Off-Season Debate, Question 1: Can Kimmie Keep Up The Momentum?

[Doggygirl]

I said only if it's ABSOLUTELY necessary to bring up other skaters to do so. If one needs to compare her (Kimmie) to other skaters coming up at Nats, that's fine- but only for comparison reasons. If you really wanted to discuss those skaters, you'd be posting in another thread anyway.

DG- yes I follow only senior ladies. But here's my question: Suppose after winning a bunch of lower-level titles/medals, a skater comes up, does really well at one international comp (senior), and then is practically never heard from again? Is that skater a "one-hit-wonder" or not? I simply wondered if Kimmie would end up that way after next year. Maybe junior and novice success is a sign of good things to come for Kimmie, but we just can't know yet.

So that's what I really mean. Maybe I should have asked if she would end up a flash-in-the-pan (like Alissa C. was) instead of using the "one-hit-wonder" phrase. :scratch:

Evan for Gold next year with Johnny a close second. ($1 on each). And I'll have to think about bronze for Men's, because there are several I like.

I/B for Gold in Pairs - assuming they really are going to try to stay in for another year. (yeah!!) H/P and NNN/L might seem an obvious silver/bronze, but there were some hot Jr's at Nats - maybe a "one hit wonder" will sneak in there.

B/A for Gold in Dance. I can't wait to see what happens with the rest - I'm still learning about Dance (and very "beginner" at that) and the drama of break ups, re-pairs, etc. is yet to come.

Ladies - MK for Gold. SC for Silver. KimmyKitty for Titanium. Katy for Platinum. Emily for Crystal. Stephanie for a highly paid job with Cirque, if SOI doesn't get a clue fast. Otherwise the good news - she gets my one and only Lladro. Bad news - it's Don Quixote. (oops - probably should have ear marked that one for Evan...hind sight is so over rated!!)

Oops - Can MK and SC peacefully cohabitate in the same speculative 2006/2007 season thread? With KimmyKitty too?

DG

 

[anything_for_skating]

Now that Kimmie has won the world title, she will suddenly have pressure on her that she hasn't had before. And THAT, folks, will be the real test. This is purely a speculation thread:

She had the performance of her life in Calgary (in case you didn't know ) But do you think she can keep it up?

Does she really have to worry about the Japanese and other Asians supposedly making a threat?

Can she win the US title next year?

Can she successfully defend her World Championship in 07?

Is she going to be a one-hit wonder?


MY THOUGHTS

It's too soon to tell, but fun to speculate. Personally, I don't like her skating enough to become a fan of hers, but she seems like a nice kid. But that aside, I think she has a lot of potential. The Technical Elements are certainly there. Now, she just needs some PERSONALITY. If she can develop that, she will be a true force to be reckoned with. I figure she just got lucky in Calgary since those supposedly "better" than her couldn't deliver that night. But she went all out and deserved that win. Now, she seems pretty consistent and I think if she can continue to grow and develop, there could be several US titles and maybe even another world title in her future. She could be a top contender for Vancouver.

Or, is she simply a one-hit wonder and maybe will just either fizzle next year, or get injured or something? Will she fade next year and bounce back in 08, ala Shizuka or Irina? Let the talk begin...

Kimmie is a great girl, she has those big elements, good spins and steps and everything...yes,she needs personality,but hey,what can you expect from an 16 years old girl? She will be better and better and better every year. No, she is not the one-hit wonder,like Tara Lipinski or Sarah Huges. She doesn't have to worry about Asian ladies, even if she cannot defend her World title, so what?

 

[antmanb]

DG- yes I follow only senior ladies. But here's my question: Suppose after winning a bunch of lower-level titles/medals, a skater comes up, does really well at one international comp (senior), and then is practically never heard from again? Is that skater a "one-hit-wonder" or not? I simply wondered if Kimmie would end up that way after next year. Maybe junior and novice success is a sign of good things to come for Kimmie, but we just can't know yet.

Well do you think Lipinski was a one hit wonder?

S Hughes?

Baiul?

Bobek? (or do you have to win?)

I don't think many people are one hit wonders...blip on the radar? Yes but most (possibly only Baiul in this list) have a histroy of how they reached that peak.

There's a difference in how it all happens...if someone takes the medal and runs then they have a steady climb to the top hit their goals quickly and then say, you know what htere's more to life than this and move on. Other's try to maintain that form and can't (S Hughes). It all dpends on the circumstances...speculating about how somone might do is far more difficult than going back and labelling someone a one hit wonder.

Ant

 

[antmanb]

So that's what I really mean. Maybe I should have asked if she would end up a flash-in-the-pan (like Alissa C. was) instead of using the "one-hit-wonder" phrase. :scratch:

You're already knocking the nails in Alissa C's coffin????

I think that's why people get annoyed with you - you use negative comments without any justification - wasn't last season Alissa's first senior season yet you're already talking about her like she's dead...

Ant

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

I said only if it's ABSOLUTELY necessary to bring up other skaters to do so. If one needs to compare her (Kimmie) to other skaters coming up at Nats, that's fine- but only for comparison reasons. If you really wanted to discuss those skaters, you'd be posting in another thread anyway.


So that's what I really mean. Maybe I should have asked if she would end up a flash-in-the-pan (like Alissa C. was) instead of using the "one-hit-wonder" phrase. :scratch:

So why bring up Alissa if you don't want to SC or MK mentioned? SC and MK are very much alive in competitions, as far as we know. They will be at Marchalls - not that that competition has much meaning but it will be a competition between the top American Lady skaters. Doubt the Japanese Ladies will attend. Maybe Joannie will show up and we can call it an international event.

As for the IFS SC and MK skate clean. What IF Kimmie skates clean with 3A; and 2 3x3s? Of course the American judges will go for the presentation more than the technical, so Kimmie would be at a slight loss to MK and SC. Kimmie for me has a lot to catch up to Alissa who has the presentation over her (jmo) but we know Alissa has a jump problem.

While MK and SC may not skate much longer, Kimmie will be facing Mao and the Korean gal for the next 4 years. That's the real test on whether she is a blip on the screen.

Joe

 

[attyfan]

... While MK and SC may not skate much longer, Kimmie will be facing Mao and the Korean gal for the next 4 years. That's the real test on whether she is a blip on the screen.

Joe

ITA that the next four years will be the test. After all, based on GPs and Worlds between Dortmund and Torino, how many thought that Shizuka Arakawa was a "one hit wonder"?

 

[Lonewolf]

So that's what I really mean. Maybe I should have asked if she would end up a flash-in-the-pan (like Alissa C. was) instead of using the "one-hit-wonder" phrase. :scratch:

How do you know what Alissa will do in the future? She has talent and potential, if she can figure out how to land jumps she might just have a bright future.

 

[R.D.]

I was using Alissa as an example for what "flash-in-the-pan" means: Do great at one or two comps, then it's all downhill from there. Of course we don't know if she'll bounce back next season or not. Sorry if I offended any Alissa fans, and now back to Kimmie.

If Kimmie doesn't do well next year, I don't think I would write her off (I didn't write Arakawa off after 05). It's basically the next four years as WHOLE that will be the real test for her. But I think she's heading in the right direction. Hopefully she didn't peak too soon and continue to ride the wave of improvement straight into '10.

SC and MK are very much alive in competitions, as far as we know. They will be at Marchalls - not that that competition has much meaning but it will be a competition between the top American Lady skaters. Doubt the Japanese Ladies will attend. Maybe Joannie will show up and we can call it an international event.

I'm not sure about that. First off, I know we don't know what they're going to do in the future but I think their best years are behind them. MK may come back next year (or retire), and I think SC will give it up, personally.

Isn't Marshall's an EXHIBITION? I don't think it's a competition- they themselves call it a "showcase". Yawn...sounds exciting...

As for the IFS SC and MK skate clean. What IF Kimmie skates clean with 3A; and 2 3x3s? Of course the American judges will go for the presentation more than the technical, so Kimmie would be at a slight loss to MK and SC. Kimmie for me has a lot to catch up to Alissa who has the presentation over her (jmo) but we know Alissa has a jump problem.

I would say you're right, but maybe now that Kimmie is world champion that will change? Maybe the judges will be in her favor unless she's clearly beat by someone else?

While MK and SC may not skate much longer, Kimmie will be facing Mao and the Korean gal for the next 4 years. That's the real test on whether she is a blip on the screen.

More or less, I agree. But I would not discount the possibility of OTHER rising stars out there. Mao and Yu-Na are just hype- they've yet to dominate like everyone claims they will.

 

[Mathman]

Mao and Yu-Na are just hype - they've yet to dominate like everyone claims they will.

Just hype? Mao won the senior Grand Prix final beating Slutskaya, Nakano, Ando, Sokolova and Czisny.

She won the Eric Bompard trophee, beating Cohen, Arakawa, Rochette and Meissner.

In the Cup of China she beat Arakawa and 7 others, losing only to Slutskaya.

At Japanese nationals she beat Arakawa, Ando, Nakano and Onda, losing only to Suguri.

So she beat the 2006 Olympic champion three times; she beat the 2006 Olympic silver medalist in their only meeting; she totally clobbered the 2006 World champion, 1st place to 5th; and she got a split with the 2 time world champion/two time Olympic medalist (Slute).

What does the kid have to do to impress you?

MM

 

[R.D.]

Well, to be fair, they didn't have many of those credentials you mention at the time Mao competed against them...

 

[hockeyfan228]

What does the kid have to do to impress you?

A true lutz (and talk about overrated PCS at TEB...from seeing it live). But so far, true lutzes and flips aren't needed to impress the judges.

If "one hit wonder" means winning one world title, Meissner may be one. However, I don't define it that way. If Meissner continues to maintain this level of skating, or, even better, improve -- which she has been on a trajectory to do, based on the last two years -- then I would say "no," regardless of her placements.

Both Asada and Meissner could be subject to "Sophomore Scrutiny Syndrome," like Lipinski was, where the judges expect more and deduct for things they ignored in the Year of the Splash.

 

[anything_for_skating]

People, you see what you are doing????
Right now, by posting comments like those, you are putting pressure on her! If she wouldn't win this title, nobody would care can she win Mao and Co. or she can't. Like, "there will be a big pressure on her" and you are putting it right now. Leave that super girl alone!!!!! Let her SKATE!!!!! So what, if she even doesn't win next year?

 

[millie]

People, you see what you are doing????
Right now, by posting comments like those, you are putting pressure on her! If she wouldn't win this title, nobody would care can she win Mao and Co. or she can't. Like, "there will be a big pressure on her" and you are putting it right now. Leave that super girl alone!!!!! Let her SKATE!!!!! So what, if she even doesn't win next year?

Yeah, so what, if she even doesn't win next year and then she will be called the one hit wonder and then all the focus will be taken of Sasha and put on the one hit wonder. Man, the pressure GS puts on these poor skaters.

 

[MKFSfan]

Nah, Kimmie won't read this thread. I doubt this thread will be picked up by a major paper and then Kimmie would see it. We are just speculating what the future may hold for Kimmie. Is this the start of a long, successful career onf major podiums like Michelle? Will this be a one time thing, one hit wonder win much like Nicole Bobek's 1995 National Title?

There are a lot of factors, such as who will stay healthy? I think if Kimmie can develop more artistry, she is going to be a major contender. We know she has the mental toughness needed, plus the ability to throw out a 7 triple program. She came along way in her spins, footwork and spirals since last year, so there's no reason to doubt she can continue to improve. She will have competition though. Yu-Na is the total package. Mao is delightful. And I really liked what we saw from Elene and Katy this year.

I for one like threads like these!

 

[attyfan]

Nah, Kimmie won't read this thread. I doubt this thread will be picked up by a major paper and then Kimmie would see it. ...

I'm beginning to think that the skaters do read these kinds of things. It might be one reason for the pattern of ups and downs so many skaters have.

 

[R.D.]

AS- There is little doubt in my mind that Kimmie won't see this thread.

The pressure will come from the press, not us here at GS. So let the speculation continue!

 

[leon]

Just hype? Mao won the senior Grand Prix final beating Slutskaya, Nakano, Ando, Sokolova and Czisny.

She won the Eric Bompard trophee, beating Cohen, Arakawa, Rochette and Meissner.

In the Cup of China she beat Arakawa and 7 others, losing only to Slutskaya.

At Japanese nationals she beat Arakawa, Ando, Nakano and Onda, losing only to Suguri.

So she beat the 2006 Olympic champion three times; she beat the 2006 Olympic silver medalist in their only meeting; she totally clobbered the 2006 World champion, 1st place to 5th; and she got a split with the 2 time world champion/two time Olympic medalist (Slute).

What does the kid have to do to impress you?

MM

I wish I had posted this! ITA . . .I love this post so much I just have to see it repeated. RD's bar seems just a tad high -- like maybe too high for the modern era. Mao had an unbelievable year and Yu-Na beat her. . . They could dominate next year or could get injured or slump but it takes nothing away from how they skated this year. Kimmie had, to use her word, an awesome year. If she had to quit today she has already made a mark as an olympic competitor, two time National medalist & World Champion -- already better results than Sasha had in any of her first five years of senior competition.

 

[dizzydi7]

Kimmie

If Kimmie is affected in any way by anything that is said on this forum, she has bigger problems to deal with than just other competitors.

Dizzy

 

[leon]

If Kimmie is affected in any way by anything that is said on this forum, she has bigger problems to deal with than just other competitors.

Dizzy

Most parents and coaches I've talked to have strong rules against the younger skaters reading any of these boards. It is incredible what insensitive things grown people will say about competitors who are still just on the cusp between childhood and adulthood.

 

[R.D.]

Most parents and coaches I've talked to have strong rules against the younger skaters reading any of these boards. It is incredible what insensitive things grown people will say about competitors who are still just on the cusp between childhood and adulthood.

Actually, I think it helps a LOT for a skater not to read these boards. If they only knew what was said about them...think about it. If you were a skater and you come on here and read these comments, I'm not too sure how much you can get out of it. These boards are designed mainly for skating fans to discuss various topics, and skaters' feelings are often not considered during the discussion since they are assumed not to be here. I think there are many comments said here that skaters would find rather hurtful (and likely some they would find encouraging, too) so I think it's best to keep skaters away from discussion boards. Or at least tell them "proceed at your own risk".

JMO.