Laura Lepisto the Next Kwan?

[TtonyV7]

Ok, no one can replace Kwan, BUT I would like to feed some of our American Skaters the Finnish water, b/c they are just amazing skaters.

Poykio, the European Kwan as many dubbed her was the first and now Laura has carried on the tradition of having excellent skating skills and bringing programs to life. Don't get me wrong, I like Kim and Mao, but their edges and skating skills are not my favorite. The Finns technique are first rate, and it's so refreshing to see a "traditional 6.0" program versus a "PCS jump mania" program.

Honestly, Laura had the best edges out of anyone this past world. It's so deep and secure. That's why there's depth in her skating. There some meat behind it, which why I can't see Mao skate powerful programs yet, whose edges are not as deep, but rather "floaty".

Check out her amazing FP at this years World:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GDnH90lZ_0

SOOOO REFRESHING! Reminiscent of Kwan and Nikodinov.

 

[1795]

Ok, no one can replace Kwan, BUT I would like to feed some of our American Skaters the Finnish water, b/c they are just amazing skaters.

Poykio, the European Kwan as many dubbed her was the first and now Laura has carried on the tradition of having excellent skating skills and bringing programs to life. Don't get me wrong, I like Kim and Mao, but their edges and skating skills are not my favorite. The Finns technique are first rate, and it's so refreshing to see a "traditional 6.0" program versus a "PCS jump mania" program.

Honestly, Laura had the best edges out of anyone this past world. It's so deep and secure. That's why there's depth in her skating. There some meat behind it, which why I can't see Mao skater powerful programs yet, who edges are not as deep, but rather "floaty".

Check out her amazing FP at this years World:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GDnH90lZ_0

SOOOO REFRESHING! Reminiscent of Kwan and Nikodinov.

give it a few more years and the finnish women will dominate!

my kiira <3

 

[Kati]

Laura is such a beautiful skater. I just hope she could bring her 3flip and 3lutz from practice to competition! She can do them so beautifully.
Next Finn to watch: Jenni Vähämaa, 15. She is Laura's club mate and the rising star of Finnish figure skating.

 

[GoldMedalist]

Kwan wouldn't have been Kwan if she had been brought up in the skating environment of today. The timing of her career just worked out perfectly. It's going to be about a decade until we see another skater that is able to obtain that level of popularity in the USA, imo.

 

[chuckm]

Lepisto is a lovely skater, but she doesn't have triple lutz or triple flip. As she is nearly 20, if she doesn't have those jumps consistent by now, she probably never will. So I really don't see her as a "European Kwan", since she does not have the same technical arsenal as Kwan did in her prime.

Jenni Vahamaa is not quite 16, so IMO she has a better chance to get those harder triples consistent and if she does, she has more potential to some day make it to the World podium.

 

[TtonyV7]

It's not the jump content that I'm comparing her to Kwan, but it's the skating skills, deep edges, and her programs that relate to her. Something that we have lost since the switch over the the PCS system.

 

[passion]

I'm surprised at your comment about the skating skills of Yu Na and Mao. I think they're speed and skills is clearly superior to other senior level skaters. What is it that you don't like about their skating skills?

 

[_Ladybug_]

IMHO, Lepisto is far more interesting than Kwan. Just my opinion, don't kill me for that.
There's something about her, I just don't know what. I have yet to see someone skate has smooth as she does. And keep an eye on Vahamaa, she might be even better in the future.

 

[pista04]

I could totally see Lepisto and Vahaama becoming a Kwan/Cohen rivalry, as well as skillful competition. However, they will still need to be able to contend with Asada, Kim, Nakano and Kostner, and we will see how they do against the New American Era, Zhang, Nagasu and Flatt. It should be interesting to watch play out.

 

[BelleFilleYuna]

I'm glad to know someone other than me saw some Kwan-esque quality in her skating. She is just so ELEGANT in every possible way.
But I think she should bring triple Flip and Lutz to the competition, I would love to see her become a serious contender.
On a side note, there's also something mysterious about her face, she looks western and oriental at the same time. Very lovely.

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

She's very special for me with all that flow and excellent line. Whether she wins a Worlds or not, she will remain very special.

Joe

 

[Kati]

She's very special for me with all that flow and excellent line. Whether she wins a Worlds or not, she will remain very special.

Joe

It's really nice that she has gained so many friends and admires amongst international figure skating fans. I love her elegance on ice, too.