Max Aaron

[charmblade]

Super sad for our Max, of course, but I think there were some really good things in his programs this weekend. The bullfighter SP actually has tons of potential, I think it's a really good fit for him, and I hope he keeps it for next year. In the LP, aside from the jump issues, I think he seemed to give a better performance this time. The footwork sequence seemed a bit sharper and he seemed more comfortable with the movements. I think there were real improvements in his performance, so that's a great sign for the future.

 

[ice coverage]

You know, of course I'm really disappointed but I take comfort in the fact that Max never gives up, and that he already seems to be moving on from this. It's also nice that USFSA saw their way clear to giving him some of the alternate spots for Worlds and 4CCs... he's far enough down the list that it's not going to matter really, but at least it shows they know he's actually a better bet/skater than a lot of the guys who did finish above him.

Overall this was a rough season. I'm the most sad that I don't think we ever saw the Lion King performed to its potential. Unlike a lot of people on the forum at large I REALLY liked the program concept and thought it could be great.

Ah well. Keep looking forward! Next season will be Max's year!

Appreciating everyone's support for Max in this thread .

:agree: Agree that it is a bit of a good news that USFS seemingly wanted to recognize that Nats was an aberration for Max and wanted to give him something of a vote of confidence.
As the third alternate for Worlds, Max will qualify for USFS Envelope B Tier 2 funding next season.

https://www.usfigureskating.org/story?id=84105&menu=TeamUSA​

(Something new for next season is that world standings and season's bests will be among the ways to qualify for envelope funding. As of today, Max is #10 in the world standings, and #16 on the season's bests list, but his positions will be changing as others move up after competing at ISU championships.)

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Now that it is time for us to exhale after Nats, re-posting two cute things that I had linked in competition threads over the weekend:

- I dare you not to smile at Max's charm in his pre-recorded USOC video to promote NBC's live coverage of the Ladies FS:

https://www.facebook.com/TeamUSA/videos/vb.18000802685/10154280360272686/?type=3&theater (7 seconds, published on Jan 21)
​

- A special friend in the arena for Max's FS:

https://twitter.com/39loves2/status/823258695878393857 (Jan 22)​

 

[iluvtodd]

While I am heartborken for Max's very bumpy ride in the short program, I his new short program. We got to see him skate to it earlier in the week during one of the practice sessions, and he skated it brilliantly. I truly hope he keeps it for next season. I am relieved that things went better for him during the free skate. I will always support Max, a gentleman, great supporter of his team mates, and superb athlete.

 

[musicfan80]

Here's something I've wondered about: Why doesn't USFS ever send skaters to Winter Universiade? It could have been an option for Max (and Mirai Nagasu and Angela Wang, BTW) if they are taking enough hours in college to be eligible to be assigned.

I know it's not Worlds or 4CCs, but it is a Team USA event, and USATF/USA Swimming/USA Diving. sends athletes to compete in the Summer Universiade. The U.S. even sends basketball, volleyball, and rugby teams from the best collegiate players.

To give a frame of reference, Damon Allen has two silver medals from the 1993 & 1995 Winter Universiades, so the USFS has sent skaters there before.

Just a thought - I think if there are more opportunities to send skaters to international competitions and they want to do it, it should be an option. For some, the Universiade/University Games gives them a chance to represent the U.S. in international competition. Which could be valuable experience in many ways.

 

[karne]

I actually do think Universiade or Gardena or something might be good for Max. Just to get the SP out there clean, to end his season on a positive note.

God, I'm feeling even worse about this than I did when he was robbed last year.

 

[musicfan80]

I actually do think Universiade or Gardena or something might be good for Max. Just to get the SP out there clean, to end his season on a positive note.

God, I'm feeling even worse about this than I did when he was robbed last year.

It's just seems weird to me. USA Swimming, USA Track & Field, and USA Gymnastics sends athletes to any "Team USA" competition they can - even if it's the Pan American Games or Universiade where it's athletes that: 1) didn't quite make their World Team, so the assignment is a consolation opportunity, or 2) sometimes - it's World Team members that use it as a tune-up. I think it's one of several reasons why the U.S. dominated in gymnastics, swimming, and track & field at the Summer Olympics in Rio.

 

[ice coverage]

While I am heartborken for Max's very bumpy ride in the short program, I his new short program. We got to see him skate to it earlier in the week during one of the practice sessions, and he skated it brilliantly. I truly hope he keeps it for next season. I am relieved that things went better for him during the free skate. ...

Thank you so much for telling us about Max's SP at Nats practice. Nice to know (altho' bittersweet too) that he skated it brilliantly.

... I will always support Max, a gentleman, great supporter of his team mates, and superb athlete.

:agree: :agree: :agree: :agree: :agree:

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Here's something I've wondered about: Why doesn't USFS ever send skaters to Winter Universiade? It could have been an option for Max (and Mirai Nagasu and Angela Wang, BTW) if they are taking enough hours in college to be eligible to be assigned.

... Just a thought - I think if there are more opportunities to send skaters to international competitions and they want to do it, it should be an option. ...

I imagine budget constraints for USFS are at least part of the reason??

Plus perhaps the scheduling? I think the entry deadline was before U.S. Nats.

 

[ice coverage]

Matador Max's costume was recognized with a "silver medal" for U.S. Nats. Sam Donovan called it a "stunning look." :agree:

http://web.icenetwork.com/news/2017/01/25/214335252/donovan-us-championships-fashion-podiums (Jan 25)

 

[Arriba627]

Stunning is the right word for Snuggle Bullfighter's costume / look. I was really gutted for Max but happy to hear that he is already thinking about coming back strong for next year. I found myself tearing up wondering if perhaps I had seen him skate for the last time after his FS. Glad to read about his positivity for next year.

 

[karne]

I found myself tearing up wondering if perhaps I had seen him skate for the last time after his FS. Glad to read about his positivity for next year.

I had this thought too, I was crying my eyes out fearing that it would end like this. But our SnugglaDor will fight back. We know he will.

 

[tulosai]

Aw guys, you all know there's no way Max was going to give up right before an Olympic year! Of course he'll fight on, hopefully right to the top of the Nationals podium next year

 

[deedee1]

We all knew you tried your best and never gave up till the end. Rest very well for now, Max. :yes:

 

[karne]

Of course he is still on the ice, straight after.

The "Ice Rink At the Promenade" in Hyland Hills were obviously a little bit excited to have him, even if he was just out for a "cruise"!

 

[musicfan80]

Aw guys, you all know there's no way Max was going to give up right before an Olympic year! Of course he'll fight on, hopefully right to the top of the Nationals podium next year

I will admit that I have no clue what will happen with the U.S. men in the next 12-13 months. There are about ten different scenarios that I am thinking about right now between Nathan, Max, Vincent, Jason, and Grant. My best guess is that the 2018 team will be among those men - but who knows?

After 2013 Nationals, I would have never guessed that Jeremy Abbott would have made the 2014 team, much less win those U.S. Nationals. And remember, this was the results of 2009 Nationals. So, Max has every reason to be optimistic right now.

BTW, It's been a week and I am still bewildered by what Nathan did at U.S. Nationals. I don't know what I will think if he actually executes his Nationals LP, 4CCs LP, and Worlds LP with those same 5 quads.

 

[karne]

Okay I'm trying to keep a lid on my mother-hen mode, I swear, I am trying but...

Is anyone else a little bit concerned that we have had no word out of Max since Nationals? I mean even when he's had his heart broken in the past there he's always posted, maybe a day or two later, but he's always posted. Now it's more than a week, and he has said nothing. And I can't help it but it makes me worried, please Max, please know we still believe in you.

 

[Arriba627]

I am a little concerned that we haven't heard anything at all from Snuggle Lion / Bullfighter. Total silence never seems like a good thing. And am I imagining things or did I see Coach Z say to him "Are you hurt?" when he came off the ice after one of his programs -- can't remember if SP or FS.

 

[Arriba627]

Snuggle Lion -- Off the jumbo tron - never as good as the real deal, but still cute!

https://pic.twitter.com/LBeocfvNIC
https://pic.twitter.com/eIFiimnPeH

 

[musicfan80]

Okay I'm trying to keep a lid on my mother-hen mode, I swear, I am trying but...

Is anyone else a little bit concerned that we have had no word out of Max since Nationals? I mean even when he's had his heart broken in the past there he's always posted, maybe a day or two later, but he's always posted. Now it's more than a week, and he has said nothing. And I can't help it but it makes me worried, please Max, please know we still believe in you.

I am a little concerned that we haven't heard anything at all from Snuggle Lion / Bullfighter. Total silence never seems like a good thing. And am I imagining things or did I see Coach Z say to him "Are you hurt?" when he came off the ice after one of his programs -- can't remember if SP or FS.

It's only been a week and a half - he's probably on a mental break from his season ending way earlier than he hoped it would. He could also be catching up with school. Which, if the case, could be good for him right now.

I don't think social media activity is always accurate is analyzing how someone is doing. One example: Remember when Gracie Gold tweeted (and I believe also Instagrammed, but I can't find the exact post) this so shortly after Worlds? Just sayin'.

 

[Ares]

Matador Max's costume was recognized with a "silver medal" for U.S. Nats. Sam Donovan called it a "stunning look." :agree:

http://web.icenetwork.com/news/2017/01/25/214335252/donovan-us-championships-fashion-podiums (Jan 25)

I enjoyed his Bullfighter SP despite errors I think this is the right direction towards Max should be going.

 

[musicfan80]

Team USA has posted the first picture from Max's photo shoot. They are doing a Valentine's Day giveaway for a discount/free shipping.

BTW, I didn't realize how pricey some of this Team USA stuff was!

Trying to remember from the video - I think those hearts aren't the paper ones they stupidly had thrown in the air while he was posing. I think they are computer added.