Phil tweeted that he was going to continue blaming the USFS for messing with Alissa's head by not sending her to 4CCs, and "that's my story and I'm going to stick to it". Typical Phil Hersh.
Surprisingly, I agree with Hersh for once.
A public vote of no confidence from you own country/federation would mess up anyone's competitive morale specially if they are a head case already. What's worse? How about not getting the respect you deserve in some form of explanation any hardworking qualifier should deserve, especially having contributed as much as Alissa has to US figure skating over the years. I have no problem with the decision of USFSA not sending her, but there are better way to manage your talents to ensure they can always deliver their best and maximum their chances instead of sabotaging them through negligence and arrogance.
Some may say the result proved the decision was justified, I'd say actually how do you know it didn't happen because of it? Before Alissa got to skate, I was shocked to see her face appear to be bloated resembling someone who's either high on pain killers, or someone who hasn't slept and been awake all night. I had a feeling this won't go well then but never did I expect the extend of it. Heart breaking really...
I thought overall the judges were fairer for the ladies (pleasant surprise) than for the men today. Although I also thought Kanako was the best on the day. However, I do get why Alena placing first and found her overall 'package' the typical expensive self indulgent theatrical pantomime of the Hollywood block buster variety. Yeb, I consider Morozov the Michael Bay of figure skating world, who thinks by throwing enough explosions, special effect and clichéd one liners, there won't be any need for substance, detailing and subtlety in the story telling. It is really in your face, leave your brain at the door and 'just enjoy it' type of program. It works because Alena really REALLY really really want you to love her!!! And lucky for her, the judges were blind sided enough with all the Bling, the twinks, the winks on offer, since it did manage to wake them up from the usual 'I am an ice princess' Zzzzz programs. Given Russia bailed out WC last year, is it any surprise there won't be some kick backs in return in the long run?
I wonder if Kostner's PCS suffered (or not as inflated as much) because she skated right after Kanako, who actually exceed in the areas Kostner's PCS are usually marked high for, in particular speed and flow. Kanako did a great job with good transition and relentless speed, and simply did more body movements in her short program. Her 'more is more' is certainly more in this case. Although Kanako might not have the finer aesthetics some people look that a maturer skater, this is only her 2nd year. I happen to think aesthetics though important and precious should not take priority over sporting performance, technical difficulties, content and risks.
Contrary to many, I actually admire Mao's gutsy champion attitude going for the 3A and wondered if she plan to bring one to the LP. Although many seems to be puzzled and even criticized her/her team for it, but let's just say the Mao I knew and admire won't be satisfied with a 3T3T type of 'strategically safe' win. This is a lady who already made the record books putting out 2 x 3A at the Olympics, the natural successor from the country that produced the legendary Midori. Her goals is likely something else beside just another gold or a win at this point, but maybe uphold some sort of personal philosophy/mission/vision of what she herself considers as the highest accolade in skating beyond medals, beyond winning, determined by her own ego, pride and standards (Yes as all champions should have) and also part of her country's media / culture heritage. High risks, high reward, do or die headstrong attitude are the reasons I admire her and less of others competed today who might followed a dumbed down easier and safer route to their objective. Had she succeeded pursuing this glorious but difficult path, the win would have taste sweeter and infinitely more satisfying.
- Very nice 3Lutz3T from Elene, much improved skater for sure, pity about the 1A and the rest of her program didn't do much for me. Way to go for still holding up the standard!! Thumbs up!
- China's Zhang KeXin seem to be undermarked in PCS. Skated too early maybe.
- Look forward to Ashley's FS, I still think she has a chance to medal if she perform at her US national best. My favourite ladies program this year.
Overall, no one really stood out and made me go WOW that was amazing, something really special. A Chinese forum post suggested Kim's Giselle if performed this year would have easily gotten over 70+. I would certainly consider it to be a far more enriched and satisfying spectating experience. Though I admit when I finally got to appreciate Alena glamorous pirate in FULL HD yesterday on UK EUROSPORT, I thought the detailing in her gear are just stunning. Her boots had small Russian flag made of Swarovski bead crystals on the outside heel of her boots, and on the inside side, there's this pretty pattern which is very lovingly put together. I just love the attention to detail and the extreme length of how much fun she got into preparing her whole pirate gear, something she is obviously proud and happily (and perkily) got to flaunt. So 10/10 for her effort. Check out her pirate finger nail job, the detailing in her eye makeup complete with the shiny silver blink at the side to enhance her wink. This is one happy true RUSSIAN (in the bling bling sense) pirate already found her treasure in Morozov - current rain maker of Russian Figure Skating.
:
) grabbed a big lead in the short program and held on for the win. (Ross Minor -- who? -- and Richard Dornbush -- who? -- also made the worlds team when better-known and better-connected skaters did not bring their A game to Nationals.
