Re: Amber Corwin
I agree with Peachskater, BronzeisGolden, Mathman, and others who have said that Amber has problems putting a good program together, lacks spark, and especially with Mathman's comment that there is something unfinished about her skating. As for Doris's comments about attractive looks, unfortunately I think Doris is correct that female skaters who are exceptionally beautiful who skate the same as a "plain" young woman have a one or two place advantage. Doris didn't say it was right, just that that's the reality. Also, some of the other "plain" skaters who were mentioned, like Midori Ito, had phenomenal skating skills. Amber has always been on the bubble. I don't think she has been undermarked for reasons mentioned by Peachskater and BronzeisGolden. Plus as someone else said, when you've been on the scene year after year in 5th-7th place, I don't think it's a conspiracy of judges undermarking you. That's too many different judges giving you the same marks. I say it means there are some fundamental problems in your skating that perhaps we can't see watching on TV.
However, if Amber really can pack her programs with everything she said she's going to do, then I think with the COP she might move up. However, I will only believe it when I see it. I hope for her sake that her new strategy works--I really do admire her proactive work in terms of skaters' rights, etc.--but the COP is such a huge unknown that I have no idea what might happen with any skater. I wish Amber well and would love to see what she says actually happen, but I'm not holding my breath.
Rgirl
