2025 Skate to Milano Pairs Short Program

[TontoK]

I was under the impression that an accelerated citizenship could be granted for "exceptional" contribution. Efimova is great. We all love her. But has she won a world's medal ? Is she really a contender for an Olympic medal ? If the USA didn't have another good option, they could argue that she is needed for the team event... but not even.

Of course, I am no expert on American politics/citizenship rules. But considering past examples, I don't see why it would be done for her, in these circumstances.

I think there are two ways... and Lord knows this is supposition and is not and should not be taken as authoritative.

The first, as you point out, is the "exceptional" individual provisions. I took a stab some time ago at interpreting that policy, and it is beyond my meager abilities. I will say this, though. As a general rule with policy matters, the person interpreting the policy is more important than what we think the policy actually seems to say or imply.

The second possibility is that citizenship is gained through legislation, but in my dealings in government in a prior life, specific legislation targeted to benefit a named individual is very, very rare. Could Congress pass and the President sign a law that Alisa is TA-DA! a citizen? Sure. Likely? No.

I'm not sure what pathway Misha is referencing... I'm just saying that he seems to believe hope is not lost - that's all. Could this be a case of wishful thinking on his part? Who knows, but I secretly hope there's some conspiracy behind the scenes that results in success for her.

 

[Ruthypegs]

the change of coach to Bruno Massot has really benefited the Kovalevs - really enjoyed that skate

 

[ajingmarg]

Gamez/Korovin also have shown solid potential. And she is very joyful.

??? I see only potential in him

 

[ajingmarg]

Great job by Isabela, she was so determined to land everything. And to sell the program even if her partner has never ever looked at her or smiled in their entire career. I hate how in kiss'n'cry he always only talks to his coach and usully in Russian. I'm not going to miss him.

He is a strong partner, with good lines and height.

 

[NanaPat]

Did Ted just say Zhang/Huang were 5th at the GPF last year? Umm....nope

Junior. He said it correctly.
_____________
Edited to add: It was said correctly (by Mark?) when introducing them. Wrong or vague after the skate (by Ted?)

 

[4everchan]

I think there are two ways... and Lord knows this is supposition and is not and should not be taken as authoritative.

The first, as you point out, is the "exceptional" individual provisions. I took a stab some time ago at interpreting that policy, and it is beyond my meager abilities. I will say this, though. As a general rule with policy matters, the person interpreting the policy is more important than what we think the policy actually seems to say or imply.

The second possibility is that citizenship is gained through legislation, but in my dealings in government in a prior life, specific legislation targeted to benefit a named individual is very, very rare. Could Congress pass and the President sign a law that Alisa is TA-DA! a citizen? Sure. Likely? No.

I'm not sure what pathway Misha is referencing... I'm just saying that he seems to believe hope is not lost - that's all. Could this be a case of wishful thinking on his part? Who knows, but I secretly hope there's some conspiracy behind the scenes that results in success for her.

Misha needs to keep the positive banter about it, that's the best way to help the process. Being vocal about the possibility can trigger positive public opinion based decisions

 

[BlissfulSynergy]

I'm not 100% sold that Alisa Effimova has not shot as citizenship. I keep hearing reports that Misha has said that there are things in the works. I did a brief exploration some time ago regarding the circumstances under which an acceleration of citizenship could occur. It's not easy, but also not impossible. Time will tell.

That sounds promising for Efimova. I hope it proves true. It would be lovely to see Alisa/ Misha at the Olympics. Not likely a sure thing, though.

 

[skylark]

Aside from the difficulties that Audrey Shin and Balazs Nagy had, I really enjoyed this event. There was a nice, no even a great variety of styles and moods from the teams. I've been a fan of the Armenian team, Akopova/Rachmanin, for several years, but despite their technical qualities, I didn't much care for their program, because so many of the teams here managed to bring much more expression to their performance. I was happy to hear Mark H. note that the team from Iceland, Gunnarsdottir/Piazza, showed more emotion than A/R did. I enjoyed G/P. (Also, I enjoy that Julia's surname is the patronymic of "dottir," not "sen.")

I'm amazed by Martin Bidar and Anna Valesi, his new partner. For some reason, skating with Anna seems to bring out Martin's skating artistry more than before, or at least more than I'd noticed before. Just beautiful, and Anna expresses an opposition or maybe complementary style.

This was literally the first skate by Camille and Pavel Kovalev that I've ever really enjoyed. Right away, I thought (and still believe) that their really wonderful showing has a lot to do with their new coach, Bruno Massot. I think Bruno has an understanding of how to use affirmations and positive remarks to bring out the best of what his teams have to offer. I also think it's significant that Pavel has choreographed. I think he understands how to show Camille's strengths. I've always watched him more in their programs, but now I feel Camille is bringing her artistry level at least up to a level support Pavel's.

One thing I was entranced with was Audrey Shin's effervescence during the step sequence. I often zone out during SSs, but Audrey was having so much fun that I was just charmed and she carried me along with her. I think their Godfather program is a good choice for them, and I look forward to seeing it develop. I wonder if Balazs is feeling the pressure of the new team and the expectations. The other thing is, this is the second time that I've noticed in S/N's 6-minute warm-up that when they approach their coaches, Meagan Duhamel is talking wildly at Audrey before she ever reaches the boards, and Meagan's mouth just doesn't stop wagging. I feel for Audrey ... and yet I think she's able to cope with it. One way she coped was that the next time she and Balazs approached the boards to talk to the coaches, Audrey came up to Bruno, not Meagan!

I'm looking forward to the free skates!

 

[cocteautwin]

He is a strong partner, with good lines and height.

That's not the point, you need more than lines and height to be a good pair skater. Connection, respect, energy between partners is not less important.