Up and down, and up again she goes. Just when we think she's done, she reappears. 3rd, 9th, 1st, 10th and now 1st again. Yeah, you know who I'm talking about.
So Czisny claims she is a new skater now. Certainly seems so, since she's managed to win GPF and Nats, two competitions with very strong fields. Also looked focused and ready to go, even if she was freaking out inside. She wins and goes to worlds again as the national champ. Now SHOW us that you're this new skater by not crumbling under the pressure when expectations are raised.
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More importantly is the significance that the 2011 world team is the SAME EXACT TEAM that we sent to LA in 2009- Czisny as national champ and Flatt in 2nd. But the circumstances could not be more different. In 2009, it really was all about Flatt and Czisny lucked into the title. Many raised the stink that Zhang should have gone instead. But this time- it's Czisny that seems to be the headliner, as the walking definition of "inconsistent" has actually been the MOST consistent of the US ladies this season. Czisny is the one who scored close to 180 at the GPF. Czisny is the one who carries the title and is expected to do well at worlds. Expectations for her have shot up with this newfound success. OTOH, Flatt has dealt with injury, and also some adversity as far as international judging goes. She had probably her worst competition ever at the GPF, but bounced back well at Nats to squeak past Nagasu and onto the world team. But this time Rachel is clearly the underdog, and expectations for her seem to be lower than they were in 2009.
So what do we expect? Do you think we have a shot at 3 spots? What do both need to do to stay in the top 10? If Czisny skates at worlds like she did at Nats, does she have a shot at a medal? And what about Four Continents? Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this one.
So Czisny claims she is a new skater now. Certainly seems so, since she's managed to win GPF and Nats, two competitions with very strong fields. Also looked focused and ready to go, even if she was freaking out inside. She wins and goes to worlds again as the national champ. Now SHOW us that you're this new skater by not crumbling under the pressure when expectations are raised.
_________________________
More importantly is the significance that the 2011 world team is the SAME EXACT TEAM that we sent to LA in 2009- Czisny as national champ and Flatt in 2nd. But the circumstances could not be more different. In 2009, it really was all about Flatt and Czisny lucked into the title. Many raised the stink that Zhang should have gone instead. But this time- it's Czisny that seems to be the headliner, as the walking definition of "inconsistent" has actually been the MOST consistent of the US ladies this season. Czisny is the one who scored close to 180 at the GPF. Czisny is the one who carries the title and is expected to do well at worlds. Expectations for her have shot up with this newfound success. OTOH, Flatt has dealt with injury, and also some adversity as far as international judging goes. She had probably her worst competition ever at the GPF, but bounced back well at Nats to squeak past Nagasu and onto the world team. But this time Rachel is clearly the underdog, and expectations for her seem to be lower than they were in 2009.
So what do we expect? Do you think we have a shot at 3 spots? What do both need to do to stay in the top 10? If Czisny skates at worlds like she did at Nats, does she have a shot at a medal? And what about Four Continents? Can't wait to hear your thoughts on this one.