Gracie Gold

[moonvine]

My impression is that she has been busy with Road to Gold until August, and that she just started focusing on preparing for the new season. There is an interview mentioned earlier in this thread that confirms this. Also she was observed with a cast on her foot earlier this spring, so she may have used the time to heal as well, aside with working on the camp and also perhaps on her book.

I don´t see the harm on starting with preparations late. Season is long so there is no need to rush into summer competitions before she is ready. Gracie has been in this game for long and might have another approach in the off season. If she is skating for herself, she might not put her whole life into skating anymore, but have a better balance. Therefore no need to do intensive training camps in summer.

In the end of every season you see skaters who are tired out and underperforming. Some peak early in the season, and get tired in the end.

So i´m not worried if she just started preparations.

Yes, the biggest Road to Gold thing of the season is in Vail in August, to include an adult camp. As of July she was not wearing a boot to walk, I saw an IG story with no boot.

She said she had been working on her long for 2 weeks last year at PSI.

I really wish she would say something. But she is very rarely on social media, which is probably good for her continued recovery.

 

[moonvine]

BTW Road2Gold now has a free forum. They are showcasing a different coach each month. This month it is Mirai, but I would expect Gracie to stop by at some point.

Road to Gold Training Camp | weekend sports camp for figure skaters

Road to Gold is a Elite Training experience for figure skaters with Olympic Medalist Gracie Gold and International Medalist Geoffry Varner that offers weekend on site sports camps for figure skaters

www.road2goldskating.com

 

[norwegianfairytale]

I have faith in Gracie and I don´t think she would have stated that she is planning for a new season if she wasn´t.

Also I want to mention that Gracie is currently nr. 13 on the replacement list for GP. If she moves up to 10th place the host could pick her if someone WD. Skate Canada did pick Mae which was nr. 10 on the replacement list, so it´s not impossible to get picked as nr. 10. But it´s totally up to the host who they pick.

Last seasons she didn´t even make it to top 75 SB so this is the first time in years she could be picked for a replacement spot at GP, besides SA.

France has still two host post to pick, and there is a good chance that Mae and Schild will get them. They are currently still on top 10 list, but they already have one spot each, so if they get the TBD for GP France they will be removed from the list, and Gracie will move up to 11. Since Japan is maxed out on spots in each event, that would actually make Gracie nr. 10 because Matsuike can´t be picked. There are currently 3 events now where the US ladies isn´t maxed out on spot, so realistically Gracie could be picked for GP Espoo, GP France or Cup of China in case someone WD.

But of course, this will depend on the GP France host spot and who gets them. And I don´t hope for skaters to WD, but I want to mention it since last season there was a lot of replacements and eventually a lot of skaters on the replacement list got a spot.

Also have in mind, that the Challengers starts next week and if a skater wins a Challenger and doesn´t already have a GP spot/or on the replacement list, they will be on the list/move up on the list.

 

[DizzyFrenchie]

I have faith in Gracie and I don´t think she would have stated that she is planning for a new season if she wasn´t.

Also I want to mention that Gracie is currently nr. 13 on the replacement list for GP. If she moves up to 10th place the host could pick her if someone WD. Skate Canada did pick Mae which was nr. 10 on the replacement list, so it´s not impossible to get picked as nr. 10. But it´s totally up to the host who they pick.

Last seasons she didn´t even make it to top 75 SB so this is the first time in years she could be picked for a replacement spot at GP, besides SA.

France has still two host post to pick, and there is a good chance that Mae and Schild will get them. They are currently still on top 10 list, but they already have one spot each, so if they get the TBD for GP France they will be removed from the list, and Gracie will move up to 11. Since Japan is maxed out on spots in each event, that would actually make Gracie nr. 10 because Matsuike can´t be picked. There are currently 3 events now where the US ladies isn´t maxed out on spot, so realistically Gracie could be picked for GP Espoo, GP France or Cup of China in case someone WD.

But of course, this will depend on the GP France host spot and who gets them. And I don´t hope for skaters to WD, but I want to mention it since last season there was a lot of replacements and eventually a lot of skaters on the replacement list got a spot.

Also have in mind, that the Challengers starts next week and if a skater wins a Challenger and doesn´t already have a GP spot/or on the replacement list, they will be on the list/move up on the list.

Maé-Bérénice Meité just got Nicole Schott's Skate Canada International spot, and Internationaux de France is the next weekend, do you think a skater can have Grand Prix assignments on two successive weekends, one in Vancouver and the other in Europe? I agree with you about Lorine Schild, she may get one of the host spots and Maia Mazzara the other? Then she's already assigned to Espoo, two weeks later. So, that's Lorine Schild removed from the list, but maybe not Maé-Bérénice Meité.

 

[SkateTM0102]

I thought she would be assigned to Internationals because she's in the ISP. I thought all ISP skaters went to Champs Camp.

No, ISP just means you are eligible for an International, they don’t have to assign you one. Champs Camp is for skaters with GPs, or in the hunt for GPs (how Gracie got the TBD spot last year).

My guess is Danny and Ellie were a unique situation because one, they are a pair team and the US only has a few, and two They are in Colorado Springs so can be easily monitored by US Figure Skating.

I hope We see her compete, but I do think she will have to skate at a NQS. She didn’t place high enough at Nationals for any direct byes. We will know for sure in the next month!

 

[norwegianfairytale]

Maé-Bérénice Meité just got Nicole Schott's Skate Canada International spot, and Internationaux de France is the next weekend, do you think a skater can have Grand Prix assignments on two successive weekends, one in Vancouver and the other in Europe? I agree with you about Lorine Schild, she may get one of the host spots and Maia Mazzara the other? Then she's already assigned to Espoo, two weeks later. So, that's Lorine Schild removed from the list, but maybe not Maé-Bérénice Meité.

Hm... i´m not sure how they think. Maybe it´s too much with back to back competitions... Anyways, France might want to wait as long as possible to decide the host picks in case any of their skaters will get another assignment.

News todays is that Kihira WD from a qualifying competition for Nationals, not long ago she posted about her injury still not completely healed. It´s unsure if she will compete at Skate Canada, but it´s not unlikely she will WD given the current situation. In that case she will most likely be crossed out the top 10 (she only got one assignment and is nr. 1 on the replacement list). Most skaters at the top 10 list already have one spot, and if one of them will get Kihiras spot another skater would be crossed out of the list, which would make Gracie move up to 11th before France has chosen the host pick.

 

[DizzyFrenchie]

Hm... i´m not sure how they think. Maybe it´s too much with back to back competitions... Anyways, France might want to wait as long as possible to decide the host picks in case any of their skaters will get another assignment.

News todays is that Kihira WD from a qualifying competition for Nationals, not long ago she posted about her injury still not completely healed. It´s unsure if she will compete at Skate Canada, but it´s not unlikely she will WD given the current situation. In that case she will most likely be crossed out the top 10 (she only got one assignment and is nr. 1 on the replacement list). Most skaters at the top 10 list already have one spot, and if one of them will get Kihiras spot another skater would be crossed out of the list, which would make Gracie move up to 11th before France has chosen the host pick.

This is likely, and an appreciable perspective for those on the waiting list, including Gracie Gold, but I'm really sorry for Rika Kihira!

 

[moonvine]

I will never understand how GPs are selected.

 

[moonvine]

No, ISP just means you are eligible for an International, they don’t have to assign you one. Champs Camp is for skaters with GPs, or in the hunt for GPs (how Gracie got the TBD spot last year).

My guess is Danny and Ellie were a unique situation because one, they are a pair team and the US only has a few, and two They are in Colorado Springs so can be easily monitored by US Figure Skating.

I hope We see her compete, but I do think she will have to skate at a NQS. She didn’t place high enough at Nationals for any direct byes. We will know for sure in the next month!

And pray to the skating gods that it's an NQS with a stream. Free or paid, I don't care.

 

[moonvine]

Ok, well, I don't understand. There are plenty of CS, USFS is sending very few women to any...why?

 

[TallyT]

Ok, well, I don't understand. There are plenty of CS, USFS is sending very few women to any...why?

Agreed, given that women are historically the ones who - when successful - draw American audiences, you would think USFS would want theirs to get maximum experience and exposure to enhance the chances of a breakout star.

And I would love to see Gracie secure more skates.

 

[moonvine]

Agreed, given that women are historically the ones who - when successful - draw American audiences, you would think USFS would want theirs to get maximum experience and exposure to enhance the chances of a breakout star.

And I would love to see Gracie secure more skates.

I mean...it seems they are sending one women's skater to the CS I have looked at. Ava Marie Ziegler to one, Amber to another? OK, they have added Hannah Herrera to Nebelhorn. She is team D? WTF?

 

[SkateTM0102]

I mean...it seems they are sending one women's skater to the CS I have looked at. Ava Marie Ziegler to one, Amber to another? OK, they have added Hannah Herrera to Nebelhorn. She is team D? WTF?

I am a huge Gracie fan but she's not going to get assigned anything until she shows readiness. For her, that would need to be a summer competition (already passed) or a NQS competition. All of these people being assigned Internationals were either high enough up on the World Standings/Rankings to get a GP assignment or have done well at summer competitions.
Gracie hasn't yet competed this year and she had a boot on for most of the Spring/Early Summer. Last year, she competed at the Philly International in July or August (can't remember when). She did really well there and received her Internationals, Champs Camp invitation, etc from that. At this point in the season last year, she had probably competed 3 or so times. We haven't seen her yet this year. Hopefully she will show up at one of the final NQS' this month and then get assigned something from there (she's also not on the starting orders for Mid Atlantics).
Do I think that the USFS is being stingy with International assignments...maybe? Although none of our women are showing greatness at this point of the year.

 

[macy]

if she was in a boot until just 2-3 months ago, i'm going to assume (if she is healthy and trained by then) she is planning on qualifying through to nationals. it sounds like any senior B's or summer competitions were out of her control.

 

[moonvine]

I am a huge Gracie fan but she's not going to get assigned anything until she shows readiness. For her, that would need to be a summer competition (already passed) or a NQS competition. All of these people being assigned Internationals were either high enough up on the World Standings/Rankings to get a GP assignment or have done well at summer competitions.
Gracie hasn't yet competed this year and she had a boot on for most of the Spring/Early Summer. Last year, she competed at the Philly International in July or August (can't remember when). She did really well there and received her Internationals, Champs Camp invitation, etc from that. At this point in the season last year, she had probably competed 3 or so times. We haven't seen her yet this year. Hopefully she will show up at one of the final NQS' this month and then get assigned something from there (she's also not on the starting orders for Mid Atlantics).
Do I think that the USFS is being stingy with International assignments...maybe? Although none of our women are showing greatness at this point of the year.

She may be higher up than you realize. There is a non zero chance she gets invited to a GP (if a few withdrawals occur). And ugh, I figured if she skated at any NQS it would be Mid Atlantics.

Does one have to demonstrate greatness to be assigned a Challenger? It was my understanding that they were 1. a tune up for top skaters if they want it or 2. to get non top skaters International experience, eyes of the judges on them, etc.

And yes, I know about the score at Philly, and I was there. After that she started to not do as well, and at Nats it was pretty obvious (to me, anyway) that she was injured. Just imagine if she hadn't been.

 

[moonvine]

I'm really lost considering Timmy and Ellie went to Champs Camp and they literally can't go to any International assignments for 2 years.

 

[RatedPG]

I mean...it seems they are sending one women's skater to the CS I have looked at. Ava Marie Ziegler to one, Amber to another? OK, they have added Hannah Herrera to Nebelhorn. She is team D? WTF?

Hannah skated this summer and scored 170+ at her domestic event. There are skaters hungrier than Gracie. Hannah earned that spot.

Also, Hanna Harrell and Sonja Hilmer are higher on the SB list. So, if there are more WD’s, I would hope one of those spots, go to either of these skaters, over Gracie.

 

[RatedPG]

I am a huge Gracie fan but she's not going to get assigned anything until she shows readiness. For her, that would need to be a summer competition (already passed) or a NQS competition. All of these people being assigned Internationals were either high enough up on the World Standings/Rankings to get a GP assignment or have done well at summer competitions.
Gracie hasn't yet competed this year and she had a boot on for most of the Spring/Early Summer. Last year, she competed at the Philly International in July or August (can't remember when). She did really well there and received her Internationals, Champs Camp invitation, etc from that. At this point in the season last year, she had probably competed 3 or so times. We haven't seen her yet this year. Hopefully she will show up at one of the final NQS' this month and then get assigned something from there (she's also not on the starting orders for Mid Atlantics).
Do I think that the USFS is being stingy with International assignments...maybe? Although none of our women are showing greatness at this point of the year.

Perfectly summarized

 

[moonvine]

Hannah skated this summer and scored 170+ at her domestic event. There are skaters hungrier than Gracie. Hannah earned that spot.

Also, Hanna Harrell and Sonja Hilmer are higher on the SB list. So, if there are more WD’s, I would hope one of those spots, go to either of these skaters, over Gracie.

Gracie is #13. My understanding is that if she moves up to 10 she can be invited to a GP. I’m referring to @norwegianfairytale ’s post. But right now all I want is a Challenger. I mean she’s on the ISP list for a reason, right?

I'm VERY lost. I am almost certain what she wants is not to slog through NQS, make it to Nationals again. She's made that goal for quite a few years now.

To clarify, if SHE wants to just slog through NQS and make Nationals, I 100% support that. But last year she said she definitely wanted internationals.

 

[norwegianfairytale]

Gracie is #13. My understanding is that if she moves up to 10 she can be invited to a GP. I’m referring to @norwegianfairytale ’s post. But right now all I want is a Challenger. I mean she’s on the ISP list for a reason, right?

I'm VERY lost. I am almost certain what she wants is not to slog through NQS, make it to Nationals again. She's made that goal for quite a few years now.

To clarify, if SHE wants to just slog through NQS and make Nationals, I 100% support that. But last year she said she definitely wanted internationals.

She just moved up to nr. #12, Schild and Mazzara was picked for host pick for France so Schild got crossed out of the list.

With possible WD of Kihira at SCI (all very uncertain because of her injury), Gracie would most likely move up to nr. 11, and maybe even 10 depending on who will replace Kihira and if Kihira will be be crossed out of the list entirely.

For those saying that it´s unlikely that Gracie will be picked based on that she will be far down the list and hasn´t showed any good results recently, I just want to point at that doesn´t have to mean anything and it´s up to the host who they pick from the top 10 replacement list.

Meite got picked for SCI despite being nr. 10 on the list and recently recovering from injury. Her last showing was at Nationals in December last year scoring 160 points and before that GP France last season, with a score of 175 points. Actually it´s very similar to Gracie last season, with Gracies last showing at Nationals (scoring 173) and GP SA with 174 points.
Not only that though, Gracie is the oldest women to land a 3Lz-3T and that is something that is appealing to the audience.

I agree the most important thing is what Gracie wants to do and what she feels ready for. If she just want to go to Nationals at this stage, it´s fine, but i´m hoping we will see her at some international competition this season.