2020 Skate America: Men's SP

[icybear]

Sorry but Chen's jacket looks like he took it out from some boys dress up costume. I guess his costume choice could have been a lot worse. On the serious side his consistency is incredible. He is now even more consistent than the Eteri girls.

 

[lurkz2]

The costume was fine. Skating of that quality doesn't need bedazzling.

This is the 4th time I've seen this program in competition (if you count JO) and it's the 4th different jump layout.

The takeaway isn't the costume, it's that the experimentation continues.

It was the same layout as the last time (ISP-2), only he popped the last jump then. I think he's building back to a 4Lz3T 3A 4F program.

 

[JOHIO2]

|Jason is not there unless I missed something.

Canada is picky over the coming and going right now.

 

[ancientpeas]

I am usually a costume nazi but I think Nathan's costume is fine. Although I would want a bandolier if I were him.

 

[ice coverage]

Pictures of people (and pets) that you could buy for the extortionate rate of $65 per cutout. ...

There is nothing extortionate about a fund-raiser for a worthy cause, IMO.
Proceeds from the cut-outs are going to the USFS Memorial Fund, which supports skaters.

... Anyone could buy one, so I think there are a few skaters in the "crowd". ..

Yes, examples of skaters in the audience of cut-outs:

- Mark Ladwig
- Chris Knierim
- Carly Gold​

 

[TontoK]

It was the same layout as the last time (ISP-2), only he popped the last jump then. I think he's building back to a 4Lz3T 3A 4F program.

Maybe so... I'll have to go back and review. I think you may be right about the eventual layout. I haven't seen a 4Z since the first ISP.

 

[moonvine]

There is nothing extortionate about a fund-raiser for a worthy cause, IMO.
Proceeds from the cut-outs are going to the USFS Memorial Fund, which supports skaters.



Yes, examples of skaters in the audience of cut-outs:

- Mark Ladwig​

- Chris Knierim​

- Carly Gold​

Although they are not skaters, Alexa's mom, Brandon's dog and one of Alexa's animals are there. Same row as Chris.

 

[Dogo]

Nathan's SP : cheff's kiss

And I know it will only get better during the season. He's so insanely gifted and yet one can tell he listens to constructive criticism and polishes his programs for the audience to enjoy. Huge respect for Nathan

Vincent's jump height was crazy in that combo and I'm rooting for him getting the Silver and push Nathan as well! Vincent is such a fighter and he demonstrates he will go far if people show support for his craft.

I know Keegan did wonderful too, but I'm rooting for my boy Tomoki to take Bronze. He has SO much to demonstrate and fingers crossed he can push himself forward tomorrow! Wishing good luck to everyone!

 

[NAOTMAA]

Honestly if I watched Nathan without the sound on I probably would have guessed he was skating to West Side Story or something similar. Just the way he moved and the way he was dressed

 

[lopsilceci]

Apparently, Vincent changed coaches to some guy named "Mic Hamoda"

 

[fierysky]

Hanyu would do an over-the-top costume to that music. Flowing sleeves...ruffles...red....major league bling...and feathers! Does Hanyu ever wear a costume that doesn't have feathers????

Except Nathan is playing/channeling the Desparado character. He has confirmed that the program is character driven to the specific feel of the movie. I do think it needs to be fitted better though.

Plus he's not Hanyu, and he'll never be Hanyu. I'm mean will Hanyu even pick a similar style of music?

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

A good competition from the guys, aside from jitters and miscues by Camden and Jimmy Ma.

I love Nathan's program, and I get the bolero jacket. But I don't think it quite goes with the white shirt (especially the way the shirt bags and wrinkles around the back of his waist). I get the cool insouciance factor with Nathan, but he could polish up his costume game. He's kind of halfway, casually going for the Latin flavor, but not really. Shouldn't he have done something more polished with red somewhere and rhinestones too maybe?

Other than the costuming, Nathan was exceptional. To do what he does on a regular basis is absolutely amazing! I don't care what critics have to say.

Of course Nathan will never be Hanyu. Why should he be Hanyu? Athletes are not made in each other's image! Let Hanyu be Hanyu and leave Nathan alone all those who can't appreciate his talent. Nathan's costume choices are what they are, and it doesn't look like he pays a whole heap of meticulous attention to what he wears. LOL

 

[clovertree71]

Re-watching the men's sp skates videos on YouTube (am so thankful they are posted there). Nathan Chen was of course on another level. I appreciate Messing's power in his skating, and also the way he smiled after his little stumble (oops!). I must say that I am really impressed with Vincent Zhou, I think he works hard to improve every season. He's also been known to get himself together during the second half of a usual skating season--so good to see him do so well at this time.

I also really enjoy Tomoki Hiwatashi's energy, I also grow to like him better with each season. And am impressed by Ilia Malinin, so young but obviously ambitious and full of potential.

I felt so, so bad for Camden Pulkinen and Jimmy Ma. Camden looked so disappointed with himself.

 

[Ichatdelune]

I think Ichat didn't manage to wake up.

Utterly failed, my stamina isn't what it used to be. I did manage to catch up on both the skating and the comments here

---

Nathan Chen: How is he so consistent, hats off. I'm not in love with the costume but I'll take it as long as it doesn't reveal his belly button. The program is promising, not completely into it yet but with more polish I can see myself doing just that.
Vincent Zhou: The cover is bad. Period. I never connected with his skating to say much else, sorry.
Keegan Messing: Per usual, terrific skating skills, spins, and combo saving. Oof on the slip.
Tomoki Hiwatashi: He's good with the music and the choreo is intricate and well-timed, just needs better spins. This does apply to most of the men here.
Alexei Krasnozhon: He is passionate, I give him that. I unfortunately didn't connect with that passion here. Kudos on the 4Lo, but please get him to a spin specialist or something
Alexei Bychenko: Uncle Bychenko needs better music. He's going to be Israel's best senior man again, it seems.
Ilia Malinin: The last time I saw him he didn't have any quads, now he has two. I am impressed. Spins, however, need work and the program was honestly bland.
Camden: Oh Camden... (deep sigh) You are living up to your cactus reputation, what can I say.
Maxim Naumov: Great spins. Wish I could also say that to his jumps.

 

[Ruthypegs]

I would love to see a great showing for Alexei. I also think he's a hottie, but that's beside the point.

He is scorching hot, but that is beside the point!

 

[Ruthypegs]

Hm, well, he rocked the rink in a rocky way ...

Great lyrics for a song......

 

[Ruthypegs]

Just out of curiosity, who are the cutouts?

I think it would be funny to skate in front of other skaters. Imagine skating in front of cutouts of Peggy Fleming, Elvis Stojko, Alexei Urmanov, Nancy Kerrigan, and others.

I'm sure I spotted (1) Ted Barton and (2) Chris Knierem in the cutout audience

 

[Ruthypegs]

Roman and Jason are both in Toronto. They can run a clinic together.

Keegan is an amazing spinner, too. So fast and centred.

 

[Greengemmonster]

hehe I like Nathan's costume this time! I think he's finally balanced his minimalist style but gone beyond a T shirt and pants. Gosh he makes everything look so easy! I hope he continues on this trajectory because it would be a travesty if he does not get Olympic gold. He is such a prodigy.

I adore Vincent's skating! I find it very soothing and entertaining at the same time. That 4Lutz was HUGE and I didn't have to yell at him because he had his arms tucked in!

 

[badknees]

Are all these skaters pulling their own face mask from a pile of everyones

I was wondering about that, but then decided that couldn't possibly be. Something to watch for today.