We don't have any reliable medal contenders anyway so who cares that much about the three spots? Three spots is nice but I don't think it would significantly improve our chances of winning a medal. Three spots wouldn't have helped Alissa not fall this time. Three spots wouldn't have guaranteed that Mirai wouldn't have freaked after being first in the SP.
I'm glad Rachael competed at what could be her last worlds. (maybe, maybe not.) It's not like she's out there trying to save babies. It's just a spot.
Anway, I guess I just can't help but think of figure skating as an individualistic sport more than a team sport. As a fan, I admit I pay attention to the USA skaters a lot but in the end if I prefer a foreign skater I'd much rather see that person on the podium that an American skater who I think isn't so great.
Good news for USA ladies (if you can call it that): I think a changing of the guard is imminent. Flatt has likely skated her last worlds...whether Czisny has or not depends on whether she sticks around, and if she does, if she keeps up the momentum. Wagner and Zhang are out of the picture...with Gao, Zawadki (sp), and other up-and-comers emerging, I think they will be the contenders for Sochi. Nagasu can be, too, but depends on if/when she pulls herself together.
Sigh. Go Mirai. Please, go Mirai.
On Alena Leonova
Nothing wrong with Miki, who is skating's most elegant performer. The Grieg Concerto (that was it, no?) does not change all that much in rhythm and timing, and so Miki didn't show diversity in her performance. She did well, and I would not argue my position on Alena.
oh, oops, wrong thread. Sorry.
I don't think Alissa will be a contender for Sochi but at this point I do hope she sticks around for another year. She's still better than Gao and Zawadski at this point, overrall. However, that could quickly change. If Agnes skates clean next season she will surge. She could even be US champion. Whether she o Christina be any more of a world medal contender than Czisny, Mirai and Rachael though who knows. I don't think so yet.
And btw, before anyone says anything, I don't think Alissa sticking around for another season hurts the younger skaters from being groomed for Sochi. If they aren't good enough to beat out Alissa for the world team next year they definitely can't be considered emerging medal hopes for Sochi.
Don't count on it, this is Rachael Flatt we are talking about here. She had a world of very vocal haters when she was known as "Reliable Rachael." Now that "IT'S ALL HER FAULT!", can you imagine the number of trolls who are going to rear their ugly heads? And there's going to be the crying that if she knew she was this injured and unable to do her best, then she should have withdrawn so that Nagasu could have had a chance to help get those 3 spots. I shudder the thought and feel very badly for the poor girl.
That's unfortunate. Yu-Na lost by a missing double toe loop. I thought her step sequence was chilling and haunting, and I think she should keep this program for next year. It was just under-seasoned. I'm surprised she didn't include a 2A+3T in her program.
Czisny would be what- 26? in Sochi. I seriously doubt it. But then again, I didn't think she'd be relevant now so who knows?
I think we need someone like Czisny especially now that NO ONE ELSE seems to be willing to step up and lead US ladies. But if she goes, I don't necessarily think she'll be missed, per se (except maybe sentimentally by some fans)
Yes, Zawadski has potential but like always, I caution against premature crowning of anybody. Too much pressure when they've yet to prove themselves. And from what I saw this season, she is not exactly consistent (at least at this stage).
While I'm not fully convinced the newcomers will dominate, I do think they will take over the contender positions previously occupied by Zhang, Wagner and Flatt. Like I've said before, a 90%-100% Nagasu is the only current skater that I believe genuinely has a shot at Sochi.