Well I am generally happy with the Euro competition for the Ladies. Although we did not see any blow out LPs, I was still pleased with the level that Ladies are competing at this stage (considering the season some have had).
Some great things, Some not so great: (3/3's everywhere by the way, some good, some...well....)
*Lepisto: A+ for being able to do two 3/3 in comp. (Even though it was hand down in the SP), but a shame that the salchow was the most difficult triple she landed (3loop was UR), while others above her and below her at least managed to rotated/land a Flip and/or a Lutz, but I guess that's why she has the 9th lowest TES.
*Leonova: Like Lepisto, at least she got the 3/3 in the air; too bad her struggles continued with it. But now her (f)Lutz seems to be giving her more problems than before. I still think she skates a little junior(ish) to be a serious contender for a Olympic medal or World Medal but shes one of the Euro ladies that if skates clean she will have the Judges PCS marks in her back pocket.
*Meier: What a fighter. I know she has struggled the past couple of seasons with injuries and so on, but I am happy shes is still around and working hard. I also agree with those who believe that she should have been higher. Hopefully she could throw the 3F back in the SP. Definitely top 8 potential at the OG, IMO.
*Korpii: A little bit disappointed she couldn't hold on to a medal but great to see she added the 3F back into her routine, but a couple of downgrades on the 3T and the 2A/2T cost her the silver pretty much. If she can go clean, most likely will have the help of her PCS score from the judges to help to a possible Top 5-6 at the OG.
*Elene: Say what you may about this young lady, but I like her. Definitely seems like a "show" skater...probably prefers more to draw energy from the crowd (which will bodes well for her in the Olympic setting) rather than concentrate, dig deep and focus. She may not have the polish and the lines of some of the others (yet), but still, its nice to see her do well. That 3T+3T+2T combo helped her out a lot (9.5). Looks like Wagner is a good fit for her. Definitely the surprise of the competition for me, well, behind Carolina...
*Kostner: One of my favorite skaters still around today. Great to see the 3F/3T back in action along with the
3Lutz
(probably the bigger surprise for me). Happy that she was able to *some what* keep it together. She said she had fun at Euros and was able to relax and enjoy her skates. Maybe that will help her at the OG, no pressure this time, compared to 2006 when she was the reigning world medalist and skated on home turf. (So careful Joannie...it can happen):disapp:
Over all, it was a great competition.
The Olympics should be great! One of the first Olympics where I think (along with receiving a medal), finishing in the top 10 should be quite an honor considering the talent pool heading into the Olympics. And to think, the U.S. Nationals for Ladies hasn't even finished yet.
The count down begins...4CC next up.
. Laura was over marked and did a lot of doubles as usual but she is still a lovely skater!
