2025 U.S. Nationals Senior Men's Short Program

[lariko]

NBC included men's SP into ice dance free. I don’t complain but they can use some serious work on labeling. I quite enjoyed Martynov's performance, and, of course, Torgashev's and Malinin's. Those who keep saying that Malinin is only a jumper needs to look up what a balanced skater is, because he seamlessly integrated the hardest jumps in the performance and his program is stacked with transitions, all his elements are strong and the program is visually interesting.

I expect US to shove Brown into competitions no matter what is happening with his skates, but imo they should start promoting younger skaters more.

 

[labgoat]

I'm all in for Jimmy making the team. I think his move to this coaching team has made the difference. I'm off the Camden bangwagon and Jacob had the silly step sequence slip (I love a forced alliteration) which made it a more difficult climb to the podium. Liam, whom I quite like, is a questionmark always. Free skate here we come.

I have been watching Jimmy all season and have seen him work on all areas of his skating and to watch him steadily become more consistent. I am rooting him to skate well and we will see where that lands him. It was nice to see his work rewarded in the short.

 

[noskates]

I think people need to get off the "Ilia is only a jumper" schtick. He has shown such improvement even since last year in his presentation. I'm most excited about Andrew T. and hope that he can put a great performance out there this afternoon.

 

[TontoK]

I expect US to shove Brown into competitions no matter what is happening with his skates, but imo they should start promoting younger skaters more.

I don't know what will happen. Probably best to let this competition play out and see what happens.

Personally, I'd like for Jason to be there, provided he's sorted out equipment and whatever else. However, and I said this on another thread at one time or another, the "body of work" criteria is complicated. And whatever we might say about Jason's placements at previous WC, he doesn't have much of a competitive resume for this current season.

But here's the thing.., outside of Ilia and Andrew, the same can be said for the other men, too. Excepting Jacob Sanchez, who DOES have good results... but on the junior level.

Since I'll apparently never get my wish in terms of selection criteria - top placing eligible skaters at Nationals, end of story - I'm rooting for Jacob to have a good free and get sent - or at least make things really complicated.

 

[4everchan]

I don't know what will happen. Probably best to let this competition play out and see what happens.

Personally, I'd like for Jason to be there, provided he's sorted out equipment and whatever else. However, and I said this on another thread at one time or another, the "body of work" criteria is complicated. And whatever we might say about Jason's placements at previous WC, he doesn't have much of a competitive resume for this current season.

But here's the thing.., outside of Ilia and Andrew, the same can be said for the other men, too. Excepting Jacob Sanchez, who DOES have good results... but on the junior level.

Since I'll apparently never get my wish in terms of selection criteria - top placing eligible skaters at Nationals, end of story - I'm rooting for Jacob to have a good free and get sent - or at least make things really complicated.

I am rooting for Jacob too... obviously as he is my fave.
He does have a challenger win though on the senior circuit. It's not like he didn't compete at all in seniors internationally. He could be the future of USA skating or the alternative if ever Ilia Malinin is injured or whatever. So, in that sense, if the did skate lights out in the LP, and considering his only mistake in the SP didn't come from a jumping pass, I'd send him.

 

[Skating91]

NBC included men's SP into ice dance free. I don’t complain but they can use some serious work on labeling. I quite enjoyed Martynov's performance, and, of course, Torgashev's and Malinin's. Those who keep saying that Malinin is only a jumper needs to look up what a balanced skater is, because he seamlessly integrated the hardest jumps in the performance and his program is stacked with transitions, all his elements are strong and the program is visually interesting.

Yes, he's definitely not a jumper, but a very well rounded one. However, I think the perfect 10's he receives is not right.

I expect US to shove Brown into competitions no matter what is happening with his skates, but imo they should start promoting younger skaters more.

I'd bet any money he'll be at World's. He might be just waiting for a better time to start petitioning for that spot rather than right now because it would be a bad look to miss Nationals blaming a pair of skates that haven't broken in properly as the excuse yet demand a chance at going to World's. But in a couple of weeks everyone will have moved on and forgotten about Nationals, it would be a better time to start making moves. In a couple of weeks, the skates will likely have broken in as well.

 

[TontoK]

I am rooting for Jacob too... obviously as he is my fave.
He does have a challenger win though on the senior circuit. It's not like he didn't compete at all in seniors internationally. He could be the future of USA skating or the alternative if ever Ilia Malinin is injured or whatever. So, in that sense, if the did skate lights out in the LP, and considering his only mistake in the SP didn't come from a jumping pass, I'd send him.

I had completely forgotten about that, so thanks for the reminder.

 

[TontoK]

I'd bet any money he'll be at World's. He might be just waiting for a better time to start petitioning for that spot rather than right now because it would be a bad look to miss Nationals blaming a pair of skates that haven't broken in properly as the excuse yet demand a chance at going to World's. But in a couple of weeks everyone will have moved on and forgotten about Nationals, it would be a better time to start making moves. In a couple of weeks, the skates will likely have broken in as well.

But don't they name the team right after Nationals? He's either petitioned or he hasn't, but I don't think he can do that later down the road.

 

[skatingfan4ever]

Someone posted here they have never heard of people withdrawing due to equipment issues. If you are curious about this, start a thread in The Lutz Corner to ask people who actually skate or coach skaters about equipment issues and how they affect one's ability to skate. You may be surprised by the stories people share. Skates are an extension of your body and if something feels wrong I've heard it can be very dangerous. (I'm not a skater myself; I've used a wheelchair my whole life). I wonder if it happens more often but we don't hear about it.

 

[skatingfan4ever]

I enjoyed this segment so much. I hope they have good free skates too!

 

[Arigato]

Oops trying to delete

I don't know why, since what you posted was accurate. You said 3 points or more and my answer is 4 points or more. In this program I'd easily give Andrew's PCS to Ilia and Ilia's PCS to Andrew. 4 points. The command of the ice beneath him is unmistakable. Normally, I don't even watch Nats since the GOE scores can get absurdly inflated. Not the case for Andrew. I was surprised to see a program skated that well from anyone in the U.S. and, yes, I said out loud: "Finally, someone who doesn't skate like a damn American." I may be American, yes, but a demanding one. Skate well or get off the ice. Andrew's SP is easily one of the best on the entire circuit this season. And as I conclude this, he is skating his SP under my other browser tab. Great job!

 

[nguyhm]

Well that'll move into first+. That step sequence is possessed.

Not trying to offend anyone but Andrew's step sequence reminded me of Yagudin (in a good way).

 

[labgoat]

I have been watching Jimmy all season and have seen him work on all areas of his skating and to watch him steadily become more consistent. I am rooting him to skate well and we will see where that lands him. It was nice to see his work rewarded in the short.

 

[Skating91]

What I think most likely is happening, is he isn’t ready, right now. But, plans to be ready by Worlds. If he competes right now, he might be out skated and not finish in the podium. That is probably terrifying him. It is much easier and safer to file a petition, and qualify to Worlds automatically, by doing nothing.

I understand filing a petition if you are Ilia, Chock/Bates, Amber and even Ellie/Danny. Isabeau is a Worlds medalist too. So, I’m okay with her too.

But, Jason is current American #3 behind Ilia and Andrew and I find it unfair that nobody else has a chance to qualify for worlds. The team is already set in stone and this angers me.

At the same time, Jason did help with the three spots. So, I understand why the USA would send him, again. But, I don’t think he should be excused from competing at Nationals, due to equipment issues. Especially, if you are the #3.

It seems you were right.