2015 Ondrej Nepela Trophy Pairs SP and FS

[TMC]

I'm sorry but I can't stand them. I feel like they literally have no redeeming qualities as a pair and should put all of us and themselves out of their misery and split or retire ASAP. There are too many problems to even begin to list them here in the amount of time we have before the next pair, but one fundamental issue that is impacting a lot of their elements is that the height difference is plainly insufficient, especially considering that she is not a teeny tiny little thing but instead dares to weigh a normal amount for her height (and in all seriousness good for her, she looks healthy, but the elements are just not working).

To each their own I guess

I enjoy watching Matthew partly because he looks exactly like a college sweetheart of mine

 

[karne]

I enjoy watching Matthew partly because he looks exactly like a college sweetheart of mine

How very scandalous!

I enjoy that they clearly support each other. Last week at Nebelhorn Matthew was giving her a hug and encouragement after their FS, this week, she is patting his back to encourage him tonight. They are probably well aware of their limitations, and frustrated that their super-ambitious start to the season has ended like this, but I know they'll be working hard on it in between competitions.

 

[CaroLiza_fan]

To each their own I guess

I enjoy watching Matthew partly because he looks exactly like a college sweetheart of mine

Erm, does your husband know about this...?

CaroLiza_fan

 

[tulosai]

Oof. A little harsh. Not to say I disagree with the baseline for your argument, but that was a little harsh.

Matthew is not very tall at all, unlike Andrew and Jordan. He's shorter than me, I'm pretty sure, which makes his options pretty limited in a country where everyone, including ladies, gets fairly tall. Plus, we have a general shortage of pairs skaters anyway, both male and female. So it's all very well to say they should split, but then they'd both be out of a partner.

Although, I really admired Jordan and Eliza when they were together...perhaps if Eliza was still interested in pairs...

Right, I am not saying the height difference is anyone's fault, but he can clearly barely manage her in the lifts (which again isn't a slam at him, considering the height and weight difference I think it's amazing he does as well as he does), or the twists, or the throws. Even the death spirals are awful. Honestly, and maybe it is harsh, but if there isn't a suitable partner for either of them, then there isn't and that is how life goes sometimes. Not everything you want to do can or does work out, sometimes through no fault of your own. However, aside from their just being difficult/painful to watch, there is a real safety concern with some of this, and they have no hope currently of getting the TES minimums for worlds or 4CC's so they are basically going to be forever restricted to senior B's at which they'll finish last anyway, at great time and expense to themselves.

Now even with all of that, if they seemed to be enjoying it, okay, but they are plainly miserable while preforming- just look at their faces.

I do know I sound harsh but I view this as pretty much the objective truth. I could maybe say it a little nicer but the bottom line is unfortunately the same.

 

[TMC]

Erm, does your husband know about this...?

CaroLiza_fan

No! It's just silly nostalgia

 

[karne]

Right, I am not saying the height difference is anyone's fault, but he can clearly barely manage her in the lifts (which again isn't a slam at him, considering the height and weight difference I think it's amazing he does as well as he does), or the twists, or the throws. Even the death spirals are awful. Honestly, and maybe it is harsh, but if there isn't a suitable partner for either of them, then there isn't and that is how life goes sometimes. Not everything you want to do can or does work out, sometimes through no fault of your own. However, aside from their just being difficult/painful to watch, there is a real safety concern with some of this, and they have no hope currently of getting the TES minimums for worlds or 4CC's so they are basically going to be forever restricted to senior B's at which they'll finish last anyway, at great time and expense to themselves.

Now even with all of that, if they seemed to be enjoying it, okay, but they are plainly miserable while preforming- just look at their faces.

I do know I sound harsh but I view this as pretty much the objective truth. I could maybe say it a little nicer but the bottom line is unfortunately the same.

He has been a little off this comp and the last, but he got her up over his head with much more ease in SLC. Their lift problems aren't consistent, they do usually hit their lifts and it's very unusual for them to miss the death spiral - in fact, SLC and here are the only times I can remember seeing them miss it, and I've been watching them for a few years now.

The throw 3Lo is new, and some of their lift positions are new too. All they need to do is string it together and they will do well. Seeing Paris land the throw 3Lo and the 2A tonight made me beyond happy. If she can do that on a night when Matthew can keep it under control, their score will jump. I know it. I guess - I feel bad for them because they have been fighting this beast for so long, and they've been working so hard for so long, that it would be so sad to see it just...fall apart.

 

[tulosai]

H/R seemed reallllly slow to me out there...

I am hoping the next two pairs will do well!!! I am very fond of both of them!

 

[tulosai]

I think Z/K look like they are still getting used to this program- I look forward to seeing it once they get a bit more mileage on it I did enjoy the second half a lot- I thought they were able to bring more expression to it than they did to the first half :dance:

 

[tulosai]

That is both their overall PB and their LP personal best! They must be happy!

 

[skylark]

Go Gretchen and Nate

 

[skylark]

I liked Z/K's program and esp. their costumes. Lovely, sleek and modern. The lifts a little rough.

 

[TMC]

Nathan has the most gorgeous smile.

What is wrong with me today

 

[tulosai]

Nathan has the most gorgeous smile.

What is wrong with me today

You do your thing...

Too bad, really rough skate for these two. Usually she lands throws really well, that was actually kind of surprising. I am impressed they managed to keep big smiles up for pretty much the whole thing, it must have been rough. Ah well.

 

[SaraM]

and mum's keep calling!

 

[LRK]

Phone!

 

[moriel]

on the phone again?
come on, someone take the phone from the kid.

 

[tulosai]

That is actually Gretchen and Nate's PB FS and total score too... generous judges I think, they have definitely skated this program better...

 

[TMC]

Uh-oh...Nate didn't even look up as the scores were read

 

[skylark]

Too bad, ouch! about all the falls for Gretchen and Nate. Still, I enjoyed their program so much. They radiate, with the quality of their lifts, their expression, grace and sexy connection. I keep hoping they'll improve the stability of their jumps and throws.

 

[tulosai]

Too bad, ouch! about all the falls for Gretchen and Nate. Still, I enjoyed their program so much. They radiate, with the quality of their lifts, their expression, grace and sexy connection. I keep hoping they'll improve the stability of their jumps and throws.

Me too... :thumbsup: