Figure Skating in Australia

[karne]

The first half of the FS was spectacular. The 4T was even better than at Skate America, the 3A was flawless, the 3F got a bit out of shape but was cleanly landed, the spins and the step sequence were lovely, and he hammered that 3Lz-1Lo-3S for the first time this season. I'd wager the length of his season caught up to him in the middle with the 1A and the 2Lo, but I was super impressed when he threw the second 3A in right as the last jumping pass, and in combination too! Way to go.

You know, I hope he keeps Secrets for next year. It's such a lovely program, it suits him so well, and I think he's well on his way to getting those jumps stabilsed in there. Once that happens they can add in a bit more choreo.

EDIT: Oh lookit, Brendan's FS has made its way to Youtube! I'm still hunting for the SP.

Two new PBs for him (assuming these count, some chat on FSU suggested they should): new high SP score (74) and new high total score (212). He's getting there! I hope he gets a GP!

 

[GF2445]

The first half of the FS was spectacular. The 4T was even better than at Skate America, the 3A was flawless, the 3F got a bit out of shape but was cleanly landed, the spins and the step sequence were lovely, and he hammered that 3Lz-1Lo-3S for the first time this season. I'd wager the length of his season caught up to him in the middle with the 1A and the 2Lo, but I was super impressed when he threw the second 3A in right as the last jumping pass, and in combination too! Way to go.

You know, I hope he keeps Secrets for next year. It's such a lovely program, it suits him so well, and I think he's well on his way to getting those jumps stabilsed in there. Once that happens they can add in a bit more choreo.

EDIT: Oh lookit, Brendan's FS has made its way to Youtube! I'm still hunting for the SP.

Two new PBs for him (assuming these count, some chat on FSU suggested they should): new high SP score (74) and new high total score (212). He's getting there! I hope he gets a GP!

If he could get 1 assignment and be at the top of the chain for a second GP with a 20th place finish, he can certainly get 2 with his 17th place.

 

[karne]

Brendan being extra adorbs at the victory ceremony

 

[GF2445]

Brendan being extra adorbs at the victory ceremony

Well. That was cool! Nice backflips.
I also like how the medals were bigger medals than the ones at worlds!!
I must say, our national anthem isn't the greatest in an arena. Too slow....

 

[anonymoose_au]

Brendan being extra adorbs at the victory ceremony

Whoo! Go Brendan Very exciting that he won!

Although, I hope he won't be to jetlagged, on Thursday the Ice skating show at the ice rink I go to in Sydney is on again and he's the headline skater. Disco Dornbush is also coming, so it's sure to be a fun night.

 

[CaroLiza_fan]

Just saw this post in Ashley Cain's Fan Fest:

I have just heard Ashley is going to skate for Australia. Why has she decided to do this? Is she not confident in her ability to qualify to skate for USA and has to use her dual citizenship and go to a smaller skating nation as a backdoor to ISU championship events and possibly Olympics?

Have any of you guys heard anything about this?

Interesting development, if she is!

I know I have been encouraging Ashley to do this for years (due to the sheer amount of competition there is for slots in America), but I do worry about the knock-on effect it would have on Brooklee and Kailani.

Whilst I would love Ashley to get more chances to compete on the international stage, I wouldn't want either of them to miss out on chances to compete internationally as a result.

CaroLiza_fan

 

[karne]

If this is true, I will be absolutely furious. It will be the very definition of country-shopping. How conceited, how disgusting, how disrespectful that she thinks she can just waltz in here and steal spots from our skaters!

 

[edwinaskater1943]

If this is true, I will be absolutely furious. It will be the very definition of country-shopping. How conceited, how disgusting, how disrespectful that she thinks she can just waltz in here and steal spots from our skaters!

How is this possible and how do you know?

 

[karne]

How is this possible and how do you know?

It would be possible because Ashley's father is Australian. I don't know anything other than what CaroLiza_fan posted.

 

[dorispulaski]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Cain

Ashley's father, Peter Cain, is not just Australian. He is an ISU technical specialist for Australia. He was a four time national pairs champion for Australia, and was a World Junior bronze medalist in pairs. For Australia.

Since Peter is also Ashley's coach, she is coached by an Australian, who previously coached Australian champion Sean Carlow.

If Ashley decides to try to compete for Australia, I hope she does so in pairs rather than singles.

BTW Her mother was a Canadian skater. And Ashley herself was born in the US, so she probably legimately has US, Australian, and Canadian citizenship, but I have always thought it was more of a stretch for her to compete for the US, just because she lives here.

 

[edwinaskater1943]

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Cain

Ashley's father, Peter Cain, is not just Australian. He is an ISU technical specialist for Australia. He was a four time national pairs champion for Australia, and was a World Junior bronze medalist in pairs. For Australia.

Since Peter is also Ashley's coach, she is coached by an Australian, who previously coached Australian champion Sean Carlow.

If Ashley decides to try to compete for Australia, I hope she does so in pairs rather than singles.

BTW Her mother was a Canadian skater. And Ashley herself was born in the US, so she probably legimately has US, Australian, and Canadian citizenship, but I have always thought it was more of a stretch for her to compete for the US, just because she lives here.

If this is true - Ashley Cain has represented the USA in both pairs and figure - isn't it a bit obvious that she is just using connections to make an easy route to the olympics. Wow and many people were upset about Brooklee??With her Arsenal of jumps and experience the Olympics will be in reach and the timing seems right!

 

[dorispulaski]

But I was not upset about Brooklee either.

And some of the upset by others was about Brooklee being coached by non-Australians, which certainly is not the case with Ashley.

When you are born with multiple citizenships, you have a choice of which country to skate for, in any case. And whichever you choose, it will put someone's nose out of joint.

 

[edwinaskater1943]

But I was not upset about Brooklee either.

And some of the upset by others was about Brooklee being coached by non-Australians, which certainly is not the case with Ashley.

When you are born with multiple citizenships, you have a choice of which country to skate for, in any case. And whichever you choose, it will put someone's nose out of joint.

That's ridiculous - she has represented and lived in the USA all of her skating life. If Kailani misses an Olympic berth because of this it will be worse than the previous two court cases

 

[CaroLiza_fan]

What have I started?!

In principle, I have no problem with Ashley representing Australia. It is not as if she is one of these skaters that switches to any old country with which they have no connections. As Doris has already explained, her Dad is an Aussie.

In any other circumstance, you would be enthusiastically cheering Ashley on in her competitions and referring to her as one of your own. Just like I do with the Kerrs (their mother is Irish).

The irony is that Ashley has the same background as Brooklee:

• Both are the same age (Brooklee is 16 days older).
• Both are from Aussie familes.
• Both were born and live in America.
• Both started off their skating careers in American competitions.

The only difference is that Brooklee made the switch to Australia earlier in her career (when she turned Junior).

I can understand you guys getting angry because Ashley coming in would be a threat to the girls that have been representing Australia for years. And I admit that I am torn on the issue, as I like Ashley but I also like Brooklee and (especially) Kailani.

But, let's calm down look at things realistically.

Here are the Stats On Ice pages for the girls:

Ashley Cain
Brooklee Han
Kailani Craine
Chantelle Kerry
Katie Pasfield

Although Ashley has higher PB's than the girls already representing Australia, they are quite old. Her recent scores are actually similar to Brooklee's recent scores.

On recent form, Kailani would still be the Australian number 1. It would just be a battle between Ashley and Brooklee for the number 2 slot.

As it is, Kailani and Brooklee are both getting regular international assignments. So, if there is nothing to separate Ashley and Brooklee, then I can't see why this sharing out can't continue for all three girls.

No disrespect to Chantelle Kerry, but she isn't providing enough competition to Kailani and Brooklee any more. And Katie Pasfield (coached by Ashley's aunt) is only working her way up at the moment.

So, having another skater that IS able to provide competition to Kailani and Brooklee now will hopefully give them even more incentive to improve. Which is a good thing.


But, winding things back, Ashley switching to Australia has not been confirmed. This discussion is all based on a single forum post. So, we may be getting worked up over a hypothetical situation.

CaroLiza_fan

 

[edwinaskater1943]

What have I started?!

In principle, I have no problem with Ashley representing Australia. It is not as if she is one of these skaters that switches to any old country with which they have no connections. As Doris has already explained, her Dad is an Aussie.

In any other circumstance, you would be enthusiastically cheering Ashley on in her competitions and referring to her as one of your own. Just like I do with the Kerrs (their mother is Irish).

The irony is that Ashley has the same background as Brooklee:

• Both are the same age (Brooklee is 16 days older).
• Both are from Aussie familes.
• Both were born and live in America.
• Both started off their skating careers in American competitions.

The only difference is that Brooklee made the switch to Australia earlier in her career (when she turned Junior).

I can understand you guys getting angry because Ashley coming in would be a threat to the girls that have been representing Australia for years. And I admit that I am torn on the issue, as I like Ashley but I also like Brooklee and (especially) Kailani.

But, let's calm down look at things realistically.

Here are the Stats On Ice pages for the girls:

Ashley Cain
Brooklee Han
Kailani Craine
Chantelle Kerry
Katie Pasfield

Although Ashley has higher PB's than the girls already representing Australia, they are quite old. Her recent scores are actually similar to Brooklee's recent scores.

On recent form, Kailani would still be the Australian number 1. It would just be a battle between Ashley and Brooklee for the number 2 slot.

As it is, Kailani and Brooklee are both getting regular international assignments. So, if there is nothing to separate Ashley and Brooklee, then I can't see why this sharing out can't continue for all three girls.

No disrespect to Chantelle Kerry, but she isn't providing enough competition to Kailani and Brooklee any more. And Katie Pasfield (coached by Ashley's aunt) is only working her way up at the moment.

So, having another skater that IS able to provide competition to Kailani and Brooklee now will hopefully give them even more incentive to improve. Which is a good thing.


But, winding things back, Ashley switching to Australia has not been confirmed. This discussion is all based on a single forum post. So, we may be getting worked up over a hypothetical situation.

CaroLiza_fan

Well there has been discussion and concerns on here before about the Cain family connections - isn't the uncle President of federation ? seems all a bit cosy but not surprising

 

[dorispulaski]

The aunt is Peter's sister Liz, who was his pairs partner. She married a guy whose last name is Carlow. Her son is former Australian men's champion Sean Carlow. Liz lost her leg in Sydney ferry disaster of 2008. Her son had saved her life.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/ferry-horror-son-saves-mother/2007/03/29/1174761627197.html

At the time of the disaster, Liz Cain was married to Peter Lynch, who is the current Australian federation president

The current president of the Australian federation is confirmed by the ISU to be Peter Lynch.
http://www.isu.org/en/about-isu/member-federations/aus-fs-ice-skating-australia-incorporated

At this point, no one has produced any proof that Ashley intends to try to skate for Australia, and there is not even a rumor whether, if she wanted to compete there, she would compete in singles or pairs.

Is there a relatively tall guy skating in Australia who would make a good pairs partner? Australia has two strong ladies, but they did not have a pair that qualified to Worlds this year.

Which brings up an observation. Ashley skates for the USA in singles, but she was US junior champion in pairs in 2011. She and her partner split up, and Ashley isn't skating pairs in the US today.

If I were the Australian fed president, I would be trying to convince Ashley to skate pairs for Australia.

.

 

[karne]

Is there a relatively tall guy skating in Australia who would make a good pairs partner? Australia has two strong ladies, but they did not have a pair that qualified to Worlds this year.
.

Short answer no.

Long answer is that Jordan has pairs experience and is the current Australian Senior Men's bronze medallist, but I am not sure where the impetus for the ending of his partnership with Eliza Smyth came from, whether he preferred to focus on singles. Matthew is probably too short for Ashley and is already an established pair. Ryan is too young for Ashley and still only barely a Senior as a singles skater. They are our only top men with pairs experience. Cameron is fairly tall, but may not want to do pairs. So, back to square one.

Brooklee made her choice early and has worn the good and the bad as a result. If Ashley's switch is true, it is a blatant play for a Worlds/Olympic berth, and I find that entirely unpalatable.

 

[CaroLiza_fan]

The aunt is Peter's sister Liz, who was his pairs partner. She married a guy whose last name is Carlow. Her son is former Australian men's champion Sean Carlow. Liz lost her leg in Sydney ferry disaster of 2008. Her son had saved her life.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/ferry-horror-son-saves-mother/2007/03/29/1174761627197.html

At the time of the disaster, Liz Cain was married to Peter Lynch, who is the current Australian federation president

The current president of the Australian federation is confirmed by the ISU to be Peter Lynch.
http://www.isu.org/en/about-isu/member-federations/aus-fs-ice-skating-australia-incorporated

Didn't realise Liz's husband was in charge of the Australian Federation. That is interesting to know.

(Knew the rest of the story, though).

Is there a relatively tall guy skating in Australia who would make a good pairs partner? Australia has two strong ladies, but they did not have a pair that qualified to Worlds this year.

Which brings up an observation. Ashley skates for the USA in singles, but she was US junior champion in pairs in 2011. She and her partner split up, and Ashley isn't skating pairs in the US today.

If I were the Australian fed president, I would be trying to convince Ashley to skate pairs for Australia.

Hadn't actually thought about the possibility of Ashley returning to Pairs. That would be an interesting idea.

Short answer no.

Long answer is that Jordan has pairs experience and is the current Australian Senior Men's bronze medallist, but I am not sure where the impetus for the ending of his partnership with Eliza Smyth came from, whether he preferred to focus on singles. Matthew is probably too short for Ashley and is already an established pair. Ryan is too young for Ashley and still only barely a Senior as a singles skater. They are our only top men with pairs experience. Cameron is fairly tall, but may not want to do pairs. So, back to square one.

Just a pity that there is apparantly nobody suitable for her to partner.

Brooklee made her choice early and has worn the good and the bad as a result. If Ashley's switch is true, it is a blatant play for a Worlds/Olympic berth, and I find that entirely unpalatable.

But, with the way Kailani is progressing, I don't think Ashley would be in the running for an Olympic slot anyway.

To me, it looks like Ashley just wants the opportunity to compete in any international events. Because she is not getting that with the USFSA.

CaroLiza_fan

 

[edwinaskater1943]

Didn't realise Liz's husband was in charge of the Australian Federation. That is interesting to know.

(Knew the rest of the story, though).



Hadn't actually thought about the possibility of Ashley returning to Pairs. That would be an interesting idea.



Just a pity that there is apparantly nobody suitable for her to partner.



But, with the way Kailani is progressing, I don't think Ashley would be in the running for an Olympic slot anyway.

To me, it looks like Ashley just wants the opportunity to compete in any international events. Because she is not getting that with the USFSA.

CaroLiza_fan

After looking at results I believe Ashley is better than Craine and this has been the game plan all along after the last US nationals. Makes perfect sense - Craine has not done as well as expected and Women's skating is the worst it's been in years with men getting more JGPs. She has a good amount of time to prepare and get in top form for a pitch at nationals 2017. She has no edge issues and triple combos plus a very pleasing appearance - the whole package. I read somewhere that she is too tall for pairs at 168cm. Plus she has connections that will no doubt give her a distinct advantage as Already seen with Pasfield this year. Let's hope Synchro gets through to save the sport !

 

[essence_of_soy]

When I attended Nationals in NSW last year, there were some excellent ladies at the novice level, too, including Holly Harris, Corina Ormston, and Madalyn Cherry.

Harris has the double axel and the triple salchow, and recently started attempting the triple toe loop and the triple loop in her programs as well.