2022 U.S. Nationals: Pairs' Thoughts?

[gsk8]

Cain-Gribble and LeDuc reclaim U.S. Pairs title

Ashley Cain-Gribble and Timothy LeDuc reclaimed the Pairs title at the 2022 Toyota U.S. Figure Skating Championships on Saturday night in Nashville, Tenn.

www.goldenskate.com

“I think we are both overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude,” said LeDuc. “Everyone that’s helped us along our journey and our coaches…this is something we’ve dreamed about for a long time. We have worked so extremely hard and have visualized this so many times.”

What are your thoughts on the U.S. Pairs' event?

 

[moonvine]

So happy for Ash and Tim!

 

[gsk8]

Calalang and Johnson:

“After everything that’s happened this year, we are both just so grateful to be here in front of an audience again,” said Johnson. “It’s an experience that at the beginning of the year, we weren’t sure we were going to have again. This whole week has been just a bunch of fun. Skating with Jess is so awesome! We’re so happy to be back in front of everyone and competing!”

Calalang was very emotional in the press conference, choked up and in tears. She was very emphatic about the support she received from Johnson over everything that happened leading up to this event.

 

[ladyjane]

They seem to be very nice people, both of them. It's also good to see how supportive they are of each other. I'm actually happy they are not going to 4CC because being an alternate should be taken very seriously in these particular times. Yes, I'm sad for them as well because they didn't quite make it, and furthermore it would have been good for them to score well at a competition like 4CC. I recall Ashley and Tim profiting from it in 2018 (they were second), but there was no pandemic then. And being an alternate would 'just' mean you needed to travel a bit more - but particularly travel is a thing these days. That makes a whole lot of difference.

 

[skylark]

Ashley and Timothy skated with so much elegance and beauty, with so much passion and desire. I am so happy for them, that they were able to put two programs on Nationals competition ice that showed so well what they do in training. And I'm thrilled for them to realize their goal of earning a spot at the Olympics. It's been a long, long struggle for them, and if you've read the posts around here, you may be aware of how many people have simply dismissed them as being incapable or unsuitable. One of the things that impresses me so much about them is how they've forged ahead to create and realize their own vision of pairs skating. Not believing the limiting (and to me boring) idea that all pairs need to be the best at lifts and twists, or 'it's no use.' There are other pairs elements. Ashley and Timothy have worked diligently to skate programs that highlight their strengths and improve their weaknesses.

Cain-Gribble/LeDuc:
"We, coming into this sport non-traditional, hope that people see us as two athletes forging their own paths. We want to dedicate this title to all the people who feel like they don't belong in this sport; many times we were told that"

Someone actually posted a while back that C-G/L would never do well compared to other top US pairs because Ashley was too tall, although it wasn't "her fault." !!! I'm sure we can all imagine the things that people hinted to Timothy about, or straight-up told him.


Cain-Gribble/LeDuc:
"We want to be the beacon for people who feel like they don't belong."

And they are! There are a number of younger pairs, US and otherwise, who have a few inches less in height difference than what's considered ideal. And they have their own goals for competing and skating and staying with the partners they've chosen. That's only the height issue; but everyone can imagine other ways that Ashley and Tim are beacons to others ... skaters and others who feel they don't belong.


Cain-Gribble/LeDuc:
"The amount of times we've visualized - we were prepared beyond what we thought we could. We came into this competition feeling like we were the best versions of ourselves"



*Thanks to Jackie Chan's twitter for the quotes, which I believe are from the press conferences. BTW, does anyone have a link to the PCs?

 

[moonvine]

Ashley and Timothy skated with so much elegance and beauty, with so much passion and desire. I am so happy for them, that they were able to put two programs on Nationals competition ice that showed so well what they do in training. And I'm thrilled for them to realize their goal of earning a spot at the Olympics. It's been a long, long struggle for them, and if you've read the posts around here, you may be aware of how many people have simply dismissed them as being incapable or unsuitable. One of the things that impresses me so much about them is how they've forged ahead to create and realize their own vision of pairs skating. Not believing the limiting (and to me boring) idea that all pairs need to be the best at lifts and twists, or 'it's no use.' There are other pairs elements. Ashley and Timothy have worked diligently to skate programs that highlight their strengths and improve their weaknesses.

Cain-Gribble/LeDuc:
"We, coming into this sport non-traditional, hope that people see us as two athletes forging their own paths. We want to dedicate this title to all the people who feel like they don't belong in this sport; many times we were told that"

Someone actually posted a while back that C-G/L would never do well compared to other top US pairs because Ashley was too tall, although it wasn't "her fault." !!! I'm sure we can all imagine the things that people hinted to Timothy about, or straight-up told him.


Cain-Gribble/LeDuc:
"We want to be the beacon for people who feel like they don't belong."

And they are! There are a number of younger pairs, US and otherwise, who have a few inches less in height difference than what's considered ideal. And they have their own goals for competing and skating and staying with the partners they've chosen. That's only the height issue; but everyone can imagine other ways that Ashley and Tim are beacons to others ... skaters and others who feel they don't belong.


Cain-Gribble/LeDuc:
"The amount of times we've visualized - we were prepared beyond what we thought we could. We came into this competition feeling like we were the best versions of ourselves"



*Thanks to Jackie Chan's twitter for the quotes, which I believe are from the press conferences. BTW, does anyone have a link to the PCs?

I could not find the press conferences. I asked ice tea podcast and they said they were just using Jackie’s synopsis.

 

[skylark]

furthermore it would have been good for them to score well at a competition like 4CC. I recall Ashley and Tim profiting from it in 2018 (they were second),

And so did Jessica and Brian profit from their 4th place at 2020 4CC ... when they came 3rd in the FS over KMT/M! And yes, they seem very supportive and sensitive to each other. It's really wonderful to see, like when Jessica talked at length to Brian with sparkling eyes after their SP. It reminded me a little of Denis K's pep talks to Daria P (sorry, both surnames escape me) before their skates.

 

[ladyjane]

And I was so impressed by Ashley and Tim....I had an emotional moment during their SP and an even bigger one (tissues needed) during their FS. I really am so happy for them. They did it! They've always been favourites with me - and not just because of their lines (which are beautiful) but because of them being true mates, their 'difference' and their attention to detail. I rather like them as people too. But, I can't help it, I was still sad for Jessica and Brian who had been through a lot last year - and not even related to Covid but to something completely different (I just can't imagine going through a doping accusation while you're totally unaware because you're make up is reacting) and they obviously would have liked to win and go to the Olympics. Of course they did! I still think they have a bright future in front of them. Now, just to get these jumps sorted. They should be able to.

 

[Mauvedreamer]

Delighted for Ash and Tim...beautiful, elegant and have always been my favourite US pairs team..they exude class..and have the best music choices and choreography . Really wanted them to win. Happy

 

[moonvine]

I’m just now watching the NBC broadcast and there’s no bigger kiss of death than having Tara and Johnny go on and on about how consistent you are (speaking of L/M).

Also although I’m not thrilled about why I’m very glad all 8 teams are getting envelope money next year.

 

[readernick]

I'm impressed by the improvements CG/L made this year in terms of their pair elements. Until this year, their pair elements held them back (while unfair it is true that less height difference makes pair elements harder) although I've always enjoyed them from a choreographic perspective. Their long lines make their arms beautiful They were rather harshly scored domestically and internationally last year and rather than defeating them, it made them work harder. Here their twist was better, their lifts were better, and Ashley is starting to get nice running edge out of the throw jumps. It's amazing they managed to demonstrate all these improvements right before the Olympics .. happy for them. They deserve this win and to be on the team.

C/J are my favorite pairs team. They have the best lifts, the best twists. These elements are Russian pairs quality. They also have the best basic skating and I enjoy their programs. However, their jumping elements both throws and SBS hold them back. I hope they continue skating and improving.

 

[moonvine]

C/J are my favorite pairs team. They have the best lifts, the best twists. These elements are Russian pairs quality. They also have the best basic skating and I enjoy their programs. However, their jumping elements both throws and SBS hold them back. I hope they continue skating and improving.

I was wondering if Jessica would be eligible for a “Skatingly Yours” grant or if they are just for singles skaters.

 

[ManyCairns]

I'm over the moon for Ash & Tim, wish C/J could get their jump issues fixed, and felt K/F were sorely missed. Lu/M continued their upward trajectory I think, though I realize they had some bobbles.

I am so glad Ash & Tim's heartfelt skating seems to be touching so many people!

 

[moonvine]

How many mirror pairs (Senior) do we currently have?

 

[skylark]

How many mirror pairs (Senior) do we currently have?

I only recall seeing a couple of mirror pairs in Juniors this event, one being Winter D and partner. But there may be seniors who had to w/d who are mirror pairs, so I don't know.

 

[moonvine]

I only recall seeing a couple of mirror pairs in Juniors this event, one being Winter D and partner. But there may be seniors who had to w/d who are mirror pairs, so I don't know.

Sorry, I keep forgetting Winter is skating Juniors. I don’t understand how she or Megan is skating juniors as I think she is 21 and Megan is 23.

 

[skylark]

Sorry, I keep forgetting Winter is skating Juniors. I don’t understand how she or Megan is skating juniors as I think she is 21 and Megan is 23.

Someone asked the question somewhere else, and the answer was that they can't skate juniors internationally, but domestically is okay. Like the reverse -- Isabeau skating Seniors but only domestically,

 

[skylark]

I'm impressed by the improvements CG/L made this year in terms of their pair elements. Until this year, their pair elements held them back (while unfair it is true that less height distance makes pair elements harder)

True, it makes them harder. For me, it's all the more remarkable how they've advanced their twists and lifts over the years, though some judges apparently don't see it, but score them low anyway. That's finally changing, probably because they've skated better consistently this year, especially with Ashley's throw landings. I got a better perspective on why it often takes judges some time to reward better skating, in Elena Bechke's discussion of it with TSL after last World's (I think).

although I've always enjoyed them from a choreographic perspective. Their long lines make their arms beautiful They were rather harshly scored domestically and internationally last year and rather than defeating them, it made them work harder. Here their twist was better, their lifts were better, and Ashley is starting to get nice running edge out of the throw jumps. It's amazing they managed to demonstrate all these improvements right before the Olympics .. happy for them. They deserve this win and to be on the team.

C/J are my favorite pairs team. They have the best lifts, the best twists. These elements are Russian pairs quality. They also have the best basic skating and I enjoy their programs. However, their jumping elements both throws and SBS hold them back. I hope they continue skating and improving.

 

[moonvine]

There were 2 mirror pairs in a row but they were juniors, not seniors.

 

[ladyjane]

I love mirror pairs! I actually once started a thread about them, it's in the archives now, but here's the direct link:

https://www.goldenskate.com/forum/threads/mirror-pairs.86120/#post-2613572.