Senior Ladies SP

[Frenchie]

Ashley -- although I agree she is a long shot even for a bronze on the world/Olympic stage, still I do think she put out a nice, mature, well-rounded program. I actually didn't think, watching the opening combo, that she was electing from the start to do a triple-double. To me it looked like the first jump almost went out of control and she was scrambling a bit to tack on the second jump. But my technical knowledge is pretty minimal compared to lots on this board, so I dunno.

Ashley definitely wanted to do a 3-3 combination, she just had to re-evaluate after her landing of the first jump. She lost a lot of speed due to leaning forwards a lot on the landing of that triple Flip, and also a little lack of rotation. With that kind of speed, only very secure 3-3 jumpers could have continued with a clean triple Toeloop. She's often been penalized for underrotating the triple Toeloop even when everything goes smoothly between the 2 jumps, so she certainly made the right call, as it would have been a dangerous mess otherwise!
In the Kiss and Cry, she apologized to the camera "triple-triple: next time!" and teased her coach "aren't you glad I didn't go for a triple after that landing, huh?"

Flatt -- wow, it is fascinating to me to see Flatt garnering so much praise on the forums given responses to her as she was declining in her performances a few seasons ago. It's quite ironic for me because I am not nearly the fan of hers that I was before she divided her time between skating and school. When she was competing full time on the senior circuit, I really thought she was underappreciated because of her style and body type and so forth. I wasn't in the camp that felt she was hugely overscored at the 2010 Nats over Mirai -- I liked her athletic style and thought it was different from Mirai's elegance but not less appealing. And the mystery UR calls in Vancouver were questionable, I thought. But when she decided on full time schooling in such an intensive way, basically dividing her loyalties and energies, as a fan, I lost interest in her. I think it's fine if she wants to putz around at a few comps and stutter into Nationals, but can't imagine why. If she wants to skate for the love of skating there are other venues for that. For me, again just subjective reactions and the fun of analyzing athletic performances like fans of any other sport -- YAWN. If you want to be an international caliber skater, give it your heart. If not, there are plenty of other venues. Regardless, though, it is nice to see her getting praise on the forums for what she is doing. I'm not wanting to see her vilified or anything, I just don't have any fan-dom invested in her any more. But she was roundly criticized on the forums just a few seasons ago, so ... interesting.

Funny about your observations regarding Rachael Flatt: It's the opposite for me!
I was never a fan of her (style, jumping technique, I felt she was overscored) when she was at the top of her game, but after those rough years and the criticism she's gotten, I just admire her for keeping on doing what she's doing. All the while studying at Stanford! Stanford!
It seems to be considered the "honorable thing to do" for athletes to retire and never show the lower level they have after a few years. She just said "I still enjoy skating, and the competition!", despite many many people who must have told her not to persevere. So I say "good for her!" :thumbsup: She fought through regionals to qualify for these US Nationals, so she deserved to be there. One more nice memory for her...
So I'd say my appreciation for her as a person has grown while your appreciation for her as an athlete has decreased!

 

[jenaj]

Polina's the third highest PCS?

Her PCS was way too high. She will never do that well on the international level. Just compare her to another wunderkind, Elena Radionova, to see how forced and juniorish her presentation is.

But the real puzzler is Agnes Z. Why did the judges decide--and it does appear to be a collective decision--to give her extremely low PCS? I thought it was a typo when I first saw her score on Twitter. I expected her to get over 60, with a 3-3.

 

[Frenchie]

I know Frank Caroll is the master but he packaged Gold as Cinderella, pretty music, ban and a great dress, I m not keen on this style!

Then you should definitely avoid watching her FS! It's to "Sleeping Beauty", and unless they've changed everything, it's even more Cinderella than what we saw here!

 

[lovegoodxo]

I totally agree about Polina being overscored in PCS. Her jumps are gorgeous, but her presentation is definitely not the best. Like others have said, I feel she's still a bit 'juniorish', she just doesn't finish anything off properly. I think she's got great potential but it'd be silly to send her to the Olympics instead of Ashley if the standings remain the same.
I love Ashley, Gracie and Mirai but there's no doubt that Ashley is the superior international skater. She has the best GP results, and two good world finishes in the last two years.

 

[lilshorty]

Let us all not forget that Evan placed third in 2010 and that didn't make a difference at the Olympics.

Actually, he was second.

 

[jaylee]

So enjoyed Polina Edmunds' performance. I've loved her skating all season long. Glad to see her knock it out of the park. Her FS is beautiful too. I would love it if she gets the third spot on the Olympic team (and I said that here on GS like a month ago). Who cares if she can't contend? No US #3 ladies skater is going to contend. It'll be a great experience and she can build on it for 2018, the way Sasha Cohen did after 2002 SLC for 2006. Yes, she's not as polished as an older ladies skater, but she has the jumps, spins, and solid SS/TR. She's the future and I hope she does well enough to go.

I also loved Hannah Miller's skate, in spite of the fall. She has jump issues but I love the choreography, spins, the speed, the fire, the musicality.

Gracie did very well. Technically she's amazing. I think she deserved all the +GOE on the spins that she got, but I think she was a bit generously overscored on +GOE for the jumps--the 3Lz/3T was landed and big but I didn't think there was all that much flow out of it. I'm not loving the program--it's ok, but I was more moved by her emotional reaction in the Kiss & Cry.

I thought Mirai also did surprisingly great. She had a fun performance. I wasn't quite as moved by it as others, but it was good.

Ashley was pretty tight and nervous, and she's lucky she didn't fall on that 3F because it looked off from the beginning. She held it together after that pretty well, but this SP really requires a lot of fire and sass and she just didn't have that today. Spins a lot slower than the other girls here and that footwork is not comparable to what the top ladies in the world can do. Overall, I'm not worried about her, I think she'll keep it together in the FS and move into the top 3.

Christina Gao is her own worst enemy. She nails all the jumps, even the 2A (a weak jump for her), and then she just got way too excited during the footwork and lost focus. Stumbling once is one thing, but stumbling again? Sad. I was cringing. Mood of the program was totally destroyed. You just can't do that in a competition that decides the Olympic team. Same for Agnes Zawadzki.

 

[Frenchie]

I was wondering the same thing about the "perfect" comments for UR'ed jumps -- the commentator sounds like Tara Lipinski.
BTW, pet peeve and random snark -- "podium" is a noun, not a verb! I know I'll see "wanting to podium" "who will podium" etc. a million times before the season is over, and I won't mention it again. But I have to snark about it just the once!

I thought of Tara Lipinski too, but then I thought Lipinski had a very high pitched voice. I don't know, maybe it's just been a lot of years since I last heard her comment... Let's just say the lady commenting sounded older than what Lipinski is in my head, at least!

About "to podium": Did I write that?
I'm actually glad you bring this up, since I had a funny encounter with "to headcase" a few days ago... We have a poster here who's very keen on this word!

she wouldnt even have made the podium at the GPF had Elena not fallen in the FS and most certainly thanks to Sotnikova headcasing in the FS

It's no longer only being a headcase, now one - well, Sotnikova for you - does headcase.
Headcase is now a verb, and an action. Like I make a sandwich, it's also I headcase.
It's so confusing, yet enriching for my level of English :scratch:

English is an evolving language and yes, we do verb nouns.

So, help lil' Frenchie out here: To headcase or not to podium?

 

[Kelisiting]

What an interesting sp!

I do think Gracie was overscored. My interpretation is they wanted to pad her overall score in case she makes mistakes in the free. She has typically done well in the short program this season and then let little mistakes add up during her free skate. She's young and has time for artistry to grow. Yes, she is probably going to the Olympics, but I think the next circuit is where we can really see her become a great skater.

Great technical program from Polina. I agree that she still looks a tiny bit junior in artistry, but she is definitely on her way. Either way its fun to have an unexpected name in contention for the podium, and possibly olympics/world team. Although I still think I would pick a more seasoned skater.

Mirai definitely looked better than all season! I hope that can translate to her free skate which at nationals is usually her downfall. But maybe being solo is helping her focus on why she is there and enjoying it. I've been a big Mirai fan since juniors so I'm glad she is at least fighting until the end. I would love to see her make the team though.

Ashley tends to do better when coming from behind. I think the USFSA is already crowning Gracie. But I think that will work in Ashley's favor. She will fight in the free skate to get on the top three. I would be shocked if they didn't send her to the Olympics at this point as she is the top ranked US lady in the world standings. SHe tends to be favored over Gracie at this point internationally. (Kimmie was sent to Worlds after placing low at nationals, so I think even if AShley does let pressure get to her I think she's safe to go)

 

[lavender]

It is something missing with Gracie. She's lovely and her jumps are great but for me it's that authentic, natural artistic ability that is missing. However of course she should be going to the Olympics. I truly hope Ashley comes from behind. I'm not a fan of either Gold or Wagner but to miss out on something that you should have is devastating and I don't want that for Ashley especially.

 

[lavender]

I don't want to offend anyone, but the people saying Gracie has a chance at an olympic medal are fruit loops. I mean, come on people. There are some incredible, mature skaters that will be vying for medals. Yuna, Mao, Akiko, Carolina to name but a few and that isn't even mentioning the likes of Julia and Adelina who are going to have a lot of push power with the Games being in Russia. I honestly think there is no way the judges would place Gracie in a top 3 spot amongst those skaters. And Osmond, if she is there? I bet there are others I'm missing too. So many great skaters. I love the US girls but even Ashley would be an outside OUTSIDE chance at an Olympic medal. She would need all of those mentioned above to make major errors to podium.
Regardless, I'd love to see one of the US ladies on the podium! I'm just offering an impartial view, since I'm not from a country with competitors at the Olys
Can't wait to see the free go down!

If the top skaters are clean enough then no Gold is not winning a medal but flukes do happen especially on the ladies side.

 

[deedee1]

Soooo happy Mirai nailed it, finally!
Ashley C, Hannah, Polina were simply a JOY to watch! :yes:
Loved Gracie's new SP. But she looks really slim on TV @_@; must have lost quite pounds, right? hope she is all right...
Hope Ashley W and Christina will come back strong in the Free.
Fascinated by Rachael's program, her skating and expressiveness, in spite of mistakes. Her skating has something that grabs my heart. But to feel it, you just have to see her LIVE. TV just does not reflect her quality of skating, I think.

Good luck to every girl in the Free! :yay:

 

[Icey]

Podium used as a verb: article NY times

I was wondering the same thing about the "perfect" comments for UR'ed jumps -- the commentator sounds like Tara Lipinski.



BTW, pet peeve and random snark -- "podium" is a noun, not a verb! I know I'll see "wanting to podium" "who will podium" etc. a million times before the season is over, and I won't mention it again. But I have to snark about it just the once!

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/07/magazine/07FOB-onlanguage-t.html?_r=0


"Podium" as a verb is on the way to being legitimized and may already be since this piece was written in 2012.

Podium’ as a verb is listed on ODO, but it is not yet included in the OED (it’s definitely on our editors’ radars, though, and is being tracked for future inclusion). The extensive lexicographical research necessary before a new entry can be included in the OED has not yet been started, but so far it’s been confirmed that the use of ‘to podium’ in the sense of ‘to finish first, second, or third so as to appear on a winner’s podium’ dates back to at least 1992.

http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2012/08/meddling-with-nouns-whos-medalling-now/

 

[AlexRus]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUafO8xqRWA

2 hours 41 min - Senior Ladies SP video. All Ladies, if I'm not mistaken. Enjoy!

 

[Icey]

Ashley certainly didn't look like a defending national champion with that skate. She looked somewhat like a "middling" skater and one that has been around too long and is declining, I fear. If she is 4th in the end, I think she will be on the team; 5th, no. She doesn't have the air of being competitive with the skaters from other countries who will be at the Olympics.
Polina seems to have a lot going for her but lol a yellow dress while skating to Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White seemed discordant to me.
Was Gracie's lutz slightly tilted in the air? I think it was and made me fear she was going to have trouble landing it.

Will be interesting to see how things shake out in the end.

Someone said the usfsa was sending certain messages to some skaters. I don't think so: I think the skaters sent out a letter (message) and the PO returned it marked "insufficient postage".

 

[Frenchie]

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/07/magazine/07FOB-onlanguage-t.html?_r=0

Thanks for that! I live and learn...
Now, find me that same article with "to headcase" and we're in business!

 

[Frenchie]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUafO8xqRWA

2 hours 41 min - Senior Ladies SP video. All Ladies, if I'm not mistaken. Enjoy!

I was about to tell you I love you, but it's geoblocked in Germany. Of course.
OK, it's the intention that counts, so I'll agree to a "I like you very much". :agree:
I hate youtube.

 

[Frenchie]

I was about to tell you I love you, but it's geoblocked in Germany. Of course.
OK, it's the intention that counts, so I'll agree to a "I like you very much". :agree:
I hate youtube.

ok, I'm back to I love you!
(hidemyass!)

btw: the woman introduced herself as Tonia Kwiatkowski!

 

[xzchief]

I don't want to offend anyone, but...

I'm just offering an impartial view

In my experience, when someone says, "no offense but..." someone is about to be offended and when someone says, "my view is impartial..." the view is anything but impartial.

 

[Frenchie]

In my experience, when someone says, "no offense but..." someone is about to be offended and when someone says, "my view is impartial..." the view is anything but impartial.

mice provided this entire forum with live blogging of the pairs and ladies SP, so I'm willing to give him/her a free ride on about everything these next days

 

[Matilda]

I loved Polina and am very happy for MIrai having found her groove again. That said, could someone please explain to me
a) why Ashley's SP step sequence is only level 4? (It was 4 in TEB)
b) how the hell Agnes's choreography scores can range from 4.750 (!!!) to 7.50??? That makes no sense whatsoever.
c) how did Agnes's SS suddenly drop to the 6's and interpretation to 5s and 6s????

Generally, the variation in scores makes me very uncomfortable with the results. Gracie skated well, but I do not think she deserved almost the same score as Mao in the GPF--nationals inflation and all. Siilarly, Agnes really got dumped--as I feel did Sammi.