I don’t understand why people are always so negative. You can’t tell the future. Yes, Alysa may crumble under the pressure, but she’s not even internationally eligible yet so we don’t know. Before Nationals people said she would crumble under the spotlight. She didn’t. And now that the Ladies event is over, people are saying she’ll crumble come next season. Only time will tell.
Before the season began, people were saying that she will not land her 3A’s at all because of her technique. She improved on that. During the season people talked about her lack of artistry, performance skills, and spins. She improved on those in a matter of months. Heck, people were saying that she’ll never land a 3A let alone attempt one because of how horrible her 2A was. Remember when she literally stopped on the ice to jump? Now she’s going into those jumps with improved speed and once she gains even more experience, I’m sure she’ll get the distance, height, and speed you guys are looking for. Plus, I don’t see the over-hype anywhere. The U.S. literally tweeted like three times about her and posted about our National Champion... and I’m pretty sure any federation would post about their National Champion. In fact, they’ve kept her out of the limelight until Nationals. Additionally, have you guys seen the posts on Instagram from other young skaters? What Alysa did our there last night lit a fire within them. Kids are impressionable and seeing a kid their age become National Champion not only made their dreams a little bit more obtainable, but is going to push them technically and artistically.
As for the others, Hanna had inconsistencies before Nationals and she really needed this medal to boost her confidence. Regarding Ting, knowing that she could have placed within the Top 3 had she skated lights out in both programs will only intensify her flame. Remember Rika during her Junior seasons? She botched one program, came out strong in the other, and each competition just fortified her mentally. Nerves got to her so much that she fell during spins and step sequences. Look where she is today. People said she was a headcase, fell under the pressure, and almost wrote her off until she showed the heck up during Nationals and is now going for Gold at 4CC and Worlds as the favorite.
Things change and whether they be for the good or bad, it is entirely up to the skater. The only thing we can do is support. What they are doing out there is not easy and for us to add pressure onto them just makes it worse. Let’s have hope for the future and not always be doom and gloom.