Mirai Nagasu's future prospects

[noskates]

You know, if you read through this thread there is always an excuse or an explanation or an assumption for something that has happened to Mirai. I want her to do well as much as anybody else but in my mind the jury is still out and Skate America looms ahead.

As for comparing Alyssa to Mirai or Mirai to Alyssa - they are completely different skaters but both have had head problems and an inability for most of the time to bring it home!!! So how or why a poorly skated program gets there doesn't even really matter when it keeps happening - it's always results that count. Both have had a modicum of success and both have broken their fans hearts time and time again. I always want it to change.....but I guess I've grown cynical where Mirai is concerned.

 

[lightsout]

I have to wonder just what it is about Mirai in particular that brings out such strong feelings in people; it seems to go beyond just whether or not people care for her particular brand of skating. I wonder if some people pull for her more strongly because they see something of themselves in her story (maybe they haven't been able to seize opportunities at the right time or live up to their full potential), while others seem to object to her on an almost personal level, like maybe they don't have tons of natural potential but have worked very hard and perceive Mirai as not having done so and squandering the natural gifts they never had.

All very loosey-goosey speculative, I know, but doesn't it seem like there's an outsized like or dislike for Mirai? Just the fact that this is the 622nd post in this thread for a skater who is not necessarily even in the very top tier of American women indicates there's something going on beyond the skating. I know emotions ran high around Mirai at the end of last season, but I think this goes back further than that.

(For the record, I myself am inexplicably fond of Mirai).

 

[noskates]

lightsout - I think there may be some merit to your post. Speaking for myself, however, I've been a figure skating fan for many, many years. You can only invest so much emotional energy in your favorite before that kind of wanes. You get tired of the "what ifs" and the "if onlys!" When I think back to some of my favorites over the years - Christopher Bowman, Scott Davis, Sasha Cohen and even Jeremy Abbott - it makes me wonder why I get so invested. But since my current favorite is Jason Brown - that sort of contradicts my own diagnosis!!!

Why are people so polarized about Mirai? I was in the first row at the exhibitions at Nationals this year and saw close up how distraught and upset Mirai was. She cried throughout the entire program and yet it was probably the most honest skate I've ever seen her do. She didn't phone it in, it didn't look "programmed" in that she wasn't thinking ahead to the next spin or jump - it was just straight from the heart and skating to that beautiful music! And anybody who saw her On Golden Pond probably had a gut reaction to her and to the program. I'm guessing some of the pontificating on Mirai might stem from that. If she could do it once maybe she could do it again! Operative word - maybe!

Otherwise - I don't have a clue!!!

 

[LiamForeman]

I have to wonder just what it is about Mirai in particular that brings out such strong feelings in people; it seems to go beyond just whether or not people care for her particular brand of skating. I wonder if some people pull for her more strongly because they see something of themselves in her story (maybe they haven't been able to seize opportunities at the right time or live up to their full potential), while others seem to object to her on an almost personal level, like maybe they don't have tons of natural potential but have worked very hard and perceive Mirai as not having done so and squandering the natural gifts they never had.

All very loosey-goosey speculative, I know, but doesn't it seem like there's an outsized like or dislike for Mirai? Just the fact that this is the 622nd post in this thread for a skater who is not necessarily even in the very top tier of American women indicates there's something going on beyond the skating. I know emotions ran high around Mirai at the end of last season, but I think this goes back further than that.

(For the record, I myself am inexplicably fond of Mirai).

Well, for me, Mirai represented the quintessential talent from nowhere. Everyone was hyping Zhang (and deservedly so she was a gorgeous skater back then) and then here comes this other skater with sounder technique and is delightful. She got her senior national title so early that I thought she'd continue on as a champ. But then there was an interview where she seemed so down on herself. She's lazy, she doesn't think she's pretty, that kind of talk. Which breaks my heart to hear any child say that. It's in her head, and maybe her family, that is holding her back. So yes, she brings out 622 responses because some of us relate to her and know just how good she can be if she just gets her head right.

 

[mrrice]

Well, for me, Mirai represented the quintessential talent from nowhere. Everyone was hyping Zhang (and deservedly so she was a gorgeous skater back then) and then here comes this other skater with sounder technique and is delightful. She got her senior national title so early that I thought she'd continue on as a champ. But then there was an interview where she seemed so down on herself. She's lazy, she doesn't think she's pretty, that kind of talk. Which breaks my heart to hear any child say that. It's in her head, and maybe her family, that is holding her back. So yes, she brings out 622 responses because some of us relate to her and know just how good she can be if she just gets her head right.

She is very relatable. My students love her and she is the only skater they follow. She has problems like everyone else, she just admits she has them and that's why people root for her. Look, Maria B. was my favorite skater for years and she certainly didn't win all the time. Her own fed called her a head case and dumped her. She had every right to quit and say terrible things about them.

Instead, she fought on without them. That's why I loved her, win or lose, she worked hard. I loved it when she won her title in 99 because she wasn't young, spoiled, or held up by judges. In fact, there were times ( NHK 2000 ) when it was clear that judges wanted her to move on.

Mirai is years younger than Maria was when she won worlds and I think people want to see her over come her obstacles and become the champion we know she is.

 

[Mrs. P]

There's a reason many people connect to Mirai. I have several friends I met at various events who will still cheer for Mirai regardless of her recent struggles. I do think a big part of it is that she is relatable. In the same token, I think that same attitude also brings out people who are REALLY frustrated/angry/confused by her. Sort of this "Why the heck do you waste your time when you so you're talented?" A lot of people take Mirai being human as being a victim, I guess.

I'm not really on either camp, but I will say that I enjoyed her programs at Nationals. Yes there were smoke breaks in the FS, but there were also some other great moments there too.

 

[StitchMonkey]

I think Mirai is the figure skating equivalent of the valedictorian that really should have taken a gap year backpacking across Europe during her first couple years of college, but lovelessly slugged through as they felt they could not take a break. She might have benefited from a season off early in last quad to do something else. Sometimes doing other stuff helps us to figure out where we really want to be. Absence can really help you remember what you love about something when you are only seeing the bad. A year off, she likely would have come back with passion focusing on what she loved about it. Sometimes you need distance to gain objectivity and perspective.

Her coming back, fighting, moving to a different state, she clearly does not want to be done, maybe it took being left off the Olympics for her to really realize that yes she does still have passion for this want to do it. Sadly I am not sure USFSA would have been happy with a gap year, but really it can be good for some people.

 

[drivingmissdaisy]

There's a reason many people connect to Mirai. I have several friends I met at various events who will still cheer for Mirai regardless of her recent struggles. I do think a big part of it is that she is relatable. In the same token, I think that same attitude also brings out people who are REALLY frustrated/angry/confused by her. Sort of this "Why the heck do you waste your time when you so you're talented?" A lot of people take Mirai being human as being a victim, I guess.

I am someone who finds her frustrating. In 2010 her skating and performances had attack. Skaters like Michelle, Sasha, Irina, Oksana, Tara, and other champions had a similar attack and vivaciousness when they skated during their peak. Everything with Mirai now seems very ho-hum. She does the elements and the choreography is nice but it's that extra "something" that's missing. That the coltish Polina has passed Mirai on PCS is indicative that something in the performance is missing for the judges too.

 

[mrrice]

I am someone who finds her frustrating. In 2010 her skating and performances had attack. Skaters like Michelle, Sasha, Irina, Oksana, Tara, and other champions had a similar attack and vivaciousness when they skated during their peak. Everything with Mirai now seems very ho-hum. She does the elements and the choreography is nice but it's that extra "something" that's missing. That the coltish Polina has passed Mirai on PCS is indicative that something in the performance is missing for the judges too.

I agree with this entire statement. Where Mirai and Maria B. differ, IMO, is that Maria knew she had to deliver or she was toast. Like Jeremy, Mirai has to deliver on a consistent basis just to move up on the World Stage, let alone win. It's no longer enough for her to just , not fall. Mirai losing to Polina in PCS isn't bad judging, it's her own fault.

IMO, She has the goods to out perform all the US Ladies with the exception of Ashley. There is really no reason she should be off the US podium unless she gives her spot away with sub par performances.

 

[kwanatic]

I am someone who finds her frustrating. In 2010 her skating and performances had attack. Skaters like Michelle, Sasha, Irina, Oksana, Tara, and other champions had a similar attack and vivaciousness when they skated during their peak. Everything with Mirai now seems very ho-hum. She does the elements and the choreography is nice but it's that extra "something" that's missing. That the coltish Polina has passed Mirai on PCS is indicative that something in the performance is missing for the judges too.

This.

What's so freaking frustrating is that Mirai has it! She has "it"! She has speed, charisma, sparkle...that little something extra that makes people want to cheer for her...however, she only utilizes it once or twice every 4 years. I honestly feel that if Mirai did a better job of performing that, regardless of her TES, her PCS would go up. As it is now, as soon as she makes a mistake it takes all of the wind out of her sails and she just goes dead in the water and is very boring to watch...which is maddeningly frustrating b/c we all know she can electrify a building if she just puts forth the effort.

I know Tom Z is supposed to be working on her jumps, and he needs to, but I sincerely hope someone will work with her on bringing life and energy to her performances. It's the one lesson she has failed to grasp: even if the jumps are going downhill, dammit, keep the energy up! Don't drop the performance. You sell the performance, not the mistakes.

Mirai has two solid programs this season. The jumps need to be there, yes, but even if she hits the jumps, if she can't bring the programs to life she's still going to end up with low scores. It's all on Mirai at this point.

 

[Jammers]

I agree with this entire statement. Where Mirai and Maria B. differ, IMO, is that Maria knew she had to deliver or she was toast. Like Jeremy, Mirai has to deliver on a consistent basis just to move up on the World Stage, let alone win. It's longer enough for her to just , not fall. Mirai losing to Polina in PCS isn't bad judging, it's her own fault.

IMO, She has the goods to out perform all the US Ladies with the exception of Ashley. There is really no reason she should be off the US podium unless she gives her spot away with sub par performances.

Depends on what you mean put perform. If you think a clean Mirai would beat a clean Gracie i doubt that very much.

 

[noskates]

And y'all have made my point!!!! Her On Golden Pond had heart. She connected with the music. She was skating for the love of skating. It wasn't supposed to be an energetic program but there was so much life to it. Sad, yes, but the emotion was there and that's what's been missing.

And it honestly doesn't matter what she's done in the past. It's this year and what she's going to do currently that will define who she is. Missing out on the Olympics (and I thoroughly agree with what happened and also agreed with it when it happened) should be a wake-up call to her.

 

[kwanatic]

Depends on what you mean put perform. If you think a clean Mirai would beat a clean Gracie i doubt that very much.

Yeah, at this point that wouldn't happen. Then again, if by some miracle Mirai woke up and started skating her butt off (hitting jumps, dazzling the audience) and did it consistently, I fully believe she could give Gracie a run for her money. If you take the USFSA favoritism slant away, the only thing a clean Gracie has on a clean/inspired Mirai is a few points in TES.

 

[mrrice]

Depends on what you mean put perform. If you think a clean Mirai would beat a clean Gracie i doubt that very much.

I don't think a clean Mirai would beat a clean Gracie, especially early in the season. I do think a clean Mirai if, she makes the GPF and does well there. Is capable of defeating most of the US Ladies. I don't think any US skater can beat Gracie if she skates clean because her tech score will rightfully put her above the rest.

However, we all know things can happen to great skaters. If Mirai had had a strong season or seasons, leading up to Nationals, she'd have been a two time Olympian. She's not young anymore and without Frank, she doesn't have anyone pushing her when it comes to packaging and delivering a program that truly connects with an audience.

Tom will be great for her technically but, he's not really known for turning out emotional driven skaters. Except maybe Ryan:agree:

 

[mskater93]

Count me as someone Mirai has turned off through frustration. She has had tons of opportunity and bucket loads of natural talent but has squandered them both and it annoys me. Maybe it's because I relate to having natural talent at something and I DIDN'T squander it but rather considered my options carefully and made decisions that furthered that natural talent rather than wasting it.

 

[drivingmissdaisy]

And y'all have made my point!!!! Her On Golden Pond had heart. She connected with the music. She was skating for the love of skating. It wasn't supposed to be an energetic program but there was so much life to it. Sad, yes, but the emotion was there and that's what's been missing.

This is a good point, and makes me think that I wrongly attributed her previous underperforming to dull programs. A good skater can electrify an audience even with a slower program; Kwan's 1998 LP at Nationals is a great example. I still think more upbeat programs suit Mirai but her exhibition last year showed that it's more about the performance than the particular style of music.

 

[LRK]

I don't think a clean Mirai would beat a clean Gracie, especially early in the season. I do think a clean Mirai if, she makes the GPF and does well there. Is capable of defeating most of the US Ladies. I don't think any US skater can beat Gracie if she skates clean because her tech score will rightfully put her above the rest.

However, we all know things can happen to great skaters. If Mirai had had a strong season or seasons, leading up to Nationals, she'd have been a two time Olympian. She's not young anymore and without Frank, she doesn't have anyone pushing her when it comes to packaging and delivering a program that truly connects with an audience.

Tom will be great for her technically but, he's not really known for turning out emotional driven skaters. Except maybe Ryan:agree:

Perhaps, though, if he makes her more confident in her technical abilities, she can relax and perform more?

 

[mrrice]

Perhaps, though, if he makes her more confident in her technical abilities, she can relax and perform more?

Good Point ! I'd love to see the old fire back in her eyes. I hope she knows how many fans truly wish her the best.

 

[coolboogie22]

Mirai is back on the right track

I really like Mirai at Japan Open
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vk_HOhIcfHk

It's so good to see her, skating with much confidence and look proud of herself.
And, I'm really happy that she isn't happy with the score she received. This mean that she realised what she want to be and this performance, she have passion and deserve better score.

She is back on the right track.
This is what she wants to be!!

 

[Skategmt]

She looks great! I think last year's nationals lit a new fire in her!