- Joined
- Feb 14, 2014
Dirty, directed politicking is not a molehill. That's a fact. Sorry, but it's true.
Sorry I am lost. Why she is practicing 1loop-3sal? What is special about this comb?
At the press conference, Asada said something like this:
“Because I can do the triple axel, I’ve really relied on it as my strong point, but right now, I’m still bringing up the level of my jumps, so I’ve been practicing in the hopes of reaching that level. However, that’s not all. I’m 24 now, so in the skating world, I’m a veteran. I think it would be good if I could skate like an adult, if I can show people my own kind of skating.”
Hearing this comment, the first thing that popped in to my head was the late Kyoko Asada [Mao’s mother]. Previously I’ve written this several times, but within the conversations I had with Kyoko-san when she was alive, there was one thing in particular that stayed in my heart.
“Tamura-san, you know, I think figure skating is not about winning or losing.”
At some competition hall, watching the official practice from the stands, Kyoko-san said this:
“If Yuna-chan won, or my Mao won—everyone always focuses on this. But figure skating is not about that; it’s about being on the ice and showing how you live your life. Don’t you think so, Tamura-san?”
Well if Ashley could somehow do a 1Lo-3S combo with a weak 3S then I don't think it's too farfetched for Mao either
Ashley can't do a 1Lo-3S combo, though? I mean, she can do an underrotated one, yeah...
“If Yuna-chan won, or my Mao won—everyone always focuses on this. But figure skating is not about that; it’s about being on the ice and showing how you live your life. Don’t you think so, Tamura-san?”
Ashley just introduced her 1/2 loop 3S combo this season. And considering it's the first season she's done it, she's gotten it pretty close. The 3L+1L+3S<(x) she did at Worlds still got her 8.56 points (with BV of 9.46)... which scores more than - oh, let's say... a 3L+2A sequence (BV 7.39) or even worse, a 3T+2A(x) sequence (BV 6.51)... although it would be rather asinine of her to incorporate a 3T+2A sequence into her program, anyways, so nevermind that suggestion.![]()
Well, I just read this article by Akiko Tamura about Mao's comeback, and I was really touched by part of it, so I thought I'd translate some...
http://zasshi.news.yahoo.co.jp/article?a=20150522-00823374-number-spo&p=2
*****
I know I’ve had very mixed feelings about Mao returning to competition, mainly because I had doubts that she’d be able to compete for gold against the current crop of skaters. I also don’t want to see the media hounding her constantly and putting enormous pressure on her to do to the triple axel and to win.
I initially became a fan of Mao way back in the 2005-06 season because of the joy she brought to the ice. You could tell that she loved to skate. But after years of struggling and being constantly scrutinized by the media, I feel like she lost that joy.
Now it sounds like she’s rediscovered her love of skating, and I hope returning to competition doesn’t make her lose it again. I sincerely hope she can hold onto that joy, and share it with us in her programs.
Regardless, the 3Lo+1Lo+3Sal really is a tactical mistake. Throughout her entire career Ashley has unfortunately been giving away points because of CoP technicalities. If she wants to be on that World podium next year, she's going to need every point she can get. Giving away 3 points is not going to get her there. She has lost to Gracie now at both Worlds and WTT. Her momentum is gone for next season if she continues down the current path. She won't even be able to use the "I'm the lady of the field" line of talk anymore, with Mao coming back and Tukt continuing to mature and being regarded more highly in general.
According to this report Mao might be reusing her Rach 2 freeskate http://www.hochi.co.jp/sports/winter/20150520-OHT1T50226.html
That would be rather disappointing. I'd rather she recycle Liebestraum for the third time than try to outdo what she delivered in Sochi.
Also, Gold lost to Wagner in the FS of the WTT -- in part due to Wagner attempting the 3S sequence.
Also, since when has Wagner gotten +2GOE/8.79 from ISU judges for her 3L+2A sequence?
Also, Wagner wouldn't add a 2L to the program, she would at most do a +2T+2T.
Ironically, you say she's given away points because of CoP technicalities - and yet you've previously suggested she include two series valued at 80%. If sequences weren't an 80% value, then maybe you might have a case, but the reality is, she's executing a jumping pass where she already gets a 20% deduction. Also, she does UR the 3-3 and the 3-3 sequence but she needs to attempt them to show that she can still be competitive with two 3-3 combos. Replacing a 3Z+3T< (which she got 8.00 points for at Worlds) with a 3T+2A (worth 6.51 points) isn't smart
Mao already skated that program to perfection, I know japan has alot of very good choreographers, we have seen that time after time at japan nationals, I really wish Mao would try them out, and we all know that several famous choreographers have voiced how much they want to work with her, this would be the perfect time to give them a chance and see what they can create together.
Ashley can't do a 1Lo-3S combo, though? I mean, she can do an underrotated one, yeah...