Remember When: Skate America 2019 Ladies Free Program

The final installment of today's blog posts (annoyed yet? probably). It's a good thing, too, because I'm running out of things to write.

The ladies were fireworks and sparkles and fun. I would have preferred the men or the dance to close out the competition, but it was still a decent competition to end with. Quads and costume "changes" were what won the day, but it was nice to see the US hold their own and the "elder" Russian make a stand. 

Overall the outcome wasn't all that surprising, though it was weird to see USA and not Japan on the podium. I want to be as flexible as these ladies, that's for sure. Some of the positions they are able to contort themselves into still make me hurt just thinking about it.

As with the other blog posts (Pairs Free, Mens Free, Free Dance) I'll keep to the two photos per skater and you can view all of my photos from Skate America 2019 in my gallery. There's just one more day of photos and I'll probably just do like I did with the practice post and do a huge photo dump. You've been warned. Then we'll get back to mushing.

Yi Christy LEUNG - Hong Kong

Remember When: Skate America 2019 Ladies Short Program

Cheat sheet for the camera man to identify the skater.

In the US it's all about the Ladies even though lately our ladies haven't really been the most competitive of our team. Doesn't mean the powers that be don't continue to make them the headlining event of a competition (though US Nationals now closes out with Ice Dance). Skate America was buzzing with talk of the Russian Jumping Queens that were sure to show off on the ice. We watched the girls in both practice and warm up attack quad jump after quad jump. A lot of falls. A lot of grumpy looks from Coach Eteri. A lot of hype. 

Okay, not too much hype, they delivered. But so did Team USA as best they could without the quads and the triple axel. Japan also delivered and the Russian ladies quickly learned that it's not just about the jumps, because if you don't hit your tech you need to at least have some presentation marks to help hold you up. Not that they wiped the ice - far from it - but there was a glaring difference between the Japanese and US ladies vs Team Russia (though they did have one "mature" lady who does her best to have some semblance of artistry in her programs). 

I was excited to see some of the ladies I only ever see on TV, and they all made for some great photos. Just as I have with the other blog posts in today's series (Pairs Short, Mens Short, Short Dance) I'll keep to two photos per lady and you can view the rest in my Skate America photo gallery. 

Yi Christy LEUNG - Hong Kong

USFS "Preview" - Championship Ladies

Many thanks to Syliva at Unseen Skaters for the unofficial roster.

Starr Andrews  Short Program / Free Program

Mariah Bell   Short Program / Free Program

Emily Chan  Short Program / Free Program

Karen Chen  Short Program / Free Program

Franchesca Chiera  Short Program / Free Program

Polina Edmunds  Short Program / Free Program

Amber Glenn  Short Program / Free Program

Courtney Hicks  Short Program / Free Program

Tessa Hong  Short Program / Free Program

Vivian Le  Short Program / Free Program

Ashley Lin  Short Program / Free Program

Emmy Ma  Short Program / Free Program

Katie McBeath  Short Program / Free Program

Brynne McIsaac   Short Program / Free Program

Hannah Miller  Short Program / Free Program

Mirai Nagasu  Short Program / Free Program

Kaitlyn Nguyen  Short Program / Free Program

Bradie Tennell  Short Program / Free Program

Ashley Wagner  Short Program / Free Program

Angela Wang  Short Program / Free Program

Megan Wessenberg  Short Program / Free Program

Caroline Zhang  Short Program / Free Program

Why Ashley Wagner deserves her spot on the US Olympic Team

Ashley Wagner placed 4th at the US National Championships
this weekend in Boston. (Reuters photo.) 

US figure skating fans found themselves in one of two camps Sunday when the USFSA announced the ladies team for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games set to take place next month in Sochi, Russia. Two time and defending National Champion Ashley Wagner was the topic on everyone's lips. Wagner, having placed fourth in Saturday's ladies finals, was named to the team over third place (and former National Champion) Mirai Nagasu.

Fans, skaters, and sports analysts have all chimed in with how they feel about the decision announced Sunday on who would represent the USA in the games. Former top ranked US skaters and coaches have battled it out with fans and others of the "in crowd" on social media for the better part of Sunday - overshadowing the Men's long program event - many voicing their concern for Mirai's feelings while negating Wagner's.

Four years ago Mirai Nagasu made the Olympic team, narrowly beating Ashley Wagner for the second of two spots. Wagner was devastated to miss out on the Vancouver games and spent the last four years working consistently to better her skating and position on the world stage. That work seemed to be paying off with the two wins at Nationals coupled by her improved International standing. It was Wagner along with teammate Gracie Gold (who won the Championship on Saturday) who regained the three spots leading up to the Sochi Games.

Meanwhile, Mirai saw waning success after a 4th place at the Vancouver Olympics. Mirai's last try at the World Championships was in 2010 and saw her land in 7th place. She's struggled with a very up and down career since then, managing 3rd in 2011 and 7th in both 2012 and 2013 at the US nationals. She managed a couple of medals in the last four years in the Grand Prix series - in events where most of the top world contenders were not present and she was favored to take the title.

Mirai has seen her own sent of controversy when her former coach, the legendary Frank Carroll called her out for her [lack of] work ethic. Nagasu is an expert twitter-er, and would call out fans who even suggested criticism of her programs or skating. After coach hopping, Mirai spent the current season without a coach all the way to Nationals.

Part of Nagasu's problems with her skating is her lack of ability to rotate fully in her jumps, which in turn forces judges to downgrade them to easier levels and fewer points.

The USFSA traditionally goes with the skaters who land on the podium at nationals when choosing their Olympic and World team, but the rules clearly state that US Nationals is not the only determining factor for the team. This is the reason Ashley was chosen over Mirai.

From late 2011 till now Ashley Wagner has been the frontrunner of American Ladies skating. She won her national titles in 2012 and 2013 - though some would argue she was gifted in 2013, medaled on the Grand Prix Series as well as the Final, and in 2012 she was 4th at Worlds. Nationals was the time she truly faltered. While it is true that she does not seem capable of winning the Olympics, she has - so far - shown to be the only USA lady even close to medaling at all in Sochi. She sees the bigger picture of team play, and that, too, went in her favor.

Yes, it is sad that Mirai has been left off. If we want to judge just by international experience and results she should be on and US Silver Medalist Polina Edmunds should be the one off the team. That teams have traditionally been who makes the top of the podium is not and should not be the reason why Ashley should be left from the team. Why should any team shoot itself in the foot by leaving one of their more consistent skaters at home because of an off night?

Mirai has done herself no favors be alienating the powers that be in the past. Ashley does not "toe the party line" but she has demonstrated that she is serious and willing to work for her goals. She has great packaging, and an even better support team. Mirai has... Mirai. No coach, because she either fires them or they fire her. The most controversy Ashley can come up with is her stance on Russia's Anti-Gay Laws. Not something that will come in play on the ice.

It could very well be that Gracie Gold continues the upswing and becomes the American Media Darling by being the highest ranked US lady at the Olympics. Polina could also deliver. There's not a lot of evidence to suggest they will, but there's more evidence against Mirai than there is against any of the three on the ladies team. Ashley Wagner may not have earned it "that night" but she's earned it "overall".

All she has to do now is shake it off and forge ahead. She's done that before, and her body of work suggests she'll do it again.

30 Days of [Figure] Skating: Day Eight

Day 8: Favorite Ladies Program

This is so much easier than the men... I'm not a huge fan of ladies skating. I do have my favorites, but as far as picking a favorite program it's simple. It's Angela Nikodinov's (admittedly overused) short program "Just For You". It was the first program for her transformation into the elegant skater she is remembered as. It's still my favorite even after 10 years of "more brilliant" skaters. Brilliant. Sure. Whatever.

The medal doesn't make the skater...

Yuna Kim Throws Hat In The Ring

Yuna Kim in New York City. October 12, 2010.
Photo (c) Getty Images.

Kim Yuna's camp released a statement yesterday stating Kim's intention to compete in the 2011 World Championships, it will be her only competition of the season unless she decided to skate at the Four Continent Championships. The announcement comes just days after Kim's main rival, Japan's Mao Asada, did not make it to the Grand Prix Final.

Kim Yuna kept busy over the summer with her All That Skate shows followed by a dramatic break up with her coach Brian Orser. By early fall Kim moved on by bringing All That Skate to Los Angeles and announcing Peter Oppreggard as her new coach. A few media appearances throughout the fall, though, is all the skating world heard from their golden girl....

Until yesterday when she rocked their world once again saying she wasn't leaving competitive ice just yet. According to her press release, Kim will be skating to music from the ballet "Giselle" for her short program, while paying homage to her home country in her long program to "Arirang" - "the most famous piece of Korean Folk Music". David Wilson choreographed both programs, meaning the Short Program that Shae Lynn Bourne reportedly worked with Kim on has been scrapped.

Debate in skating circles revolves around whether or not the move to not skate until Worlds is a wise decision. With the ladies figure skating being in the state it's in - the more inconsistent skaters coming out on top and the reigning world champion faltering in her grand prix events - it's no surprise that Kim feels she's more than capable of the top spot should she skate relatively clean.

But, can it backfire? With no events prior to Worlds how is she going to work out any kinks that may give her 0 points or deduct them. There are new rules, and - while she still has a coach - she may miss a key component to the rules. There's also the competition jitters, we have no idea as to how well Peter will be able to calm Yuna and give her the confidence her former Coach was so able to give her. Will she have the nerve to go out there with brand new programs and skate to the top? Does she even have the competitive fire that she needs?

The one competition Kim could use as a spring board is the Four Continent Championships which will be a few weeks before the World Championships. This would be a wise move to skate in, but Kim told International Figure Skating in their latest issue that she didn't think she could be prepared in time to compete. Considering IFS is a bimonthly magazine, Kim must have just recently started hard training. If she's not ready for 4CC, will a few more weeks help her that significantly?

One thing's for sure, it just made this season interesting.

Phaneuf takes lead in Ladies Short



Phanuef celebrates after her short program.

 The ladies opened Skate Canada International this year, and fans were not disappointed. Most ladies came with their game faces on and it was an actual Short Program competition. American new comer Agnes Zawadzki openned the event and proceeded to hold the number one spot until Russia's Ksenia Marakova took the ice. Veterans 2009 US Champion Alissa Czinsy, who has a habit of winning Skate Canada, and Fumie Suguri had issues with their jumps, but Czisny's program components held her up to a fourth place.

Canada's biggest contender going into this season is Cynthia Phaneuf, and she made the statement she's ready and willing to step up and fill the void left by Canadian Champion and Olympic Bronze Medalist Joannie Rochette. A confident, sexy Phaneuf skated with power and experience to hit the top of the standings shocking US commentator (and Olympic Champion) Tara Lipinski who believed the more technically strong Ksenia would hold on to first. It seems experience beat out the newcomers, for now.

The competition is far from over, however, as there is less than a point between each of the top four skaters, and only half a point seperates the two American ladies. Watch out, skating, the ladies have returned.

Harding marries again

allen figure skating superstar Tonya Harding has made the news once again, this time, thankfully, on a positive note. The Columbian and Associated Press reported over the weekend that Harding applied for a Marriage License with a Joseph Jens Price on June 23, and the AP wire stated that as of Saturday the paperwork had been turned in to prove that the wedding/marriage had taken place.

Harding made a name for herself in the early 90s as one of Nancy Kerrigan's main rivals leading up to the 1994 Olympic games, she was the only American lady - at that time - to land a triple axel in competition. Harding found herself in the middle of controversy after her - then - husband attacked Nancy Kerrigan at one of her practice sessions (it was later known as the "Whack Heard Round the World."). While she was not found guilty of having a part in the attack, Harding did take a plea deal for the charges of cover-up. Subsequently the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA) banned the skater from competition for life.

Harding has had a rough go since her figure skating glory days, between domestic violence reports and a very short second marriage and her short lived (and unsuccessful) boxing career, one can only hope she's finally found her happiness.

Golden Heart

Well, she did it; Joannie Rochette skated - and skated masterfully - in the ladies' short program last night, just two days after losing her mother suddenly to a heart attack.

One has to wonder just where that sort of strength comes from. Joannie was on the verge of tears as she took the ice for warm up only to have a solid pass. She was once again visibly emotional as her name was announced and the crowd's overwhelming response resonated within the arena. After a few deep breaths she took her position and for two and a half minutes she held the World captive with a magical performance.

If there was a dry eye in the place, the cameras couldn't find it. If there was a commentator or judge or official not pulling for her - you'd never know it. Joannie skated through the pain to a third place, placement and is in a great spot for tomorrow nights final.

But it's not about medals now. It wasn't about medals last night. It was about skating for her mother, the friend and parent she lost so suddenly. It was about healing, it was about getting through the grief. It was a tribute. It was for herself. It was an Olympic Moment that will be remembered forever.

Our hearts are with Joannie Rochette, and her family, as she is giving us hers.

Ladies' Night!

It all comes down to the 'finale' and tradition mandates that Ladies close out figure skating competition in the games. In most years they bring the more drama - but I don't think anything comes close to the drama the men have and had the other night.

So who's in it for the gold?

All eyes are on Yuna Kim of Korea (look for the NBC commentators to call her Kim Yu-Na because they think they're that cool) to take the Gold. She has a massive amount of momentum, and if she can stand up on everything she should win, she is -after all- the reigning world champion. Look for her on the podium, and if you're not in it for the ladies, she has Brian Orser for a coach. He has two Olympic silvers to his credit, and he's one of the best North American skaters of all time - and certainly one of the best Canadians of all time.

Mao Asada was crowned best in the world by fans when she burst onto teh senior scene at age fourteen. Too young to skate in Torino this will also be her first Olympics (same for Yuna). Mao has had a difficult couple of seasons, due mainly to her struggle to master the Triple Axel in both the short and long program. It's become an obsession that will most likely cost her Gold in Vancouver. Still, if she does hit them she'll be unstoppable.

Joannie Rochette came to Vancouver with Canada's hopes riding on her shoulder. With the recent, tragic loss of her mother she has - in Sandra Besic's words - become the "Daughter of the Olympics." No longer is the color of the medal important, or a medal at all, but just two great heartfelt skates for her will be enough for fans worldwide. Still, if she lets herself just get into the programs and forgets the pressure - which in a way is completely gone - she could still be the spoiler of the event.

Japan's Miki Ando is the hit or miss spoiler girl, but she's been on fire as of late. She's a World Champion who's let the pressure get to her, but with Japan's hopes focussed on Mao Asada, Miki could swoop in for a top spot on the podium. It's all about the pressure and how she handles it. She's skating to programs that suit her style and personality, and the judges still favor coach-choreographer Morosov's style. If she skates the way she has all season the "It Girls" may be in trouble.

For the first time in a long time America's sweethearts are not favored to win any sort of medal. It's disappointing to those in the American Media - though they've found darlings in others such as Lindsey Vohn - but all events go in cycles where the big names in skating come from elsewhere. We're seeing the shift in Pairs and Ice Dance where Russia has dominated for half a century, we're seeing it in Ladies. Even in men's skating we're seeing the shift come back to the US after Former Soviet countries (mainly Russia with one Ukranian champion thrown in) dominated the title from 1992 till now.

Rachel Flatt is coming in as the newly crowned US Champion. She's a solid skater, a solid competitor. But she lacks a certain something. She doesn't get the American public as excited as a Michelle Kwan, Sasha Cohen or Tara Lipinski. She's reminicent of Nancy Kerrigan - she has admirable qualities on and off the ice, but the something special seems to be missing. Rachel is the best hope for a top ten placement in Vancouver, but we've seen so many shake ups in the "should bes" in the last ten days that anything is possible.

Mirai Nagasu sums up the other half of the US ladies team. She's spunky, she's got the goods, if she can just rotate her jumps fully. Many believed that it was Mirai who won, and not Rachel the night of the long program. She has the crowd eating out of the palm of her hand with the charisma she has when she performs. However, the confident Mirai we saw in Vancouver is someone new. She reemerged ready to skate and ready to compete after last season's disaster of a year. If she continues with her newly refound confidence Mirai could pull an upset over her teammate. But don't look for either on the podium.

So, tomorrow night brings out the ladies feisty and hungry for their time in the spotlight. Here's hoping the princesses become queens!

Photos (c) Getty Images, Associated Press and Reuters c/o DayLife.com

Rochette's Tragedy

This morning the Skating World was shocked to learn that Joannie Rochette's mother died suddenly sometime in the wee hours of the morning. When first reported it was unsure how, when, and where, but it was no less devastatings for fans of skating and the skater alike.

Therese was just 55 years old, and it's now being reported that she died of a heart attack. It was said that she was always there to critique Joannie's skating and her most staunch supporter. Joannie let it be known early on that she does plan to compete later this week in honor and tribute to her mother.

Today's news brings back memories of others in the skating community who have lost loved ones - Scott Hamilton, Katia Gordeeva, Jennifer Kirk, Angela Nikodinov to name a few - and how they've been able to continue on with their careers and use skating as a way to get through the grief. It's what they had to do.

Here's hoping Joannie is strengthend by the memory of her mother, and by the support that is pouring out of each and every skating fan world wide. She's no longer a competitor, she's a skater, and she's someone who needs our support, love, and encouragement.

My prayers are joining many in support of Joannie and her family. May God give her peace, understanding, and encouragement as she faces the days ahead.

Photo (c) Reuters c/o DayLife.com.

Look who's back in town!

Sasha Cohen proved many wrong this morning when she finally took to the Nationals practice ice. Many have been waiting for this hyped event. Sasha Cohen: Back in the Competition.

Her practice was promising, during her run through she hit her jump combination and her double axel. Her solo jump - the triple flip - ended in a fall, but still, she looks strong. But, she isn't unbeatable. Not this time.


The others hoping to win one of the two spots are also making a buzz in Spokane, albeit a softer one. Rachel Flatt, Ashley Wagner, Alissa Czisny, Mirai Nagasu, and Caroline Zhang all have equal chances and are all favored to do well. All have their strong points, but, like Cohen, all have a long way to go to be the clear front runner. Where they all have an advantage over Cohen is they've not been out of competition these past few seasons - and they're not in the spotlight.

First up tomorrow will be Rachel Flatt. She's been the bridesmaid the last couple of seasons at these championships (coming in second in 2008 to Mirai Nagasu, and second to Alissa Czisny last year) and many are wondering - and hoping - that this is her year. She IS the top ranked US lady in the world rankings, but that doesn't mean she'll win here (Evan Lysacek is the top ranked man in the world, and he came in second to Jeremy Abbott this past weekend). Rachel has the goods, and rarely misses a delivery, but she seems to lack the spark one needs to really win the judges over. She's sailing fairly low on the radar, but then outside of Sasha none of the ladies seem to be getting the attention of the press.

Last year's champion, Alissa Czisny is a total wildcard. No one is sure which Alissa will show up, but the audience is guarunteed to see a skater who won't bring everything she has to the table - aside from breathtaking skating. Even with the flawed jumps (pops, falls, negated) her programs seem to capture attention. Her girl next door looks make it incredibly difficult not to root for her. Will she be able to hang onto her title? Improving upon what she did last year will be the only way she'll get that lucky twice. Will she make the Olympic Team? It'll take a whole lot more than that megawatt smile.

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Favored by *this* author is Ashley Wagner for no other reason than personal preference! (hey it's my blog I can be biased, girl skated for Alaska not too long ago, how awesome is that?) She's not the totally "pretty little ice princess" that the others are. She's also not a diva. She's an athlete. She's artistic second. She's all sport. And she looks fantastic doing it. She's determined to become a better skater, taking the time to correct her flawed edges in her jumps. She's not fully there, the tech caller is still dinging her, but she's making the effort. Money's on her to fly under the radar and take it all - so long as she stays focussed on the job ahead and not the outcome. She wants this one bad

The underdogs are Nagasu and Zhang. Both have been bitten by the puberty bug. They were dynamos when they came on the scene, and are still incredibly promising - but their recent growth spurts have made their ascent to the top slow considerable.

Nagasu had difficulty handling the pressure of National Champion as she won when she was just fourteen. A lot of expectations were heaped upon her, and coupled with her growth spurt last season was an emotionally rough one. No one could blame her for wanting to have a redeeming nationals, and that makes for a great underdog type story. She stated in interviews earlier this week that she was just looking for the joy in the sport again; there's always 2014! Here's hoping she has a fantastic competition, and who knows she might just see Olympics 2010 up close and personal!

Caroline Zhang. Touted as the "next Michelle Kwan" by most, she combines the simplicity of the American Sports Icon with the flexibility of fellow competitor Sasha Cohen. Problems for Caroline, though, are her speed and her jumps. She gets nailed for underrotation and wrong edge take offs, and she is painfully slow. She's getting better. 2010 may not be her year, but one has to wonder just how long she'll continue before getting completely discouraged. She certainly shows her frustration with teh judging; should she begin to really work on what they want - mainly speed - she'd be better off. Is it within her to go all out in Spokane? She's not the most flexible this year with Cohen back in the mix, so she's going to have to pull out all the stops so that she's not lost in teh shuffle.

No matter what, the ladies short program is going to be hyped to the hilt, and shouldn't be disappointing (why would it? Pairs and Men killed over the weekend!) Good luck to all the competitors, not just the favorites. What a great birthday present for me!

Photos by Getty Images and Associated Press c/o DayLife.com.