Max Aaron

[ice coverage]

Phillip Mills' blog entry today includes discussion of his experience with Max at Tallinn Trophy.

(Turns out Phillip was there also for junior lady Ella Mizrahi representing Israel. She won silver .)

Don’t Underestimate Your Skater
January 15, 2016

... My week in Estonia was productive in another way as well. Max Aaron wasn’t able to finish his Grand Prix event in Bordeaux due to the Paris terror attacks which canceled the competition after the short programs. U.S. Figure Skating wanted Max to go to the Tallinn Trophy to help build his points for the ISU.
Max and I had never been a competition together. I was excited to be with him to help him do his best in this hastily scheduled event. As coaches it is our job to help our students, of all ages, make sense out of difficult situations in their lives. ...
I was fully aware of how Max’s short went in Bordeaux and knew that this short program in Estonia must be a good one to help his confidence and standing. I thought his short program at Skate America was phenomenal; Estonia was better! Max wound on the podium earning the gold medal. It turned out to be a great experience for us.

http://www.phillipmillschoreographe...te-Your-Skater/c15xe/56996ff00cf21038319544cd​

Also from Phillips' site:

Congratulations to the following skaters who will be competing at the 2016 U.S. Figure Skating Campionships

Sierra Venatta - Novice Ladies

Chase Belmontes, Paolo Boremeo - Junior Men

Max Aaron - Senior Men

Isabella Gamez & Griffin Schwab - Novice Pairs

Ai Setoyama & David Paridis - Junior Pairs

http://www.phillipmillschoreographer.com/#!news-phillip-mills/c1rdz

https://www.facebook.com/coachsedge/posts/1138570712834702​

 

[karne]

I love the obvious pride in Phillip's blogs. And it takes me back to that happy moment of pride when Max rebounded so strongly there.

Tom Z posted this gorgeous vid of Max's "pre-Nationals simulation". A week to go and looking THAT good...!!!! :yay:

 

[ice coverage]

... Tom Z posted this gorgeous vid of Max's "pre-Nationals simulation". A week to go and looking THAT good...!!!! :yay:

Many thx for this video :luv17:, karne. Gorgeous is right.
I later saw that TZ posted it on Instagram too. In case it is easier for anyone to watch it there:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BAlDR_rjY7m/​

Another article based on Max's media call:

Broadmoor Skating Club's Max Aaron working to take that next step at national championships

By: Joe Paisley
Published: January 15, 2016
Updated: January 16, 2016 at 7:01 am
http://gazette.com/broadmoor-skatin...ep-at-nati onal-championships/article/1567947​

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ETA:

Camden Pulkinen (of Scottsdale), junior man at U.S. Nats, cites Max as a role model :

.... Camden is a season away from starting on quadruple jumps but considers Aaron, an elite jumper and like Camden a former hockey player, to be a role model. "It gives me hope someone from Arizona has become as successful as he is," Pulkinen said. "I definitely see it's possible. I'm not just a shot in the dark." ....
http://www.azcentral.com/story/spor...ady-us-figure-skating-championships/78721628/ (Jan 16)​

Throwback photo of Camden and Max in Arizona from around Thanksgiving 2015:

https://twitter.com/Karen_Gesell/status/670731696166166528 (Nov 28)​

Camden still was a novice when he qualified for the Freezer Aerial Challenge because he won the junior jump comp at the Broadmoor Open.
In another recent article, he said that after that success, USFS approached him about moving up to junior.​

 

[ice coverage]

New to me: A testimonial from Max has been added to Phillips' website.

"Phillip Mills has quickly become more than a choreographer to me. I am proud to call him a friend as well as a mentor. He has integrated seamlessly into my "team" and has begun to bring out the artist in the athlete I've worked tirelessly to become. With Phillip’s wisdom and attention to detail I look forward to expanding my repertoire and achieving goals I never thought possible.”

http://www.phillipmillschoreographer.com/#!ice-skaters/c1x9v​

Just noticed it today, but don't know how long ago it was posted.
Anyway, happy for Max that they have a strong relationship .

 

[StitchMonkey]

So the NBC preview shows is *really* pushing Max. 20+ minutes in, Max has dominated the time by far and we have not even seen any of the footage we know was filmed in Colorado.

 

[musicfan80]

So the NBC preview shows is *really* pushing Max. 20+ minutes in, Max has dominated the time by far and we have not even seen any of the footage we know was filmed in Colorado.

Max is the favorite right now and I think if he skates well, he will win Nationals with no problem. I'm glad they showed Max's FS from Skate America - even though I didn't care about Johnny Weir's comments. I feel like Max is being artistic and it's Max on the ice. Which is of course isn't going to be like other U.S. skaters like Brown, Farris, and Abbott (when he competed).

I wouldn't be surprised if they spend the rest of the preview show about ladies competition. I think it's likely we will see the Colorado footage during the actual Nationals broadcast.

Sidebar: Did Tara really say that Nathan Chen is planning on 4 Quads? I'm not sure that is the best idea.

 

[ice coverage]

Mills helps Aaron breathe new life into his skating
Rippon stays mum on strategy; Teens Chen, Zhou plan quad attacks

Posted 1/17/16
by Lynn Rutherford
http://web.icenetwork.com/news/2016/01/17/162145860​

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ETA:

Max is one of the choices in NBC's online survey re: "Who are you most excited to watch on NBC this weekend?"

http://www.nbcsports.com/US-Figure-Skating-Championships​

The other choices are Ashley; Gracie; and Chock/Bates.

When I just voted, Max was in third place ... behind Gracie and Ashley ....​

 

[karne]

So the NBC preview shows is *really* pushing Max. 20+ minutes in, Max has dominated the time by far and we have not even seen any of the footage we know was filmed in Colorado.

This terrifies me! Just shoosh, shoosh, don't anger the skating gods! :hopelessness:

A few anti-Max posts popping up on Twitter as a net result. I think they cheesed off the Rippon and Chen fans.

Sidebar: Did Tara really say that Nathan Chen is planning on 4 Quads? I'm not sure that is the best idea.

He attempted four at JGPF. Attempted being the operative word.

 

[karne]

Blerrrrrrrrrrrgh, Weir's commentary on Max's SkAm FS.

I kind of like the new graphic, except that I find the tiny dots indicating each element really hard to see and differentiate between the grey and yellow.

 

[ice coverage]

- Aaron seeks to combine hockey and ballet at US Championships

By Rachel Cohen
Jan. 20, 2016 8:20 PM EST
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/1566...ks-combine-hockey-and-ballet-us-championships via @AP_Sports​

- Max Aaron learns from his tumble at Grand Prix skating event

By Rachel Blount
January 20, 2016 — 11:19pm
http://www.startribune.com/max-aaron-learns-from-his-tumble-at-grand-prix-skating-event/366010221/ via @StribOlympics​

- I've saved the best for last: a photo that begs for a caption contest .

@USFigureSkating

.@MaxTAaron and @rustykath hanging out in the @Wayfair lounge on the men's practice day! #USChamps16
8:07 AM - 21 Jan 2016
https://twitter.com/USFigureSkating/status/690204138899005440​

My fictional caption would be: "Inspired by a giant fuzzy white pillow, Max Aaron contemplates the idea of plucking off some feathers and dyeing them black for his FS costume" .​

 

[musicfan80]

I've saved the best for last: a photo that begs for a caption contest .

@USFigureSkating

.@MaxTAaron and @rustykath hanging out in the @Wayfair lounge on the men's practice day! #USChamps16
8:07 AM - 21 Jan 2016
https://twitter.com/USFigureSkating/status/690204138899005440​

My fictional caption would be: "Inspired by a giant fuzzy white pillow, Max Aaron contemplates the idea of plucking off some feathers and dyeing them black for his FS costume" .​

I am quite amazed that the pillow didn't "shed" all over Max - especially with him wearing all black. Is Wayfair known for high quality items?

I do like Max's choice of hair style - keeps it tight up through the sides and medium length waves on the top works.

 

[ice coverage]

Post-practice photo of Max with Sho Omori, Jimmy Ma, and Alex Johnson is #4 in this IN gallery:

http://web.icenetwork.com/photos/162488964 (Jan 21)

 

[ice coverage]

Very cute photo of real-life Max with poster-boy Max:

https://twitter.com/SkatesUS/status/690260455495983104 (Jan 21)​

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U.S. Figure Skating: Max Aaron still carries a little hockey with him

By Brian Murphy
Posted: 01/21/2016 12:01:00 AM CST
http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_29414697/figure-skating-max-aaron-still-carries-little-hockey​

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BTW, happy to see that Phillip Mills :luv17: is in St. Paul.
At the Junior Men's SP, he was sitting with Chase Belmontes in the Kiss and Cry (with Tom Z standing alongside them).
So Max will be well-supported .

 

[karne]

I am quite amazed that the pillow didn't "shed" all over Max - especially with him wearing all black. Is Wayfair known for high quality items?

I do like Max's choice of hair style - keeps it tight up through the sides and medium length waves on the top works.

I like to imagine Max was looking at it thinking, how do I smuggle this out of the rink?! (Also impressed it didn't leave little white fluffy bits all over him.)

Alas, however, I must disagree with your second sentence; Max's hair is driving me absolutely nuts, because there is just that fluffy bit on top and ARGH it looks messy and ARGH.

BTW, happy to see that Phillip Mills :luv17: is in St. Paul.
At the Junior Men's SP, he was sitting with Chase Belmontes in the Kiss and Cry (with Tom Z standing alongside them).
So Max will be well-supported .

Yay!

I hope this is a good sign that if what we all hope for comes to pass, I will be able to see Mr Mills in Boston and thank him!

 

[musicfan80]

Alas, however, I must disagree with your second sentence; Max's hair is driving me absolutely nuts, because there is just that fluffy bit on top and ARGH it looks messy and ARGH.

Did you prefer Max's hair at last year's nationals? Or did you like the 2013 Nationals hair that was a little bit longer on top but also had more on the sides and back of his head.

And here I go again getting into another conversation about a U.S. man's hair.....

 

[karne]

Did you prefer Max's hair at last year's nationals? Or did you like the 2013 Nationals hair that was a little bit longer on top but also had more on the sides and back of his head.

And here I go again getting into another conversation about a U.S. man's hair.....

The latter. Even the hair he had at WTT 2013 which was shorter on the sides was better than what he has now. His hair at WTT 2015 was also acceptable. This just drives me nuts.

 

[musicfan80]

The latter. Even the hair he had at WTT 2013 which was shorter on the sides was better than what he has now. His hair at WTT 2015 was also acceptable. This just drives me nuts.

Maybe Max is trying to be original with his looks as compared to the other U.S. men. Which wouldn't be hard to do right now because Jason has the (now) darker ponytail and Adam's hair, is well, whatever he decides that week. I think that Ross Miner's hair (which looks good) has looked pretty much the same since 2011.

If you want to compare Max to another dark brown haired American, should he match whatever Joshua would be doing (although we don't know what that would even be cause he is injured)? They both may have dark brown hair but Max's looks a bit coarser and curlier. I don't think that would work, either.

 

[karne]

If you want to compare Max to another dark brown haired American, should he match whatever Joshua would be doing (although we don't know what that would even be cause he is injured)? They both may have dark brown hair but Max's looks a bit coarser and curlier. I don't think that would work, either.

Oh, no, you're right, Max's hair is curlier than Joshua's, he could not do the same look that Joshua has.


Practice report from FSU: Max landed seven quad Salchows in the pre-SP practice (!!!) including two in combination with a 3T and one in combination with a 2T (naughty SnuggleBat!) and a good 3A. Jackie reported that he looked confident!

 

[musicfan80]

Oh, no, you're right, Max's hair is curlier than Joshua's, he could not do the same look that Joshua has.

Practice report from FSU: Max landed seven quad Salchows in the pre-SP practice (!!!) including two in combination with a 3T and one in combination with a 2T (naughty SnuggleBat!) and a good 3A. Jackie reported that he looked confident!

WOW! Hopefully that is a great sign for Max tonight! The men's SP starts in in about 30 mins. I won't be able to see any programs until they are posted to YouTube (Is it really worth the $$$ to get icenetwork? I don't mind waiting a bit to see programs.) But I will follow the pbp on Twitter/boards.

While I am being snowed in due to this blizzard, I will keep good thoughts towards Max. Hopefully the men will keep the good mojo that many of the ice dancers had earlier today. Last night with the ladies SP was a serious letdown.

 

[karne]

WOW! Hopefully that is a great sign for Max tonight! The men's SP starts in in about 30 mins. I won't be able to see any programs until they are posted to YouTube (Is it really worth the $$$ to get icenetwork? I don't mind waiting a bit to see programs.) But I will follow the pbp on Twitter/boards.

While I am being snowed in due to this blizzard, I will keep good thoughts towards Max. Hopefully the men will keep the good mojo that many of the ice dancers had earlier today. Last night with the ladies SP was a serious letdown.

I have found IN worth it, particularly once I discovered my unblocky friend and also got faster internet. Fortunately I don't need my unblocky friend for Nationals.

I hope he has not left it all on the practice ice - come on Max, perform what you train! So nervous!

Please be safe in the blizzard, musicfan80!