kes, and what it means to build to reach a higher level. Champions do not come out of nowhere. Marissa and Simon are a perfect case in point. They are the only U.S. pairs team currently on the eligible level to have been together for a long time: 7 years -- that makes a huge difference in a partnership. Despite their tightness due to nerves in the fp, Simon and Marissa didn't allow their nerves and Simon's miscue on the sbs spin to hold them back. They held it together and they are clearly the class of this field, in the absence of Caydee and John (and unfortunately the break-up of Rockne and Mary Beth).
Thanks for this post, Art & Sport. I very much agree with you. I think we're at a point where, as a fan community, we really need to support our pairs skaters in the U.S. There are not many of them left, and they're facing a lot of hurdles as they try to build their careers. I'm not saying we should ignore mediocrity or cease all useful criticism. But let's celebrate the successes when they happen and recognize the efforts of pairs teams who truly do have potential.
Castelli & Shnapir had a rocky free skate, and unfortunately the spin problem really disrupted the whole program. But, as you said, they still put a good program out despite the problems. There was a lot of really interesting content and choreography in the program, a lot of great moments. I am really impressed, actually, with how much this team has matured artistically this year. Yes, they need to work on controlling their nerves and becoming more consistent. But they are demonstrating solid improvement, and it's a very good thing they've stayed together this long and persevered. Now, they just need to keep at it.
And Scimeca & Knierim! What a debut for a brand-new team. There is really a ton of potential there. Right now their programs are very generic, but it's their first year, what else could we expect? Just
stay together, and this team could easily be winning Grand Prix medals in a year or so. And as to Zhang & Bartholomay, I enjoyed their skate and there's no denying they really hit their elements well. I don't know if this team has the artistic potential or height differential to go much further, but I enjoy them and they can execute a program, which is, yes, an accomplishment.
Another thing to keep in mind: It's not just the U.S. pairs that are bad. In fact, the whole discipline of pairs is struggling worldwide--worrisome for those of us who love this sport. Overall there are fewer and fewer entries in international pairs events; fewer new young talented pairs coming up to challenge the established teams; and fewer strong performances overall. The glory days of 1988/1992/1994, when some of the greatest pairs teams of all time packed Olympic and World podiums, are far behind us. Only a handful of countries--Russia, Canada, China, the U.S.--can now field even a couple of decent pairs at the senior level.
I don't know what the solution is to bring U.S. pairs up to the level of our ice dancers--I don't know enough details of the issues involved. But clearly, coaching is a big factor. We are incredibly fortunate to have 3 of the top ice dance coaches in the world in Detroit. There is nothing like that in pairs. Right now we have only one pairs coach--Sappenfield in Colorado Springs--who has really demonstrated somewhat consistent success on the international stage the last few years. Aside from her, we have emerging coaches in Boston (Martin), Florida (Zimmerman) and San Diego (Meno/Sand), who show promise but are still young and have not yet achieved consistent success at the international level. The coaching situation needs to get stronger to help really build our program.
I also think the federation needs to provide more financial and organizational support for pairs. I don't know how possible this is, as TV revenue has dropped so much, but it certainly would help.
And then, more than anything, I think we need that one breakthrough U.S. pair who will inspire others with their success. In the late 70s, Tai & Randy inspired a generation of U.S. pairs skaters and helped lead to silver for the Carruthers in 1984 and bronze for Watson & Oppegard in 1988. In ice dance, Tanith Belbin & Ben Agosto led the way and broke the barriers, paving the path for Meryl & Charlie, the Shibs, and our other dancers. We desperately need that kind of breakthough team in pairs right now.
Until that moment comes, though, let's support our pairs and appreciate the good moments. It's a building process. Whatever success each team can achieve helps all the others by gradually raising the level of competition.
