Just some quick thoughts before bed as someone who was there in person:
I have never been a fan of Ashley and always thought people were smoking some good stuff whenever they would go on about her "ability to perform" and yadda yadda. Having now seen her in person and especially in contrast with the other 20 girls at Nationals, I finally understood what people meant. It's like watching a really good movie and you're immediately invested from the get-go. I was glued to her the entire program and I've never gotten that from watching her on video; she filled out the ice really well too. It's pretty upsetting that she gave the only good performance of the night and was purposely held down in PCS for whatever reason especially compared to the top 3. I'd probably be rolling my eyes at that Ashley video saying she's furious about her scores if I hadn't been there in person but I have to agree with her. The PCS bump is being selectively applied to skaters. She got screwed. I also say this as someone who hates La La Land; movie is trash, but this program was fresh and spunky. I loved it.
Even though I was rooting for Mirai to win for sentimental reasons, she really didn't perform at all. Now don't get me wrong, the entire arena including myself were screaming after every jump because we wanted it so badly for her... but that doesn't equate to good PCS. She landed a fantastic 3A in the warm-up that lit up the arena. Marina Klimova was sitting next to me
love
and she went gaga over it too! Thrilled with her program here and I believe she's a good example to put in a dictionary next to the word "perseverance". I couldn't stop smiling after she finished and burst into tears on the ice. Her score got a standing ovation from my section too.
Karen Chen; I don't know if it was her flu or something but for someone who finished 4th in the World, her choreography and performance weren't too different than the lower tier skaters at Nationals. After hearing and reading tons about her speed from forums and commentators, I expected more from her. Her skating skills were the best of the field though; much smoother and effortless movement across the ice... so that has to count for something. I did love her ChSq with the spiral though. Really beautiful. In person, her 2A+1Lo+3S is a thing of beauty. Probably my favorite jump combination of the competition. Her layback was incredibly impressive too.
Bradie; most transitions out of anyone and faultless jumps except for 2A+3T. Likely nerves more than a specific technical fault though. Program was a snooze. Skating and speed is fine, nothing stands out. Choreography and performance is non-existent. Audience muted aside from jump landings. Her PCS compared to those below her, especially Ashley, are a joke. I can understand TES-ing your way to a National title but not with those PCS.
Side-notes: I didn't understand what people meant by Caroline Zhang snail speed until she got to her StSq. Holy damn girl, :eeking:. Even I could do that step sequence and I don't even skate. Amber Glenn had the most impressive triple triple combination, good speed into it. Tessa Hong is like mini Sasha Cohen. Starr Andrews was really good! And Michelle Kwan during the Hall of Fame introduction was looking good and fit, I say send her the Olympics as that third entry, why not. She'd get way more media coverage than any American Olympian period.
Over and out. Men's free tomorrow!
