Road to 26 Trophy (OWG test event) | Feb 19-20

[FlossieH]

Everyone's allowed their opinion. But, frankly, what random biased people on the internet think ( all of us) isn't going to have an effect on the USFS's decision. They selected her because she best matched their selection criteria which is clearly laid out in their documents for all to read.

According to Isabeau's post FS interview, this was only her second FS run through since resuming training. With that in mind, her performance wasn't bad at all. She's only been on the ice for three weeks and she was expected to do triple jumps at this competition to show physical readiness to the USFS. So, it seems she fulfilled their criteria. She now has four more weeks to practice before Worlds. Given she managed these performances after only three weeks back, it seems she should be quite prepared for Worlds in a months time.

My concern is her being pushed too fast. She is, in my opinion, one of the most talented skaters of her generation - and also one of the ones at greatest risk of never making it to the Olympics. There are major technical issues which needs to be addressed for her to have any real longevity in the sport at a senior level. If she comes back for Worlds without really being ready, that could be her done for good - and I do not want that.

 

[ice coverage]

Thanks to GS for the live streaming!

And for archiving most (I think?) of the streaming: https://www.instagram.com/goldsk8/reels/

Is there a stream on Instagram today? If yes, can anyone share links?

Unfortunately I have no Instagram account and do not want to have any. ...

An Instagram account is not necessary to watch the archived reels (unlike the live streaming).

ETA:​

Sorry, maybe the problem is that without logging in, Instagram won't show what is under the Reels tab??
[I could swear it was not always so. ]
But if you have the link to a specific reel, it is viewable without logging in.
Give me a few minutes, and I will post links to top three in free skates and free dance.​

ETA:​

See post #104 below.​

With the limited number of entries at this event, easy enough to look under the Reels tab for whichever skaters you want to see.

Thanks again to GoldenSkate and to Judith for the streaming and archiving!!

 

[Seven Sisters]

Thanks again to GoldenSkate and to Judith for the streaming and archiving!!

Totally agree, many thanks for the stream, and also, the interview with Kevin Aymoz, where he explains why he’s returned to his prior SP out of respect for those who lost their lives in the recent crash, brought tears to my eyes.

 

[ice coverage]

An Instagram account is not necessary to watch the archived reels (unlike the live streaming).

ETA:​

Sorry, maybe the problem is that without logging in, Instagram won't show what is under the Reels tab??
[I could swear it was not always so. ]
But if you have the link to a specific reel, it is viewable without logging in.
Give me a few minutes, and I will post links to top three in free skates and free dance.​

With the limited number of entries at this event, easy enough to look under the Reels tab for whichever skaters you want to see.

Thanks again to GoldenSkate and to Judith for the streaming and archiving!!

Links to Instagram reels for top three in free skates and free dance:

Spoiler

Turkkila/Versluis FD https://www.instagram.com/goldsk8/reel/DGTUoYxIUq8/
Green/Parsons FD https://www.instagram.com/goldsk8/reel/DGTTznboPX9/
Janse van Rensburg/Steffan FD https://www.instagram.com/goldsk8/reel/DGTS5LmI04t/

Aymoz FS https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGTjC1euZ69/
Memola FS https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGTj3oXOEx0/
Yamamoto FS https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGThHTpucYe/

McBeath/Parkman FS https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGS54S5IpAv/
Ghilardi/Ambrosini FS https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGS6xg1IXyR/
Holichenko/Darenskyi FS https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGS462PoHDd/

Petrokina FS https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGTEBR5Ixjz/
Yoshida FS https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGTDMtCoFR_/
Levito FS https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGTGbkRoEkz/

cc: @Walt FSHunter

 

[yelyoh]

I thought IL's FS was fairly decent all things considered but those jumps are barely elevated and she's not skating with much speed. I think she needs a lot of off-ice training to build up her leg strength. The judges like her and she is World Silver Medalist but Sara is in better shape. If I could believe that she would be able to be ready to do two strong programs in five more weeks of training I'd say send her of course. But...will she be. I hope her ambition to go to Worlds doesn't outweigh common sense and an eye on the long game - Olympics.

With Alysa's comeback, I am less worried about getting that third spot for next year so it's about what is best and what is right.

 

[nguyhm]

Totally agree, many thanks for the stream, and also, the interview with Kevin Aymoz, where he explains why he’s returned to his prior SP out of respect for those who lost their lives in the recent crash, brought tears to my eyes.

Could you please share the link to this interview - thank you

 

[Seven Sisters]

Could you please share the link to this interview - thank you

I don’t know how to do that, but it’s on goldenskate’s insta account, given by Kevin after the SP at Road to Milan.

 

[GinaHatim]

So proud of Niina for another great competition!! And as someone who admires artistry more than jumping, I really hope Isabeau is healed enough for worlds, her showing her was really great for only 3 weeks to prepare. I would absolutely love to see her live again!

 

[saine]

Could you please share the link to this interview - thank you

I don’t know how to do that, but it’s on goldenskate’s insta account, given by Kevin after the SP at Road to Milan.

Here's the interview where he talks about it, as well as the importance to him of using it for the original story behind it:

 

[Remilia]

My concern is her being pushed too fast. She is, in my opinion, one of the most talented skaters of her generation - and also one of the ones at greatest risk of never making it to the Olympics. There are major technical issues which needs to be addressed for her to have any real longevity in the sport at a senior level. If she comes back for Worlds without really being ready, that could be her done for good - and I do not want that.

Everything I've read indicates that she and her team are being very careful to NOT push things too hard too fast.

 

[readernick]

My concern is her being pushed too fast. She is, in my opinion, one of the most talented skaters of her generation - and also one of the ones at greatest risk of never making it to the Olympics. There are major technical issues which needs to be addressed for her to have any real longevity in the sport at a senior level. If she comes back for Worlds without really being ready, that could be her done for good - and I do not want that.

Never seen any evidence her coach has encouraged her to train through injury, forced her to overtrain , or encouraged dangerous behavior. In the interview she said her coach told her to simplify her layout here.

People often claim that jump technique determines longevity but Satoko and Anna S, went to the Olympics and Rika and Aliona didn't. The first two had technique that could rival Isabeau's. The second two had wonderful technique. The year Isabeau became a junior, Lindsay and Clare Seo also joined the junior circuit. Lindsay had good jump technique. Clare's was ok and Isabeau's was worse than it is now. Everyone said Isabeau wouldn't make it to Seniors. If technique determined longevity, Lindsay would be the one with the medals. But, guess what , she's really struggling, Clare's injured and has never had success as a senior, Isabeau has a World silver medal. It seems to be what really matters is: 1. Training load 2. Injury Management 3. Genetics/ Chance.

Regardless, all of this has nothing to do with Isabeau's selection. She met the criteria to be chosen by the USFS as set out in their selection documents. The silver medal last year really helped her out in terms of gaining points for selection. USFS didn't choose her for safety. They chose her for her higher ceiling.Now, she's meeting their benchmarks for showing readiness. That's all that matters to them. There may be future benchmarks she's expected to meet prior to Worlds. It's possible if she doesn't meet them she'll be off the team but right now that doesn't seem likely as she did quite well here considering she has only been on the ice for three weeks and changed her entry to her lutz which likely explains her struggles on her lutzes. She just needs more training time. If her injury flares up and she can't train ( and foot injuries are known to do this) Sarah will go to Worlds.

 

[ladyjane]

Although I sincerely thank @gsk8 for the instagram reels (I am not on insta but you can see quite a few well enough on facebook too!), I still wonder why a competition which is a test event for the OG had no stream. A stream would be part of the OG too (I've watched the OG on them), and that should drive it, not a slight overlap. They even had the number of entrees common to a GP. GP's always have streams too (ISU Youtube channel).

True, the competition would overlap with 4CC which understandably the ISU might not be happy with. But only slightly. 4CC started yesterday, and this competition ended then. Oh well, rant over. We do have some beautiful programmes to watch if via other means. !

 

[ladyjane]

Pleased to see Kevin do so well here. He can do it! And success for Juulia and Matthias as well! Caroline and Mchael did well too.

 

[Cabguy]

I thought Caroline and Michael's Free Dance was absolutely stunning. They had me mesmerized from beginning to end. Such a well choreographed and well skated program. I am looking forward to watching them compete at Worlds

 

[Seven Sisters]

I thought Caroline and Michael's Free Dance was absolutely stunning. They had me mesmerized from beginning to end. Such a well choreographed and well skated program. I am looking forward to watching them compete at Worlds

I agree, it’s not only a beautiful program, but beautifully suited to their talents. I believe the choreo is by Jean Luc Baker, who’s had a great week—Perreira/Michaud just medalled at 4CC with two programs choreographed by Jean Luc and Olivia, probably the best material they’ve ever had!

 

[skatemd1]

I agree, it’s not only a beautiful program, but beautifully suited to their talents. I believe the choreo is by Jean Luc Baker, who’s had a great week—Perreira/Michaud just medalled at 4CC with two programs choreographed by Jean Luc and Olivia, probably the best material they’ve ever had!

Totally agree. Green and Parsons are wowing me again this year just like they did two years ago and their choreo is part of the reason, so kudos to Jean Luc and the team. But it's also G/P's skating skills, emotional punch, deep edges and attention to every detail that are also just... wow. They are really showing up these last few competitions and so much improved from last year with the injuries now behind them. Much better & more original performances this year than any other US team except C/B in my book. They should be moving up to the #2 US spot this year or next. Definite Olympic team material! Can't wait to see them at Worlds.