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The URs are still clearly a problem but I'll be a typical Mirai fan and point to the positive:
1. She went for everything: I can't recall the last time Mirai attempted a program with that much content. That shows that she's gained some confidence over the summer and that's a plus.
2. She attacked the whole program: She didn't back off of any of the jumps...not even the 3S. Usually she starts off with speed and attack but gradually slows down. Her stamina has improved. She didn't look winded by the end of the program. Again, that's a plus.
3. She didn't give up: After that fall on the 3S she didn't back off or give up. She hit the remainder of her jumps and finished up strong. Again, that's a plus b/c in the past a fall would take all of the wind out of her sails.
It sucks that she got so many URs but I do see a lot of good things that prove she's trying and is getting better. It may not come together all at once but I do think (even with all of the URs) this was a better performance than at the US classic.
I am a rabid Mirai fan and I don't know if she has the will or the finances or the time to rework herself like Mao did, but I will tell you this.....technical shmectial.... Watch Mirai's 2010 national free skate. Despite the mistakes, would you rather see that again or Ms. Flatt's program? Look at Mao's world winning program from last season...would you rather see that again along with its mistakes or any of Miss Polina's programs? I am not here to bash Miss Polina or Ms. Flatt. I am here to tell you Mirai has IT. She makes me feel a program. I don't think I am alone. Look at the number of posts here. I wish her the best and will cheer her on at Nats as usual. I just hope she remembers what MK said....that life is about more than triple jumps....and I hope she has a long and happy life full of love.... In the meanwhile, she has every right to be bitter about the USFSA decision to not send her to Olys. But I don't see that bitterness...I see a bit of spark coming back with this performance....maybe the biggest spark since 2010. You go girl!
That's a lot of "ifs"... I'm just happy that it appears mirai is finally back in the right mentally and training environment that may actually have a chance to tap into her full potential that has never been realized, even if she never becomes national champion againIt all depends on how she does in the GP vs a vis the other US ladies. If Gracie, Polina, Courtney, and Ashley all place well and don't garner a bunch of URs and Mirai has an up-and-down GP season with URs going into Nationals, she could be facing even stiffer competition than she did last season.
It all depends on how she does in the GP vs a vis the other US ladies. If Gracie, Polina, Courtney, and Ashley all place well and don't garner a bunch of URs and Mirai has an up-and-down GP season with URs going into Nationals, she could be facing even stiffer competition than she did last season.
Just looking at JO vids. It's sad that this spindly middle school student was 30 points ahead of Nagasu and Wagner. Radionova's leg positions are terrible. They are never togeather or straight. Everything looks like it's on a pait of stilts. Ugly to look at.
If Radianovas leg positions are terrible, where does that put Pogorilayas?
I agree. It might be a lot of "ifs" but Mirai has to sustain this level - and in the not too distant past that was a challenge for her. I'm glad to see her moving in the right direction but I'm not getting my hopes up again just to be dashed.
Just looking at JO vids. It's sad that this spindly middle school student was 30 points ahead of Nagasu and Wagner. Radionova's leg positions are terrible. They are never togeather or straight. Everything looks like it's on a pait of stilts. Ugly to look at.

Pogorilaya's? If anyone, Anna has gorgeous presentation and great skating skills. Just for example, look at her mastery of one-foot skating.
Skaters don't get deductions because some viewers think their legs look funny.
Radionova may be young and her leg positions may be odd, but darned if she doesn't take off on the right edge, complete full rotations, land on one foot, and manage to do so on all her jumps with no falls! No wonder she was 30 points ahead of a pair of skaters neither of whom could get through a program in the same fashion.
And gee, Radionova looks as if she actually ENJOYS skating the whole time she is on the ice, unlike Mirai, who looked grim until the final 15 seconds when she realized she was supposed to be SELLING the program.
Anna cannot extend her leg straight
travels all over the ice on her spins