Four Continents Cup in the books...next stop, Vancouver!

The Final Pre-Olympics ISU Championship, Four Continents Cup, concluded yesterday in Jeonju, South Korea.

I thought I had the Ice Dance event figured out but my predictions were mostly shot to hell (but oddly, mostly realigned?). I went about pre-placing them logically but logic went out the window with their skating and placement. What I did know all along is that Canadian's Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje were the team to beat, and, they in fact won. I was shocked to see their teammates Hann-McCurdy and Coreno with the Silver since several of the teams behind them had skated much better than them this season. I was equally shocked to see American's Hubbell and Hubbell capture the bronze since they had lost, just a week ago, to Chock and Zuerlein at U.S. Nationals who placed just fifth here. This goes to show, we can think we know what's going to happen but until the skating happens we can never really be sure.

The ladies event was the chance for Mao Asada to put herself back into the spotlight before Vancouver as a Gold Medal threat. Asada won, she did two triple axles in her free (both credited), but the program still lacked life and I don't think made her any more of a serious threat to Kim than before. I sound like a broken record with this program...I know...but I don't think she's getting the message. Axels or not, this program will have a tough time competing for Gold. There's no time to change it now so she'll have to do what she can with it...which I feel isn't much. In contrast, Akiko Suzuki, who didn't have near the technical content of Asada, lit up the room with another great performance to West Side Story in winning the Silver. Where Asada lacks life Sukuki is full of it. Caroline Zhang pulled up to nab the Bronze Medal (which means I accurately predicted the ladies podium!). She has a lot of work to do for next season but maybe this will give her a much needed confidence boost. Goal #1 for Caroline...figure out how to love skating again. There was a glimmer of the old Caroline here...keep working at it.

The Pairs event was a great opportunity for Dan Zhang and Hao Zhang to grab a little spotlight for themselves without their teammates (Shen/Zhao, Pang/Tong) over shadowing them and they delivered. While choreographically they still need a tune-up, they managed to get through a free skate clean which really helps there programs since their greatest strength is their athleticism. Americans McLaughlin and Brubaker took the Silver. While problems still prevail it was at least something at the end of their season to hang their hat on. Like Caroline Zhang...there is a lot of work to do before next season. Canadian's Duhamel and Buntin won the Bronze.

The men's event was all over the map with skaters doing the placement shuffle after the free skate. Stunningly, from 7th place, Adam Rippon pulled all they way to take the win and he did so with a gorgeous free skate. He got a monkey off his back by landing both triple axels in his free and was a good poster boy for never giving up no matter what place you're in. Japan's Tatsuki Machida won the Silver. Exactly....who? Machida medaled in a couple Junior Grand Prix's a couple seasons ago and was fourth at this years Japanese Nationals but by all means a stunning senior international debut. Canada's Kevin Reynolds, who was the leader after the short, barely managed the Bronze ahead of American Brandon Mroz despite only an 8th place showing in the free.

Four Continent Cups Results can be found here. Okay...now that all the pre-Olympic competitions are over, you can play in Jumping Clapping Man's Olympic Predictor competition!

Have a skating question? Put my knowledge to the test!

Nathan Chen

There have been so many Google searches for Nathan Chen coming into this blog I simply must post his program!

This is actually his exhibition performance but he skated his program to "Peter and the Wolf" even better than he did in winning the Novice Men's Title! Enjoy!

Friday Fun: Flatt and Nagasu

Happy Friday...here's a couple fun video's to get you caught up on Rachael Flatt and Mirai Nagasu.

formspring.me

What do you think about the recent talk of inflated scores?

I'm one of those people that have been bringing up these inflated scores...

I've learned this season that each competition is in it's own 'Scoring Bubble' if you will. It is impossible to compare scores from one competition to the next because the range of scores change so drastically.

We can't look at, for example, Patrick Chan's score from the recent Canadian Nationals and compare it to, say, Jeremy Abbott's from U.S. Nationals. Patrick's score was higher than Jeremy's, but Jeremy skated much better. If they were in the same competition, I think Jeremy's score would have been higher than Patrick's.

This inconsistency in scoring is one of the greatest problems with the judging system.

So, there have been lots of inflated scores and I don't think they really mean anything. They serve no other purpose but to give skaters false optimism and a media bump.

Have a skating question?

formspring.me

You asked us for our opinion but what's YOUR take on the DomShabs OD controversy?

I don't believe they had any ill intentions with their dance...they just didn't do the research one might have expected from this high level of a team.

I do think they should make the costume adjustments that the Australian Olympic Committee and Aboriginal Leaders have asked for. I think they should review an authentic review of an Aboriginal Dance and adjust their program as appropriate. I also think after the games they should travel to Australia, apologize in person, and take some time to learn about the Aboriginal culture.

Ask me anything

An Open Letter to Mr. Boris Chait, President IISF and Israel Olympic Committee

Dear Mr. Boris Chait and the Israeli Olympic Committee,

It has recently come to my attention as well as many other friends and fans of figure skating that Tamar Katz, a wonderful athlete that represents the Israel Ice Skating Federation so well, has been denied the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream...a chance to compete in the Winter Olympics.

As a fan of figure skating, as fan of sport, and as a citizen of the world, I ask that you please not deny Tamar this chance. She successfully earned a berth for Israel at this season's Nebelhorn Trophy, meeting the ISU qualifications for obtaining a berth, why would you deny her that opportunity?

I say if you aren't pleased with her recent performance at the European Championships, let her go to the Olympics and allow her to prove she can do better. Let another flag for Israel wave in the opening ceremonies. Let another dream come true. Giving Tamar this chance costs you nothing but a breath of air to say "yes." In saying yes, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. I can think of no reason why you would deny her this chance.

Amazing stories of triumph, perseverance, struggle, defeat, and victory will be told in Vancouver. I implore you, allow Tamar's story to be among those told. President Chait, your motto is "the sun never sets on my desk." Please don't let the sun set on Tamar's dream.

With hope that you will allow Tamar to compete,

Aaron @ Axels, Loops, and Spins.

UPDATE: Tamar's story is being featured in the New York Times.

Domnina and Shabalin Dance Controversy

Is Domnina and Shabalin's Aboriginal Original Dance offensive? The poll has closed and 64% of respondents think that it is while 35% think it is not. No matter how you see it, this will be a headache for Oksana and Maxim and Team Russia in Vancouver.

The debacle over this particular dance began last week as Domnina and Shabalin competed in Tallinn at the European Championships. The duo won the event using what many Indigenous Aboriginal leaders called "a dance offensive to Aboriginal people."

Despite the controversy, the duo plans to move forward with using this dance in Vancouver. Lack of time to change dances certainly was the leading factor in that decision.

While the Australian Olympic Committee will not be forcing the issue with Russian Olympic committee and asking them to make Oksana and Maxim ditch the program...they are asking them to change it a little. Bev Manton, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council Chairwoman told Tom Reilly of the Sydney Morning Herald:

We had considered asking the Australian Olympic Committee to intervene on behalf of Aboriginal people … but the fact is, the performance by Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin, while offensive to Aboriginal people, is not illegal. It's also not unprecedented. Aboriginal culture is disrespected in Australia every day, in fact in many ways that's become a cultural norm.

What are some of the requests being asked of Domnina and Shabalin? Ditch the dark skin suits, also do away with the leaves and the feathers. They also want Oksana and Maxim to travel to Australia to meet with indigenous Aboriginal people to get a better cultural feel for their dance.

Olympic officials in Vancouver are also keeping a close eye on this story as they are insistent these games be in no way offensive to the traditions of the four First Nations indigenous peoples.

Some advice to Oksana and Max...tread carefully.

Take a look at the Dance in question.

Pic of the Week

I would love to know what Amanda Dobbs' goals were heading into Nationals...

Did those goals include a top seven finish in the Senior Pairs competition? Even better, did they include a top six finish in the Senior Ladies competition?

Was one of her goals to go to the Four Continents Cup? And finally, was one of her goals to be in second after the short program at that competition ahead (ahead I say!) of the 2008 World Champ Mao Asada?

If those were her goals, than she's been highly successful. I was stunned to see Amanda Dobbs in second place as I checked the results of the Ladies Short Program at the Four Continents Cup. She's having a dream January! Realistically, it couldn't get much better.

Now the only question for Dobbs to ponder is to go pairs or go singles...but I say she's been rather successful in both.

Let me end this post by just saying...YOU GO GIRL!

Four Continents Cup Preview

I knew the event was approaching but literally was not expecting it so soon...when I decided to actually look at the event schedule I was like..."It's tomorrow (today if you live in Korea!)!"

So the event everyone likes to forget about in an Olympic Year doesn't have quite the star power it would have in a non-Olympic year but nonetheless packs a little punch. It may be a chance for some new faces to break through just in time for Vancouver (or maybe World's or next season as a lot of the competitors here aren't schedule to go to Vancouver).

The Dance event will be dominated by the American and Canadian Teams. Weaver and Poje put up a hell of a fight to make the Canadian Ice Dance Olympic Team coming up just (and I mean JUST) short. They've made great strides this season and think will challenge for the gold here. Their biggest competition will likely be reigning Junior World Champions, Americans Chock and Zuerlein who recently finished 5th at U.S. Nationals. Madison and Keiffer Hubbell look poised to be in the medal picture as well but may be chased down by Canadians Ralph and Hill and fellow teammates Summersett and Gilles. Predictions: Weaver and Poje (GOLD), Chock and Zuerlein (SILVER), Hubbell and Hubbell (BRONZE)

The Men's event is a little harder to shake out. On paper you'd have to say the Americans, Adam Rippon, Ryan Bradley, and Brandon Mroz, look dominant but Team Canada looks fairly strong as well with Kevin Reynolds (who nabbed the bronze at Canadian Nationals and barely missed a trip to Vancouver), Joey Russell, and Shawn Sawyer. Team Japan and China, with no big names really, may surprise us and then there is wildcard Denis Ten of Kazakhstan who really is the best of the bunch but is often plagued with inconsistencies. Denis is one of the few in the field that WILL be in Vancouver and I'm sure coach Tatiana Tarasova would love for him to throw down two solid performances here heading towards the Olympics. He can be, without doubt, a medal threat in Vancouver if he skates clean. He takes it all so seriously, he just needs to cut loose. In the short program at HomeSense Skate Canada he showed flashes of what could be. Predicitons: Adam Rippon (GOLD), Ryan Bradley (SILVER), Denis Ten (BRONZE)

The Pairs event should (should...) be a runaway for Zhang and Zhang of China but this team has seemingly come apart at the seams this season. Less than great performances in China and the U.S. and an equally uninspiring performance at the Grand Prix Final in Japan have this team in trouble. While I'm not certain this is the cause, it seems all this teams forward momentum came to a screeching halt with the return of Shen and Zhao. It must be frustrating to have worked for all these years only to be waltzed over by a team that was away from competition for a couple of years. If Zhang and Zhang continue to struggle there are plenty of teams to pick up the slack including Duhamel and Buntin who just missed making the Canadian Olympic Team. Also in the hunt is McLaughlin and Brubaker who are coming off a devastating performance at U.S. Nationals that left them off the podium and Olympic Tema...a little redemption is the works perhaps? Also, from the U.S., Yankowskas and Coughlin, who almost pulled off making the Olympic Team after placing second in the short in Spokane, will be in the mix as will Canadian Brodeur and Mattatall. Predictions: McLaughlin and Brubaker (GOLD - I desperately want this for them!), Zhang and Zhang (SILVER), Duhamel and Buntin (BRONZE)

The Ladies event has been widely discussed prior to the start of this event due to the abscence of reigning World Champ Kim Yun-Na. She and her coach Brian Orser opted to not make the trip back to Kim's native Korea from Canada so close to the Olympics. The controversy bumped up a notch when ISU President Ottavio Cinquanta asked the President of the Korean Skating Federation to request Kim compete in the event. The request was denied and the event moves forward without her. Well, Japan HAS opted to send two of it's biggest medal threats to Korea in Mao Asada and Akiko Suzuki. To be fair, the trip was a mere hop across the Sea of Japan for Asada and Suzuki vs the Pacific Ocean for Kim but I'm sure the decision will spark some intrigue between the two countries that have made it clear they don't like one another. In all honesty, it should be a complete runaway for these two, especially Asada who'll be testing those axels one final time prior to Vancouver. Waiting in the wings to collect what's left of the podium is perhaps Caroline Zhang who, like McLaughlin and Brubaker, had a U.S. Nationals she'd like to forget. She's been plagued all season with jump downgrades and the situation didn't improve in Spokane as she was dealing with a back injury as well. Past those three ladies the field is wide open and there may yet be room for a surprise or two. Predictions: Mao Asada (GOLD), Akiko Suzuki (SILVER), Caroline Zhang (BRONZE).

The Op Ed: Protocols, Protocols

I sent out a Tweet during the European Championships: "I'm over the code of points judging system."

I followed that Tweet up with another: "6.0 Anyone?"

The second tweet was met with mixed response. I got everything from 'I'm with you' to 'Eeeek...not 6.0!'

I agree that the 6.0 system is full of inadequacies and issues. I also agree that the current code of points judging system is full of inadequacies and issues. We've got two apples and BOTH are kind of rotten.

Phil Hersh recently blogged about the ladies final in Spokane. While I'm not always his biggest fan he made some valuable points (no pun intended). Chiefly among them, he correctly pointed out that somewhere around two years ago the judges began to get ridiculous with using the system in a negative way. Phil Hersh wrote:

This time, the problem was the system, not the judging. And, as I have frequently noted in this Blog since the 2008 Skate America, it isn't as much a fault with the system itself as much as with the decision to use it negatively that took effect two seasons ago.

The judging system is beginning to really work against the sport. At the recent U.S. Nationals, scores in the three of the four events came under attack because of this judging system and the protocols. In the Pairs event, Inoue and Baldwin slammed the judges on their protocols after landing a throw triple axel in the free yet getting the Olympic Team snub. In the Men's competition their was bickering about who should be ahead of who after the short, Johnny or Evan. The biggest fallout has been the ladies competition where Mirai Nagasu seemed to pull off an easy victory in the free skate only to find herself hanging on to second because of those tiny little downgrades that absolutely no one saw until the slow-mo rewind.

This isn't a problem contained to this event. There was bickering about protocols after Joubert lost the 2008 World's to Buttle who didn't do a quad. There was bickering about protocols at the Grand Prix Final this season with Kim Yu-Na's jump landings (and another added chapter of the mini war between Korea and Japan that we are all so sick of). At last season's European Championships, Carolina Kostner went as far as to appeal her silver medal on the belief that the protocols were wrong and she deserved the title, not Laura Lepisto.

Protocols, protocols, protocols...I'm sick of them! Anyone remember the days when you won a medal in competition, was happy about it, and had a parade down Main St. in your home town?

Now we pour over the protocols and find ways to complain about the judging and how the skater we 'thought' should have won or our favorite skater was wronged. It seems more and more often we aren't happy about the winner.

Phil Hersh also correctly points out (I know, right...he was actually on point in this article) that Mirai Nagasu's loss made absolutely no sense to the majority of people watching the Ladies Final that night at home or in Spokane Arena. Sure us die-hard skating fans get it but that is NOT the majority of the people who are watching. Most tune in to see who lands the most jumps with a nice outfit, a little sparkle, and a little pizazz...and to the common public, that was Nagasu, not Flatt (can I just say, however, I love Rachael Flatt and I think she was also deserving of the title).

All I could think about Saturday was, "Wow...because Sasha Cohen is in the competition we have all these eyes on these girls who will represent us in Vancouver and we blew it once again with the judging system." So much for making skating appealing to the masses...

Maybe a return to the 6.0 (with some tweeks of course) wouldn't be such a bad idea...I think it would, at the very least, be better than this constant bickering over protocols. In the end we have to ask, is the Code of Points Judging System doing more harm than good?

In other Johnny Weir news...

This isn't a blog solely dedicated to Johnny Weir, I swear. He is, however, commanding several news headlines currently.

Johnny Weir is being asked by Friends of Animals, an international animal advocacy group founded in 1957, to ditch the fur!

Friends of Animals President Priscilla Feral slams Weir's love-affair with fur, stating, "Please consider that there's nothing pretty about the fox that suffered and died to trim your outfit. The beautiful fox was likely anally electrocuted, or may have had its head bashed in, only to serve as decoration for someones performance."

I've posted the letter in it's entirety below...I'm not taking a position on this particular issue but feel free to add your two-cents in the comments...

Dear Johnny Weir,

A recent New York Times article discussed your quest for the gold medal at the Vancouver Olympics.

The author mentioned your outfit had a “touch of fox” on the shoulders, and, despite your third place showing at the United States Figure Skating Championships on Sunday, you thought your outfit “looked pretty.”

Please consider that there’s nothing pretty about the fox that suffered and died to trim your outfit. The beautiful fox was likely anally electrocuted, or may have had its head bashed in, only to serve as decoration for someone’s performance.

If you buy fur, no matter what size piece, or which animal it comes from, you’re supporting an industry that has no respect for animals.

You say that you want to bring an “artistic style” to the Olympics, stating that “everyone can do jumps.” But, as past Olympic champions have shown us, style isn’t everything. In addition to skill, you must also have a sense of decorum in order to bring home the gold. And projecting a conscientious view of the planet’s animals is a starting point.

While you may believe that wearing fur is a “personal choice,” kindly know that the animals you wear had no such choice. The fur doesn’t magically slide off these beautiful beings. Their nightmare begins in the cramped cages they spend their lives in, where they are forced to lay in their own feces, and ends with first cut in their anuses. Or maybe some animals you wear were caught in leghold traps, and struggled in vain to gnaw off their legs? Either way, there is nothing glamorous or pretty about the cruelty they endured. And it can’t be morally justified either.

Friends of Animals urges you, for the sake of humanity, your Olympic ambitions and the hopes of all Americans this winter, to stop wearing the skins of animals. Instead, wow the judges with amazing performances. In the end, nobody cares what a figure skater wears. You will only be judged on your performance and the strength of your character.

Priscilla Feral
President of Friends of Animals

UPDATE: Here is a link to an Ice Network story...apparently Johnny is changing the fox fur to faux fur for the Olympics.

Be Good Johnny Weir...Be Good!

Last week if you tuned in to the premier of Johnny Weir's new reality show Be Good Johnny Weir you were treated to a showing of his film Pop Star on Ice.

This week begins all the fun juicyness that only Johnny can bring as we head towards his bid to win a medal in Vancouver.

All during Nationals you saw Johnny sporting this Fab Be Good Johnny Weir jacket. Well, you can don the diva wear yourself if you so care. Johnny designed it himself for his BE UNIQUE fashion line and the jacket is available for pre-order via SundanceChannel.com.

Be sure to tune in tonight at 10:30 PM (Pacific) for Episode Two: Here's Johnny! of Be Good Johnny Weir.

Sad News...

There is still a lot unknown about this story yet so I'll stick to what we do know...

Nancy Kerrigan's father Daniel Kerrigan has passed away. He was found at his Stoneham, Massachussetts home after a 911 call reporting a 'sudden death.' Daniel's wife Brenda believed he died of a heart attack.

Simultaneously, Nancy's brother Mark, was taken to the hospital with injuries and later taken to Stoneham Police Department for questioning. Mark has been arrested in connection with the suspicious death of Daniel. Although the details of the connection are not yet known. Police have said that Mark is to be arraigned later Monday on charges of assault and battery on an elderly person.

Sad news indeed...

Memorials can be made in Daniel Kerrigan's name to:

Special Olympics Mass Chapter
Yawkey Sports Training Center
512 Forest St.
Marlborough, MA 01752

UPDATE: More details are emerging about the incident as it concerns Mark Kerrigan. Agence France-Presse writes:

Mark Kerrigan, 45, was found in the basement of the house, according to a police report that described him as "belligerent and combative" when police tried to question him, eventually needing pepper spray to be subdued.

"Kerrigan appeared intoxicated but appeared coherent in understanding questions and answering them," the report said.

Police said Mark Kerrigan said he struggled with his father and put his hands around his father's neck after not being allowed to use the telephone. Kerrigan said his father fell to the floor but that he felt his dad was "faking it", according to the report.

Blood was found on the floor as well as other signs of a scuffle, police said.

Kerrigan was ordered held on 10,000-dollars bail after a hearing in Woburn District Court in which Mark never spoke but once broke into tears.

"He and his father had a violent argument and struggle at the home and Daniel Kerrigan either fell or collapsed on the kitchen floor," Middlesex County assistant district attorney Elizabeth Healey said.

Mark Kerrigan has entered a plea of not guilty.

In reflection...

Ummm...that was a LOT of skating the past two weeks with only more to come in the coming weeks. I feel that the past two weeks have taught us a lot about where things are headed. Here are some reflective thoughts I had about how I see things moving forward:

The Olympics are Evgeny Plushenko's to win or lose. Believe me, it pains me to say that. Some out there will probably disagree but I think it's just how it is and I think we should get used to it. Aside from the fact that despite being off for a few years he's technically solid as a rock, the judges (and lots of fans for that fact) simply love him. Also, he has an overwhelming amount of self confidence (bordering on near arrogance) in the belief that he IS the best. I'm a big believer in self-prophecy...you become what you believe and for Plushenko it's complete commitment to the belief that he will win Gold in Vancouver.

On the flip side, I think many will give Plushenko a run for his money and if he should stumble...well there are plenty of under-studies to step in as the leading man! Despite some minor issues in Spokane, I think Evan Lysacek is right on track to be a serious medal threat. If he can work out the kinks in his technically revised free skate he'll be formidable. Lambiel looked strong as well at Europeans actually defeating Plushenko in the component scores and could be a threat. Jeremy Abbott emerged as a serious (serious!) threat to anyone in Spokane with two amazing performances and a free skate including a quad. Takahashi and Oda are also lurking out there as potential spoilers. Also, if Joubert gets mad enough about his beat down in Tallinn he could kick it into high gear as well!

Ice Dance will be a ridiculously close fight in Vancouver. It was close between Davis and White and Belbin and Agosto and that was just U.S. Nationals. Add in Virtue and Moir from Canada, Domnina and Shabalin (controversial OD and all!) from Russia, a surging Faiella and Scali from Italy, and wildcards Delobel and Schoenfelder from France and you have yourself a fantastic competition! I can't tell you how this will all play out in the end but I'm certain those are the six teams to watch in Vancouver.

In pairs, expect the unexpected. McLaughlin and Brubaker's struggles coupled with Evora and Ladwig's triumph only proved the point that nothing is ever a done deal and anything can truly happen. Kavaguti and Smirnov also sent a clear message not only to Savchenko and Szolkowy but to Shen and Zhao...they are as much a contender as they are. Kavaguti and Smirnov were desperately close to catching Shen and Zhao's record total at Europeans and that was with a bobble on Yuko's triple toe in the free...imagine a clean skate. Denney and Barrett's ridiculous consistency as well as pure inspiration at the mere chance to be Olympians may find them skating amongst the best.

Team Canada will be under the pressure cooker! Virtue and Moir, Dube and Davison, and Joannie Rochette had big performances at Canadian Nationals...BIG! Canada...you know...90% of the eyes that will be on them in that arena...will be expecting them to repeat those performances and rake in the precious medal hardware. For Patrick Chan, they'll be expecting him to improve upon his performances as of late and live up to his potential. I think having the opprotunity to skate in the Olympics at home must either inspire or weigh one down from the pressure and expectation. I would expect most would be envious of them while at the same time glad they aren't dealing with the same level of pressure.

I've said it before and I'll say it again...don't count out Rachael Flatt and Mirai Nagasu. Their heads are perfectly together and they don't have near the pressure or level of expectations that Kim Yu-Na, Mao Asada, Joannie Rochette, or Miki Ando (possibly Suzuki). And realistically, past those four or five, who else is making a serious podium threat and/or skating as well as Flatt and Nagasu. The European Championships showed that the top European Ladies are nowhere close to being able to compete at that level. The USOC has adopted as their motto: Amazing Awaits. I think it may indeed!

U.S. Nationals (Day Nine)

Scheduled Events for Today:

Senior Free Dance
Senior Ladies Free Skate

Check this post for results and musings. NBC will be showing the final two groups of both the Senior Free Dance and the Senior Ladies Free Skate live. Check your local listings. I may be tweeting during the Senior Free Dance and will definitely be tweeting during the Senior Ladies Free Skate at 7:00 p.m. (Eastern). You can follow me on Twitter @skating102.

Free Dance just wrapped and Meryl Davis and Charlie White have successfully defended their National Title...this time competing against Belbin and Agosto. Tanith and Ben started the final group off strong with a powerful performance to Ave Maria. They seemed a bit slow at times but really connected with the music. They went on to post their highest total score this season. But there was little they could do as Meryl and Charlie took the ice and skated with no inhibitions and complete abandon. Easily skating the best Free Dance of any team this season (sorry Canadian Fans...even better than Tessa and Scott!), the wooshed past Belbin and Agosto and took the title easily even with a deduction (can't figure out what that was for?). Emily Samuelson and Evan Bates claimed the bronze and likely the final Olympic berth. Navarro and Bommentre were 4th and Chcok and Zuerlein 5th. As soon as the Olympic Team selection is official I will post.

UPDATE: It's official. Davis and White, Belbin and Agosto, and Samuelson and Bates have been named to the U.S. Olympic Team.

Ladies free just wrapped and what a wild ride! Your 2010 National Champ is...Rachael Flatt! I tweeted she managed to avoid the three times a bridesmaid jinx and win. Rachael had a very solid skate that included a muscled triple flip-triple toe combo. It was smooth sailing from that point on. The first of the top four ladies to skate was Ashley Wagner who also had a tremendous free skate. She two footed a couple jumps but attacked and gained strength as the program progressed. Her score went up and it was a big number to beat. Sasha Cohen's short program was a jolt to Figure Skating that was much needed. We all held our breath as she prepared for her free skate and wondered if she could equal her performance from Thursday. It was a tough program to watch. Sasha struggled on the majority of her jumps and it culminated with a fall on her triple flip in the second half of the program. Her artistry is unmatched and she finished fourth here, simply happy to have come back and skated at Nationals one last time. Mirai Nagasu was the final skater and turned in an amazing performance. Most thought she would easily take the title but upon close review of her jumps she got those pesky downgrades on three jumps causing her to miss the title. Still she finished second, with Wagner (who was second in the free) taking the bronze. Again once they selected the Olympic Team I'll update the post...an announcement is expected at any moment...

UPDATE: U.S. Figure Skating has named Rachael Flatt and Mirai Nagasu to the U.S. Olympic Team.

European Championships Wrap-up

The European Championships have concluded in Tallinn and there was plenty of interesting plot twists and turns to keep skating fans entertained.

The Pairs Free saw the defending Champions sub-planted. Savchenko and Szolkowy had botched side-by-side salchows as well as a missed throw triple flip. They did settle into their performance but the damage was done and they would have to settle for silver. Mukhortova and Trankov continue their solid season winning the bronze in Tallinn. The Gold, however, went to their teammates Kavaguti and Smirnov who had a tremendous performance to take the win. What is it about Tamara Moskvina teams...The closer they get to the Olympics the better they get! Also, Kavaguti and Smirnov were knocking on the door of Shen and Zhao's record total from the Grand Prix Final, just 1.10 points back. Volosozhar and Morozov were fourth and Bazarova and Larionov fifth.

The men's event saw the first showdown between Plushenko, Joubert, and Lambiel since the 2006 Winter Olympics. Joubert was the first of the three to skate in the free skate and had several mistakes and clearly lacked the same attack and intensity he had earlier in the season. You're forced to wonder if his foot injury played a factor in his conditioning for this event. Joubert, ultimately, would relinquish his title and take the bronze. Plushenko was the second of the big three to skate. He had a solid performance...hitting his quad toe-triple toe combo. He missed a triple flip late in the program but it hardly mattered. He ended his program to a rousing ovation and 10 years removed from his first European Title he took his 6th. The judges, did however, bring him back to earth. After another seemingly 'high' short program score score, he was marked far more conservatively and seemingly in-line in the free. Oddly, the post competition buzz was not about Plushenko, but rather Stephane Lambiel who debuted his new La Traviata free skate here and added his name to the list of serious Olympic contenders. Lambiel was not without jump mistakes but his program is charming and he delivered it with great ease. Still no triple axel, but he did accomplish two quads and several other triples. He also beat Plushenko in program components on his way to the silver medal. Michal Brezina was fourth and Samuel Contesti was fifth.

The Ice Dance competition got overshadowed by complaints that Domnina and Shabalin's Aboriginal Original Dance is offensive (add your opinion in my quick poll). It's become such a big story it was the lead headline at Yahoo! Yesterday! The 2008 European Champions lost that OD as well as the Free Dance but managed to hang on to win another European Title. But the question heading forward for them is what to do with this Original Dance...if they use this at the Olympics it could be a PR disaster for Team Russia but there is scarce time to scrap it for another one. The bit of positive news coming out of the dance event was Faiella and Scali who won both the OD and the Free Dance to take the silver medal with some gorgeous performances. They definitely had the crowd behind them. We may have figured out why Khoklova and Novitski skipped the Grand Prix Final, they showed up here in Tallinn with a new Free Dance set to The Firebird (popular piece this season). While far from perfect, they were good enough to hang on the bronze. Pechalat and Bourzat (who I had pegged to win) were fourth after a sloppy ending to their Free Dance and Kerr and Kerr where fifth.

The ladies event continued to show that European women's skating is in a slump. It was a verifiable splatfest! Carolina Kostner won the event with a less than stellar performace. She sat down on her triple loop but managed to hang on to some other jumps. Even despite the flaws she was clearly the best in the field. In a post event interview she said "she lost track" halfway through her program. Nonetheless, a win here gives her the Olympic Berth for Italy. Italian National Champ Marchei who was looking to nab the berth was just 8th. The silver went to Laura Lepisto who, after a gorgeous triple toe-triple toe combo, proceeded to double or mess up the majority of her remaining jumps. Her solid component scores helped the defending champion along to the silver. Elene Gedevanishvili slipped in for the bronze medal after a conservative but pleasing free skate (actually second in the free). She and coach Robin Wagner seemed pleased with the effort and score in the Kiss and Cry. Kiira Korpi was fourth and Sarah Meier moved all the way up to fifth.

All results can be seen here. Take a look at a couple of my favorite performances from the event below.

I haven't forgot Europe

Just an FYI...

I'm keeping a close eye on Europeans. When the competition concludes there will be a rather extensive report. U.S. Nationals has been quite the distraction this week.

If you're interested in the results as they currently stand, check them out here.

U.S. Nationals (Day Eight)

Scheduled Events for Today:

Junior Ladies Free Skate
Senior Original Dance

Check this post for results and musings. I'll be tweeting during the Senior Original Dance at 9:00 p.m. (Eastern). You can follow me on Twitter @skating102.

The Junior Ladies wrapped up their competition today and Agnes Zawadzki took the title after a great performance. In second was Yasmin Saraj and Lindsay Davis took the bronze.

In Ice Dance, the Senior OD wrapped setting up a great Free Dance. Meryl Davis and Charlie White managed to keep and slightly extend their lead over Belbin and Agosto. Still, less than two points seperate the two teams. Samuelson and Bates moved into third with an amazing performance set to a Dixie Chicks Medley. Navarro and Bommentre are in 4th but just under two points back. Chock and Zuerlein round out the top 5.

U.S. Nationals Ladies Short Program Flash

I received a ton of e-mails asking where the program flashes went. With Nationals (both U.S. and Canada) and Euros happening all together I decided not to. But, for the ladies short program only, I've decided to do a flash...in honor of Sasha's return!

Rachael Flatt - Nailed it. She came out lookin' ready! Hit the triple/triple and worked the footwork. Awesome.

Alissa Czisny - Oooops. Fell on opening lutz and then doubled flip. Spins and spiral are awesome but not enough to hold her up. Probably will miss out on the Olympics because of that short.

Christina Gao - Solid for her first senior outing. Needs a little more stretch and finishing off but nice. What is Brian Orser feeding these kids?

Mirai Nagasu - Skated with good attack and more importantly confidence. Amazing footwork and not a downgrade in sight! Takes the lead...less than a point ahead of Rachael.

Alexe Gilles - Doubled her opening lutz but came back strong with her triple flip combo. In this field of ladies I fear that kind of mistake will cost her though.

Caroline Zhang - Came out with great speed and attack but the life went out of the program after she turned out of her opening combo and fell on the triple loop. She looked nearly panicked in the Kiss and Cry. She said "There's always next year." Sad.

Amanda Dobbs - Her solid week continues. She didn't go after the toughest jumps but what she did she did well. Into 4th ahead (ahead I say!) of Czisny.

Melissa Bulanhagui - Came out like a little spitfire with a Memoirs of a Geisha program. Nice work.

Sasha Cohen - The comeback is successful to this point. She had the face of fierce determination in the short program, hitting all her elements including a ridiculous spiral sequence! She shut up all the nay-sayers with one skate! There is less than a point spread between Flatt, Cohen, and Nagasu at this point.

Emily Hughes - Strong Flip combo but doubled her lutz...cost her. Good attack though. But out of the top six...not good.

Ashley Wagner - She came out with steely determination. After hitting her flip combo she crashed and burned on the lutz. Still, she earned good levels on her elements and still managed 4th place.

U.S. Nationals Preview (Ladies)

Finally, we have reached the ladies competition at Nationals. Seems like it took forever to get here. More than any other discipline, this one is completely up for grabs with lots of ladies with a shot at taking it (or second place which secures the other Olympic Berth).

Rachael Flatt - She's winning my poll on who people think will win the title. She's been the runner up for two straight years now and looks poised to finally take the crown. Her big moment this season so far was at Cancer.Net Skate America where she upset Kim Yu-Na in the free skate. Kim went on to take the title but Rachael proved she could be a heavy hitter. She has a crowd pleasing short program that could vault her ahead of the competition. A betting person would put their money on her...will they cash in?

Alissa Czisny - The defending champion has had an up and down season to this point. She did nab the silver medal at HomeSense Skate Canada but it wasn't off a great performance. Alissa is one of the most gifted skaters as far as artistry is concerned in the competition. Holding her back is those nerves; something she and her mentor, Brian Boitano, have been working on. If she can keep the nerves under check, land her jumps, and most importantly rotate her jumps, she'll have a great chance of making the Olympic Team.

Mirai Nagasu - She arrived in Spokane in good spirits. The 2008 Champ has looked far more confident this season but she is still getting those pesky jump downgrades from under-rotating her jumps. The only thing between her and an Olympic berth is a quarter turn cheat. She admitted during a USOC Presser in Chicago earlier in the season that she was a bit 'intimidated' by the presence of Sasha Cohen in the event. She'll need to get over the 'fear factor' and trust her training has prepared her for this moment.

Caroline Zhang - She's had a rough season to this point. She was late settling on a coach going from Li Mingzhu to Charlene Wong...then back to Li. After a so-so start in Paris she landed a devastating 8th place at HomeSense Skate Canada after numerous mistakes and jump downgrades. Along, with jump downgrades, Caroline is often slow and also receives edge calls on lots of her jumps. Her coach, Li, has also stated that she enters this championship with a back injury that will require constant therapy...further setbacks indeed. She'll need to do several things to be competitive for an Olympic berth in Spokane...land jumps, skate faster, and find a way to connect with the audience. When Caroline is on she has a natural way of relating to the crowd but if she's off, it just doesn't work.

Sasha Cohen - A good portion of the skating world (myself included) doubted she would even make it to this event. After withdrawals from Trophee Eric Bompard and Cancer.Net Skate America and continued talk of injury and unsuccessful triples...the writing 'seemed' to be on the wall. But her coach John Nicks said she has worked harder in the several weeks leading up to this event than she has ever worked in her life. We all took a deep breath when she actually arrived in Spokane and then our jaw dropped when in her first practice session she looked amazing! Now translating a solid practice to a solid competition is another issue. Artistically she can't be touched. People keep talking about her inexperience with the IJS but in fact she is one of the most experienced skaters, posting some of the systems top scores after its inception (her 2003 Skate Canada score is still #6 on the top score list). I had a sneaky suspicion that if she showed up in Spokane she'd be up to the challenge. Olympics bound for the third time?

Emily Hughes - Finally making it back to Nationals after a two year hiatus, she's kind of the wildcard in the bunch. Spokane ice has been good to her, the last time she was at Nationals was here (2007) and she was the silver medalist. A silver medal here would send her back to the Olympics again. At Cancer.Net Skate America she looked a tad rusty but was giving it good attack. If she worked out the rust and is rotating her jumps fully (that is what did her in at Skate America) and can bring that spark that comes natural to her (all Hughes'?), I suspect she'll be in the hunt for a medal and perhaps a trip to the Olympics.

Ashley Wagner - Ashley was the lone American woman to make the Grand Prix Final where she placed a respectable 4th. She's looked solid in practice leading up to the event and has seemed very focused. She's stated that rather than attempting lots of tricky triples, she's just trying to do what she can do well and earn positive GOE's. Third in 2008, fourth in 2009, is 2010 her year? In my poll she is in second place for those predicting who will win this competition. She's been the U.S. leading lady so far this season...does it continue with a trip to Vancouver?

U.S. Nationals (Day Seven)

Scheduled Events for Today:

Senior Compulsory Dance
Junior Free Dance
Senior Ladies Short Program

Check this post for results and musings. I'll be tweeting during the Senior Ladies Short Program at 10:30 p.m. (Eastern). You can follow me on Twitter @skating102.

The Senior Compulsory Dance is over and is it close! Two battles shaping up. The Gold Medal battle between Davis and White who lead Belbin and Agosto by a mere .4 points! Then there is a battle for bronze as Navarro and Bommentre lead Samuelson and Bates by an even skinnier .24. I know, right!

The Junior Free Dance competition wrapped with no surprise, Shibutani and Shibutani nabbing the win (by 20 points!). Tibbetts abd Brubaker took the silver and Gilles and Donahue won the bronze.

The Senior Ladies Short is over and what a humdinger! The full results are here and you can read my thoughts in the flash above!

U.S. Nationals Preview (Dance)

The Ice Dancers are set to take the ice tomorrow in Spokane. There are three Olympic berths up-for-grabs in Spokane. Well, up-for-grabs is maybe a strong terms as it seems pretty cut and dry who will and who won't be making the trip to Vancouver, but there are six teams to keep a watchful eye on nonetheless.

Meryl Davis and Charlie White - One of the 'Big Three' teams, they have been on a roll this season. They won both their Grand Prix Events and went on to become the first American Ice Dance team to win the Grand Prix Final. They are expected to go neck and neck for the title here in Spokane.

Kimberly Navarro and Brent Bommentre - This team seems forever stuck knocking on the door. They are, perhaps, the best chance to spoil what I'll call 'The Big Three.' This team has everything it takes to be one of the best but they have been unwilling or unable to load their programs with the extra difficulty the other teams have. They are always crowd favorites though.

Madison Hubbell and Keiffer Hubbell - This brother/sister duo was 4th last year in Cleveland in their senior debut but haven't been able to capture the same sizzle this season (although some sparks fly with their American Woman Free Dance). If other teams make grave mistakes, this may be one of the teams that capitalize on them.

Emily Samuelson and Evan Bates - Another 'Big Three' team, most believe this team will manage the third Olympic berth. They've shown a few signs of weakness however this season. At Skate Canada, a team slipped past them they have easily beaten in the past keeping hope alive for the other Ice Dance Teams.

Madison Chock and Greg Zuerlein - Last season's Junior World Champs, I had this team pegged as shaking things up this season but they've had some trouble cracking into the top ranks in senior. Still, this is a talented team that shouldn't be counted out.

Tanith Belbin and Benjamin Agosto - The other 'Big Three' team, this team had an equally impressive Grand Prix season as Davis and White winning both their events. They had to withdraw from the Grand Prix Final due to some dental issues but look prepared to recapture their national title (they missed the '09 Championship with injury). It should be a very close race between them and Davis and White and it's anyone guess at this point who'll come out victorious.

Oh NBC...

I was just beginning to settle into NBC as my go to network for figure skating. I was almost over the days of figure skating on ABC. Since the invention of Ice Network and since NBC started covering more events...things were on the up and up.

That is until the Men's Free Skate took place this past Sunday. I joyfully watched the guys skate their heart's out on Ice Network until we reached the half-way point of the competition. Ice Network couldn't show the final two groups live because NBC bought the rights to those final two groups. Perfect...NBC did a great job of showing the final two groups of Pairs the day before.

I turn to NBC only to find the Wendy's DEW TOUR. Next, I start getting tweets from Japan about what's happening on the ice. What? NBC bought the rights to show the skaters ranked 7 - 12 and is not showing them! Japan got to see what was happening in Spokane Arena, American's did not.

NBC, can you please answer this question...if you weren't going to show the performances...why didn't you allow Ice Network to show them live. Was the annonymity of those performances important to you? Did you just buy the rights to that group "just in case" one of the top contenders found himself there? A 'cya' if you will.

NBC, you basically screwed the American people out of 6 skaters' live performances...feel good about that? I think NBC should apologize to Brandon Mroz, Grant Hochstein, Keegan Messing, Richard Dornbush, Jason Wong, and Douglas Razzano on their Saturday telecast. It won't happen...but it should.

Most importantly, I hope NBC, you've learned a lesson here. Make sure this mistake doesn't happen again.

U.S. Nationals (Day Six)

Scheduled Events for Today:

Novice Free Dance
Junior Ladies Short Program
Junior Original Dance

Check this post for results and musings.

Alexandra Aldridge and Daniel Eaton are your 2010 National Novice Champs despite having a rather up and down competition. Nonetheless, the prevailed. Pham and Pham took the silver while Yang and Baker won bronze.

Maia and Alex Shibutani continue to have a commanding lead over the field after the Original Dance. Tibbetts and Brubaker remain second while Gilles and Donohue have moved up into third.

The Junior Ladies took the ice for their short program. Agnes Zawadzki skated a great program which included a beautiful lutz and flip to lead the competition. Behind her is favored Kiri Baga in second and Angela Wang in third.

U.S. Nationals (Day Five)

Scheduled Events for Today:

Novice Compulsory Dance
Novice Ladies Free Skate
Junior Compulsory Dance

Check this post for results and musings.

After the Novice Compulsory Dance, Pham and Pham lead. Leah Keiser took the Novice Ladies competition. Ashley Cain was second and Katarina Kulgeyko was third. In the Junior Dance competition, Shibutani and Shibutani lead Tibbetts and Brubaker and Cannuscio and Lorello.

Canadian Nationals Recap

The U.S. has now picked half of it's U.S. Olympic Figure Skating team, the other half (Dance and Women) to be choosen next weekend.

Canada wrapped up it's Nationals yesterday in London and have made their Olympic Figure Team selections. Canada had two available berths in every discipline.

In Pairs, Dube and Davison who won the Gold medal will be joined by silver medalists Langlois and Hay in Vancouver. Duhamel and Buntin took the bronze and will be the first alternates.

No shock or surprise that Patrick Chan won his second consecutive national title to gain a spot on the Olympic Team. He'll be joined by silver medalist Vaughn Chipeur in Vancouver. Kevin Reynolds is the first alternate after winning the bronze.

In Ice Dance, Virtue and Moir destroyed the competition on their way to qualifying for their first Olympics. It was a very close competition for second with Crone and Poirier barely sneaking ahead of Weaver and Poje for the second Olympic berth. There was less than a point difference between the two teams.

Amongst the women, Joannie Rochette skated the free skate of her life to silence critics and take a resounding 6th National Title, tying her with Jennifer Robinson. Wrapping a young but solid team for Canada is Cynthia Phaneuf who took the silver. Myriane Samson was third and the first alternate.

A good looking team I say!

Be Good Johnny Weir!

So Johnny Weir managed to hang on to the bronze medal yesterday in Spokane and, more importantly, nab the third and final spot on the U.S. Men's Olympic Figure Skating Team.

So, when Be Good Johnny Weir premieres tonight. we'll all know his hard work will have paid off. 10:30 pm (Pacific) on the Sundance Channel...I for sure know I have my TiVo ready to go!

If there is one thing we can count on it's his quick wit and VERY quotable soundbites. In one of the spots for his show he says, "When I'm good, I'm good...but when I'm bad I'm better." This show will not only be entertaining, but it will make Johnny Weir one of the most interesting athletes competing in Vancouver (as if he wasn't already?).

Check out the shows site here. You can also find Johnny on Twitter at @JohhnyGWeir as well as on Facebook.

U.S. Nationals (Day Four)

Scheduled Events for Today:

Novice Ladies Short Program
Novice Pairs Free Skate
Novice Men's Free Skate
Junior Pairs Free Skate

Check this post for results and musings.

Results for the Novice Ladies Short can be found here and Novice Pairs Free here.

The junior pairs have yet to take the ice but I wanted to talk a little about the Novice Men's Free Skate. The talent level we had in that field of men was astounding! The Champion, at only 10 years old (10!), Nathan Chen, put down a program that, as far as components go, I've seen seniors at international events not be able to touch. He skated to "Peter and the Wolf" and did it proud. Despite a few technical mistakes (and I will forgive a 10 year old that misses a triple or two) he received a rosuing ovation from the crowd. Outstanding! Behind him in second was an equally talented young man, Emmanuel Savary. Skating to the theme from "The Simpsons" he dazzled the crowd with tremendous energy, great jumps, and a dash of speed! And he is only 12! The bronze medalist, Timothy Dolensky, who skated in the first group but had a tremendous performance, was the only teenager amongst the top three!

The junior pairs competition is over and Zhang and Toth won with an impressive free skate. Simpson and Miller took the silver and Smith and Bartholomay moved up to take the bronze. Full results are here.

A Prospective Employer

In the coming days, a prospective employer will be looking at this blog. This new position for which I am applying is looking for someone adept at Web 2.0 Technologies (Twitter, Blogger, Facebook, YouTube, Digg, etc.).

I am asking you, my loyal readers, to comment and let this employer know just how good I am at integrating all these technologies together...on a global scale nonetheless!

This is a formal request for you to be my e-reference!

Thanks in advance,

Aaron

U.S. Nationals (Day Three)

Scheduled Events for Today:

Senior Men's Free Skate
Novice Men's Short Program
Novice Pairs Short Program
Junior Men's Free Skate

Check this post for results and musings. I'll also be tweeting during the Senior Men's Free Skate at 1:30 p.m. (Eastern). You can follow me on Twitter @skating102. NBC will be showing the final two groups during the Senior Men's Free Skate Live. Check local listings.

The Men's Free Skate just concluded. First, in another post, I have to harp on NBC Sports which bought the rights to the final two groups of men which kept Ice Network from showing it live. Trouble is, NBC didn't show it either, robbing viewers from seeing the skaters ranked between 7th and 12th place. One off those skaters was Brandon Mroz, who had a tremendous skate that included a quad. He moved up to 6th and managed to save himself from having a tougher time getting back to nationals next season.

The top six were quite exciting. Ryan Bradley skated first and skated a tremendous skate! Two quads, one in combo and a standing ovation. He set the score to beat and neither Adam Rippon or Armin Mahbanoozadeh who skated after Ryan could beat him. Adam struggled on his triple axels and finished 5th overall while Armin's hip injury gave him problems and he fell to 8th. Evan Lysacek skated next. He attempted the quad but fell and looked tight from that point on. He doubled a triple loop and had a scratch axel combo. He recently reworked his program to make it harder and he looked a little uncomfortable with the new layout. Still, Evan gave a solid performance and took the lead from Bradley (but lost the free to him), and locked a spot on the Olympic Team. Johnny Weir was next and after a gorgeous triple axel combo, let the nerves creep in. He popped his second triple axel, stepped out of his triple toe behind a lutz, and skated very slowly. Despite finishing only 5th in the free, his lead from the short was good enough to get him in second ahead of Bradley and again probably locked a spot on the Olympic Team. Final skater of the night was Jeremy Abbott who blew the field away! A perfect skate that included a quad...I don't think many men in the world could get close to Abbott if he skates like this in Vancouver. He was brilliant and sent the roof off of Spokane Arena. His score was a whopping 263.66...and that was with, in my opinion, no inflation. I think that, at least for me, was the finest free skate from a man that I've ever had the pleasure to see. Pigs INDEED can fly!

UPDATE: Johnny Weir, Evan Lysacek, and Jeremy Abbott have all been named to the U.S. Olympic Team.

Several other events took place today in Spokane. After the novice men's short program, Nathan Chen leads Emmanuel Savary and Phillip Warren. In novice pairs, Vollmer and Sidhu lead Cain and Reagan and Oltmanns and Santillan after the short program. The junior men's competition wrapped today with a stunning performance from Jason Brown who took the Gold. Joshua Farris took the silver medal while leader after the short, Max Aaron settled for bronze.




Video courtesy KHQ Spokane