From me to you...Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Win, Lose, or Draw in Beijing
Some big winners in Beijing...some big losers in Beijing at the Grand Prix Final...and a few draws. See all the results here.
Winners
First and foremost, Alissa Czisny! She said after her free skate in Beijing "I almost feel like this is a new beginning for me. The past is gone - over and done with. I almost feel like I am a new skater." If it goes from almost to a certainty, none of the other girls have a chance at U.S. Nationals. We've all known for a few years now that if Alissa Czisny can put together a short program and a free skate in the same competition, she'd be formidable. Well...point proven! In Ice Dance and Pairs it was kind of what most people expected. Davis and White have virtually no competition currently with Virtue and Moir out so it was no shock to see them win. I think Savchenko and Szolkowy have refound their thunder (it was totally stolen by Shen and Zhao last season) and are back on track (despite a rather cheesy free skate to Pink Panther). Patrick Chan clobbered the field with a strong skate and huge component scores. Patrick has consistently brought in the biggest PCS score this season and now armed with a quad is the toughest guy to beat. The only skater currently in Patrick's neighborhood on PCS is Daisuke Takahashi and he was seven points back. Food for thought...
Losers
Oh Rachael Flatt. It was so unfortunate to see her come undone like that. Let's not even talk about the scores (I'll leave that to Phil Hersh). A lingering leg injury is partially to blame but she was dealing with that same issue at Skate America and skated much better there. This performance has many doubting her chances in Greensboro: "I'm going to go home, regroup and start over from scratch on a few things. I need to use the time to build up my confidence in my training again." The only other big loss I think was dealt to Miki Ando who finished ahead of Rachael in 5th. After a disappointing short program (a new short program), she rallied to win the free skate...and didn't move up a single spot despite out skating everyone ahead of her. She came in the favorite and leaves empty handed...and behind two of what promises to be tough competitors at Japanese Nationals; Akiko Suzuki and Kanako Murakami (who took the bronze).
Draws
I think Pang and Tong had a draw here. Coming off of last season where they won the Olympic Silver Medal and World Title, I expected them to push Savchenko and Szolkowy a bit more here. They didn't skate bad...but where not up to the level they need to be to keep pace ahead of the Germans. A draw for Carolina Kostner who continues to be awarded for easy programs...but not a win this time. And Nobunari Oda who has a Patrick Chan problem this season (the monkey on his back). He has to figure out how to 1) get all the way through his free skate clean and 2) figure out how to raise his PCS score. He's skating good...he needs to find a way to skate great.
And how about this video...definitely affected both of their performances. A nasty crash between Kozuka and Takahashi in practice. Kozuka had to fight for the bronze and Daisuke ended up off the podium (his doctor advised he withdraw but he chose to compete anyway).
Also, take a look at the winning performances!
Bonus Video! Check out American Richard Dornbush kill it in the Junior Men's Free Skate!
WinnersFirst and foremost, Alissa Czisny! She said after her free skate in Beijing "I almost feel like this is a new beginning for me. The past is gone - over and done with. I almost feel like I am a new skater." If it goes from almost to a certainty, none of the other girls have a chance at U.S. Nationals. We've all known for a few years now that if Alissa Czisny can put together a short program and a free skate in the same competition, she'd be formidable. Well...point proven! In Ice Dance and Pairs it was kind of what most people expected. Davis and White have virtually no competition currently with Virtue and Moir out so it was no shock to see them win. I think Savchenko and Szolkowy have refound their thunder (it was totally stolen by Shen and Zhao last season) and are back on track (despite a rather cheesy free skate to Pink Panther). Patrick Chan clobbered the field with a strong skate and huge component scores. Patrick has consistently brought in the biggest PCS score this season and now armed with a quad is the toughest guy to beat. The only skater currently in Patrick's neighborhood on PCS is Daisuke Takahashi and he was seven points back. Food for thought...
LosersOh Rachael Flatt. It was so unfortunate to see her come undone like that. Let's not even talk about the scores (I'll leave that to Phil Hersh). A lingering leg injury is partially to blame but she was dealing with that same issue at Skate America and skated much better there. This performance has many doubting her chances in Greensboro: "I'm going to go home, regroup and start over from scratch on a few things. I need to use the time to build up my confidence in my training again." The only other big loss I think was dealt to Miki Ando who finished ahead of Rachael in 5th. After a disappointing short program (a new short program), she rallied to win the free skate...and didn't move up a single spot despite out skating everyone ahead of her. She came in the favorite and leaves empty handed...and behind two of what promises to be tough competitors at Japanese Nationals; Akiko Suzuki and Kanako Murakami (who took the bronze).
DrawsI think Pang and Tong had a draw here. Coming off of last season where they won the Olympic Silver Medal and World Title, I expected them to push Savchenko and Szolkowy a bit more here. They didn't skate bad...but where not up to the level they need to be to keep pace ahead of the Germans. A draw for Carolina Kostner who continues to be awarded for easy programs...but not a win this time. And Nobunari Oda who has a Patrick Chan problem this season (the monkey on his back). He has to figure out how to 1) get all the way through his free skate clean and 2) figure out how to raise his PCS score. He's skating good...he needs to find a way to skate great.
And how about this video...definitely affected both of their performances. A nasty crash between Kozuka and Takahashi in practice. Kozuka had to fight for the bronze and Daisuke ended up off the podium (his doctor advised he withdraw but he chose to compete anyway).
Also, take a look at the winning performances!
Bonus Video! Check out American Richard Dornbush kill it in the Junior Men's Free Skate!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
What's so great about figure skating?
MySkatingMall.com has begun a new project for the skating community! We are putting together a video called "What's so great about figure skating?" and we are looking for skaters, parents, and fans to take short videos of each other answering the question, "What's so great about figure skating?".This video will serve as a great encouragement to skaters and parents as well as telling potential new skaters what is so great about our sport! A short introductory video as well as directions for uploading videos to the MySkatingMall.com YouTube channel can be found at http://www.myskatingmall.com/skating. Everyone who submits a video will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift certificate for any item on MySkatingMall.com or from our Partner Stores. Videos will be accepted until 12/31/10.
So, what are you waiting for...start uploading today!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Win a Trip to Nationals! Meet Rachael Flatt!
Lucy Activewear is offering one lucky person a trip to Greensboro, North Carolina for the 2011 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in January! What is Lucy Activewear? Whether it's hitting the gym, practicing yoga, running or exploring the outdoors, Lucy designers are obsessed with the joy of working out. But they're also obsessed with fashion: Using a mix of high-tech fabrics, precise fit and a stylist's eye, we create gear with the design, color and feminine details you can't find anywhere else. The result? Athletic apparel gets a much-needed injection of style, and you love your workout more than ever. What all does the lucky winner get:
2 VIP Tickets to NationalsSounds pretty sweet! To enter, just click the picture below! Be sure to read Lucy's profile on Rachael Flatt too!
Meet with Rachael Flatt
$500 Lucy Gift Card
2 Night Hotel Stay
$500 Gift Card for Spending Money
Video Camera
Round-Trip Air Fare
Saturday, December 04, 2010
Saturday Afternoon Chit-Chat
No, I've not fallen off the face of the earth!
I apologize for my lack of posting recently. Just to give you all an idea of why I have been quieter than normal recently I've decided to share with you all a little about my job.
I can't use my company's name (their rules) but I can tell you that I work for a large non-profit health organization that is currently doing a massive change over to a standardized electronic medical record (EMR)across its entire network. It's a change of "EPIC" proportions.
That's why I've been on a recent mini-globe trot, meeting with people in facilities that have similar systems, have used the system we are getting, and vendors who work with clients with the system.
At my location, I am one of several people charged with the successful implementation of this new EMR which we plan to activate in April. To do this...I am working a lot! This week alone I worked nearly 60 hours.
My blogging is taking a hit because of the long work hours but I am loyal and dedicated to all my followers so it's a priority of mine to keep blogging. Blogging is one of the few things that I can do in my spare time and it helps me unwind.
What I've decided to do is fewer smaller blog posts, competition run downs, this and thats, etc. The figure skating blogosphere as grown tremendously since I began blogging over 5 years ago and there are lots of capable blogs out there (see the ones I endorse in the side bar to the right!) to get you all the info you need. I am going to instead focus on bigger topics and issues. Fewer, more in-depth blog posts as my time permits.
I will still be on Twitter @skating102 for all my off-the-cuff comments. Facebook, Formspring, and YouTube aren't going anywhere either. I'm still planning on attending Nationals as well however I make go for the weekender package as opposed the the all-event pass...time will still have to tell on that.
I promise to keep blogging...it's my love!
Cheers,
Aaron
I apologize for my lack of posting recently. Just to give you all an idea of why I have been quieter than normal recently I've decided to share with you all a little about my job.
I can't use my company's name (their rules) but I can tell you that I work for a large non-profit health organization that is currently doing a massive change over to a standardized electronic medical record (EMR)across its entire network. It's a change of "EPIC" proportions.
That's why I've been on a recent mini-globe trot, meeting with people in facilities that have similar systems, have used the system we are getting, and vendors who work with clients with the system.
At my location, I am one of several people charged with the successful implementation of this new EMR which we plan to activate in April. To do this...I am working a lot! This week alone I worked nearly 60 hours.My blogging is taking a hit because of the long work hours but I am loyal and dedicated to all my followers so it's a priority of mine to keep blogging. Blogging is one of the few things that I can do in my spare time and it helps me unwind.
What I've decided to do is fewer smaller blog posts, competition run downs, this and thats, etc. The figure skating blogosphere as grown tremendously since I began blogging over 5 years ago and there are lots of capable blogs out there (see the ones I endorse in the side bar to the right!) to get you all the info you need. I am going to instead focus on bigger topics and issues. Fewer, more in-depth blog posts as my time permits.
I will still be on Twitter @skating102 for all my off-the-cuff comments. Facebook, Formspring, and YouTube aren't going anywhere either. I'm still planning on attending Nationals as well however I make go for the weekender package as opposed the the all-event pass...time will still have to tell on that.
I promise to keep blogging...it's my love!
Cheers,
Aaron
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