Lets face it , sticking to the current policy of sending the first and 2nd place finishers from Nationals has reulted in the US having only 2 men and 2 pairs at this years Olympics - a truly embarrasing and sad situation.
If that is not possible then at least send somebody who is young with great potential ( and we happily have 2 or 3 of those at least right now )and who will benefit greatly from the experieince and from the intrnational exposure . Lets face it , sticking to the current policy of sending the first and 2nd place finishers from Nationals has reulted in the US having only 2 men and 2 pairs at this years Olympics - a truly embarrasing and sad situation.
That's not a fact. The U.S. would have likely (again not saying its fact, just theory) had two spots in both REGARDLESS of who finished the top two because of the caliber of skaters from the U.S. skaters relative to the rest of the field. It is very unlikely that any combination of Denny/Coughlin, Castelli/Shnpai and Scimeca/Knerim would have gotten us three spots.
That also goes for the men. Max Aaron finishing in 7th was probably the best finish to expect from the men given the current level of competition.
And FWIW the women and ladies got three spots by sending its top two (ladies) and top three (dance) finishers at Nationals.
I agree with you. The intl judges like Jason and are scoring him highly. A clean program from Jason will probably be stronger technically than most of the men since he has two triple axels and lutzes in there and most of the other guys fall on their quads anyway!I think even without the quad Jason really has a chance to make the team. There are no consistent US Men at the moment and only Max lands quads regularly. His overall skating skills and performance skills make him a threat. I hope he goes for it he has nothing to lose. Same with Josh.
it seems to me the USFSA needs to really think " out of the box" in their selection of men for Worlds and Olympics. The huge issue the selection committee faces is the obvious one - the skaters performances at this years Worlds dictate the number of skaters alowed for next year . BUT this concern does not exist for Olympics so , in reality , the Olympics represent a freebie of sorts ! One could argue that it is unfair to play games with skater's opportunites for Olympic medals but realistically , this year , no American male skater has a chance for the podium.
There is still the team event to consider , so I would suggest taking whoever wins the US Championships and then whoever finishes the highest amoung the young up-and-comers - likely it would end up between Josh and Jason This would give one young American skater a dream opportunity to absorb all that the Olympics are about in anticipation of 2018 when I really think both Jason and Josh could be contenders.
For Worlds I would again send the US Champion but then I would have a skate off at 4 Continents among whoever finishes 2nd 3rd and 4th at Nationals ,for the 2nd spot. We really need to have the 2nd skater be whoever is in the best shape and skating the best at the time for Worlds as , with the anticipated retirements post Olympics, our 2 skaters just might make that magical #13 for 3 spots next year. I would even go so far as to say that if the US Champion does not do well at the Olympics then he could be replaced for Worlds with the #2 finisher among the US skaters at 4 continents or the 2nd representative at the Olympics if he does especially well .
My ideas may not be perfect but the point is that the selection process doesnt seem to be working well and we need to get our younger skaters out there to get that all important International recognition
I think it is dangerous for the USFSA to send someone with "potential" to Worlds/Olympics who didn't earn the spot at Nationals. That opens the door for even more politicking than already exists. The men haven't done well at earning high placements but we don't have much depth; it isn't as if a male version of Michelle Kwan is staying home. I can't think of two men we have that I could say with any confidence would place high enough to get three spots.
At this point...Max and Adam. Max has the capability to deliver the jumps and pop off quads and by the time nationals rolls around I think he'll be much more prepared to do the 3 in the long. I really think he can do it. His jumps are so easy for him. Some people also say his artistic abilities have not improved since last season...in my opinion they have a little bit, I can see differences coming out in him especially in the short. Lets hope a couple more months will be enough time.
Adam REALLY impressed me at skate america. If he can hit his programs then he's my pick for the second spot. His artistry is beautiful and fluid and if Rafael can improve his consistency more by nats I think he'll be in good shape.
I would love for Jeremy to grab the second spot too...I've been rooting for him all along, I freaking love him. But if he doesn't pull it together by his next go he's done. I'm sorry to say it and it breaks my heart because this is his last season but I think that's the truth.
The only reason I hesitate on Adam at this point is that IIRC, he's kinda like Jeremy. Gorgeous when on, has one or two great competitions a season, then falls in a heap when it really matters. But I may be confusing him with someone else.
If Evan is in good shape, and I have not read the update thread re him and Plush, then Evan as he is a seasoned comp. with great nerve, then his artistic opposite Adam. I love his skating, I could care less about number of triples, he is the most elegant male skater in the world, and a clear throwback to Curry and Wylie. He has become more consistent and confident. Adam could hold my attention with no jumps. Other than Chan or Dai, he has no other men in his league. Jeremy can be wonderful but the sheer volume of mistakes ruin the artistry he has in practice.
So Evan to lead the way if he is healthy and up to it and Adam for the sheer beauty of his skating. If Evan cannot be his usual amazing self then I still support Max, though I'm not so impressed with his programs, but he and Adam showcase two very different approaches to the men. Wishing them all well.
Max Aaron finished next to last in PCS in the SP and last in PCS in the LP at NHK Trophy. With his jumps also continuing to go south, what does he have to rely on? He is definitely feeling burdened by the weight of his own expectations and he has not shown one performance and competition yet that displays that he deserves a spot on the Olympic or World team, IMO.