Puberty is not a one-stage process for women. It starts before menarche and can continue even into the 20s, for some late bloomers. My niece was a skinny kid and my sister couldn't find clothes to fit her during the 14-18 years. But then in the space of a year, my niece grew 4 inches and 'busted out all over'. At 20, she looked nothing remotely like the way she did at 18.
Whats going on with Kimmie?!?!
- Thread starter Phobiamaster856
- Start date
and that's the problem with the NJS right there. That number shouldn't be 4.78 but ZERO.
Anyway, back on topic, let's not insult her by comparing her to the definition of inconsistent, Alyssa. Everyone goes through slumps, and this seems to be a rather big slump for her. But it could be worse...look at Miki Ando. Up, down, up again, and now down again.
I think it has to do with Kimmie being American, and for many years we've had at least one skater who has been able to deliver consistently and stay competitive with the best. Now it's worrying because that skater, who is now Kimmie (whether she likes it or not), is now having troubles of her own, and here's the killer- there's no one, at least of age, to replace her yet. Almost all the up and comers are too young to go to worlds, but they can well beat a so-so Kimmie at Nats.
I haven't seen her GPF performance, maybe I'll watch it next weekend if/when I have time. The thing is, do I even want to?
She'll be fine. She has already accomplished a lot, but as I say...it's not the ups that test whether you are a true champion, it's the DOWNS, and whether you can bounce back from them. Still, even at her best she still is a step below The Asian Fortress, which seems to consist of only two now (Ando looks like she's having difficulty as well). Maybe Nakano will replace her.
Hang in there, and can't wait to see what unfolds at US Nats.
- Joined
- Mar 28, 2005
Kimmie had a bad competition. Big deal, she is human. She will be fine. She is a wonderfully elegant and talented skater.
it's not the anomaly that's worrying to folks. It's the fact that instead of getting better, she seems to be getting worse. and that's not good if we want 3 spots for National Worlds.
- Joined
- Aug 15, 2003
Yep, that's what I am worried about exactly. She is getting worse instead! Can the USFSA step in and suggest Kimmie needs a change? Can she go to another coach for better jumping technique? or hire a ballet coach or make over specialist? She is the sweetest girl out there yet she doesn't have the beautiful arms, beautiful lines.. it's frustrating! I think Kimmie needs a major change. I never liked her dress either. She has a naturally beautiful face.. but she always looks like she is trying not to look beautiful. I like Pam Gregory, she is probably a big sister to Kimmie but it's time for a change now.
- Joined
- May 17, 2007
The site that must not be named has stated that she tried to correct her lip and that affected her lutz and flip jumps...
What's going on with Kimmie?
I think Kimmie will go home and practice and come to Nationals eager to win. She isn't my favorite skater by a long shot, but I don't believe that this is the end of Kimmie as some are implying.
There is no question that she is going to need to keep up the technical end of her skating to compete with the up and coming teens. However, Kimmie has always impressed me as a hard worker and a good competitor. Don't count her out.
Dizzy
I think Kimmie will go home and practice and come to Nationals eager to win. She isn't my favorite skater by a long shot, but I don't believe that this is the end of Kimmie as some are implying.
There is no question that she is going to need to keep up the technical end of her skating to compete with the up and coming teens. However, Kimmie has always impressed me as a hard worker and a good competitor. Don't count her out.
Dizzy
Imo
I think it is a combination of issues. She is bigger (not heavy though-there is a difference). She seems taller and I think all of this is effecting her jumps. Also, she is clearly having confidence issues. In my opinion, she is not competitve with Mao and Yu Na unless they have a bad night. I think she knows this.To top it off, Caroline is on her heels. I agree that their smaller Asian body type gives the Asian and Asian/American girls a definite advantage. I feel sorry for her, but I really believe she has gone as far as she can go internationally.
I think it is a combination of issues. She is bigger (not heavy though-there is a difference). She seems taller and I think all of this is effecting her jumps. Also, she is clearly having confidence issues. In my opinion, she is not competitve with Mao and Yu Na unless they have a bad night. I think she knows this.To top it off, Caroline is on her heels. I agree that their smaller Asian body type gives the Asian and Asian/American girls a definite advantage. I feel sorry for her, but I really believe she has gone as far as she can go internationally.
I do not think Kimmie much taller than Mao or Yuna though. They look almost the same height. Shizuka looks much taller than the all three. Kimmie is also no bigger than Asian or Asian American/Canadian competitors out there. Miki may be much bigger than Kimmie in terms of weight. Although Yuna indeed looks extremely skinny for her age, she is rather an exception even among them. And the younger girls like Caroline and Mirai would certainly grow in a few years.
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There is hope for Kimmie. She is certainly not large but her body has changed a lot since last season. The good thing is she also has matured in her skating and style. I hope she gains control of some of her jumps before nationals and proves to herself she can get through this. After all, look at Carolina Kostner, she is not small and she certainly can do the elements well.
And yes, Mirai and Caroline will go through their body changes too, not all girls of asian decent stay tiney.
And yes, Mirai and Caroline will go through their body changes too, not all girls of asian decent stay tiney.
The thing is, whoever is hoping for her to catch up to Mao and Yuna is delusional.
I mean if the USFSA really expects her to come ahead of one of these girls in a competition where the two of them do not have a meltdown, then they've got another thing coming.
If Kimmie can stick to pursuing the realistic goal of going for the bronze at Worlds by beating either Yukari, Carolina, and perhaps Miki, then she'll be fine.
After winning the silver medal at 2003 Worlds, Sokolova said in an interview that "there's nothing to be ashamed about in losing to Kwan."
Sometimes, it's good to recognize that your competitors are head and shoulders ahead of you and to be happy to come behind them.
If Kimmie would win a bronze behind Yuna and Mao at Worlds, I could definitely see her thinking: "There's nothing to be ashamed about in losing to Yuna and Mao."
Kimmie does NOT need to win in order to get 3 spots for the US. But she does need a top 5 position in order to not put too much pressure on the other two girls.
think about it though, she will be raked over the coals by the US media and public if she said such a thing.
We just need the other girls to grow up...and here's another thing to think about: THEY have to go through puberty/growing as well. So absolutely nothing is certain for the future. I think the Asians will continue to dominate all the way up to the '10 Olympics. tough luck I suppose. Without an American in contention we may also lose FS coverage here in the states (heck, we might lose coverage even WITH one in contention the way things look now).
think about it though, she will be raked over the coals by the US media and public if she said such a thing.
We just need the other girls to grow up...and here's another thing to think about: THEY have to go through puberty/growing as well. So absolutely nothing is certain for the future. I think the Asians will continue to dominate all the way up to the '10 Olympics. tough luck I suppose. Without an American in contention we may also lose FS coverage here in the states (heck, we might lose coverage even WITH one in contention the way things look now).
Kwan was already a multiple times world champ and being considered something of a legend at that point.
I think it will be a lot harder for Kimmie, barely two years removed from her own world championship title, to acknowledge the fact that the competition has blown by her already.
Also she's only 18, not 26 like Sokolova was.
That also means she's young and could survive more than one generation of skaters if she stays healthy.
Unfortunately for her, the Asian Fortress is also composed of young ones, so they too can stick around a while if they stay healthy.
Exactly. Seems doubtful, but not impossible.
When you say "Asian Fortress," is that anyone of Asian heritage or just the ones born and raised in Asia?
Well, either way, it is getting stronger!
The latter...the Yunas, Maos and Mikis of skating. Folks like Zhang or Nagasu don't count- although they may technically be "asian" they are still skating for the US and I consider them to be American.
Let's not expect so much from Kimmie. I have said earlier, that--at best--she is a top-five International skater. I was wrong. I think she is a top-ten skater. Kimmie's story is not a happy one as of the last season-and-a-half. She had hit the triple axel in 2005 at Nationals--and made a huge splash. A year later she was able to execute two 3/3 combos at world's where the top guns melted. She had gained the reputation as a whiz technical skater--but with little artistry. Since then she has matured and, alas, those technical skills have become less dependable. While she still carries speed, her 3-axel is gone from competition. Her artistry is still less than stunning. Her light is fading. Just consider that in the U. S., alone, there are at least four ladies that will pose formidable competition for her--at Nationals. (And that's not counting Emily and Alissa who placed above her in FS in Nats, 2006 [edited--should read 2007].) Now look outside the U.S. at Meir, Kostner, Rochette, Ando, Nakano who will be joining our U. S. ladies in a struggle for International bronze. Why bronze? Because it looks as if Yu Na and Mao can win the first two medals without perfect performances! I'm sure this season and the last are troubling for Kimmie. Her camp is surely reassessing the situation for answers. I, and many others, hope they are forthcoming--and productive. If not, we are going to be looking down the line for the next great American hope. [I had posted this elsewhere, but I think it pertains to this thread.]
Eddie, I'm not sure how Meissner's career isn't a happy one. If Meissner were to quit today, she would have accomplished more than most skaters can even dream of a World championship, and a National title. If I'm going to feel sad for any athlete it won't be for Meissner, although it is hard to see her struggle.
The truth is that Meissner has never been as consistent as people have been giving her credit for being. And as for the quest for international bronze. It's always been that if Mao and Yu-na are clean, they go 1 and 2... You may be able to beat them if they make mistakes, but you have to be virtually perfect yourself...
There is no shame in losing to either Mao or Yu-na... Quite honestly, I think they would be given skaters a run for their money, in just about any era. They are probably two of the most complete skaters to every lace up their boots. It's mind boggling how good they are. They have artistry like Michelle Kwan (Yu-na) Sasha (Mao, the gorgeous positions) and then they have the speed, flow, high jumps of Irina.
Quite honestly, I don't think that Meissner's camp is surprised that Mao and Yu-na are dominating. I'm sure that they saw the writing on that wall in 2005, when Kimmie first met them in competition. They knew that when Mao and Yu-na became age eligible that things were going to be a lot harder.
The truth is that Meissner has never been as consistent as people have been giving her credit for being. And as for the quest for international bronze. It's always been that if Mao and Yu-na are clean, they go 1 and 2... You may be able to beat them if they make mistakes, but you have to be virtually perfect yourself...
There is no shame in losing to either Mao or Yu-na... Quite honestly, I think they would be given skaters a run for their money, in just about any era. They are probably two of the most complete skaters to every lace up their boots. It's mind boggling how good they are. They have artistry like Michelle Kwan (Yu-na) Sasha (Mao, the gorgeous positions) and then they have the speed, flow, high jumps of Irina.
Quite honestly, I don't think that Meissner's camp is surprised that Mao and Yu-na are dominating. I'm sure that they saw the writing on that wall in 2005, when Kimmie first met them in competition. They knew that when Mao and Yu-na became age eligible that things were going to be a lot harder.
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Kimmie is bigger than 2006, but I really don't see much of a difference between early 2007 and now. If this was because of puberty, I think she would have shown more trouble in early 2007 when her body really seemed to change, not now. She's still a skinny kid, perhaps a little taller, which may take a little while to get used to.
I think that she's worried about taking off on the wrong edge on her flip more than anything. I say, take the -1 and just forget about it for now. Aside from that, the jumps she had trouble on in her 2 Grand Prix events were the 3S and the 3L. Both were better in the GPF.
Then, there's also the fact that she continues to be chased, instead of being the chaser. I think that pressure makes it harder for her to skate relaxed. The fact that she said "sorry" in the kiss and cry after her long program leads me to believe she's skating not only for herself, but to also please others like the USFSA. She has to just skate for herself and not worry about anything else.
But the only issue that I really see her continuing to struggle with are the triple triples. She can do them, but keeping them from getting downgraded will be tough. Even when she appears to be close, they still downgrade them. Now, I'm not entirely convinced you will need triple triples to medal down the road (see 2006 Olympics), but it would really help her a lot if she can get some of her triple triples ratified. One thing I know for sure is that Kimmie is a fierce competitor, and she can never be counted out. I think she'll be fine. The sport has gotten really demanding. All of these ladies will struggle from time to time, and just because you are Asian, it doesn't mean you won't have growth spurts and go through puberty. One example that comes to mind is Naomi Nari Nam. Bottom line is, you gotta keep plugging and work through obstacles.
I think that she's worried about taking off on the wrong edge on her flip more than anything. I say, take the -1 and just forget about it for now. Aside from that, the jumps she had trouble on in her 2 Grand Prix events were the 3S and the 3L. Both were better in the GPF.
Then, there's also the fact that she continues to be chased, instead of being the chaser. I think that pressure makes it harder for her to skate relaxed. The fact that she said "sorry" in the kiss and cry after her long program leads me to believe she's skating not only for herself, but to also please others like the USFSA. She has to just skate for herself and not worry about anything else.
But the only issue that I really see her continuing to struggle with are the triple triples. She can do them, but keeping them from getting downgraded will be tough. Even when she appears to be close, they still downgrade them. Now, I'm not entirely convinced you will need triple triples to medal down the road (see 2006 Olympics), but it would really help her a lot if she can get some of her triple triples ratified. One thing I know for sure is that Kimmie is a fierce competitor, and she can never be counted out. I think she'll be fine. The sport has gotten really demanding. All of these ladies will struggle from time to time, and just because you are Asian, it doesn't mean you won't have growth spurts and go through puberty. One example that comes to mind is Naomi Nari Nam. Bottom line is, you gotta keep plugging and work through obstacles.
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