- Joined
- Sep 16, 2024
just a huge appreciation post for those covering the practices. I don't have time right now to watch so really appreciate the scoop.
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2025 World Championships Practice Reports
- Thread starter dorispulaski
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2020
Two more groups to go! How the time flies when you have a 10-minute ice cut and no waiting for scores 
. I swear these reports keep getting longer and longer... I'll have written a novel before today's through with.
G5
Polina's special program was at Greensboro Nationals in 2011, with Rachel Flatt skating to East of Eden. She specifically remembers the energy in her step sequence, and how it impacted her as a young skater. She also notes that it wasn't the same on Youtube - it was special live. Jean-Luc mentions how he used to practice and compete in running tights, because it helped keep him warm and made him feel like he wasn't wearing a costume and helped him feel normal. Polina mentions the difference between tights and leggings that you train in - the feeling is so different when you go to competition, even wearing gloves or not has a huge difference. Haien Lee opens this group, having returned to her Ave Maria short program. She does a nice 3Lz+3Tq, 2A, and 3F, but walks through most of the choreography - Polina discusses the willowy quality of her skating with her long lines, and her easy quality of skating with great freedom, but she just needs a little bit more toe point to finish her lines. Maddie Schizas does a 3Lz+3T with a step out and nice 3Lo. Polina explains that Maddie's jumps are gorgeous when she hits them, and Jean-Luc admires her expressive ability but wishes she was a little more intentional throughout and doesn't drop the performance in between elements. Now, we have Ekaterina Kurakova up as I spot the Mrazeks jogging around the practice rink (playing spot the media member/skater in this rink is so fun). She does a 3Lzq, 3Lo<, avoiding the combination. The jumps look shaky, but Polina appreciates her spice and performance that she always brings to her performance. Kimmy does a 3F+3T, 2A, and takes a fall on the 3Lo. Polina admires how well she uses her long limbs - she finishes each movement even though it takes longer, and she doesn't take the height for granted and still pushes to fill up the space in the rink. Mone Chiba follows Kimmy, someone who Polina describes as one of her favourites. She does a solid 3Lz+3T, 2A, and great rippon 3F - the rotation looks solid, and Jean-Luc admires her air position. There is a lot of appreciation for this program and how it helps her grow as a performer, and of course some love for Kaitlyn Weaver. Niina Petrokina marks her jumps, but seems really into the performance, and is noted to be a great performer with her intensity. I really still see that the Euros success has given her new life. The skaters start getting off the ice early, since it's so close to their event and they want plenty of time to rest, eat, and recover before heading over to the arena. Polina and Jean-Luc talk about the importance of eating two hours before the event - she was normally very nervous but forced herself to get some fuel in. She recounts being at a JGP and eating at a snack shack at the arena (fries and a pork chop) due to a lack of food at the hotel, and she had such a high metabolism that she skated super well after. She also ate a chocolate truffle right before the 6-minute warmup when she was young, courtesy of her mom.
G6
oooh, it's getting exciting! Here comes the top group - Jean-Luc and Polina are so excited for Amber and glad to see Isabeau back and how she's developed as both a skater and a person during the time off. Jean-Luc recommends for this group, they need to give their all but not try to do that in order to succeed, and they need to conserve their adrenaline and energy for this afternoon. Nina Pinzarrone is up first - gorgeous skating, has almost too much speed as she gets really close to the boards. There is some concern about some of her fingertip movements getting lost with her black gloves, and Polina remarks that a lot of Benoit's skaters wear gloves. She marks her jumps, but her skating quality is evident - she just needs a bit more toe point on all of her movements, but she has great extension. Up next, we have Anastasiia Gubanova - she does a lovely 3F+3T, 2A, and a 3Lz, but checks out at the end of her step sequence. Polina explains that she needs to be at 120% to match the intensity of the music, and she needs to go full commitment to sell this program, but if she does that, it will be super strong. Amber is up next - steps out of 3A, marks her combo, and does a great 3Lo. Her speed and ability to look out and connect with the audience is remarked upon, and Jean-Luc mentions how much of a fighter and competitor she is, and how she commands the arena with her eye contact. He does want her to work on her toe point for next season and refine her free leg on her clusters, but Polina loves how she can let go and perform at the end of her programs like no one else. Isabeau follows Amber - quite a different program style. She does a 3F+3T, 2A, and 3Lz - looks more secure than yesterday, although her jumping technique is still quite awkward. Jean-Luc wants to see more detail on her crossovers, he feels they are done quickly instead of taking the time to refine them, but both of them love her toe point and balletic approach, as well as her character work and skating quality. They also admire her spins and the emphasis on making each position attractive. Next, we have Kaori - she is totally the opposite type of skater from Isabeau, and her speed and power is noted. She opens with her 2A out of a great transition and a solid 3Lz with a better edge. Our commentators admire the continuation of her skating, even when she stops - she is always moving. She goes the wrong way out of her spin and then goes straight into a 3F+3T (stepout) - she totally had to change around her pattern and timing, and still went for it! Chaeyeon is our last skater - lots of speed into a 2A with a bit of an awkward transition out - she was going for a bestie squat and it didn't quite work. She goes for her 3Lz and downgrades and falls - she just didn't get the pop off the ice, and sat there for quite a while. Jean-Luc and Polina are so excited to see this program in the main arena and Chaeyeon purposefully singles her 3F - she seems a bit dejected after that runthrough. This is a classic Benoit program - toe hop, gloves, fluidity, and while our commentators love the program, they want to see a bit more facial performance during the steps. We finish with general excitement over the event - yes, medals are important, but also Olympic sports are at stake, and you can really set yourself up for the following season here. Polina is most excited for the US women, and everyone in the final group, as well as Mone and Kimmy Repond.
Thank you all for following along - I will see you all in 40 minutes!
. I swear these reports keep getting longer and longer... I'll have written a novel before today's through with.G5
Polina's special program was at Greensboro Nationals in 2011, with Rachel Flatt skating to East of Eden. She specifically remembers the energy in her step sequence, and how it impacted her as a young skater. She also notes that it wasn't the same on Youtube - it was special live. Jean-Luc mentions how he used to practice and compete in running tights, because it helped keep him warm and made him feel like he wasn't wearing a costume and helped him feel normal. Polina mentions the difference between tights and leggings that you train in - the feeling is so different when you go to competition, even wearing gloves or not has a huge difference. Haien Lee opens this group, having returned to her Ave Maria short program. She does a nice 3Lz+3Tq, 2A, and 3F, but walks through most of the choreography - Polina discusses the willowy quality of her skating with her long lines, and her easy quality of skating with great freedom, but she just needs a little bit more toe point to finish her lines. Maddie Schizas does a 3Lz+3T with a step out and nice 3Lo. Polina explains that Maddie's jumps are gorgeous when she hits them, and Jean-Luc admires her expressive ability but wishes she was a little more intentional throughout and doesn't drop the performance in between elements. Now, we have Ekaterina Kurakova up as I spot the Mrazeks jogging around the practice rink (playing spot the media member/skater in this rink is so fun). She does a 3Lzq, 3Lo<, avoiding the combination. The jumps look shaky, but Polina appreciates her spice and performance that she always brings to her performance. Kimmy does a 3F+3T, 2A, and takes a fall on the 3Lo. Polina admires how well she uses her long limbs - she finishes each movement even though it takes longer, and she doesn't take the height for granted and still pushes to fill up the space in the rink. Mone Chiba follows Kimmy, someone who Polina describes as one of her favourites. She does a solid 3Lz+3T, 2A, and great rippon 3F - the rotation looks solid, and Jean-Luc admires her air position. There is a lot of appreciation for this program and how it helps her grow as a performer, and of course some love for Kaitlyn Weaver. Niina Petrokina marks her jumps, but seems really into the performance, and is noted to be a great performer with her intensity. I really still see that the Euros success has given her new life. The skaters start getting off the ice early, since it's so close to their event and they want plenty of time to rest, eat, and recover before heading over to the arena. Polina and Jean-Luc talk about the importance of eating two hours before the event - she was normally very nervous but forced herself to get some fuel in. She recounts being at a JGP and eating at a snack shack at the arena (fries and a pork chop) due to a lack of food at the hotel, and she had such a high metabolism that she skated super well after. She also ate a chocolate truffle right before the 6-minute warmup when she was young, courtesy of her mom
.G6
oooh, it's getting exciting! Here comes the top group - Jean-Luc and Polina are so excited for Amber and glad to see Isabeau back and how she's developed as both a skater and a person during the time off. Jean-Luc recommends for this group, they need to give their all but not try to do that in order to succeed, and they need to conserve their adrenaline and energy for this afternoon. Nina Pinzarrone is up first - gorgeous skating, has almost too much speed as she gets really close to the boards. There is some concern about some of her fingertip movements getting lost with her black gloves, and Polina remarks that a lot of Benoit's skaters wear gloves. She marks her jumps, but her skating quality is evident - she just needs a bit more toe point on all of her movements, but she has great extension. Up next, we have Anastasiia Gubanova - she does a lovely 3F+3T, 2A, and a 3Lz, but checks out at the end of her step sequence. Polina explains that she needs to be at 120% to match the intensity of the music, and she needs to go full commitment to sell this program, but if she does that, it will be super strong. Amber is up next - steps out of 3A, marks her combo, and does a great 3Lo. Her speed and ability to look out and connect with the audience is remarked upon, and Jean-Luc mentions how much of a fighter and competitor she is, and how she commands the arena with her eye contact. He does want her to work on her toe point for next season and refine her free leg on her clusters, but Polina loves how she can let go and perform at the end of her programs like no one else. Isabeau follows Amber - quite a different program style. She does a 3F+3T, 2A, and 3Lz - looks more secure than yesterday, although her jumping technique is still quite awkward. Jean-Luc wants to see more detail on her crossovers, he feels they are done quickly instead of taking the time to refine them, but both of them love her toe point and balletic approach, as well as her character work and skating quality. They also admire her spins and the emphasis on making each position attractive. Next, we have Kaori - she is totally the opposite type of skater from Isabeau, and her speed and power is noted. She opens with her 2A out of a great transition and a solid 3Lz with a better edge. Our commentators admire the continuation of her skating, even when she stops - she is always moving. She goes the wrong way out of her spin and then goes straight into a 3F+3T (stepout) - she totally had to change around her pattern and timing, and still went for it! Chaeyeon is our last skater - lots of speed into a 2A with a bit of an awkward transition out - she was going for a bestie squat and it didn't quite work. She goes for her 3Lz and downgrades and falls - she just didn't get the pop off the ice, and sat there for quite a while. Jean-Luc and Polina are so excited to see this program in the main arena and Chaeyeon purposefully singles her 3F - she seems a bit dejected after that runthrough. This is a classic Benoit program - toe hop, gloves, fluidity, and while our commentators love the program, they want to see a bit more facial performance during the steps. We finish with general excitement over the event - yes, medals are important, but also Olympic sports are at stake, and you can really set yourself up for the following season here. Polina is most excited for the US women, and everyone in the final group, as well as Mone and Kimmy Repond.
Thank you all for following along - I will see you all in 40 minutes!
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2020
Not really, as the final group doesn't compete for another 3/4 hours. They will have plenty of time to go back to the hotel, change, rest, eat, and then head to the rink.Question: is it usual for a practice to be so close to the event? Right now the women are less than an hour from their SP.
Kaori has her gorgeous red dress on already
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2018
Taschlers revamped their RD music cuts, but didn’t do the choreo for the new bits at practice, so what we will see at the comp is anyone’s guess.
Natalie is still one of the absolute goddesses of ice dance, however
Natalie is still one of the absolute goddesses of ice dance, however
- Joined
- Feb 24, 2012
Any scoop on Jason Brown???
- Joined
- Jan 28, 2013
According to Jackie Wong's tweet yesterday, Jason looks to be in excellent form. Much much better than we have seen him recently. So fingers crossed.
Me too, I always root even more for skaters from smaller feds. Those who are at the rink, please cheer loudly for Jari Kessler, Deniss Vasiljevs and Davide Lewton Brain (and of course, the British skaters!)
I thought that Ilia looked nervous and tense and I noticed to hat he was looking up towards the stands and I thought I saw Raf standing there and figured out that he was there. I think we may see a slightly different Ilia. I also noticed that he was practicing a quad axel triple toe combo. It looks he may try to get one world record score that he does not have yet. If he manages to land that beast cleanly, it may be game over for anybody else to catch him because the lead that he will get will may it nearly impossible to catch him unless he complete implodes and something tells me that will not happen so tomorrow will be interesting to say the least.
True... China as a lot of competition in diving for example. I could switch from nationality to represent a small fed due to my level, but never in China.
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2007
Trying to watching Men's Practice on Peacock at 7:00 am
The sun is shining on the ice through the windows - so pretty
Men Group 1
1 Jari KESSLER CRO - does FS - too early to jump, smooth skating in Rainbow shirt, really cool camel positions
2 Alexander ZLATKOV BUL - FS - he lands 3LZ-3T this early !!, JLB & JW say he moves softly and efficiently across the ice in a very pleasing way
3 Burak DEMIRBOGA TUR - not here
4 Davide LEWTON BRAIN MON - SP skates to L'Enfer (first of 3). Still want to see him and Danny O together - lets here it for the Bald Guys! JW compliments his classic style spins, very clear edges and clssic sitspin position.
5 Semen DANILIANTS ARM - skating to Natural (first of several) and he attacked his jumps to warm-up, but marked them in the program. Nice 1 foot axel into camel spin. JLB wants to fix his shoulder posture.
The sun is shining on the ice through the windows - so pretty
Men Group 1
1 Jari KESSLER CRO - does FS - too early to jump, smooth skating in Rainbow shirt, really cool camel positions
2 Alexander ZLATKOV BUL - FS - he lands 3LZ-3T this early !!, JLB & JW say he moves softly and efficiently across the ice in a very pleasing way
3 Burak DEMIRBOGA TUR - not here
4 Davide LEWTON BRAIN MON - SP skates to L'Enfer (first of 3). Still want to see him and Danny O together - lets here it for the Bald Guys! JW compliments his classic style spins, very clear edges and clssic sitspin position.
5 Semen DANILIANTS ARM - skating to Natural (first of several) and he attacked his jumps to warm-up, but marked them in the program. Nice 1 foot axel into camel spin. JLB wants to fix his shoulder posture.
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- Joined
- Jan 3, 2007
I am watching with the morning sunlight streaming through my window.Agree the SUNis beautiful! Love a rink with windows..
I feel very in-sync with the practice skaters right now. I wish I could screen shot for fans.
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2007
Front rows are the splash zone - ewwwwJLB talking about KH getting a runny nose during twizzles
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2007
Resurface
Men Group 2
6 Aleksandr VLASENKO HUN - skating to Standards, one of the taller guys JLB talks about anatomy and bone length and how it affects balance over the blade
7 Kyrylo MARSAK UKR - JW says he is up and coming and a very emo skater. Huge, high 3A. My impression is a UKR Sadovsky with more grit forged by life. JW notes the back shoot the duck in the step sequence.
8 Yu-Hsiang LI TPE - trains in So-Cal is short and compact, choreo by Yuka Sato & Jeremy Abbott. He is a badminton National level player. Very efficient jumper.
9 Georgii RESHTENKO CZE - JW says one of most natural jumpers he's ever seen. He is from Tomas Verner Academy. Hobbies - Football, Tennis & Violin. effortless edgework in footwork sequence, gorgeous quad toe not on camera.
10 Daiwei DAI CHN - Did gigantic quad toe in practice, fell in program. JW loves his basics and speed gained in camel-change-camel. JLB says he could be a dangerous competitor. Really good ankles make great twizzles. JW says he is a Han Yan style skater.
General discussion of Nathan Chen finding his timing on jumps as a feeling of calm before the jump - if you wait too long the timing is lost.
Men Group 2
6 Aleksandr VLASENKO HUN - skating to Standards, one of the taller guys JLB talks about anatomy and bone length and how it affects balance over the blade
7 Kyrylo MARSAK UKR - JW says he is up and coming and a very emo skater. Huge, high 3A. My impression is a UKR Sadovsky with more grit forged by life. JW notes the back shoot the duck in the step sequence.
8 Yu-Hsiang LI TPE - trains in So-Cal is short and compact, choreo by Yuka Sato & Jeremy Abbott. He is a badminton National level player. Very efficient jumper.
9 Georgii RESHTENKO CZE - JW says one of most natural jumpers he's ever seen. He is from Tomas Verner Academy. Hobbies - Football, Tennis & Violin. effortless edgework in footwork sequence, gorgeous quad toe not on camera.
10 Daiwei DAI CHN - Did gigantic quad toe in practice, fell in program. JW loves his basics and speed gained in camel-change-camel. JLB says he could be a dangerous competitor. Really good ankles make great twizzles. JW says he is a Han Yan style skater.
General discussion of Nathan Chen finding his timing on jumps as a feeling of calm before the jump - if you wait too long the timing is lost.
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- Joined
- Jan 3, 2007
Men Group 3
11 Tomas-Llorenc GUARINO SABATE ESP - plays table tennis like a pro, every one skating to JLB music, he did not love the Finn Step btw. Tomas gets the crowd into his skating - awesome step sequence - so animated. Early pick in results in forward lean on the toe jumps - rushing a bit.
12 Lev VINOKUR ISR - landing 4T this week, strong skater, hobbies neuroscience. Mr. Chill who gives a hint of some Brick House - needs more bricklaying.
13 Donovan CARRILLO MEX - JW loves his team jacket and personality. really clean quad not in program. A chill Hip Hip Chin Chin. Named after Canadian sprinter Donovan Bailey. Decent quad in program, effortless speed, easy axel. Skating like this he will makes the FS. Donovan is on a Mission. Really nice frame spin.
14 Maurizio ZANDRON AUT - Skates to Michael Jackson poetry Planet Earth leading into Earth Song. Eco-Maurizio is back and I respect his commitment. JLB needs more musicality to the step sequence.
15 Fedir KULISH LAT - up and coming skater, solid with potential. He was born in Kyiv, UKR and it was his birthday yesterday says JW. He is struggling with timing today, brilliant yesterday. Coach talking to a skater in program - run through is done. JLB says he would never do that - wait 2 minutes. Fade out of music is a miss for JW. Personally I want him to take a quick nap -I will cheer extra hard for him- he needs the support and some lit candles.
General discussion of the increased use of power pulls to engage the ankles on warm-up.
JLB says be intentional about your use of them.
Both felt bad that the baby JPN pair did not make the free. Heartbroken for Anastasia Gubanova. Pairs were very close to the main rink wall and need to adjust more.
Discussion of how Fedir repeatedly popping jumps at the end was just drilling bad habits. JLB says he would've told skater to stop, give a pep talk to break the cyle and work on confidence and a fresh start on the warm-up.
11 Tomas-Llorenc GUARINO SABATE ESP - plays table tennis like a pro, every one skating to JLB music, he did not love the Finn Step btw. Tomas gets the crowd into his skating - awesome step sequence - so animated. Early pick in results in forward lean on the toe jumps - rushing a bit.
12 Lev VINOKUR ISR - landing 4T this week, strong skater, hobbies neuroscience. Mr. Chill who gives a hint of some Brick House - needs more bricklaying.
13 Donovan CARRILLO MEX - JW loves his team jacket and personality. really clean quad not in program. A chill Hip Hip Chin Chin. Named after Canadian sprinter Donovan Bailey. Decent quad in program, effortless speed, easy axel. Skating like this he will makes the FS. Donovan is on a Mission. Really nice frame spin.
14 Maurizio ZANDRON AUT - Skates to Michael Jackson poetry Planet Earth leading into Earth Song. Eco-Maurizio is back and I respect his commitment. JLB needs more musicality to the step sequence.
15 Fedir KULISH LAT - up and coming skater, solid with potential. He was born in Kyiv, UKR and it was his birthday yesterday says JW. He is struggling with timing today, brilliant yesterday. Coach talking to a skater in program - run through is done. JLB says he would never do that - wait 2 minutes. Fade out of music is a miss for JW. Personally I want him to take a quick nap -I will cheer extra hard for him- he needs the support and some lit candles.
General discussion of the increased use of power pulls to engage the ankles on warm-up.
JLB says be intentional about your use of them.
Both felt bad that the baby JPN pair did not make the free. Heartbroken for Anastasia Gubanova. Pairs were very close to the main rink wall and need to adjust more.
Discussion of how Fedir repeatedly popping jumps at the end was just drilling bad habits. JLB says he would've told skater to stop, give a pep talk to break the cyle and work on confidence and a fresh start on the warm-up.
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- Joined
- Jul 17, 2018
That is interesting, the last I remember he was training under Brezina must be a recent switch.
Thank you for the training notes, they are highly appreciated.
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2007
Resurface
Men Group 4
16 Nikita STAROSTIN GER - Hobbies yoga and video games, lands his opening axel, getting more powerful and has command of his moves
17 Edward APPLEBY GBR - shout out to team GBR as well rounded, big jumps in a neon red top. unusual entry to wonky landing on big axel, JW & JLB - dancer quality and good use of high amplitude
18 Andreas NORDEBACK SWE - Likes investing and daytrading especially on the 3A. Great music choice. Sweden chooses team based on potential. Spinning kneel circle - very cool, easy too watch.
19 Roman SADOVSKY CAN - Roman has his pink gloves today. He needs to really fight for his spot. He is marking his jumps. JLB loves his artistry but says he needs to deliver and not let things slip through his fingers. JW thinks Roman got a haircut since yesterday. The pink gloves mean warm-up or cool-down mode. He did do all three jumps before the run through says JW.
20 Tatsuya TSUBOI JPN - His lace is loose making JW nervous. On the q of the quad that he comes out of early with helicopter checkout that is hard to save. Beautiful quality to very emotional music. Big hard fall on the tail end of 3Lz-3T. He has to do better than this runthrough so JPN won't have to potentially requalify a third spot if he doesn't make the free with a skate like this runthrough.
21 Mihhail SELEVKO EST - Selev-bro younger has very good skating quality but the bros have different approaches to their skating. He has already done his elements and he has exquisite performance quality says JLB. He moves as if through water again JLB. They love the step sequence and the up close with the judges just says gimme the marks.
JW: Olympic Qualification stories in this fun group
Messages posted on the jumbotron to the audience to make a connection. Hilariously Cami & Pavel Kovalev chose to post - We love hamburgers!
Men Group 4
16 Nikita STAROSTIN GER - Hobbies yoga and video games, lands his opening axel, getting more powerful and has command of his moves
17 Edward APPLEBY GBR - shout out to team GBR as well rounded, big jumps in a neon red top. unusual entry to wonky landing on big axel, JW & JLB - dancer quality and good use of high amplitude
18 Andreas NORDEBACK SWE - Likes investing and daytrading especially on the 3A. Great music choice. Sweden chooses team based on potential. Spinning kneel circle - very cool, easy too watch.
19 Roman SADOVSKY CAN - Roman has his pink gloves today. He needs to really fight for his spot. He is marking his jumps. JLB loves his artistry but says he needs to deliver and not let things slip through his fingers. JW thinks Roman got a haircut since yesterday. The pink gloves mean warm-up or cool-down mode. He did do all three jumps before the run through says JW.
20 Tatsuya TSUBOI JPN - His lace is loose making JW nervous. On the q of the quad that he comes out of early with helicopter checkout that is hard to save. Beautiful quality to very emotional music. Big hard fall on the tail end of 3Lz-3T. He has to do better than this runthrough so JPN won't have to potentially requalify a third spot if he doesn't make the free with a skate like this runthrough.
21 Mihhail SELEVKO EST - Selev-bro younger has very good skating quality but the bros have different approaches to their skating. He has already done his elements and he has exquisite performance quality says JLB. He moves as if through water again JLB. They love the step sequence and the up close with the judges just says gimme the marks.
JW: Olympic Qualification stories in this fun group
Messages posted on the jumbotron to the audience to make a connection. Hilariously Cami & Pavel Kovalev chose to post - We love hamburgers!
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