Not new. They competed junior pairs at Nationals
That's so odd, I usually keep up with them better.
Grapevine news is that Shin/Nagy will be sent. This is unsurprising since it is obvious how much U.S. authorities have invested in pairing and backing Shin/Nagy. They want S/N to earn that third Olympic spot for themselves. It makes sense that whoever is sent to Beijing will be trying to win so that they can join the U.S. Olympic fs team. It remains to be seen if that's going to be possible for S/N, especially under pressure. Hopefully, they can do it. I saw their programs at Glacier Falls. Audrey is still learning how to be a pairs girl. Mastering a new discipline with a partner takes time. Meanwhile, U.S. honchos are like, 'Rush, Rush, Rush!' They got spoiled by the quick coming together and success of Knierim/ Frazier. They expected Liu/ Nagy to repeat the immediate success of K/F. That's not how pairs, nor how figure skating works! They should have invested more in helping Chelsea improve her jump landings, especially since she excelled in everything else. But nope, they insist upon trying to manufacture a winning pairs team. 
Yeah, I suppose a last minute change could be made for Beijing, but I doubt it. Chan/Howe performed at this past weekend's event, which is supposed to be streamed on USfigsk YT channel tomorrow. I forget what time. After 24 hours, like at Cranberry, it will be w/o the original music.
Umm, that hasn't stopped U.S. fed in the past from doing what they want. There really isn't fairness in this sport most of the time. Skaters just have to bear down and try to be their best when they get opportunities, which are few and far between unless and until you reach proven star status.
Basically, every senior team part of the ISP, aside from Kam/O'Shea who just withdrew, and Plazas/Fernandez who are doing the Challenger in Japan
Way to go ISU for developing the pairs discipline internationally. Wow, such great and wonderful encouragement for motivated, hardworking athletes. 
Couldn't agree more. Pairs really gets the "unappreciated step-child" treatment. And I know for a fact that the skaters (at least some of them) feel like that as well.I don't like the John Nicks venue. The lighting is extremely poor, and it's always a blurry looking event on camera, due to vapor from the ice, apparently. It looks like one of the smaller, aging rinks. They really need to update the venue! But I think this speaks for how little pairs is valued by the sport in the U.S. and beyond. While there is enthusiasm in the ranks, there's not a concerted effort at the top to support the enthusiasm, the dedicated pairs coaches, and the aspiring pairs athletes.
I remember noticing historically how at one point in the 2010s that 28 pairs teams competed in the sp at least two or three times at Worlds. But they were cut to freakin' 16 teams for the fp!
I do not understand either.
It's more that Chan/Howe are not ready, and they had to make an initial pick based off who is in form now. Things could still change after John Nicks. The entire sub list is competing there aside from Plazas/Fernandez, so we'll see what happens.
This is the buzz I've picked up from the always reliable skating twittersphere. At least at the time the entry list went in. Wishing whoever skates well the best, because this is a case where I think the spot you earn is the one you get, and the spot you don't is the one you miss.
Why are C/H not ready hasn't it been over two years since his shoulder surgery?
Spencer spent part of his summer at boot camp because he joined the elite athlete program in the army.
Chan/Howe had injury setbacks and probably resultant confidence challenges. The problem for skaters is needing multiple opportunities to get back out to compete in order to improve. But opportunities are limited, especially if you are perceived as not being consistent nor at full strength. It's a vicious cycle and an unforgiving sport.
