is likely. But it's, on paper, looking at numbers and season's results, possible that they could have great skates and earn 3 spots for next year.
Like many people, I feel uneasy about the Knierims because of the confusion about their reasons for withdrawing from 4CC after the short. But they have the right to keep it private. If they train hard and do well at Worlds, all the questions will dissolve, I would think. As far as @Skater Boy's question, will it be their swan song? I wouldn't count on it. They've kept going no matter what. As a personal feeling, I feel bad for Chris. Not being a mind-reader, I don't know whether he's losing motivation or not, but he's in a very tough spot. It must be awful to feel like he's letting his skating partner down, and then double that, to feel he's letting his wife down. But he's clearly stated he doesn't care what anyone else thinks or says.
ETA: I love Calalang and Johnson, and I'm so proud of how they've shown what they can do. They really are beautiful together. I also think we in the USA have a tendency to be more excited about the new team. It may or may not be as hard for C/J to follow up as it usually is for pairs or skaters in general. But I'd like for us to be like the Canadians and Russians and Chinese. Don't completely abandon the old toy just because there's a pretty new toy, and keep all their welfare in mind.
Actually, I really believe that all 3 pairs have the opportunity and the ability to regroup in the next few weeks and mentally overcome their setbacks from the past few. So it's gonna be exciting!
Ashley and Tim had all the US pairs chasing them this year. It's hard; that's why we haven't had 2 years-in-a-row pairs champions since 2014. I think they'll be motivated to show their best at worlds and do their best for America. For them personally, and for USA, I hope it works in their favor.
As far as Marinaro making a stupid mistake on fs 4CC, true, but it was only a 1 point deduction. Kirsten's doubled sal on the 3-jump combo cost them at least 3 to 4 points. Then, Michael doubled the toe.
I still think it will be a great step forward for C-G/L and K/K to keep 2 spots, in terms of US Pairs and their collective journey. And that is likely. But it's, on paper, looking at numbers and season's results, possible that they could have great skates and earn 3 spots for next year.
Like many people, I feel uneasy about the Knierims because of the confusion about their reasons for withdrawing from 4CC after the short. But they have the right to keep it private. If they train hard and do well at Worlds, all the questions will dissolve, I would think. As far as @Skater Boy's question, will it be their swan song? I wouldn't count on it. They've kept going no matter what. As a personal feeling, I feel bad for Chris. Not being a mind-reader, I don't know whether he's losing motivation or not, but he's in a very tough spot. It must be awful to feel like he's letting his skating partner down, and then double that, to feel he's letting his wife down. But he's clearly stated he doesn't care what anyone else thinks or says.
ETA: I love Calalang and Johnson, and I'm so proud of how they've shown what they can do. They really are beautiful together. I also think we in the USA have a tendency to be more excited about the new team. It may or may not be as hard for C/J to follow up as it usually is for pairs or skaters in general. But I'd like for us to be like the Canadians and Russians and Chinese. Don't completely abandon the old toy just because there's a pretty new toy, and keep all their welfare in mind.