Ashley is one of those rare skaters who usually adds choreography and transitions to a program as a season goes on ....
I don't see anything outrageous about the quote from Hersh. Remember he said "if."
If Christina nails it again in her second GP event and no one else steps up alongside her, why wouldn't she have a shot at the nationals podium?
Well, the world team is not exactly a "choice." If Gao gets silver at nationals, she goes.
^^Me too. Ashley is the first US champion who has delivered like a champion. I think that confidence boost is what she needed and now with the federation backing her, I think she has an even better chance doing well. She's the only one who I think has a great shot of defending her title if she stays healthy and focused.
Think about it: when was the last time a defending champion was in a good place competitively when nationals rolled around again? It's been a long time...
In 2008 Mirai won but it was in the middle of a transitional period for US skating. By 2009 she was suffering from a growth spurt and injury and didn't perform well.
In 2009 there were several young girls competing that year and Alissa was the only "lady among the girls," despite the fact she completely flubbed her LP. They gave her the title based on a solid SP and a prayer...she went to worlds that year and tanked. At 2010 nationals she was out of the race before the SP was over...
In 2010 Rachael won on paper but that night belonged to Mirai. In 2011 Rachael was hiding a stress fracture and had a rough performance at nationals...then that whole tibiagate thing at worlds.
In 2011 Alissa delivered her best programs to date and finally earned her title but she wasn't the same Alissa by the time the 2011-2012 season rolled around. She got lucky to get silver at nationals this year b/c she should have been 3rd or lower...but she was the best shot for worlds...or so we thought.
Now we've got Ashley. She won convincingly at nationals this year...what's going to happen at the 2013 nationals? My fingers are crossed for her.
Interm of favorites, Alissa has been the judges favorite for her beauty, line, elegance, SS. I have not read this long thread since the beginning or at least a while. I don't recall Agnes' programs or if she has done a GP. What are her chances of being on podium? If Gao skates great and zhang skates great, will they give a higher placement to Gao, or do they see her as another rachel, just finishing her am career and gone off to college. It seems to be the judges avor those who work full time at skating. Gao's skating was luck, and can she repeat given her course load?
Number 2 spot is undecided. How I wish Gold had proven how good she is at her GP. I guess she has 1 more chance on the circuit.
Re. Zawadzki- Chuckm is right. Great SP from her, but there is still the FS to go and we all know how that's going to go (I hope not, but if I was a betting man...)
ETA: As she was 3rd last year at Nationals, she's already been on the podium. Next step up for her, really, is top 2...and that means the world team (I must admit, I kinda ducked at the thought)
I don't envy Miss Wagner with all that pressure that will be on her come Nationals in January...
And to all of you that were counting Gracie Gold out after SC...womp womp!
I think Wagner would have to have a serious off-night for any of the others to beat her, though. Theoretically, Zawadzki may come closest in capability but until she learns to deliver a solid FS she will be doomed every time.
I think Wagner has always been very good, even as far back as 2009. I think she was punished for her frequent 2-foot landings but she might be given a little slack at Nationals now because she has had such strong results. So I agree that she'd have to be off to lose, or Gracie would have to be squeaky clean with 7 triples.
I think Wagner has always been very good, even as far back as 2009. I think she was punished for her frequent 2-foot landings but she might be given a little slack at Nationals now because she has had such strong results. So I agree that she'd have to be off to lose, or Gracie would have to be squeaky clean with 7 triples.
I think Wagner has always been very good, even as far back as 2009. I think she was punished for her frequent 2-foot landings but she might be given a little slack at Nationals now because she has had such strong results. So I agree that she'd have to be off to lose, or Gracie would have to be squeaky clean with 7 triples.