2021-2022 US Women's Figure Skating

[figureskatingandrainbows]

The triple week was stunning. So much confidence and speed. The 4Lz was either q or < (it's hard to tell). Both jumps were very confident, it seems to me like they're pretty consistent now. Plus, they had better height than last season. Combine the improved jumps with her improved skating skills and performance from nationals, and give her two solid programs, and I think Alysa will likely make the Olympic team. As for the other ladies, who knows? I think Gracie, Amber, Mariah, Bradie, and Karen all have about the same chances for going to the Olympics, and it will be very interesting to see who the USFSA sends to Nebelhorn.

 

[Sjs5572]

The triple week was stunning. So much confidence and speed. The 4Lz was either q or < (it's hard to tell). Both jumps were very confident, it seems to me like they're pretty consistent now. Plus, they had better height than last season. Combine the improved jumps with her improved skating skills and performance from nationals, and give her two solid programs, and I think Alysa will likely make the Olympic team. As for the other ladies, who knows? I think Gracie, Amber, Mariah, Bradie, and Karen all have about the same chances for going to the Olympics, and it will be very interesting to see who the USFSA sends to Nebelhorn.

I'd be shocked if Alysa wasn't sent to Nebelhorn. She skates well under pressure and has the highest base score of the American women. In addition, USFSA needs to start the Olympic year process of getting her senior level PCS recognized by international panels.

 

[AlysaLiuStan]

I'm still in awe of her speed going into the quad. She's practically flying into it.

 

[Sjs5572]

I'm still in awe of her speed going into the quad. She's practically flying into it.

Also, Alysa's quad lutz has a lot more distance and amplitude than Trusova's & Shcherbakova's

 

[AlysaLiuStan]

And her speed rivals that of Valieva. I don't think it's too far fetched to say that she could legitimately contend for an individual olympic medal, if not gold.

 

[Sjs5572]

And her speed rivals that of Valieva. I don't think it's too far fetched to say that she could legitimately contend for an individual olympic medal, if not gold.

My prediction is Liu, Valieva and Shcherbakova on the podium in whatever order. The power of a great 3A in the short program cannot be overestimated.

 

[mrrice]

It would be epic if this is the olympic team

I would hate to see a team without Bradie. As the reigning Champion of the US, I really want her to keep it together and qualify. With Bradie, Alyssa, Karen, and Gracie all having been National Champions, I'd like to see a team made up of those skaters. However, I think the skaters who bring it at Nationals should be on the team. With 3 spots, there is a lot up for grabs next year.

 

[chuckm]

I'm in total agreement on Bradie. I want to see her on the US team at the Olympics. She deserves it.

 

[moonvine]

call me crazy but I am manifesting Alysa, Amber, and Gracie for the Olympic team

Yes.

 

[MCsAngel2]

My prediction is Liu, Valieva and Shcherbakova on the podium in whatever order. The power of a great 3A in the short program cannot be overestimated.

Remind me again (because who can keep track), do Kamila and Anna even have a 3A (or did they have one last season)?

 

[Decoder]

Remind me again (because who can keep track), do Kamila and Anna even have a 3A (or did they have one last season)?

Kamila had one of the best 3As last season and I have no doubt she'll keep it.
Anna does not have one, yet.

 

[readernick]

My prediction is Liu, Valieva and Shcherbakova on the podium in whatever order. The power of a great 3A in the short program cannot be overestimated.

Predictions are rarely accurate and this is a bold one. However, I am extremely happy that Alysa got her 3A back. I think we all love skaters who fight back from adversity. Alysa has always been a charming performer and with her noticably improved SS, she could be very successful.

I am rooting for Alysa and Amber to be on the Olympic team. They are the ones who have made technical improvements.

I see Mariah, Bradie and Karen fighting for the third spot. However, as mentioned, predictions are usually wrong.

 

[spicymacaron]

Kamila had one of the best 3As last season and I have no doubt she'll keep it.
Anna does not have one, yet.

Kamila has one of the most consistent 3As, but I wouldn't call it the best technique wise. It's very pretty, but Aliona and even Sasha(when she lands it) have better technique.

 

[Greengemmonster]

Agreed. Americans who should be supporting her are nitpicking the rotations on a freaking Quadruple Lutz when it's only June. The new seaon is months away. That quad is incredible given how she struggled earlier this year.

With the rate Alysa has been developing she'll be landing 4Lz+3T by August.

I agree although sometimes we nitpick those we love out of paranoia!!!

I don't do it publicly but I do try to watch the rotations of my favorites so I can be crazy and stress some more

She's looking fabulous though so not particularly worried about Alysa besides the usual paranoia (am a very paranoid person when it comes to my faves)!!!!

 

[RatedPG]

Wow! Good job Alysa! This is the athlete that is the most dangerous to the Russian Eteri team. Don’t forget, she was the one that came in 3rd at Junior Worlds preventing a team sweep on the podium. She also seems to perform well under pressure. I love that she has the triple axel back. That is why it is so important to learn these jumps before puberty. After Nationals, she mentioned she couldn’t wait to go back to training to focus on triple axel and a quad. Hard works pays off.

In America, I’m clearly rooting for Alysa Liu, Bradie Tennell and Amber Glenn (ABA) to make the team. These are the three athletes that seem to want to fight the most in terms of improving their technical content. Alysa with the triple axel and quad, Amber with her triple axel and solid, well rotated triples, and Bradie with her willingness to previously attempt lutz loop combos and now close to attempting to learn the triple axel. Go ABA!

 

[katymay]

Here's a better look at the triple axel, after I cropped it

God bless you, I couldn't make heads or tails out of those tiny videos.

 

[Bluediamonds09]

Gracie is so gifted. But. Hearing that gracie is doing well in practice doesn't really convince me she'll be #1..... her problem is bringing the practice to the competition, or being a perfectionist who drops the program at any one mistake. And seeing her so upset in the kiss-and-cry after a flawed performance has been so disheartening these past 2 years. She appears so defeated and upset, and my heart breaks.

 

[Jammers]

Never count out Alysa. Yes she had her problems with the growth spurts as most girls her age do but we know one thing she's a fighter and doesn't give into pressure. Hopefully what we see is more speed from her since that has always been her biggest weakness and if she wants to do the big jumps again she needs speed since she's not 4'7 anymore. Unless she's really struggling she'd be the one to send to Nebelhorn she won't even need a 3axel or quad to finish high enough to get the 3rd spot for the US ladies.

 

[MiraiFan]

I would hate to see a team without Bradie. As the reigning Champion of the US, I really want her to keep it together and qualify. With Bradie, Alyssa, Karen, and Gracie all having been National Champions, I'd like to see a team made up of those skaters. However, I think the skaters who bring it at Nationals should be on the team. With 3 spots, there is a lot up for grabs next year.

Why would we send a skater without a consistent triple triple? Karen is out for me for that reason.

 

[mrrice]

^^^ As the highest placing US Lady at Worlds, I certainly think she deserves the opportunity to be in the conversation. You must remember that she beat Alysa last season to go to Worlds. Now that Alysa's jump issues seem to be behind her, I am thinking she will re-gain her title and head into the games as the #1 US Lady. Unless she has a meltdown, I still have Bradie as the #2 Lady if they all skate their best. If Amber skates well, I would hope the US gives her the opportunity to go to the games. They couldn't possibly pass her up TWICE!