I am happy to see Mariah in 3rd following the SP. If ever there was a time for her to bust out her 3/3 this is it. If she were to hold onto to a spot on the podium, it would be huge.
I'd argue that it's still better for Mariah to play it safe without a 3-3. Mariah's ultimate goal is the Olympic team, not necessarily a Grand Prix medal. It was extremely unlikely that she should be in that position after the short program, and it will be extremely unlikely that she'll be in that position tomorrow, even if she were to whip out a clean triple triple, just because her competition has significantly higher base value. We've already seen today that Mariah still gets great GOE and PCS when she goes clean. I have faith in Mariah's ability to go clean with easier tech content like she did at IdF. If she were to do that, she would be able to dramatically improve her chances at the Olympic team by moving herself from Group 4 to Group 3, where the only ladies above/equal to her are Alysa and Karen. We've also seen what can happen when the triple triple goes wrong, like in the short program at IdF, where Mariah scored almost ten points lower than what she did today with a clean 3-2. Triple triple is just too high risk for Mariah right now.
Well, it depends on Bradie's Health. I don't think Mariah can beat a clean Alysa, Lindsay, or Bradie if they all skate their best. What Mariah has is a beautiful performance quality and if Bradie is unable go to Nationals, I could see her doing well there. My question mark skater is Amber Glenn. She defeated Mariah and last year's Nationals and if she skates to her potential, she could do it again.
She's wearing them (you can see in the slow-mo and kiss'n'cry), but agree that they are really well-matched to her skin tone.
I almost always love Mariah's costuming, but her short program dress is one of the best yet-so elegant, sophisticated and beautifully cut and tailored. And yes, the color was gorgeous. I'm really going to be rooting for her tomorrow. Her short was much better today, she has added steps into the axel so it is bigger, and I think there were other adjustments as well to give the program more construction, transitions, etc. Bradie and Karen have already had their Olympic opportunity, I really want to see Mariah make it this year.
The key word is 'skate their best.' Bradie is a giant question mark considering she's heavily injured. Alysa has become a question mark now that she's done a massive coaching change in the middle of the season. Amber is extremely inconsistent, as is Karen. Lindsay's consistent and has higher BV, but she's not going to be rewarded in PCS or GOE the way that Mariah is. I don't think Mariah can be US champion, since if everyone were clean, she would probably place last among the top US contenders by virtue of her low base value. However, I think she can place in the top 3, mostly because she's more consistent than Amber or Karen, she has fewer underrotations than Karen, and she gets better PCS than Amber.
At least she has a small medal (I think)
This is all true. That's why I hope Mariah skates well tomorrow in Russia. Even with a Pewter Finish, I think it would be huge for her confidence.
, although I understand the intended meaning.
Thank you for the info on the small medals.Small medals are given only at ISU Championships: Worlds, Junior Worlds, Four Continents, Euros.
No small medals at Grand Prix and Junior Grand Prix events.
But sincere congratulations to Mariah for placing third in the SP at Rostelecom.
And if anyone cares:
U.S. Nationals and USFS qualifying competions give pewter medals -- meaning literal medals.But pewter medals are just a USFS thing, AFAIK?A U.S. skater who places fourth at a Grand Prix is not going to bring home a literal medal.Referring to fourth place at a GP as a "pewter finish" makes me squirm
Alysa's Lombardia score was 219.24.
This is my team.
