U.S. Ladies Prediction & Speculation Thread

[R.D.]

If the fans wish to cheer on their faves, I won't stop 'em.

Even the crazy fanboys who don't see straight

It's sort of cool sitting back and watching what unfolds without being partial to anyone, though.

I do hope Flatt is pacing herself and is not going to peak too soon.

Wagner has time, she shouldn't panic. And from her comments on Twitter she seems to be looking forward, so that's good.

As for Zhang, it's a transitional period for her and some people are ready to declare her washed up and fat. Quite predictable, but still, there's no denying that she has a long way to go if she wants to be competitive again.

 

[krenseby]

If the fans wish to cheer on their faves, I won't stop 'em.

Even the crazy fanboys who don't see straight

It's sort of cool sitting back and watching what unfolds without being partial to anyone, though.

I do hope Flatt is pacing herself and is not going to peak too soon.

Wagner has time, she shouldn't panic. And from her comments on Twitter she seems to be looking forward, so that's good.

As for Zhang, it's a transitional period for her and some people are ready to declare her washed up and fat. Quite predictable, but still, there's no denying that she has a long way to go if she wants to be competitive again.

Actually, I was thinking about how Wagner has put a lot of work into looking like a polished skater. My sense is that if she had the skate of her life, she could really score high. But I only think that because I think she has style and grace and moves well. The judges may not like her skating that much after all. What do you guys think?

 

[feraina]

Actually, I was thinking about how Wagner has put a lot of work into looking like a polished skater. My sense is that if she had the skate of her life, she could really score high. But I only think that because I think she has style and grace and moves well. The judges may not like her skating that much after all. What do you guys think?

I don't know why Wagner doesn't get higher PCS, especially compared to someone like Rachael. Wagner looks really polished and fluid and powerful on ice. I would've thought that her style of skating is exactly what IJS judges would be looking for in terms of high PCS. But she has a lot of technical issues, like the flutz, and 2A, and the general lack of height/rotation on many of her jumps. Some of her jumps have no spring at all, I'm often on the edge of my seat wondering if she's going to be able to get it all the way around. Maybe the problems with the jumps leave a bad impression on the judges and bleed over to the PCS part when they perhaps should just stay on the TES side.

 

[janetfan]

Actually, I was thinking about how Wagner has put a lot of work into looking like a polished skater. My sense is that if she had the skate of her life, she could really score high. But I only think that because I think she has style and grace and moves well. The judges may not like her skating that much after all. What do you guys think?

Very interesting. I think I feel the same way. I wish Ashley would skate two good/clean programs at the same Intl event so we could see how the judges would score her. BTW, if she does it at Natls I believe she will score very high.

 

[R.D.]

Very interesting. I think I feel the same way. I wish Ashley would skate two good/clean programs at the same Intl event so we could see how the judges would score her. BTW, if she does it at Natls I believe she will score very high.

Yes. That. Don't forget, she very nearly went to Vancouver WITH a fall. When she can put it together, the National judges like her very much.

 

[Layfan]

Actually, I was thinking about how Wagner has put a lot of work into looking like a polished skater. My sense is that if she had the skate of her life, she could really score high. But I only think that because I think she has style and grace and moves well. The judges may not like her skating that much after all. What do you guys think?

I agree she has worked very hard to look like a polished skater but I just think she is limited. I thought her Malaguena footwork at the end was anything but polished _ or fluid and powerful like Feraina described Ashley. It was sluggish. Her LP last year was far better suited to her style. Or maybe Ashley just hasn't found her real style yet. True, Ashley has better lines and better spins and perhaps more grace than Flatt but I just can't buy her yet as a potentially high scoring skater. There's no wow factor to any aspect of her skating, although it is pleasant and she rightfully claims that she is a good all-around skater. I think Ashley will be motivated by her dissapointment and NHK. I really hope Ashley has a sensational nationals - it'd be great to see. However, I agree with your initial point - I hope the other U.S. ladies show us something better than what we saw at NHK. I think Ashley could place high enough at worlds to help get the three spots back but I don't see her medaling unless the rest of the top field has trouble.

ETA: oops, got the posters mixed up. It was Janetfan who expressed hope for the rest of the ladies.

 

[silverlake22]

I'm thinking Nationals this season could be like Nationals in 2008 where a bunch of young skaters, many just out of juniors, end up on the podium. Like seriously, watch Christina, Yasmin, and Agnes all end up on the podium at nationals accompanied by only one of "veterans" - likely Mirai if she's over her injury or Rachael if she isn't.

A new age is coming.

 

[R.D.]

I'm thinking Nationals this season could be like Nationals in 2008 where a bunch of young skaters, many just out of juniors, end up on the podium. Like seriously, watch Christina, Yasmin, and Agnes all end up on the podium at nationals accompanied by only one of "veterans" - likely Mirai if she's over her injury or Rachael if she isn't.

A new age is coming.

I see that happening in 2012. Not so much now...

 

[Layfan]

I'm thinking Nationals this season could be like Nationals in 2008 where a bunch of young skaters, many just out of juniors, end up on the podium. Like seriously, watch Christina, Yasmin, and Agnes all end up on the podium at nationals accompanied by only one of "veterans" - likely Mirai if she's over her injury or Rachael if she isn't.

A new age is coming.

I agree. I think we'll see at least one surprise. You can't really jump to conclusions this early in the season but Christina and Agnes are looking more solid than some of the vets right now.

 

[R.D.]

I agree. I think we'll see at least one surprise. You can't really jump to conclusions this early in the season but Christina and Agnes are looking more solid than some of the vets right now.

I'll wait until they have their first GP...oh wait, they aren't even IN the GP are they?? (At least I don't think Gao is.)

 

[Mathman]

If the fans wish to cheer on their faves, I won't stop 'em.

Even the crazy fanboys who don't see straight

I look at it this way, R.D. These earnest young athletes are out there day after day pushing themselves to the limit, chasing their dreams. They are doing the best the they can with the talent that the Good Lord, in his wisdom, has given them.

I am not out there on the ice. The least I can do is cheer as they whiz past.

 

[Nadine]

I'm too old to get in a tiff anymore about people taking quotes out of context, or arguing just for the sake of it, et al, especially on the computer. In real life it's another thing, I don't enjoy confrontation, but I won't back away from it either. But at least in real life one can literally ignore/never see that person(s) again, but on the computer you're forced to, it's like living in hell.

Better to see the humour of it all, it's only skating, not life & death, we all have our favorites, and different opinions. Which to tell the truth I really like. I just don't like meanness for the pure sake of being mean (ala Erik Felton from SkateFans, whom I noticed hasn't posted in years), it's like the class bully who persistently picks on others until s/he is confronted and gets the sh*t beaten out of them. They always turn out to be cowards in real life, always, but now they hide behind the computer. *snicker*

That said, I expect Rachael to set the world on fire this season.


GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO RACH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (show people how it's done, clobber everyone else out there with something they don't have, and which is essential if one wants to be a champion, M-E-N-T-A-L TOUGHNESS)

 

[krenseby]

Personally, I hope Yuna competes and is in good shape, and it would be lovely if Joannie returns and Laura is fully recovered and Caro is in good form.
And let's hope as skating fans than Mao and Miki are able to compete well too. And Akiko.

Then if a USA Lady were to win a medal at Worlds I would feel pretty good. Under the mathman/Nadine scenario - not so much.

In real sports - if you want to be the best you have to beat the best.

I agree. In fact, I remember back when Kwan was skating, everyone grappled at the chance to beat her and then brag about it. I think Maria Butyrskaya, Irina Slutskaya, and Sasha Cohen would all gloat when they beat her. Beating her was a way to prove that you were one of the best.

So that's why I hope Yuna and Mao are both on. If one of the US ladies comes close to them in the scores or even beats them, they would feel great about it. The fact that Mirai beat Mao in the SP at last year's Worlds is already amazing in and of itself.

 

[silverlake22]

I see that happening in 2012. Not so much now...

Scores don't lie. Christina 167+ Graz, Yasmin 161+ Courchevel, and those are junior programs at junior events way early in the season.

Just sayin

 

[luckyguy]

Scores don't lie. Christina 167+ Graz, Yasmin 161+ Courchevel, and those are junior programs at junior events way early in the season.

Just sayin

I am curious what Vanessa Lam can show us in this season. Her current scores are impressive:

158,19 Golden West
156,41 JGP Czech Republic

Her next competition are the Pacific Coast Sectionals (as senior).

 

[janetfan]

I'll wait until they have their first GP...oh wait, they aren't even IN the GP are they?? (At least I don't think Gao is.)

Agnes is skating this weekend at SC. It looks to be an unpredictable field but if she manages to stay on her feet and lands seven triples she will probably be on the podium. If she skates well she might win which would be pretty good senior GP debut.

Christina is in the JGPF and will be at Natls again. The question is whether she will go to Jr Worlds or Sr Worlds.
I think Silverlake makes a good point and if the current group of Sr Ladies are not at their best at Natls the younger skaters are ready to step up. I believe Yasmin is still too young so even if she finished 1 or 2 at Natls she will be going to Jr Worlds.

 

[silverlake22]

I am curious what Vanessa Lam can show us in this season. Her current scores are impressive:

158,19 Golden West
156,41 JGP Czech Republic

Her next competition are the Pacific Coast Sectionals (as senior).

Oh, I assumed she was staying junior, but as she isn't, she is definitely another one to look out for. Is Lam old enough for senior ISU competitions (Worlds, 4CC)? Yasmin is still too young to go to Worlds or 4CC this season but I do think she has a shot at making the podium at nationals regardless. She will be a good asset to the US junior worlds team, as that is going to be a very tough event this season.

 

[luckyguy]

Oh, I assumed she was staying junior, but as she isn't, she is definitely another one to look out for. Is Lam old enough for senior ISU competitions (Worlds, 4CC)? Yasmin is still too young to go to Worlds or 4CC this season but I do think she has a shot at making the podium at nationals regardless. She will be a good asset to the US junior worlds team, as that is going to be a very tough event this season.

Lam is old enough for senior ISU competitions. She was born on June 19, 1995.

 

[PolymerBob]

Senior ladies is so tough to predict right now. We don't know if Mirai is recovered, or if Rachael can emerge from her summer slump, or if Alissa can remain vertical, or if the younger girls can step up, or if ..... , or if ..... , or if .......

I guess we will all have to watch and find out together.

 

[janetfan]

Senior ladies is so tough to predict right now. We don't know if Mirai is recovered, or if Rachael can emerge from her summer slump, or if Alissa can remain vertical, or if the younger girls can step up, or if ..... , or if ..... , or if .......

I guess we will all have to watch and find out together.

Since Mirai has not pulled out of her first GP assignment and reports are that she has been training since early Sept it seems she is recovered. Do you have any news that mentions she is still injured? :sheesh:

Rachael did not appear to be in a "slump" at NHK and skated very well.
We did not see any 3x3's but she looked "reliable" and appears to have a good shot at making the GPF.

Alissa is another matter. She is with a new coach and we will see her this weekend.
No predictions but I would not be surprised if she medals at SC.